Boston: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers a lively twist on exploring the city’s darker side. For just about 2 hours, you’ll visit 9 historic, haunted locations, including 4 classic pubs, with a guide leading the way. Expect to share drinks, hear chilling tales of murders, spirits, and hauntings, and soak in Boston’s atmospheric history.

What we love about this tour are two things: first, the well-chosen stops—from haunted hotels to historic cemeteries—and second, the engaging storytelling that makes the legends come alive. A dedicated guide will share tales about figures like John F. Kennedy and Sam Adams, adding a personal touch.

One thing to keep in mind is that timing can be a challenge—some reviews mention the pacing feels rushed, especially at busy bars. If you prefer a more relaxed experience with longer intervals for drinks and chatting, this might feel a little hurried.

This tour suits those who enjoy history with a side of ghostly tales, love a good pub atmosphere, and don’t mind walking between sites. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want a fun, spirited evening in Boston’s historic streets.

Key Points

Authentic haunted sites: Visit 9 locations with genuine ghost stories, including hotels, cemeteries, and historic pubs.
Engaging guides: Knowledgeable storytellers like Max, Alex, and Adam make the experience lively and memorable.
Comfortable walk: Expect to walk about a mile total, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Quick stops: Pacing can be brisk, with around 20 minutes per bar, so plan to enjoy your drinks efficiently.
Atmospheric venues: Historic pubs and hotels lend a genuine haunted vibe, enhancing the storytelling.
Mixed reviews on organization: Some find the timing and bar coordination slightly rushed or inconsistent, so keep expectations flexible.

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An In-Depth Review of Boston’s Haunted Pub Crawl

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Overview and First Impressions

The Boston: Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl is a two-hour adventure through some of the most storied and spooky parts of the city. Starting at the Boston Common Visitors Center, our guide, dressed in a black Ghost Adventures T-shirt and carrying a lantern, set the tone immediately—you’re about to step into a haunted version of Boston.

The tour visits 9 sites, including famous landmarks like the Omni Parker House Hotel, the Granary Burying Ground, and the Beantown Pub. Along the way, you’ll stop at 4 pubs and enjoy a drink or two, all while hearing tales that range from local legends to ghosts of historical figures like JFK and Sam Adams.

The Itinerary Breakdown

1. Meeting Point at Boston Common
The tour kicks off outside the Visitors Center, where the guide’s lantern and costume signal a fun yet spooky atmosphere. Here, you’ll receive a quick briefing before heading out into the evening.

2. Haunted Hotels and the Omni Parker House
One of the tour’s highlights is visiting the Omni Parker House, Boston’s oldest continuously operating hotel. This site is said to be haunted by a sinister liquor salesman haunting Room 303. We loved the way the guide brought the story to life, making us feel the ghostly presence as if we were part of the tale. Some reviews mention this stop as a standout for its atmosphere.

3. The Beantown Pub and Sam Adams
Next, at the Beantown Pub, the stories shift to Boston’s revolutionary past, specifically the life and death of Sam Adams. The pub itself has a cozy, historic vibe, and the guide’s storytelling about Sam’s role in American independence kept us engaged.

4. The 17th-Century Granary Burying Ground
The tour culminates at this old cemetery, where the tombstones of notable figures and the lingering tales of spirits make for a fittingly ghostly finale. Walking among stones that date back to the 1600s adds a tangible sense of history and eeriness.

The Pubs and Their Atmosphere

The four pubs incorporated into the tour are chosen for their historic charm and connections to Boston’s past. While some reviews mention that the pacing at these spots can feel rushed, you’ll generally have enough time to enjoy a drink and listen to the stories. The atmosphere is lively but with an authentic old-world charm that complements the ghost tales.

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Guide Quality and Storytelling

Many reviewers sing the praises of the guides—like Kelly’s comment that “Max was a great storyteller” and Louise’s note that Adam was “very knowledgeable and an excellent guide.” Their enthusiasm and ability to keep the group entertained make a big difference, especially in a setting where ghost stories are the main focus.

However, some reviews have noted inconsistency in guide performance. For example, one person described the guide as “dreadful” and criticized the pace and organization. This variation underscores the importance of a good guide for the overall experience.

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Timing and Organization

The tour is designed to be a quick-paced experience—roughly 20 minutes at each bar or site. This allows for a brisk walk and a lot of ground covered in a short time. While most reviews find this manageable, others feel some stops are a little rushed—especially when crowded. A few noted that the tour sometimes starts late or feels disorganized, which can be frustrating if you’re expecting a more relaxed pace.

Cost and Value

Priced around what you might expect for a guided tour of this nature, the value largely depends on your interest in ghost stories and historic pubs. The tour’s inclusion of multiple sites, stories, and drinks makes it a good deal for those craving a combination of history, entertainment, and a lively night out.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but keep in mind that it involves walking about a mile and navigating busy, sometimes uneven sidewalks. It’s not suited for people with mobility impairments. Also, since it’s primarily an evening event, dress for the weather— Boston can be chilly or rainy, and the tour runs rain or shine.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This haunted pub crawl appeals most to history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, and pub lovers. If you enjoy a storytelling style that’s lively and engaging, you’ll find guides like Alex or Max especially entertaining. It also suits those looking for an authentic Boston experience with a spooky twist, rather than a formal museum tour.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For a fun, atmospheric evening in Boston, this tour offers a good mix of history, ghost stories, and local pubs. It’s a great way to blend sightseeing with entertainment, especially if you’re interested in ghostly legends and historic drinks.

If you’re seeking a relaxed pace or a more curated experience, be aware that reviews suggest some stops can feel a little rushed or disorganized. However, if you enjoy lively guides and storytelling, you’ll probably find this tour well worth the price.

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind walking and quick stops, and who appreciate a good story paired with a pint. It’s a perfect choice for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers wanting a memorable, spooky night in Boston.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, covering 9 sites with a brisk pace and some walking between locations.

Where does the tour start?
Meet outside the Boston Common Visitors Center at 139 Tremont St. Your guide will be wearing a black Ghost Adventures T-shirt and carrying a lantern.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s intended for adults over 21, mainly because of alcohol consumption and the spooky content.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll walk about a mile. Dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour runs rain or shine.

Are drinks included?
No, you’ll purchase your own drinks at each pub, but the stop at each bar is timed so you can enjoy a pint and hear a story.

In all, the Boston Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl offers a spirited way to explore the city’s darker corners, combining history, ghost tales, and lively pubs. If you’re open to a quick-paced experience and love stories of spirits from the past, it’s a memorable way to spend an evening in Boston.