Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

Imagine cruising through Boston’s historic streets on a decorated trolley, with haunting music echoing as your guide, sharing stories of ghosts, murders, and buried secrets. For just over $47, you get about two hours of spooky fun, visiting some of the city’s oldest burial grounds and hearing tales that range from chilling to downright fascinating. Led by professional guides, often praised for their storytelling skill, this tour is perfect for those who love a touch of the macabre combined with a slice of Boston’s history.

What we particularly appreciated is the engaging narration that blends historical facts with ghostly legends, making the experience both informative and entertaining. Also, the fact that it covers multiple sites without heavy walking makes it accessible and comfortable—especially for families or travelers with limited mobility. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the stories aren’t overly scary, which might matter if you’re seeking true fright.

This tour suits visitors who enjoy history with a dark twist, especially those interested in the stories behind Boston’s oldest graveyards and famous historical figures like Cotton Mather or Paul Revere. It’s also a good pick for anyone who appreciates quality storytelling and a lively, atmospheric experience. If you’re after a more serious ghost adventure, you might find it slightly light, but for a fun, spooky evening, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation aboard a decorated trolley makes for a fun, accessible way to explore Boston’s haunted sites.
• Knowledgeable guides provide engaging storytelling blending history and ghost tales, often with high praise.
• The tour includes visits to historic cemeteries like Copp’s Hill and Granary Burying Ground, both filled with notable figures.
• The experience is family-friendly (for ages 6 and up), rated PG-13, and suitable for those who enjoy a spooky story without too much fright.
• At $47.20, it offers good value considering the length, guide expertise, and site visits.
• The tour runs rain or shine, so be prepared for weather and dress accordingly.

An In-Depth Look at the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour

The Experience and What It Entails

The Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour is a lively, spooky adventure that combines storytelling, history, and a bit of theatrical flair. Starting at 200 Atlantic Ave, the tour features a decorated trolley that sets a festive, slightly eerie tone from the start. The guides—often described as engaging and knowledgeable—dress in costumes or adopt characters like a 17th-century grave digger, adding theatricality that helps bring the stories to life.

The duration of about two hours is just right—not too long to drag, yet enough time to visit several sites and enjoy the stories. The tour is narrated by a professional conductor, who weaves together local legends, famous historical figures, and ghost stories with a sense of humor and suspense. The mix of history and ghost tales has earned high marks from many reviewers, with some describing guides like “Petunia” as “great” and “fabulous,” capable of making both adults and kids intrigued and entertained.

The Itinerary: A Walk Through Boston’s Haunted Past

Stop 1: The Trolley Ride and Tales from Your Host

From the moment you step aboard the trolley of the doomed, you’re immersed in a haunting atmosphere. Our guide, a character cursed to wander Boston’s streets, shares stories of sinister characters: the Angel of Death, the Boston Strangler, and other shadowy figures. This narration sets the tone, mixing history with ghostly legend, which many say is more fun than frightening.

The group size is limited—a maximum of 20 travelers—allowing for a more intimate and engaging experience. Several reviews highlight the entertaining storytelling, with both funny and spooky moments that appeal to a broad audience.

Stops at Historic Cemeteries

The tour includes visits to two of Boston’s oldest burial grounds: Copp’s Hill Burying Ground and the Granary Burying Ground. These sites are not just scenic, but packed with history—famous Americans like John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Paul Revere are buried here, along with Cotton Mather, known for his involvement with the Salem Witch Trials.

In Copp’s Hill, perched atop one of Boston’s highest points, you’ll hear about some of the most atmospheric stories, and many find the naming of historical figures adds depth to the experience. The Granary Burying Ground is equally evocative, with the tombstones and imagery giving you a tangible sense of the past.

One reviewer said, “Learned a lot and it was super fun. The guides did a great job,” emphasizing how the informative yet entertaining narration enhances the visit.

What’s Unique About This Tour

What makes this experience stand out is the blend of theatrical storytelling with real history. The guides don costumes, and the trolley itself is decorated with spooky music and lights, creating a fun, immersive atmosphere. This is not a grim, scary experience but rather a playful exploration of Boston’s darker side.

Many reviews mention how the guides’ storytelling elevates the experience from a standard sightseeing tour. For example, “Petunia was great—history and entertainment in one package,” shows how guides often go beyond simple facts to engage audiences with humor and suspense.

The Practical Side: Price, Comfort, and Accessibility

At $47.20 per person, the tour offers good value considering what’s included: transportation, narration, and multiple site visits. It’s a well-organized experience—you simply meet at the designated spot and hop aboard, with no need for extra planning or tickets for individual sites.

The two-hour length makes it a manageable activity, even for families or travelers with limited time. The group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the mobility is generally good for most, though the tour isn’t recommended for strollers or those uncomfortable navigating stairs or uneven terrain.

A Few Considerations

While many reviewers praise the guides, a handful mention that the stories aren’t particularly scary—more spooky than frightening—so if you’re after genuine scares or horror, this might not be your ideal choice. Also, since it’s an outdoor tour, dressing appropriately for the weather is wise. The tour runs rain or shine, so bring an umbrella or rain jacket if needed.

The PG-13 rating means it’s probably not suitable for very young children under six, and some stories contain loud noises or theatrical scares that could startle sensitive kids.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for history buffs with a taste for ghost stories, families with children over six, or anyone looking for a fun, atmospheric evening. It’s a great way to combine Boston’s top historic sites with some lighthearted spooky storytelling. If you’ve done ghost tours before and enjoyed guides who can entertain and inform, you’ll likely find this tour a rewarding experience. Conversely, if you’re seeking intense thrills or detailed history beyond the cemeteries, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

The Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour delivers a fun and engaging way to explore the city’s haunted corners and ancient cemeteries without breaking the bank. It’s a well-structured, lively experience that combines storytelling, history, and a touch of theatrical flair, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a good ghost story woven into their sightseeing. The high praise for guides and the atmospheric stops suggest that this tour is a favorite among many.

If your idea of a memorable evening involves mysterious tales, historic cemeteries, and a lively trolley ride, this experience will likely meet and even exceed your expectations. It’s a playful look at Boston’s darker side, perfect for a night out that’s both educational and a little spooky.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?
It departs from 200 Atlantic Ave, Boston, making it easy to find near the waterfront and public transportation.

How early should I arrive?
You should check in at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start. Arriving early allows you to settle in and get comfortable.

Does it run in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine, so come prepared with rain gear if necessary. The only cancellations occur if conditions are too dangerous.

Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
While reasonable accommodations can be made, it’s not recommended for guests who cannot navigate stairs, cobblestones, or uneven terrain.

How scary is it?
Rated PG-13, it’s more spooky than frightening. Loud noises and theatrical moments are included but designed for fun rather than terror.

Can I bring food or drinks?
Yes, food and drinks are permitted, but alcoholic beverages are not allowed for safety and comfort reasons.

Are pets allowed?
Service animals are welcome, but other animals are not permitted on the trolley.

What is the tour duration?
It lasts approximately two hours, including the visit to cemeteries and the trolley ride.

In all, the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour offers a uniquely entertaining way to discover Boston’s spooky stories and historic burial sites. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just in it for a fun night out, it’s a lively experience that combines storytelling, heritage, and good old-fashioned ghostly fun.