Boston: 1.5-Hour Ghosts and Gravestones Tour

If you’re looking for a unique way to see Boston after dark, this 1.5-hour Ghosts and Gravestones Tour offers a spirited blend of history, humor, and haunting tales. For $42 per person, you’ll hop aboard a trolley and visit some of the city’s oldest burial grounds, uncover stories of infamous figures, and maybe even spot a ghost or two. Guided by lively storytellers, this tour is as much about entertainment as it is about learning about Boston’s darker, more mysterious side.

What we love about this experience is the chance to explore Copps Hill Burying Ground and the Granary Burying Ground on foot — walking through these historic sites adds a tangible sense of history. Plus, the tour’s guides are praised for their knowledgeable, engaging, and often hilarious storytelling, making history fun and accessible. The mix of trolley rides and on-foot exploration offers a comfortable yet immersive experience.

One potential consideration is the timing and weather—the tour is usually held in the evening or at night, so dressing appropriately for cooler temperatures is wise. Also, it’s not suited for young children under 13 or kids under 6 due to loud noises and spooky content. This tour best suits those intrigued by ghost stories, history buffs, or anyone wanting a different take on Boston’s storied past.

This experience works well for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager for a fun, atmospheric evening. If you enjoy a little scare with your history, this tour fits right in.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Haunting Stories: Guides share lively tales of Boston’s notorious characters and haunted sites.
Historic Cemeteries: Visiting two of Boston’s oldest graveyards on foot adds a real sense of connection to the past.
Entertaining Guides: Praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and comedic timing, guides make history memorable.
Comfortable Transportation: The trolley provides a relaxed way to cover multiple sites without exhausting walks.
Great Value: At $42 for the 1.5-hour experience, it offers a good mix of entertainment, education, and atmosphere.
Limited Group Size: Small groups (max 10 participants) ensure a personalized and engaging experience.

A Deep Dive into the Ghosts and Gravestones Experience

The Itinerary and Sites Visited

This tour kicks off at Old Town Trolley stop #1, conveniently located at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel. From there, it’s a short ride through historic Boston streets in a trolley that adds a spooky, old-fashioned vibe. The guide, often playing the role of a 17th-century gravedigger or colorful storyteller, guides you through tales of the city’s most infamous murders, scandals, and ghost stories.

The main stops are Copps Hill Burying Ground and the Granary Burying Ground, the two oldest cemeteries in Boston. At Copps Hill, you’ll explore graves nearly 400 years old, hear stories of burial ground scandals—like the biggest grave-robbing scandal in New England history—and learn about notable figures buried there. The Granary Burg is equally historic, with the graves of John Hancock, Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and others. Here, you’ll get the chance to walk around on foot, soaking in the eerie atmosphere and the stories of the people who shaped Boston’s history.

The Atmosphere and Tour Style

What makes this tour stand out is its theatrical flair. Guides often dress up and stay in character, making the stories come alive with humor, drama, and a dash of spookiness. As one reviewer raved, “The guide was very informative and never broke character. It was spooky, fun, and hilarious at some points.” The playful tone ensures a lively, engaging experience that appeals to all ages above 13.

The trolley itself is part of the fun. It’s decorated to evoke a ghostly feel, and the short rides between sites make the tour relaxed rather than exhausting. The on-foot exploration of cemeteries is a highlight—walking among the graves, you can almost hear the whispers of history, especially with guides weaving in stories of the spirits of notable Bostonians.

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The Guides and Their Stories

Authenticity and entertainment are key here. Multiple reviews praise the guides—some as “fantastic,” “entertaining,” and “very knowledgeable.” One reviewer said, “Anthraxicon shared tons of fun facts…he was very engaging and we thoroughly enjoyed our tour.” The guides’ ability to blend history with humor and spooky storytelling makes the experience memorable, especially since they often stay in character, adding a theatrical element.

The Cost and Value

At $42, the tour offers good value considering the duration, the guided storytelling, and the access to historic cemeteries. This isn’t a full-day tour, but it packs enough intrigue and entertainment to justify the price. Plus, the small group size ensures personalized attention—most reviewers felt they received a “very personalized tour,” enhancing the overall experience.

Practical Tips for Participants

Dress warmly, especially if you’re visiting in cooler months. The tour often takes place in the evening, and some reviewers mention it being “freezing” or chilly.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around cemeteries, as uneven terrain beckons.
Bring a flashlight if you want to explore graves more closely—some reviews mention the benefit of extra lighting.
Children under 13 or under 6 are not recommended due to loud noises and spooky content.
Meet promptly at the designated spot to ensure you don’t miss the start, especially during busy seasons.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you love stories of murder, mystery, and the supernatural, this tour hits the right note. History buffs will appreciate the details about Boston’s most famous figures buried in the cemeteries, while those craving a lively, theatrical experience will enjoy the guides’ performances. It’s especially good if you want to see historic sites from the comfort of a trolley without long walks or complicated logistics.

This tour is also highly praised for its entertaining guides and authentic storytelling—several reviews mention guides who “worked really hard to make us laugh” and maintained character throughout, which adds a lot of charm. If your group includes older kids or teenagers interested in ghost stories and local legends, they’ll likely love the mix of fun and fright.

The Bottom Line

This 1.5-hour Ghosts and Gravestones Tour offers a captivating peek into Boston’s haunted past in a fun, relaxed setting. The combination of trolley rides and cemetery explorations makes it accessible and engaging, especially for those curious about the city’s darker side. With guides praised for their enthusiasm and storytelling prowess, you’re almost guaranteed a memorable night.

While it’s not suited for the very youngest or faint of heart, this tour is perfect for adventure seekers, history lovers, and anyone interested in ghost stories. It’s a solid value for the price, providing entertainment, education, and a sense of spooky mystery in America’s oldest city.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including trolley rides and on-foot cemetery visits.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from Old Town Trolley stop #1 at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, located at 200 Atlantic Avenue.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for ages 13 and up. Children under 6 are not allowed, and kids aged 6-12 must be accompanied by an adult due to loud noises and spooky content.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bringing a flashlight can be helpful for exploring gravesites after dark.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
Yes, but dressing warmly is advised, especially in cooler months or evenings, as some reviews mention cold weather.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

To sum it up, this Ghosts and Gravestones Tour provides an enjoyable mix of history, theater, and spooky stories—perfect for those who want to see Boston from a different perspective. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of ghost stories, or simply looking for a memorable night out, this tour offers a lively, authentic glimpse into Boston’s haunted lore that you won’t soon forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: