Boston is a city that knows how to craft a good beer. With its rich brewing history and a thriving indie scene, it’s no surprise that brewery tours here are both diverse and engaging. Whether you’re into learning the brewing process, sampling innovative beers, or even making your own sushi at a brewery, Boston has a lot to offer. We especially like the Signature Boston Guided Brewery Tour for its comprehensive behind-the-scenes access and the chance to visit well-known names like Samuel Adams. Plus, it includes round-trip transportation, making it easy to enjoy without the hassle of parking or navigating.
If you’re after a more intimate experience, the Boston: Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack offers VIP access to three local breweries with plenty of tastings and a tasty snack, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. And for those who want to add a fun twist to their beer exploration, the Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery combines culinary skills with craft beer, making for a memorable outing. Last but not least, the Freedom Trail and Brewery Taste mixes history and beer, ideal for travelers who want a bit of everything in a shorter tour.
1. Signature Boston Guided Brewery Tour with snack
For around $119, the Signature Boston Guided Brewery Tour offers an all-encompassing look at Boston’s craft beer scene. This 3-hour tour includes visits to several breweries, cider houses, and distilleries, with the chance to see how beer is made firsthand. Notable stops might include the well-known Samuel Adams or Lamplighter Brewpubs, depending on the day’s itinerary.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on the brewing process, with guides sharing insights into operations and ingredients. The tour’s small-group size and round-trip transportation from downtown Boston make it convenient and intimate. Guests consistently praise the tour for its knowledgeable guides — one reviewer said Bill was “very knowledgeable and presented a lot of interesting information,” and that the various beer selections were “very good.” It’s perfect for those who want a well-rounded experience with plenty of tastings and a behind-the-scenes look.
Bottom Line: If you want an immersive, educational brewery experience with transportation included, this tour delivers. It’s especially good for first-timers or craft beer enthusiasts wanting to visit a variety of spots with expert insights.
2. Boston: Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack
At $105 per person, the Guided Craft Brewery Tour offers a slightly longer experience, lasting about 3.5 hours. This tour takes you behind the scenes at three local breweries or cider houses, providing VIP access and a chance to taste up to 12 different samples. The focus here is on giving you a comprehensive tasting experience paired with a tasty snack, perfect for soaking up the beer.
The tour includes comfortable round-trip transportation and features an expert guide who shares inside stories about Boston’s brewing scene. Guests love the personal attention — reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and the tour’s relaxed pace. One reviewer noted “an interesting mix of local history and brewing details,” making it ideal for those who want more than just tasting. The smaller number of reviews suggests a more niche experience, but the consistently high ratings of 4.9/5 reflect its quality.
Bottom Line: This tour is best for travelers wanting a detailed, VIP-style visit to Boston’s craft breweries with plenty of tastings and a friendly, guided atmosphere.
3. Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery in Boston
For a different twist, the Sushi Making Class offers a 2-hour hands-on experience at $75 per person. Led by a chef with over 20 years of experience, this class teaches you how to craft gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free sushi in a relaxed brewery setting. The session begins with a comforting bowl of Miso Soup to set the tone, after which you learn rolling techniques, seasoning, and presentation.
What makes this experience unique is its culinary focus paired with craft beer. Though it’s a shorter class, participants rave about the expertise of the chef and the enjoyable atmosphere. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a combination of food and drink, especially for couples or small groups wanting a fun, interactive activity. Since it’s a small review base, the single five-star rating suggests it’s a niche but quality offering.
Bottom Line: If you want to learn a new skill while sipping beer and eating good food, this sushi class is a playful and delicious choice.
$75.00 per person
4. Boston: Freedom Trail History Tour and Brewery Taste
Priced at $71, the Freedom Trail History Tour and Brewery Taste combines history and beer in 2.5 hours. Led by a knowledgeable historian, the tour covers 11 of Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail landmarks, offering a good dose of American history along with a visit to Democracy Brewing for beer tastings and lunch.
What sets this apart is the mix of guided walking through historic sites and a relaxed brewery experience. It’s suited for travelers who want a taste of Boston’s revolutionary past paired with a local craft beer experience. While it has fewer reviews, the focus on storytelling and local beer makes it a well-rounded choice for those with limited time.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs who also want to sample Boston’s craft beers in a social setting, all in a compact, 2.5-hour tour.
$71 per person
How to Choose Your Boston Brewery Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests, time, and budget. If you want a comprehensive behind-the-scenes tour, the Signature Boston Guided Brewery Tour is a great pick. For those seeking a more relaxed tasting experience with VIP access, the Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack is ideal. If you’re interested in culinary experiences, the Sushi Making Class offers a fun twist. For a shorter, history-focused outing that pairs education with beer tasting, the Freedom Trail and Brewery Tour hits the spot.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons. Think about your preferences: are you more interested in learning how beer is made, sampling the best local brews, or adding a culinary touch to your visit? All these tours are thoughtfully designed to give you a taste of Boston’s lively brewing culture.
Boston’s craft beer scene is diverse and lively, with options suited for every traveler. Whether you prefer to explore behind the scenes, enjoy tastings with history, or learn to make sushi paired with local brews, there’s a perfect choice waiting. For the best experience, book your tour early and get ready to enjoy Boston’s beer culture firsthand.