The Ghosts of Boston’s Past Haunted Self-guided Tour

If you’re into ghost stories, historic landmarks, and exploring at your own pace, the Ghosts of Boston’s Past Haunted Self-guided Tour might just be worth a look. Offered for a modest $5 per person, this experience invites you to uncover Boston’s spooky side without the hassle of a guided tour group. Since it’s self-guided, you can take your time, revisit sites, and enjoy the city’s haunted tales at your speed.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines history and ghost stories—perfect for those who want a taste of Boston’s darker past without feeling rushed. The use of a mobile app and headphones means all the info is right on your phone, making it easy to explore while walking around. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, which makes it accessible for most travelers.

On the flip side, some may find the self-guided format limiting, especially if you prefer a more interactive or guided experience. Also, a few sites might have limited access depending on the time of day or local hours, which could impact the full experience. This tour is ideal for those comfortable exploring independently and who enjoy a mix of history and spooky stories.

This tour is suited best for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, or budget travelers who enjoy discovering a city on their own terms. If you’re okay with a flexible schedule and being your own guide, the Ghosts of Boston’s Past offers a pretty fun way to get to know Boston’s haunted corners.

Key Points

• Self-guided and flexible, allows you to explore Boston at your own pace
• Affordable price of $5, great value for the amount of content
• Uses a mobile app and headphones, so you can listen to stories as you walk
• Limited interior access at some sites, depending on opening hours
• Engaging stories about Boston’s ghostly and revolutionary past
• Not a guided group tour, so you’ll need to navigate on your own

Let’s walk through what you can expect from each part of this tour — and why each stop can add a little spooky fun to your day.

Starting Point: Boston Athenaeum

The tour kicks off here with a story about Nathaniel Hawthorne and some of Boston’s haunted literary secrets. You won’t go inside, but listening to tales about the ghost Hawthorne met and the “scariest book in the world” sparks curiosity. This intro sets the tone for the spooky themes you’ll encounter. The brief 3-minute presentation provides just enough background to get you intrigued without dragging on.

Omni Parker House

Next, you’ll make a quick stop at the iconic Omni Parker Hotel, a place with its own ghostly reputation. If open, you’re welcome to step inside and peek at the Charles Dickens mirror—an interesting photo op and a little taste of literary history. The story of Tiny Tim’s ghost adds a whimsical, if slightly eerie, touch. The stop is brief, about 5 minutes, but it’s perfect for a quick peek and some storytelling.

Granary Burial Ground

A must-see for any ghostly tour of Boston, this historic burial ground is full of stories of revolutionaries and restless spirits. Here, you’ll hear about Boston’s revolutionary ghosts, adding a layer of history to the spooky tales. Since it’s an outdoor site, you can linger or move on quickly, depending on your interest.

The Great Elm (Hanging Tree)

This site, also called the hanging tree, is where you hear about Boston’s last witch hanging. The story is chilling but historically significant. The small 2-minute stop allows you to absorb the story and maybe snap a photo. It’s a quick, atmospheric moment that adds depth to the tour.

Site of Mass Burials & Resurrection Men

This stop covers some darker history—mass graves, resurrection men (body snatchers), and a ghostly little girl who’s said to linger. The stories paint a picture of Boston’s less-glamorous past and give a spooky, ghostly feel. The site’s outdoor nature means timing matters, as some areas might be inaccessible at certain hours.

Subway Tunnels

Going underground, you’ll hear about the ghosts of Redcoats haunting Boston’s subway tunnels. The 3-minute segment adds a creepy vibe to this underground exploration—perfect if you’re a fan of haunted tunnels or just want a spooky thrill. Since no entry is needed, it’s an easy, quick stop.

Cutler Majestic Theatre

The tour wraps with the legend of one of the most haunted theaters in the U.S. The story of this historic venue adds a theatrical flair to the experience. While you won’t go inside, standing outside and soaking in the stories can be pretty atmospheric, especially if you’re a fan of haunted theaters.

Since it’s a self-guided experience using a mobile app, it offers a flexible and cost-effective way to explore Boston’s haunted sites. The tour duration is roughly 30 to 45 minutes, making it a quick addition to your day, or a fun standalone experience. The price, at just $5 per person, is hard to beat for the amount of storytelling and the number of sites covered.

Most reviews highlight how the storytelling is engaging and informative. One reviewer, Damien, appreciated how the detail about Boston’s dark past exceeded expectations, noting that it’s a good way to learn the city’s ghostly tales without a large group. Others, like Heidi, enjoyed the stories about the witch and historic landmarks—though she noted that technical issues caused a temporary hiccup, which could be frustrating.

However, some limitations are worth considering. For instance, Audrey’s review pointed out that since some sites, like burial grounds, are managed by external organizations with limited hours, certain elements of the tour might be inaccessible at night or during off-hours. Also, because it’s a self-guided tour, there’s no live guide to answer questions or add personal flair.

Accessibility & Ease of Use

The mobile setup makes it easy to explore independently, but keep in mind you’d need your own headphones for optimal listening. The app’s simplicity means you won’t be overwhelmed with options, but you also won’t get the personal touch of a guided tour. If you’re comfortable navigating alone, this will be smooth sailing.

Family and Group Considerations

While not explicitly designed for children, the stories are generally suitable for older kids who enjoy legends and history. The tour’s outdoor nature makes it manageable for small groups or families, but do ensure everyone can handle walking and outdoor conditions.

At just $5 per person, this tour offers solid value. You get a curated set of stories and sites, all accessible at your own pace. If you’re on a budget or simply want a fun, spooky way to learn Boston’s history, this is a low-stakes, inexpensive option.

The main caveat? Since some sites have limited hours, your experience might vary depending on when you do it. If you’re expecting a guided, fully interactive experience, this may fall short, but for those who enjoy independent exploration, it’s a good pick.

This tour is perfect if you’re interested in ghost stories, Boston’s historic sites, or both and prefer to explore on your own rather than in a group. It suits travelers who enjoy using their phones as guides and don’t mind walking between sites. Those looking for a budget-friendly, quick activity that combines history with a dash of the supernatural will find this a fun option.

If you prefer highly interactive or guided experiences, or want to explore sites during hours when places are closed, you might want to look for other options. But for a casual, cost-effective way to uncover some of Boston’s haunted stories, this tour hits the right notes.

How long is the tour?
The self-guided tour takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how long you spend at each stop.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 11 days ahead, and you’ll need a mobile ticket to participate.

Is the tour suitable for families?
While not specifically designed for children, older kids who enjoy legends and history might find it engaging. However, keep in mind it’s primarily outdoor and story-based.

Can I do this tour at night?
Yes, the tour is open from noon until late (11:30 PM), but some sites like burial grounds may have limited access if they’re managed by external organizations with specific hours.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the tour is priced at $5 per person, and no additional fees are required. However, some sites like the Boston Athenaeum do not include admission.

Will I have access inside the sites?
Most stops are external or do not require entry, and some sites like the Omni Parker House are only accessible if open. Others, like the burial grounds, depend on opening hours.

What if I experience technical issues during the tour?
Some users, like Heidi, reported that the app can lock up or have glitches, so it’s good to have patience or plan for a little backup if needed.

Overall, The Ghosts of Boston’s Past Haunted Self-guided Tour offers a clever, budget-friendly way to learn about Boston’s historic ghosts and landmarks. It’s ideal for independent explorers who love spooky stories and want to see the city on their own terms. The combination of storytelling, historic sites, and a flexible schedule makes it a fun, casual experience, especially if you don’t mind a bit of self-navigation and outdoor wandering.

While it might not satisfy those craving a full guided experience or interior access to every site, it’s a solid choice for a quick dive into Boston’s haunted corners. Its affordability and ease of use make it worth considering if you’re curious about Boston’s darker past and enjoy exploring with just your phone as a guide.

Remember: It’s all about what you want out of your trip. If spooky stories mixed with history appeal to you and you’re okay with some minor limitations, this tour is a good option to add some ghostly intrigue to your Boston adventure.