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⚠️ Government Shutdown Alert: National parks remain accessible during the shutdown, but services may be limited—check official sources before visiting.
Explore the haunted heart of Boston on a ghost tour that uncovers centuries of dark history. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Boston Common, America’s oldest park, where whispers of past tragedies linger.
Visit the Granary Burying Ground, final resting place of patriots like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, and hear eerie tales of flickering lights and ghostly figures. At King’s Chapel Burying Ground, hear stories of premature burials and headless spirits roaming after dark.
Discover the Boston Athenaeum, home to a book bound in human skin, guarded by a ghostly presence. Finally, stop at the Boston Massacre Site, where British soldiers killed five colonists on March 5, 1770. This tragic event sparked widespread outrage and played a key role in fueling the American Revolution.
Perfect for history buffs and thrill-seekers alike, this walking tour reveals Boston’s hidden, haunting side, where the past refuses to stay buried.
Exploring Boston’s Ghost Tour is easy, whether you’re arriving by subway, car, or walking from nearby neighborhoods. The route winds through the historic heart of the city, passing haunted landmarks and centuries-old sites that are all easily accessible. Getting set up for your spooky adventure is hassle-free, no matter how you reach downtown Boston.
Logan International Airport (BOS), located approximately 3 miles east of Boston Common, offers extensive domestic and international flights. The drive from BOS to the Common typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can take the MBTA subway or a taxi; the subway ride from Logan Airport to downtown Boston takes approximately 25 minutes, including transfers.
Driving gives you flexibility, but parking near downtown Boston can be challenging and costly. Major highways like I-93, I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), and US-1 provide direct access to the city. Public parking garages, such as the Boston Common Garage, are available near the Common but fill quickly. For convenience, consider parking at an MBTA station outside the city and taking the subway in. Park-and-ride lots offer an easy way to avoid traffic, placing you within walking distance of the tour’s starting point.
Boston’s two major rail hubs, South Station and North Station, connect the city with regional Amtrak and commuter rail lines. Both stations are just a quick subway ride or pleasant walk from Boston Common, making the train a comfortable and reliable way to arrive for your ghostly exploration.
Entrance Fees
Walking the Boston Ghost Tour is free, and you can explore most sites from the street without any charge. While some historic buildings along the route, like the Boston Athenaeum and Omni Parker House, may have small admission fees, the cemeteries, including Granary Burying Ground and King’s Chapel Burying Ground, are closed after dark. For safety and legal reasons, visitors cannot enter at night, but you can still enjoy their haunted atmosphere and ghost stories from the sidewalk or entrance, seeing famous graves and imagining the paranormal tales from outside.
Whether you’re visiting Boston for history, haunted sites, or both, the city offers accommodations for every type of traveler. Luxury hotels, like the Omni Parker House, blend historic charm with modern comfort, giving guests a chance to experience one of Boston’s most famous haunted locations firsthand.
Boutique hotels in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the North End offer stylish, personalized stays with easy access to dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. Beacon Hill is especially close to haunted sites like Granary Burying Ground, making it ideal for those seeking both comfort and character.
For budget-conscious travelers, there are affordable hotels and hostels within walking distance or a short subway ride from Boston Common and other ghost tour stops. These options provide comfort and value, though they may be a bit farther from some haunted locations. Still, they offer a great base to explore the city’s historic and ghostly landmarks.
Boston’s haunted streets and historic sites can be explored year-round, with each season offering something unique. Spring (April to May) brings mild weather and blooming trees in Boston Common, though school groups can be common during late spring. Summer (June to August) is lively and bustling with tourists, offering long days to explore the city’s haunted landmarks, but expect larger crowds and hot, humid weather.
Autumn (September to October) is often considered the best time to visit, with crisp, comfortable weather and colorful foliage. However, weekends in October can be crowded due to Halloween events and leaf-peeping tourism.
Winter (November to March) offers a quieter experience with lower hotel rates, especially in January and February. While it can be cold and snowy, many major attractions remain open, though some sites may have reduced hours. No matter the season, Boston’s haunted tales and historic charm ensure a memorable experience.
To fully enjoy Boston’s ghost tour, plan for at least 2 to 3 hours. This allows time to explore Boston Common, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel Burying Ground, and other haunted sites at a relaxed pace while hearing chilling stories behind each location.
Visiting on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons—early spring (April to May) or late fall (November)—helps avoid large crowds and ensures a more immersive experience. Starting early in the morning or later in the afternoon also provides quieter streets, making it easier to linger at each stop.
For a more leisurely pace or if you’d like to take photos, consider budgeting extra time to explore inside buildings like the Boston Athenaeum (check access ahead of time) or the Omni Parker House if public areas are open. Checking for any special events, temporary closures, or seasonal hours ahead of time can help you make the most of your ghostly journey through historic Boston.
To enjoy Boston’s haunted sites with fewer crowds, plan your visit on weekdays and avoid major holiday weekends when the city sees an influx of tourists. Arriving early, ideally before 10 a.m., lets you explore popular locations like Boston Common, Granary Burying Ground, and the Omni Parker House in relative peace. Late afternoons are also quieter, especially around King’s Chapel Burying Ground and other historic graveyards.
The busiest times are summer and fall foliage season, when both history enthusiasts and leaf-peepers flock to the city. School vacations, long weekends, and festival days also bring larger crowds.
For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of early spring or late fall (November). Cooler weather, fewer tour groups, and quieter streets provide the perfect atmosphere to fully appreciate Boston’s haunted landmarks and spooky stories without the hustle and bustle.
Boston Common
Boston Common, America’s oldest city park, has a chilling history beyond its peaceful greenery. Once grazing land and later the site of public executions, it’s said to be haunted by the souls of those hanged from the Great Elm. Visitors report spectral bodies flailing from the tree and the presence of executed women, visible only to children. Walking through the park, you might feel inexplicable chills, a reminder that the past lingers in unexpected ways.
Granary Burying Ground
Granary Burying Ground holds an estimated 5,000 burials, far more than the 2,345 stones you see. Revolutionary figures rest here, including Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock. With so many unmarked graves, local legend tells of wandering lights, fleeting figures, and sudden chills after dark. Some also repeat an old rumor about grave robbers and Hancock’s missing jewelry. Come for the history, stay for the stories.
Boston Athenaeum
The Boston Athenæum is a landmark library and museum with about 600,000 volumes and notable art. Its most notorious item is a memoir by the highwayman James Allen, also known as George Walton, bound in his own skin. Local legend says the room grows watchful around that book. The Athenæum also appears in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s tale “The Ghost of Dr. Harris,” where he describes seeing Reverend Thaddeus Mason Harris quietly reading the Boston Post. Visitors speak of odd chills, as if history lingers between the stacks.
Omni Parker House
The Omni Parker House is as renowned for whispers as for luxury. Guests and staff still speak of founder Harvey D. Parker making quiet rounds, most often near the tenth floor. Stories gather on the third floor as well, centered on Room 303, where a liquor salesman reportedly died in 1949, and on the suite once used by Charles Dickens, whose presence some say lingers after midnight. Actress Charlotte Cushman is tied to that corridor too. An elevator that drifts to three on its own and figures at the foot of the bed complete the hotel’s legend.
Boston’s compact streets make exploring on foot a pleasure. Stroll the cobblestones of Boston Common, weave through historic squares, and peek into graveyards where spirits are said to roam. Enjoy scenic park views and architectural details as history and legend blend together. This walking tour allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s atmospheric streets while capturing memorable photos of both historic and haunted sites.
Discover Boston’s dark and revolutionary history through its haunted sites. Stand where the Boston Massacre occurred and explore King’s Chapel, Burying Ground, where tales of headless apparitions and premature burials persist. Visit the graves of Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock to learn their revolutionary stories while sensing the unexplained energy said to linger. These stops offer a reflective and educational journey through Boston’s turbulent past.
Step inside iconic buildings like the Boston Athenaeum to see a book bound in human skin and hear about its ghostly guardian. Visit the Omni Parker House to learn about lingering spirits from famous guests. Along the route, local shops, historic markers, and interactive sites add layers to your experience, connecting Boston’s modern culture to its haunted past for both thrills and education.
Comfortable Layers: Boston’s weather can change throughout the day. Mornings may be sunny while afternoons turn cool or breezy. Wear layers—a light jacket or sweater is especially useful in spring or fall.
Supportive Footwear: Expect cobblestones, brick sidewalks, and paved streets. Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Avoid flip-flops or slippery soles.
Daypack: A small backpack is perfect for carrying essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and your phone, keeping your hands free for photos or maps.
Phone Charger or Power Bank: Download the audio tour beforehand. Carry a portable charger or power bank to keep your device running throughout the tour.
Reusable Water Bottle & Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized with a refillable bottle and light snacks like granola bars or fruit.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are key for exposed sections of the tour.
Cash or Card: Useful for small admission fees at select historic sites.
Camera or Smartphone: Capture historic buildings, statues, streets, and Halloween decorations. A portable charger is recommended.
Map or Offline App: Even with marked streets, a printed map or offline tour app helps with navigation and discovering hidden sites.