Ghost Tours in Boston, Massachusetts

For many years, Boston has been known for its metaphysical activity, which makes it a popular place for a ghost tour.

From sightings of phantoms and orbs to unusual smells, and sounds, the city is home to a plethora of landmarks that are laced with mystery.

Ghost tours in Boston take you to the spookiest haunts in the city, which only the brave will dare to enter, to learn about the restless dead who still reside there.

Here's all you need to know about ghost tours, one of the most exciting options for sightseeing tours in Boston.

What are the best ghost tours in Boston?

Death and dying tour in Boston

On this type of ghost tour in Boston, you'll learn all about the spirits that have haunted the city throughout the centuries.

Itinerary

You'll visit the Old South Meeting House, where the Boston Tea Party protest began in 1773. While the meeting house is an important landmark of the American Revolution, its phantom is what draws ghost lovers near.

Known to appear only in the case of impending death, the phantom is highly feared by the Boston community.

You'll also take a trip to the Granary Burial Ground — the resting spot of many revered Bostonians including Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Visitors often see orbs or apparitions as they stroll among the graves at the burial ground.

Lastly, you'll discover Boston Common and hear about the witches, and pirates who endured public hangings for over a century.

Haunted pub crawl in Boston

If you need a little Dutch courage to learn about Boston's spooky past, opt for a haunted pub crawl.

Itinerary

First, you'll visit the Massachusetts State House where the ghost of Mary Dyer — a Quaker minister who was unnecessarily sentenced to death — appears to visitors periodically.

You'll then head to the 21st Amendment Bar, steeped in history as the spot where John F. Kennedy wrote his speeches. You'll continue past haunted monuments, such as Boston Athenaeum, stopping for a drink along the way.

Visit the Omni Parker House, where several other-worldly encounters have taken place. Learn about the ghost of Harvey Parker or hear the voices of guests from over a century ago as you step inside the historic hotel, which Charles Dickens frequented.

Boston Ghost Trolley

Alternatively, climb aboard the Boston Trolley for one of the most esteemed and thrilling ghost tours in the city.

Itinerary

Trundling through Boston's streets after nightfall, you'll hear fascinating tales from your professional guide on the city's colorful past.

Learn about the masses of gruesome deaths that have occurred at Boston Harbor over time before passing by the haunted Omni Parker House. You'll also hear about Jolly Jane — a serial killer who poisoned over 31 vulnerable victims in the 19th century.

Hop off the trolley at Boston's most haunted graveyard and imagine the terrifying end for those buried alive. Or, catch a glimpse of the angry female ghost whose head was decapitated after her coffin was built too short.

Ghost-themed self-guided walking tour in Boston

If you wish to explore the mysterious history behind several landmarks in the city at your own pace, choose a self-guided walking ghost tour in Boston.

Itinerary

Enjoy hearing chilling tales and fascinating tidbits of Boston's history through your headphones as you begin your tour at Boylston Street.

This is the site of a mysterious gas explosion that killed several workers after they dug up a number of graves during construction.

Moving on, you'll visit the Central Burying Ground and the Boston Common to learn all about the unsavory history of public executions.

Head to Boston Athenaeum to see a book bound of human skin before continuing around the city's most iconic supernatural sights. These include the Omni Parker House and Copp's Hill Burying Ground.

Which places are visited?

Omni Parker House

Unlike many of Boston's other attractions, the Omni Parker House has experienced several different types of paranormal activity over time. Originally built in 1855, Harvey Parker founded the Omni Parker House as one of the most luxurious hotels in America.

Since his death, Harvey Parker has been sighted several times on the 10th floor — which is no surprise to anyone who knew how dedicated the founder was to his beloved hotel.

Several guests have also heard unusual noises, such as strange whispers or jolly merriment, coming from empty rooms.

Charles Dickens was a long-term patron of the hotel and some guests can still smell the whisky, and cigars he had a penchant for, on the third floor where he resided.

Boston Common

The Boston Common was founded in 1634 and has been the site of several frightful events. The park once held a mighty elm tree, known as the "hanging tree" where many were put to death.

The popularity of public executions was shocking, as thousands would show up to the common to witness these horrific events.

Among those hanged were pirates, indigenous Americans, felons, those accused of witchcraft and religious "convicts". With so many people meeting their untimely deaths in the park, the Boston Common has witnessed several paranormal events.

These include sightings of female ghosts walking through the park, clad in 19th-century attire, and the appearance of silent glowing forms.

How much do ghost tours in Boston cost?

The most budget-friendly way to learn about the city's supernatural history is through a self-guided ghost tour in Boston. This costs approximately US$10 per person.

Death and dying ghost tours cost between US$30, and US$40 per person. You'll pay the same for a haunted pub crawl, and alcoholic beverages are at your own expense.

You can expect to pay around US$50 each for a haunted excursion around the city that takes place on the Boston Ghost Trolley.

What is included?

Ghost tours in Boston generally include a guide to show you around the city and tell thrilling tales of its most haunted sights.

Self-guided ghost tours in Boston differ slightly, as instead, you'll gain access to a dedicated smartphone app. Through the app, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the city, complete with a map and audio guide.

Where does it start?

You'll usually meet your tour guide outside one of Boston's main possessed sites to begin your tour. This may be the Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House or Boylston Street.

You can view the meeting point of each tour before booking so that you can plan your route to the site in advance.

How long does it last?

Generally, haunted tours in Boston last between 1 and 2 hours, depending on your mode of transport. This is enough time to visit several of the most iconic landmarks in the city and learn about their paranormal activity.

When is the best time for a ghost tour in Boston?

Take a ghost tour in Boston after dark for the most riveting experience. During the evening, you'll have a better chance of catching a glimpse of a paranormal orb or seeing a ghost appear before you.

Participate in a ghost tour once you've acquainted yourself with the city and are familiar with its untroubled history, before diving into its more disturbing past.

Travel tips

• Not only physical forms can be seen at Boston's most haunted landmarks. Keep your ears pricked for unusual sounds, such as whispers from beyond the grave.
• While you may see some evidence of paranormal activity on a ghost tour in Boston, don't count on it. Instead, simply enjoy hearing the tales of apparitions, ghosts and grisly deaths from your theatrical guide.
• Participate in one of Boston's ghost tours with an open mind. While you may not be convinced by tales of ghosts, you can enjoy the slice of history that these excursions provide.