Boston Ghost Tour: Walk Through the Haunted Heart of Boston

Boston lies in the heart of New England, where the shadows of the past intertwine with the present. Amidst the charming colonial architecture and bustling modern life, there are whispered tales of war-torn spirits, restless souls of murder victims, and echoes of past strife that still linger in the air.

If you’re visiting Boston and want to explore the haunted stories that permeate the streets, booking a ghost tour is the way to go. This guided tour will take you through the city’s historic streets and haunted locations with eerie tales of the supernatural.

Ghost Tales of Boston

Boston’s rich history, dating back to the early 1600s, provides a compelling setting for ghost tours. The city’s pivotal role in the American Revolution and its involvement in significant historical events has left a lasting imprint on its streets and buildings. With a past marred by war, political intrigue, and tragic events like the Boston Massacre, the city has seen its share of violence and unrest, contributing to a wealth of ghostly tales.

The blend of well-preserved colonial architecture and a passionate storytelling tradition makes Boston ideal for ghost tours. Below are some of Boston’s tales that haunt some iconic locations in Boston.

Disclaimer: These stories are part of the city’s oral tradition, where fact and fiction often intertwine. As we retell them, remember that some of these ghostly tales are products of local lore.

The Widener Portrait

Although most of Harvard remains off-limits to tourists, visiting this historic campus can still offer a unique experience. The old brick buildings that dot the landscape seem to harbor their share of ghostly tales, and their presence can be felt even in the shadows outside.

A notable example is the Widener Library, which holds a haunting backstory. Eleanor Widener established it in memory of her son Harry, a passionate book lover who tragically perished in the sinking of the Titanic.

Interestingly, the place began to exhibit strange phenomena when Harry’s portrait was relocated from the library. The unexplained occurrences ceased only when staff members resorted to taping a photocopy of the portrait in its original location.

The Phantom of Sanders Theatre

Given the university’s rich history, it seems inevitable that some spirits may occasionally show up in the halls of Harvard. One of the popular buildings on the campus that is said to be haunted is the Sanders Theater. Staff and students say that instrument lockers will slam at odd hours, and other eerie noises will echo through the halls.

Supernatural Sightings at Charlesgate Hotel Ghost

The Charlesgate Hotel is a historic building with a reputation for paranormal activity. The building served as a Boston University dormitory from 1947 to 1972. During this period, the hostel gained a reputation for being haunted, particularly after a student committed suicide in one of the rooms.

When Emerson College acquired the building in 1981, it had experienced a fair share of mishaps, fatalities, and accidents. There are rumors that a young girl perished in the elevator shaft. A number of horses perished in the basement during a flood, as did the young men who attempted to save them. Many believe that their spirits still linger in the building.

People have reported hearing strange noises, such as footsteps or whispers, when no one else was around. Others claim to have seen shadowy figures or apparitions in the hallways or rooms. The most commonly reported paranormal activity involves flickering lights, unexplained cold spots, and feelings of being watched or touched by an unseen presence.

Book Boston Historical Tours

Boston’s allure lies not only in its haunted landmarks and chilling tales but also in the palpable sense of history that permeates the air. Each narrow alleyway and shadowy corner seems to whisper secrets of long-gone eras, inviting thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts alike to delve into its ghostly past.

From the restless spirits of the Revolutionary War era to the haunted halls of venerable universities, Boston offers a spine-tingling journey through time and the supernatural. The city’s haunted stories, passed down through generations, come alive on Boston tours, painting vivid portraits of bygone lives and unexplained phenomena.

Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or a skeptic, Boston Historical Tour’s ghost tours promise an unforgettable experience. We offer a ghost tour that weaves history, mystery, and the thrill of the unknown.

Experience the City’s Haunted Past: Harvard Square and Back Bay Ghost Tour

Immerse yourself in the eerie charm of Boston’s haunted history by joining one of our private ghost tours. As you explore the city’s historic streets, you’ll have the opportunity to unravel chilling tales of restless spirits, mysterious occurrences, and centuries-old legends.

If you’re captivated by academic enigmas and Ivy League intrigue, our Harvard Square tour will lead you through the haunted corners of this renowned campus, where ghostly scholars and mysterious apparitions are said to roam.

Harvard Square Ghost Tour Highlights

  • Winthrop Park/Peet’s Coffee
  • Kirkland House Library
  • Samuel Stedman Icehouse
  • Final Club Row
  • Porcellian Club
  • Wadsworth House/Harvard Yard
  • Thayer Hall
  • Former Harvard Medical School
  • Massachusetts Hall
  • Garden Street
  • Old Cambridge Burying Ground

Alternatively, delve into the elegant mystique of Back Bay. This tour will take you through this upscale neighborhood, where Victorian mansions and historic landmarks hide spectral secrets.

Back Bay Ghost Tour Highlights

  • Trinity Church
  • Fairmont Copley Hotel
  • Boston Public Library
  • Phillips Brooks Statue
  • Original Site of MIT
  • Former Boston Museum of Natural History
  • Taj Hotel (formerly the Ritz Carlton)
  • Boston Public Garden
  • Ether Memorial

Join us for an unforgettable experience where the city’s past comes to life. Book a tour today with Boston Historical Tours, one of the most reliable tour companies in Boston.

More Blogs

All Blogs Hat Tip to the LOLs The remarkable tale of Margaret Hamilton is one of the highlights of our Innovation Tour. Hamilton was Director of Software Engineering for NASA’s Apollo program.

All Blogs Hat Tip to the LOLs The remarkable tale of Margaret Hamilton is one of the highlights of our Innovation Tour. Hamilton was Director of Software Engineering for NASA’s Apollo program.

All Blogs Anne (Marbury) Hutchinson Anne Hutchinson, puritan, wife, mother, midwife and top notch rabble-rouser. If you’ve never heard of her, it’s not your fault, probably… Anyway, I don’t know if she

Greater Boston Tour Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Pricing

Public Tours
  • Freedom Trail (full 2.5-hour tour): $35 per person
  • The Innovation Trail (90-minute tour in Kendall Square): $20.00 per person
  • Public Tours are priced for the budget-conscious traveler who does not mind sharing their guide with other tour groups.
  • Tours are scheduled and run at set times.
  • For schools and other educational groups
  • 90 minutes: $13 per person
  • 2 hours: $18 per person
  • 2.5 hours: $21 per person
  • 3 hours: $25 per person
  • For groups larger than 10 guests. Bookings for large groups have a two-hour minimum.
  • 11-15 guests: $180.00 per hour per guide
  • 16-25 guests: $250 per hour per guide
  • 25-35 guests: $300 per hour per guide
  • Groups larger than 35 guests require two guides
  • Groups larger than 70 guests require three guides
  • $300.00 minimum: Covers up to 10 guests for up to two hours
  • $150.00 per hour per guide: for tours of up to 10 guests longer than two hours Square): $20.00 per person
  • Private Tours are tours for YOUR GROUP ONLY and can be arranged for any time of day between 7:30am and 8:30pm.

Tours With Daniel

  • Half Day Tours: ​$1500.00 for 0-4 hours
  • Full Day Tours: $2,500.00 for 4-8 hours

Daniel Berger-Jones is an internationally acclaimed tour guide, actor, and cofounder of our company. He is often called the best guide in Boston, and is the preferred tour guide for VIP groups, Boston’s two Four Seasons Hotels, The Ritz, Mandarin Oriental, and even the local tourism bureau. With a background in history, physics, and theater, his true gift lies in the ability to adjust to any crowd, and guarantees to be the highlight of your trip to Boston.

Half-Day Step-On Guide

  • Up to four hours
    $500.00 per guide

Full-Day Step-On Guide

  • 4-8 hours
    $900.00 ​per guide

 

If your group has a bus and would like a guide to accompany you, we offer half-day or full-day packages. Unfortunately, we are unable to arrange vehicles
We also offer “Step-On” Tours. This is when our guides hop onto your bus, or into your car, and narrate the ride. We do not own or operate any vehicles, and are a guide service company only, but our guides are the best in the business, and will make your journey special. Our preferred partners for booking vehicles are LTI and Yankee Bus Company, and we are happy to provide contacts if you reach out to us directly. Otherwise, we are happy to hop into the vehicle you’ve already rented or the bus you’ve already booked!

Custom Pricing

Are you a tour operator? Contact us for pricing!

Are you a concierge? Contact us for commission rates!

Are you looking to add extras (like food and beverage), arrange a full or multi-day experience, or otherwise customize your tour? 

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