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Granary Burying Ground

Granary Burying Ground: Our most recommended tours and activities

Boston: Guided Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail

1. Boston: Guided Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail

See all 16 of Boston's Iconic Freedom Trail sites in a single tour with an experienced guide. Learn about icons like Paul Revere and John Hancock, along with lesser-known stories of women, African Americans, and immigrant patriots and pioneers. Start your tour outside one of Boston's hidden gems, at the famous private library known as the Boston Athenaeum, and finish in the North End with the best view of the Charlestown Freedom Trail sites. Discover tales of rebels, gangs, and Midnight Riders, with a few cheap dad jokes for good measure. Gain an understanding of Boston's role in the American Revolution and how the city became a pioneer in the fields of abolition, American education, and immigration. Along the way, experience the explosive events of the American Revolution like the Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre in the places they happened. See Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel, the Benjamin Franklin Statue, the Old Corner Bookstore, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, the Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, Copp's Hill Burying Ground, the USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill Monument.

Boston: Ghost Tour

2. Boston: Ghost Tour

Embark on a unique after-dark tour and explore downtown Boston’s most haunted hotspots. Discover both the paranormal and historical worlds of each carefully selected tour site and listen to researched, authentic, and up-to-date accounts that ensure you have the best, most chilling experience possible. Highlights of the tour include: Omni Parker House Haunted by its first owner and other notable ghostly guests, the Omni Parker House is considered Boston’s most haunted location. One room, in particular, has caused so much trouble, terror, and grief that the hotel was eventually forced to convert it into a storage room, lest they risk another guest suffering from a grisly night’s stay in the cursed room. What could possibly drive a hotel to permanently retire an otherwise perfectly good guest room? Discover the details on our tour. Boston Common This seemingly placid area is the country’s oldest park. For a century of its long history, Boston Common was the site of hundreds of hangings. Not all of the victims of these executions managed to escape the park, even after death. The grim ghosts of the hanging victims are the least of your paranormal concerns in the Common. Keep your eyes open and your wits about you whenever you’re at this park… or else. Old South Meeting House Witness the birthplace of the Boston Tea Party protest and the very American Revolution itself at the Old South Meeting House. This building is of crucially historic importance, but that’s not the only legacy the meeting house is known for. It is a specter that sometimes appears and always acts as a harbinger of impending death. Or perhaps it’s no messenger of death at all, but instead directly responsible for the string of deaths that have befallen the unlucky ones who’ve encountered it. Old City Hall This former hub of Boston’s local government has since become a bustling mixed-use commercial and office property. Because of its historical significance being covered up with the new polish of redevelopment, at least one ghost exacts its revenge for this perceived disrespect for history on visitors. The Old City Hall may be magnificent looking, but watch where you look inside…

Boston: Historic Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail

3. Boston: Historic Walking Tour of the Freedom Trail

Learn about the tumultuous 15-year period that culminated in the American Revolution on this small-group walking tour. As you walk through the heart of Boston, you’ll follow the footsteps of colonial Bostonians, all of whom grappled with the difficult question of loyalty or rebellion to crown and country. Start your walking tour on Boston Common, where the Freedom Trail originates. From there, you'll begin your walk along the historic Freedom Trail with your guide. Along the way, learn the significance of landmarks such as the Granary Burying Ground, the Old South Meeting House, the Boston Massacre Site, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, and more. Your walking tour concludes at Copp's Hill Terrace, steps from the Old North Church. This final viewpoint over to Charlestown provides guests with a view of all 16 official landmarks on the Freedom Trail.

Boston: Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour App

4. Boston: Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour App

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Once you’ve downloaded the tour, your journey will begin in the center of the city at Boston Common. Here, you’ll turn back the clock all the way to the city’s founding in the 1930s, then learn about the first murmurs of independence from Britain. You’ll get to know the Stamp Act Riots, the Liberty Tree, and much more! Then you’ll head to the historic State House (complete with a dome of real gold!) and find out about the time capsule placed there in 1795. On your way to the Park Street Church (a landmark loaded with history), you’ll stop by the memorial to Robert Gould Shaw, famous for his role in a different war: The Civil War! Then, return to the 1700s and learn what led Britain to levy such harsh taxes against the colonies, as well as how those colonists responded. Then, at the Granary Burying Ground, you’ll have the chance to visit graves of famous figures like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere! After that is King’s Chapel, the first Anglican church in Boston, which dates all the way back to 1754! Even older is the Latin School, up next, founded in 1635. Benjamin Franklin, Robert Paine, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams all studied here! Then it’s on to the Old South Meeting House, where you’ll get the many ins and outs of the true story behind the famous Boston Tea Party protest. Next is the Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians! Then you’ll head to the site of the infamous (and oft-misunderstood) Boston Massacre and get the truth behind that fateful night. Following a stop at the famed marketplace of Faneuil Hall (where you’ll find just about any kind of refreshments you need), you’ll see the beautiful Rose Kennedy Greenway. It may not be an official stop along the Freedom Trail, but this gorgeous urban park is well worth a look regardless! Continuing on, you’ll get a great look at the historic Custom House, one of Boston’s most iconic structures, before reaching Paul Revere’s house, perfectly preserved since his famous Midnight Ride. Past that is the Old North Church, where Revere famously asked for “one lantern if by land, two if by sea.” The next stop is almost impossible to miss—it’s the USS Constitution! This enormous ship, nicknamed Old Ironsides, is enough to make the trip worth it all on its own. Here, you’ll get familiar with some of the old warship’s most nail-biting battles. Finally, you’ll arrive at the Bunker Hill Monument, memorializing a pivotal battle during the Revolutionary War. Your tour concludes here, but there’s lots more of Boston to see, including a bonus tour which dives deep into the Battle of Bunker Hill itself!

From New York City: Boston in One Day Tour

5. From New York City: Boston in One Day Tour

Come discover beautiful Boston. Have your transportation and itinerary taken care of your while your only job is to sit back and enjoy this stunning city. Explore the best Boston has to offer including: Fenway Park stadium, home to the Boston Red SoxHarvard University Main campus: Harvard Yard, Old Yard, John Harvard Statue, Johnston Gate, Harvard souvenir store.Copley Square: Trinity church, Fairmont Copley Hotel, Boston Public Library, John Hancock Tower, “End line” to Boston MarathonBoston Common and the public gardens  Freedom trail: Massachusetts State house, Old state House, Granary Burying ground, Kings chapel, Faneuil hallQuincy Market Start your day in New York City, where your tour guide will share stories of different places on your journey to Boston. Once in Boston, begin your tour at Copley Square, have lunch at Quincy Market and visit Harvard University's main campus.

Boston: Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App

6. Boston: Self-Guided Freedom Trail Walking Audio Tour w/ App

Discover Boston's Revolutionary history on a Freedom Trail self-guided audio walking tour with an app. Explore historic downtown Boston, the North End, and Charlestown all at your own pace and without the crowds. Simply press start and follow the arrow on the app to find your next stop, listening to professional narration along your way. Head off on a historical adventure through Boston's colorful past with this self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail. Start by walking through downtown Boston and see the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Sam Adams grave, Old South, and much more. Then, continue by following the directions on your app to Boston's North End. See Paul Revere's House, Copp's Hill Burial Ground, Old North, and more to truly get a flavor of what this part of the city has to offer. Carry on to Charlestown to see Bunker Hill, the USS Constitution, and more. Best of all, take the tour anytime, at your own pace, and on your own schedule. This tour never expires on your downloaded app, so you can take it as many times as you like.

Boston: Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

7. Boston: Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

Enjoy an evening pub crawl of haunted bars across Boston, and pass by spirited locations in the city on a guided haunted tour. Hang out with John F. Kennedy in the back corner of the 21st Amendment. Teleport to Ireland with a pint of Guinness at Emmet’s Pub. Visit the Omni Parker House Hotel, where a sinister liquor salesman haunts Room 303. Finally, head to the Beantown Pub to hear about the life and death of Sam Adams from your guide. Finish the tour at the 17th-century Granary Burying Ground cemetery.

Boston: The Revolutionary Story Narrative Walking Tour

8. Boston: The Revolutionary Story Narrative Walking Tour

Follow the story of the American Revolution chronologically through the streets of Boston on this guided walking tour. Enjoy a tour that places a lot less emphasis on the facts and the dates and a lot more on the passions, personalities, and psychologies driving the events. See historic landmarks where events such as the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere occurred. As you walk around, the sightseeing is synchronized with and unfolds to the storytelling. During the tour, begin to connect the characters, moments, and landmarks together, following the story from the settling of Boston to the Declaration of Independence. This tour is designed for the curious visitor who wants to do more than just scratch the surface. 

Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour & Interactive Quiz

9. Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour & Interactive Quiz

Experience the beauty of the Freedom Trail of Boston on a self-guided walking tour. See the famous places like Boston Common Visitor Center, Park Street Church, Boston State House, and more with the magic of an audio guide. Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app that will function as your personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. You will receive the download instructions after booking. Download the app and start the tour with your mobile phone as your guide. Start your tour at the Boston Common Visitor Center. Walk towards the north for a great view of the Boston State House, topped with a real gold dome. Visit the iconic Robert G Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial, historic Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, and the Old South Meeting House. You will pass by the Old Corner Bookstore, and continue to the Old State House, which has the distinct honor of being the place where the declaration of Independence was read aloud to the people of Boston. The next landmark is the Boston Massacre. Here, you will get a chance to untangle the truth behind this oft-misunderstood event. Continue to see the Faneuil Hall, a regal structure that witnessed countless historical events. Admire the iconic Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, before continuing to the USS Constitution. It is known by its nickname Old Ironsides.  Finally, reach the Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Explore the city with a smartphone GPS navigated audio tour at your own pace and schedule.

Boston: Ghost-Themed Self-Guided Walking Tour

10. Boston: Ghost-Themed Self-Guided Walking Tour

Explore the supernatural side of Boston on this spooky self-guided walking tour. Benefit from the flexibility of a self-guided tour via an app that functions as a guide, audio tour, and map in one. Experience a tour developed by local guides, creative writers, and professional voice artists. Begin your bone-chilling walk at Boylston Street Station, where a gas explosion killed several workers. Some believe it was an accident, but others wonder if the countless graves dug up during construction had something to do with it. From there, walk through the Central Burying Ground and the Boston Common, hearing the sordid history of unmarked graves, unsettled corpses, and the site’s history of executions. Then, arrive at the majestic Boston Athenaeum, a beautiful building hiding something grim inside: a book bound in human skin. But you’ll learn that’s not the only creepy thing about this place. Next, move on to the Granary Burying Ground, where many of America’s revolutionary founders have been laid to rest. Pick up some historical facts and learn how some of them might still be lurking around this very graveyard. Explore the King’s Chapel Burying Ground next. Many bodies lie beneath the ground here and at least one wasn’t dead when he was buried. Some visitors report that they can still hear him scratching at the lid of his coffin. Take a break from graveyards and visit Boston’s most haunted hotel, the Omni Parker House. Visitors have reported spectral sights, sounds, and smells on nearly every floor of this storied hotel. After that, hear about a fraudulent photographer who tried to capitalize on Boston’s hauntings, then head toward the Old State House, which houses a cursed artifact responsible for a great deal of suffering. Next, visit the site of the Boston Massacre and hear about the supernatural panic that swept across the city during an 1800s tuberculosis outbreak. After that, pass by Fort Warren and the Pilot House and hear about the vengeful Lady in Black and the seemingly harmless Lady in White. Continue on to the Old North Church which sits atop a crypt where the residents aren’t always content to stay dead. Finally, conclude your tour at Copp's Hill Burying Ground, an appropriately unsettling final stop of the tour. Throughout the tour, enjoy animated videos to visualize what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms.

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What people are saying about Granary Burying Ground

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 924 reviews

Alyssa was AMAZING! Being honest, I’m not a history buff and found the 2.5 hour tour time daunting. Alyssa kept my attention the ENTIRE TIME! Her stories, knowledge and relatability were on another level. 10/10 recommend!!! Thank you for this memory I will always cherish on Veterans Day.

Fantastic tour, Charlie was a Harvard grad and current adjunct history professor and was very passionate and knowledgable about the Revolution and Boston. He painted a great picture that brought you back in time.

The tour guide was very knowledge, and very informative along the way. He w made us feel as though we're we part of history in the way that he told the story. Made sure that he was heard by all.

Knowledgeable and friendly. Comes at the history from a unique perspective. I learned far more than I anticipated being someone who’s lived in Boston for more than 10 years.

Guide was very knowledgeable in the history of Boston. Very interesting to listen to.