7 Best Boston Food Tours You Will Love!
Boston food tours are the perfect way to taste the local flavors and learn about historical Beantown.
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If you want to try lots of the famous foods of Boston, food tours can help! In fact, Boston’s freshest seafood as well as amazing dishes from Italian and New England cuisines are just a click away!
All of our picks for the best food tours in Boston, MA, are walking tours. You can take a dinner cruise for a view of the harbor, but to really explore the best of Boston cuisine, a leisurely-paced walking tour is the ticket.
From the historic North End to the hip South End, these yummy walks down the streets of Boston will delight your taste buds! And no matter which delicious food tour you choose, you’ll also see historic landmarks as you walk the quaint brick alleyways of Boston.
Many Boston food tours stop for cannoli.
Each foodie tour of Boston is different, but they all provide samples of some of the best food in the city, information on the most interesting historical sites, and a great way to interact with fellow foodies.
Local knowledgeable guides share hidden gems as well as secrets of the local markets. Food lovers will have a great time!
Since these are the best food tours Boston offers, they will likely sell out—reserve ahead!
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Best Boston Food Tours
1. Boston Food & History North End Freedom Trail Walking Tour
This North End food tour ends at the beautiful Boston Botanical Gardens.
Why take this North End Boston food tour?
It’s our #1 pick! In addition to having great food, the city of Boston was at the forefront of colonial American history. This North End tour combines culinary and historical highlights into one 5-hour guided experience!
It’s the best bang for your buck!
Begin at the Boston Harbor with a scenic stroll along Waterfront Park. Then, snack your way through the cobblestone streets of the North End, Boston’s Little Italy. In Boston’s oldest neighborhood, you’ll discover some of the city’s best Italian food.
You’ll sample some of Boston’s best pizza, visit one of the best salumerias (Italian delis), and stop at a hidden bakery. In addition to noshing on the specialties of Italian cuisine, you’ll travel along Boston’s Freedom Trail. Learn Boston’s rich history and the crucial role the city played in the American Revolution. End this foodie tour at Boston’s first public park and gardens.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars—Over 925 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
“Great experience!!! So happy we took this tour. We loved the food from the North End and the histories and stories about the neighborhood.” Read more reviews
✓ Walking tour with knowledgeable guide
✓ Salumeria meat and cheese specialties
✓ Just-baked fresh bread
✓ Pizza in Little Italy
✓ 1 pastry and hot Italian beverage stop
✓ Historic Freedom Trail sites: Old North Church (entrance fee for church or an equivalent alternative included), Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, first bookstore in Boston, site of the Boston Massacre, site of the Boston Tea Party, and more!
A maximum of 12 people will be on your tour
Can accommodate vegetarians
Approximately 5 hours
New England lobster roll
Why take this Boston seafood tour?
This is one of the best Boston foodie tours for seafood lovers! Taste some of Boston's most famous foods, like creamy clam chowder and iconic lobster rolls.
You will sample enough local foods to equal a full meal. Explore Boston's Independence Wharf and the city’s oldest neighborhoods with a local guide. View the site of the Boston Tea Party and hear the fascinating history of one of America’s most historic cities.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars!
“This was an absolutely fantastic way to experience the city’s history and culture!” Read more reviews
✓ Walking tour with knowledgeable guide
✓ Beautiful city views from the Wharf
✓ New England clam chowder
✓ New England–style lobster roll
✓ Enough samples to equal a meal
✓ Historic sites: Boston's Independence Wharf, site of the Boston Tea Party, Fort Point, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market
A maximum of 12 people will be on your tour
Approximately 2.5 hours
See the USS Constitution on this Boston Historic Taverns Tour.
Why take this Boston historic taverns tour?
Visit two of the most significant taverns in the United States: The oldest tavern in America, and what was considered the “Headquarters of the Revolution.”
Toast to those that drank at these historic Boston taverns, like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Enjoy a drink and snacks at each tavern. Ferry across Boston Harbor to Charlestown Navy Yard where you’ll see the USS Constitution, the world's oldest ship still afloat.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars!
“It was so much fun and interesting. Very memorable experience hitting the two historic pubs and enjoying drinks and apps. Pace was perfect and it just felt like traveling the city with a group of good friends enjoying the sights and sounds.” Read more reviews
✓ Walking tour with knowledgeable guide
✓ The oldest tavern in America (1 craft beer, house wine, or soft drink)
✓ Headquarters of the Revolution (1 craft beer, house wine, or soft drink)
✓ Tavern snacks
✓ Round-trip ferry
✓ Historic sites: Bunker Hill Monument, Blackstone Block, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, USS Constitution
Approximately 3.5 hours
Recommended for adults only
The charming architecture of Boston’s South End
Why take this South End food tour?
Taste your way through one of Boston’s most hip neighborhoods, the South End.
Discover its cultural diversity through such dishes of international cuisines as Venezuelan and French-Cambodian. Admire the Victorian architecture of the brownstones. Your guide will serve up a hearty helping of culinary delights, architecture, history, and culture.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars—Over 50 reviews!
“Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about this area of Boston. The historical information was very interesting and informative. The food was amazing! It was wonderful to experience food from so many different cultures! I highly recommend this food tour!” Read more reviews
✓ Walking tour with knowledgeable guide
✓ Sample international cuisines
✓ Taste local favorites
✓ History, architecture, and local culture
A maximum of 8 people will be on your tour
This experience is not recommended for anyone under 12 years of age
Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours
Enjoy New England Clam Chowder on this Boston food tour.
Why take this Boston food tour?
Although you’ll still get a dose of history, this tour is more about the food. It’s sometimes called the “Secret Food Tour” because some of the dishes remain a secret until the day of the tour. Don’t be afraid of secret food tours! Rest assured, you’re delicious food tastings will add up to a hearty meal.
Begin with creamy clam chowder in the Blackstone Block at one of the oldest restaurants in the U.S. Get the insider tips for navigating the Boston Public Market. Savor homemade pasta in Little Italy. Take the Freedom Trail to Boston's oldest Italian café.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars—Over 350 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
“Absolutely delicious food on this tour! Come hungry and leave happy! The stops were really easy to get to, lots of alternative options and overall a great tour!“ Read more reviews
✓ Walking tour with knowledgeable guide
✓ Clam chowder and other Boston specialties
✓ Homemade pasta in Little Italy
✓ Dessert
✓ Historic sites: Blackstone Block, Boston Public Market, Freedom Trail, Boston's oldest Italian café
A maximum of 12 people will be on your tour
Not wheelchair accessible
Approximately 3.5 hours
Boston Cream is a must-try on the Boston Donut Tour.
Why take this Boston donut tour?
Calling all donut fans! I’m not certain you’ll walk off all of the decadent donuts you’ll try, but it will be worth it! Follow your guide through historic neighborhoods to the best artisanal donut shops in Boston. Some of these are off the beaten path and not likely to be found on your own.
Try some of the locally influenced flavors like apple cider and Boston Cream, the donut version of the famous Boston Cream Pie. There will also be some inventive creations you never thought could be made into a donut.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars—Over 325 reviews! Badge of Excellence!
“Sabrina was absolutely awesome. Historical landmarks, some interesting Boston history mixed in with some absolutely awesome donuts. She really made the tour complete for us! Highly recommend.” Read more reviews
✓ Walking tour with knowledgeable guide
✓ Coffee or tea
✓ Sample Kane’s Donuts
✓ Boston Public Market
✓ Apple cider donuts & cider
✓ History of Boston’s North End
✓ Boston Cream Donut at historic bakery
✓ Union Square Donuts
A maximum of 20 people will be on your tour
Approximately 2 hours
One of the scary stops on the Haunted Pizza Tour
Why take this haunted pizza tour?
A unique opportunity for those intrigued by spooky stories, hauntings, and murders!
Between scares, you’ll stop for slices at two of Boston’s best pizzerias. Meander through the narrow streets to some of the most historic Boston landmarks, like Paul Revere’s House (Boston’s oldest home), and listen to their scary secrets. You’ll even descend into a crypt, but ghost sightings are not guaranteed. Finish with dessert.
Rating 4.5 out of 5 Stars!
“Tour guide Nicole was very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. She had a lot of stories and took us to 3 competing pizza shops.” Read more reviews
✓ Walking tour with knowledgeable guide
✓ Tales of murder and apparitions
✓ 2 slices of pizza
✓ Cannoli dessert
✓ Historic sites: Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, the Paul Revere House, Old North Church
A maximum of 12 people will be on your tour
Not wheelchair accessible
Approximately 2.5 hours
Tips for Taking a Food Tour in Boston
Lobster rolls and shrimp on a food tour in Boston
Choosing Your Boston Food Tours
When evaluating Boston food and drink tours, decide what criteria are most important for you. What type of food and which Boston areas interest you most?
Of course you’ll look at the price. However, don’t let great prices be the only factor. Consider the duration of the tour and what the price per hour is rather than just the ticket price itself.
If you have special needs, make sure they can be accommodated before you purchase tickets. Review the cancellation and rescheduling policies, and make sure you know whether the tour takes place rain or shine.
The sight of the Boston Tea Party is a common stop on Boston foodie tours.
Preparing for Your Boston Tours
Since these are all walking food tours of Boston, make sure you dress appropriately! Layers are usually best, and comfortable shoes are a smart choice!
Bring a bottle of water. Yes, you’ll be eating and drinking, but for those times in between, stay hydrated.
The world is constantly changing! Please double-check the tour’s website for details!
If you’re looking for a great Boston vacation rental, we love VRBO!
Have fun!
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