Walking tours, food experiences, private city and day trips, and hands-on activities.
Massachusetts offers 757 tours and activities, with nearly half (48%) being walking tours and another 50% focused on history. Food experiences make up 13% of the catalog, while private and luxury options appear in two-thirds of listings, though not always at a high price. Most people pay between $25 and $60, with 41% of tours under $40 and half under $60.
The best-reviewed tours are typically small-group walks, food tastings, and private driving tours, with 90% of all products rated 4 stars or better. Experiences that include generous tastings, knowledgeable guides, or flexible private transport consistently receive perfect scores. Free cancellation is standard on 85% of listings.
What is on offer
The catalogue
Walking tours dominate the Massachusetts catalog, covering everything from Boston’s history to Salem’s legends and Cape Cod’s food scene. Private and luxury tours are common across the state, but this label covers both affordable walks and high-end private drives, so prices vary widely. Most travelers spend $25–$60 per person, with 64% of all tours under $100 and 21% under $40. Food tours, particularly in Boston and Cambridge, cluster around $70–$135, often including enough tastings for a full meal.
Day trips and private driving tours are the priciest, starting around $375 and climbing beyond $900 for custom or multi-stop itineraries. Only 10% of tours are rated below 4 stars, and these are mostly in the private, walking, or historical categories. Most options confirm instantly, but a minority require manual approval. Free cancellation is the norm, not an exception.
By category
Private and Luxury
497
$63
Historical Tours
378
$63
Walking Tours
362
$63
Cultural Tours
200
$63
Bus Tours
130
$375
Food
99
$125
Day Trips
58
$375
How to choose
Where the money goes
Travelers looking for value will find it in walking tours, which make up nearly half the catalog and typically run $30–$65. These often focus on Boston’s history, Salem’s stories, or local food, and the best-rated ones feature engaging guides and plenty of time at the main sites. Food tours in Cambridge, Chatham, and Boston’s North End cost $70–$135 and usually include enough tastings for lunch, with guides offering local insight and recommendations.
Private driving tours suit visitors who want to see more in less time or need flexible pacing. These are priced per vehicle, not per person, and range from $425 for a Cape Cod night photography session to $995 for a full-day Boston and Lexington tour. For groups, this can work out to less per person than some food tours. The best-reviewed private tours combine knowledgeable local guides, comfortable transport, and the ability to tailor stops.
Hands-on experiences like axe throwing or art classes are rare but highly rated, with prices from $28 to over $400 depending on duration and group size. These stand out for personal attention and a break from standard sightseeing.
What disappoints? Critical reviews of some walking and private tours mention guides who were hard to hear, failed to show up, or did not wear identifying clothing, leading to confusion at the meeting point. Hop-on hop-off bus tours draw complaints about long waits for seats and overbooking, making it hard to rejoin after getting off. Some travelers on self-guided audio tours found the meeting instructions unclear or the content lacking.
When to book
Most Massachusetts tours confirm instantly, but about a quarter require manual approval, especially for private or custom options. Food tours and small-group walks in Boston, Salem, and Cape Cod often flag as likely to sell out, so booking a week ahead is wise for popular dates. Standard walking and historical tours are widely available, but last-minute spots on private drives or specialty food tours can be limited.
Tour Boston's Rock and Roll Past, Present, and Future
The only music-focused tour among the options.
5.0 ★ · 35 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Free cancellationInstant confirmationSeller pick
Includes Hear tales from the Rat, the cavernous club where many Punk and New Wave bands got their s · Walk through America's oldest Victory Gardens still in use · Examine Boston's impact on the Folk Revival in the 60s
Harvard Square's Sweetest Food Tour: Donuts, Sweet Treats & More
Family-friendly food tour with the most sweet treats included.
5.0 ★ · 54 reviews · 1 h 30 min
Free cancellationInstant confirmationSeller pick
Includes Visit iconic sites throughout one of America's most famous squares. · Create sweet memories while exploring Cambridge's most famous neighborhood. · Sample delicious donuts and sweet treats from Harvard Square favorites.
A Taste of the Freedom Trail: Boston's Iconic Food History Tour
Highest-priced food tour, but includes optional craft beer or cocktail upgrade.
5.0 ★ · 41 reviews · 3 h
Free cancellationInstant confirmationSeller pick
Includes No hidden costs! · A 3-hour guided experience along Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail, led by a knowledgeable loc · Optional upgrade that includes either two local craft beers or one handcrafted cocktail.
Includes Experience all the Boston city neighborhoods such as North End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Cha · Downtown Boston pick up and drop off · All guides are fully licensed and approved Boston tour guides
Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on 09/09/2026.
Before you book
Practical notes.
Half of all tours cost under $60; walking tours start at $16.
Food tours with full tastings run $70–$135 per person.
Private driving tours are priced per vehicle, starting around $425.
10% of tours are rated below 4 stars, mostly walking or private tours.
Book food and small-group tours in advance—they often sell out.
Hop-on hop-off buses can be crowded; expect waits at busy stops.
Free cancellation is standard on 85% of tours.
Check what's included—admission and tastings vary by tour.
Questions people ask
Before you decide.
Are most Massachusetts tours guided or self-guided?
Most are guided, with nearly half being walking tours and many food or history-focused. A smaller number are self-guided audio tours.
How much should I expect to pay for a tour?
Most people pay $25–$60 per person, with half of all tours under $60. Food tours average $70–$135, while private drives start around $425 per vehicle.
Do tours include admission to attractions?
Some tours include admission, especially food and private tours, but others do not. Always check the inclusions before booking.
Are private tours much more expensive?
Private tours are priced per vehicle, so for groups they can be good value. Prices start around $425 and go up for longer or more customized itineraries.
How far in advance should I book?
Popular food tours and small-group walks often sell out, so book at least a week ahead. Standard walking tours are easier to book last-minute.
What are common complaints about tours?
Some walking and private tours have had issues with guides not showing up or being hard to find. Hop-on hop-off buses can be crowded at peak times.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes, 85% of tours offer free cancellation, but always check the specific policy before booking.
Are tours accessible for wheelchairs?
Many walking and food tours are wheelchair accessible, but always check the listing for details.
More to see
Around Massachusetts
More things to do around here
Walking tours, day trips and experiences around this area, on GetYourGuide.
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Written by CityTour editorial. Sold by Viator. Prices and review counts checked on .
