The culinary scene in the capital of Massachusetts is a hearty, rustic affair, mixing Italian migrant heritage with New England seafood staples. Taste the locals’ favorites on these six walking tours of Boston’s pizzerias, delis, markets taverns, and other authentic spots for a feast. Satiety assured.
Boston Freedom Trail, food tour (Viator Intrepid Urban Adventures)
Bostonians take their food as seriously as they do their baseball; the locals are fiercely proud of their Boston baked beans and Boston cream pies. These six guided tours give you the chance to walk your food off as you eat it, discovering the most delectable offerings and meeting local producers and merchants, all while learning about the area’s rich history. You’ll be saying ‘cawfee’ and ‘lobsta’ like a Bostonian in no time.
Boston’s North End: Secret Food Tour
Lobster roll (photo: Get Your Guide/Essor)
This three-hour foodie tour through Boston’s historic North End winds along a trail dating from the American Revolution, with seven stops to test the local favorites. Impossible to resist the aromas wafting down Little Italy’s coblestone streets, with its numerous pizzerias, Italian sandwich joints and bakeries. On the menu: fresh pasta, a slice of pizza in the shadow of the Old North Church, and a trip to the market for charcuterie and local craft beer. Finish up with locally roasted nuts, cream-laden cannoli, and a surprise delicacy. From $88 / person
Guided Walking Tour with Seafood Tasting
Boston market (photo: Get Your Guide/Boston Pizza Tours)
Savor the delights of a three-hour tour through Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, with historical stops at Paul Revere House, Old North Square, and other Freedom Trail sites. Seafood-lovers, prepare yourselves: from the Harborwalk and Long Wharf, you will admire the seascape from Boston’s oldest commercial port while enjoying the city’s freshest shrimp, oysters and award-winning clam chowder. Round it all off with a visit to Quincy Market and a pastry from one of North End’s most beloved bakeries. Three sit-down restaurant tastings are included on this Boston foodie adventure. From $129 / person
Boston South End Sweet and Savory Local Food Tour
Boston South End (photo: Get Your Guide / Bites of Boston)
This gourmet visit to no fewer than six local eateries in South End, one of Boston’s most beautiful and diverse neighborhoods, affords the chance to marvel at the area’s iconic Victorian brownstone architecture. Restaurant and deli owners and chefs will share their secrets and local anecdotes as you learn about the history behind each of these longstanding establishments. You’re bound to relish every mouthful while strolling along Tremont Street, Colombus Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue, and one of the 30 parks and green spaces of South End. Includes alcoholic beverage pairing for 2-3 tastings. From $85 / person
From Food to Freedom Trail Walking Tour
Italian salumeria, Boston (photo: Viator / Intrepid Urban Adventures)
This leisurely five-hour tour (enough time to recover from even the most gratifying of food comas) begins in the historic Italian neighbourhood with tastings of homemade bread, cheese, and cured meats from an authentic Italian salumeria. Follow the Freedom Trail to delve deeper into the American Revolution and to discover Boston’s first bookstore and park, as well as the first public school in America. In addition to their sundry delicacies, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market boast stunning views of the city. Three food stops will offer a variety of local flavors, with an additional drink stop for a piping hot Italian beverage and pastry. From $104 / person
Boston Public Market & North End Foodie Tour with Local Guide
A whole lotta meat (photo: Viator / Boston Foodie Tours)
Wander through Boston’s busiest food markets – Boston Public Market and Haymarket Market (Fridays and Saturdays) and allow your tastebuds to succumb to local treats, from the famous lobster rolls to maple syrup on tap. Accompanied by a culinary expert, you will feast on Little Italy’s finest: fresh mozzarella, Sicilian cannoli glutted with ricotta. All tastings are included on this mouth-watering and eye-opening Boston excursion. From $85 / person
Underground Donut Tour – Boston Historic Downtown Tour
Eat your way to a coronary, Boston-style. (Photo: Underground Donut Tour / Get Your Guide)
To be clear, the redaction does not recommend consuming this quantity of donuts on a daily basis. Those with a sweet tooth in Boston need not look far for their fix: this tour will have you munching on the best downtown donuts: sample the daily flavors at Kane’s in the Financial District, try the local specialty of apple cider and cinnamon-sprinkled donuts (accompanied by a refreshing glass of apple cider to wash it down, of course) at Boston’s Public Market. Stop in at the historic Old North Church and explore Little Italy’s oldest bakeries. Complete your donut binge with a taste of the award-winning Union Square Donuts. Wicked tasty, as they say in Boston. From $40 / person