Sweet-toothed visitors to Boston are in for a treat with the city home to some of America’s finest donuts – a selection of which can be savoured during a donut-themed guided tour.
(Photo: Underground Donut Tour / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
The much-loved dough-based pastry is popular the world over, with many cities laying claim to the title of the world’s best. Boston has long since been a strong contender, with the sugary snack available at foodie outlets across the city. For visitors keen to judge for themselves, there’s even an option to combine a guided tour of Boston with the chance to sample a selection of its finest donuts. But is Boston’s Underground Donut Tour all it cracked up to be? Check out our review below.
About the tour
Your 2-hour tour begins at Kane’s Donuts in Downtown Boston where you will meet your guide and fellow group of up to 20 tour guests. While here, you’ll get to try your first samples of the day, picking from a choice of over 40 types of donut, including such mouth-watering varieties as crème brûlée & red velvet.
Next, you’ll take a leisurely walk along the scenic waterfront, stopping at a local bakery to sample one of their donuts before continuing on to Boston’s Public Market for another opportunity to try a slice of donut served up by local vendors, washed down with some apple cider, if you wish to partake in some light day-time drinking. From the market, you’ll pass through some of Boston’s most notable places of interest, including Rose Kennedy Greenway and the historic Little Italy neighbourhood, as your guide offers insights about the landmarks that you pass and the city’s rich history as a whole. You’ll then arrive at the famous Quincy Market, another renowned purveyor of all manner of foodie treats, including delectable donuts, where another bite-sized tasting awaits you.
As you approach the end of the tour, there’ll be time for a final stop off one of Boston’s oldest bakeries, Bova’s Bakery, in the city’s North End district, for a final dose of donut gorging to bring your memorable experience to a close.
Evaluation
Overall, Boston’s Underground Donut Tour receives positive feedback from former guests. It is particularly popular with families with small kids, with the regular stop-off for donuts serving as a useful distraction from the more historical aspects of the tour which may not necessarily appeal. The donut tastings also act as a useful reward for their little legs doing all of that walking.
However, adults shouldn’t be lulled into thinking that the tour is geared primarily towards kids. While the historical insights you’ll hear as you walk through the city are likely to be more appreciated by an adult crowd, even the donuts themselves will likely be appreciated by anyone with a sugary penchant. These, are, after all, hand-picked donuts by a company who are keen to promote Boston’s standing in the pantheon of donut purveyors around the world. In short, Boston’s donuts aren’t just for kids, they are for everyone.
Another question often asked is how you can keep your appetite to sample so many donuts. However, all of the donut tastings that take place during the tour are delivered in quarters, leaving enough room to try them all over the course of the tour.
In conclusion, we would highly recommend Boston’s Underground Donut Tour for anyone keen to learn more about Boston’s distant past and the evolution of the city while keeping your taste buds entertained.
Practical info
Boston’s Underground Donut Tour lasts for around 2 hours and is available on most days of the week, with start times ranging from 9am to 1pm. Tours take place entirely outdoors and in all weather, so guests are encouraged to bring comfortable and weather-appropriate shoes and clothing. Pets (apart from assistance dogs) are not allowed and smoking on the tour is also prohibited. If guests have any dietary restrictions, they should inform the tour organisers in advance. You can cancel your tour booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
You can book Boston’s Underground Donut Tour at GetYourGuide