Explore Boston City Hall: Architecture & History Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels with minimal walking and no strenuous activity.
Overview
Discover Boston City Hall’s bold architecture and rich history on a private tour with Boston By Foot. Explore an iconic landmark that continues to shape the city.
Boston City Hall
New tour for 2025, exploring the ins and outs of Boston's historic City Hall
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Discover the intriguing contrasts of Boston City Hall on a free guided tour with Boston By Foot. Explore its bold brutalist architecture, delve into its rich history, and understand its vital role in the community. Gain fresh insights and feel inspired by this iconic landmark that shapes Boston's future.
About
Explore Boston City Hall with Boston By Foot on a free guided tour! Whether you love its striking brutalist design or think it's the ugliest building in the city, there is much to discover about this iconic landmark.
Join us as we explore City Hall’s unique design, its history, and how it serves the people of Boston today. On the tour, we’ll visit the grand ceremonial spaces, the public service areas, and the offices where elected officials and city employees work to make important decisions for our community.
As we walk through the building, you’ll learn about how its design reflects both the politics and the practicalities of running a city. We’ll discuss how City Hall’s architecture impacts the lives of Boston residents, and invite you to think about how the building works both in everyday life and as a symbol of our city’s values.
By the end of the tour, you’ll see City Hall in a whole new light and leave with a deeper understanding of its important role in Boston’s story. We hope you’ll feel inspired and connected to this welcoming place that helps shape the future of our city!
This tour is presented in partnership with the City of Boston.
Duration, Distance, Terrain
- 1 hour
- .5 mile at a moderate pace, stopping at various sites along the tour
- Mostly flat surfaces and little inclines.
- Elevators provide access to each floor of City Hall. Please contact us at info@bostonbyfoot.org or 617-367-2345 if you plan to attend this tour and will require accommodations or if you have questions about accessibility.
Meeting location:
Meet your guide inside the Government Center MBTA Station station at the entrance/exit facing City Hall
Finding Your Guide: All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Boston By Foot Walking Tours.”
Nearest MBTA Station: Government Center (Blue and Green lines)
What to bring
- All visitors to City Hall must go through security to enter the building. All persons and packages entering the building are subject to search. Firearms, knives, mace, or other weapons are prohibited.
- Comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, water bottle
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts to ensure a smooth check-in and to get settled.
Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable shoes as the tour includes walking and standing indoors and outdoors.
Weather Preparation
Dress appropriately for the weather since part of the tour is outside near the plaza and public spaces.
Photography Allowed
Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the striking exterior and interior architectural details.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban squirrels commonly seen in nearby parks
- Pigeons around the plaza and rooftops
History
Boston City Hall was completed in 1968 and is a leading example of brutalist architecture that sparked debate but remains a significant civic building today.
Conservation
Efforts have been made to improve the sustainability of City Hall by upgrading energy systems and promoting pedestrian-friendly public spaces.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Boston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for standing and walking during the tour around City Hall and adjacent areas.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during warm summer tours in Boston’s city environment.
summer specific
Light jacket or layers
Spring weather can be variable, so layering helps you stay comfortable.
spring specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the unique brutalist design and historical details of Boston City Hall.