Explore Boston’s Dark Side: A Chilling North End Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to walk steadily for 1.5 hours with occasional stops on varied historic street surfaces.
Overview
Join an unforgettable private tour through Boston’s North End, where chilling tales of history’s darkest moments come alive. Discover stories of epidemics, tragedy, and unusual disasters that shaped this iconic neighborhood.
The Dark Side of Boston
Hear tales of misery, misfortune and murder - all based on true historic events!
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 1.5-hour tour through Boston's North End, where you'll uncover chilling tales of misery and murder rooted in true history. Discover the Great Influenza, smallpox outbreaks, and the Molasses Flood as you wander the charming streets of the city's oldest neighborhood, making for an unforgettable experience.
Duration, Distance, Terrain
1.5 hours 1 mile at a moderate pace, stopping at various sites along the tour
About
On this tour through the North End’s winding streets and alleyways, you will hear tales of misery, misfortune, and murder. These dark stories are all based on true historical events that have occurred in Boston.
Learn about the Great Influenza of 1918, outbreaks of smallpox, the Molasses Flood, and the infamous Brink's Robbery against the backdrop of Boston's oldest neighborhood.
Exploring the North End is always a delight. It's even better when investigating stories from Boston's checkered past!
Meeting location:
Meet your guide at the corner of Hanover & Cross Streets, Boston (the statue of boxer Tony DeMarco across from the Greenway).
Finding Your Guide: All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Boston By Foot Walking Tours.”
Nearest MBTA Station: Haymarket (Orange & Green Lines)
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, water bottle
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Prepare for walking on historic cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks during the tour.
Plan for Evening Tours in Cooler Weather
Evening tours can be cooler, especially outside of summer months, so dress accordingly.
Be Ready for Low Lighting
Some parts of the tour feature dimly lit streets; bring a small flashlight if you wish.
Reserve in Advance
Private tours fill up quickly, so booking ahead ensures your preferred date and time.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban pigeons common in the North End
- Squirrels frequenting nearby parks
History
Boston’s North End is the city’s oldest neighborhood, where waves of immigrants settled and historic tragedies deeply impacted the community.
Conservation
Efforts to maintain the historic integrity of Boston’s streets promote sustainable tourism and protect the neighborhood’s cultural heritage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Boston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive shoes help navigate uneven cobblestone and pavement throughout the tour.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Spring evenings can be chilly; a light layer keeps you comfortable.
spring specific
Flashlight or Smartphone Torch
Helpful for navigating dimly lit streets as sunset comes early during autumn.
fall specific
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warmer summer tours with a reusable water bottle.
summer specific