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Back Bay’s Victorian Architecture

Explore Boston’s Back Bay, home to one of the United States’ richest collections of art and architecture

victorian buildings in boston's back bay

Tour Description

On this guided tour, explore how Boston’s back bay was filled in to become one of the United States’ richest collections of art and architecture.

The treasures of this Back Bay tour include Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, Old South Church and grand Back Bay townhouses.

Walk back in time to uncover splendid examples of Victorian architecture.

Tour Information

tour duration
DURATION

90 minutes

tour distance
DISTANCE

0.65 mile

tour terrain level 1
TERRAIN

mostly flat surfaces and little to no inclines

Public Tour Calendar

Private Tours

Boston By Foot private tours are perfect for family groups, school groups, corporate groups, university and alumni groups, people who wish to tour with their pets, and anyone looking for a more personalized tour experience.

Starting Location

Meet your guide in Copley Square, on the steps of Trinity Church that face Dartmouth Street.

PLEASE NOTE: If Trinity Church steps are unavailable due to construction or other activities, meet your guide across the street in the plaza outside 200 Clarendon/John Hancock Tower at the corner of Clarendon St and St. James Ave.

Finding Your Guide: All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Boston By Foot Walking Tours.”

Nearest Accessible MBTA Station: Copley (Green Line)

Ending Location

This tour ends in the general area of the John Hancock Building.

Nearest Accessible MBTA Stations: Copley (Green Line) and Back Bay (Orange Line & Commuter Rail)

“Wow! Oh My! What a great tour of the Freedom Trail, best tour I ever had! Your guide was great. He was 5 star! He was the best! We would like to take him home with us to Atlanta to give us tours there! He was cheerful, spoke very well, and knew what he was talking about. All of us will always remember our great Boston By Foot tour. A great tour and a great guide! You are great people!”
— Atlanta, GA