Explore Boston’s South End with Me

The South End neighborhood is one of Boston's largest and most diverse, with delicious restaurants, beautiful architecture, and rich local history.

About this Tour

This walking tour takes guests on a journey through Boston's South End, visiting historical sites, cafés, and famous filming locations where scenes from Ted, The Equalizer, The Tender Bar and more were filmed. I will meet you outside Flour Bakery + Cafe and we will stroll through the parks, past the many community gardens, see the cathedral and converted churches, and discuss the ups and downs of urban renewal.

The South End is a Foodie Mecca

Boston's South End offers some of the best dining in the city. We will visit some of the local cafes and see why Boston locals come to the South End to eat!

Crime Scene and Film Locations

We will cover an overview of Boston history and I will tell the tragic tale of a Victorian murder and a scandal that broke in Boston and rocked the world! You’ll learn about the stars who have filmed movies on these streets and one who exercised his dog while living here during the filming of a marathon bombing movie.

Explore Revolutionary, Immigration, and Segregation History

We will walk where the Patriots and Redcoats crossed the Boston Neck into and out of Boston. We will talk about how the South End became one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Boston. I will share "best-kept secrets" to enhance your time in my favorite city!

Tour Details

Tour Duration
2 Hour Tour
1+/- Mile (uneven sidewalks, mostly flat terrain).
Starting Location
Tour starts at Flour Bakery + Cafe 1595 Washington Street. **Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts.
Ending Location
Tour ends in front of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Washington Street.
Individual Pricing
Adults: $25
Child (2-18): $20
Infant: $0
Contact for Private group pricing
Weather
Tours go rain or shine wind or snow. Watch the forecast and dress for the weather.

Reviews

Boston's best!

“Ellen and Darth Vader are the best tour guides in Boston! Ellen is so welcoming and hospitable. The tour was engaging and fun - Ellen knows the history of Boston well and is very passionate about sharing the stories of landmarks, buildings, and parks. I especially loved that the tour lacked the ostentatiousness of other tours as Ellen is very down to earth. Darth Vader is an amazing dog and loves everyone. Highly recommend!”
— Sarah
How good is this tour? It’s “book another tour with Ellen mid-tour” good!

“Ellen knows her stuff and I would highly recommend trying to book at the beginning of your stay so you have plenty of fantastic recommendations for your stay. Absolutely phenomenally curated tour with information only a local can truly understand, convey & share with you. 100% recommend this tour and I look forward to my next tour with Ellen!”
— Priscilla
Ellen is a five-star tour guide!

“She’s super knowledgeable about her neighborhood and gives interesting information about a lot of subjects. It was like walking with a friend. I recommend this tour to everyone who’s interested in history, little-known facts, stories of famous or infamous people, or just want to know where to eat or grab a tasty snack in South End..”
— Daphné
Highly recommend!

“You can tell the passion that Ellen has for her neighborhood, history, and the city of Boston! Highly recommended! I feel like I made a friend :)”
— Lingo
Don’t hesitate…book with Ellen!!

“She’s educated and a great storyteller with a wealth of information. Can’t wait to go back to Boston and book other trips with her. The south end is a must!! She even opened up a date and time to work for me which she did not have to do:)”
— Ann
Eye opening!

“Opened my eyes to a lot of interesting features I would've otherwise completely missed. The South End is charming and full of stories, which Ellen excels at retelling. She's enthusiastic and super knowledgeable (having lived there on and off since the 80s): her tour is peppered with anecdotes, Hollywood-related factoids, and restaurant tips. Recommend this experience for sure.”
— Yasmine
Her passion is loud and clear!

“We had a fantastic time exploring the South End with Ellen! Her knowledge and passion for the history of the neighborhood as well as the current vibe comes through loud and clear as she guides you past quaint shops and restaurants. She was even kind enough to stop and let us find extra bags for our souvenirs since it was raining! A very fantastic and knowledgeable experience, and very helpful since we are planning to move here.”
— Jonathan