History tours · HISTORY WALKING TOURS IN THE USA

The 15 Best History Walking Tours in the USA

63 tours  ·  from $24 a head

The good history walking tours in the USA fill weeks ahead and the best of them go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour - Essex Street follows an older Salem route
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History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

1.History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14,564 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $36Our pick

Walk Salem with local guides such as Lisa, Michael, Sean, and Diane, hearing the facts behind the 1692 witch trials, ghost stories, architecture, and modern witchcraft. The route reaches the Witch Trials Memorial, Ropes Mansion, McIntire Historic District, Witch House, and more. Choose a daytime or lantern-lit departure, but expect to walk outdoors in all weather.

“Tour guide was great and very knowledgeable. She was very interactive and enthusiastic. Very happy I booked”

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Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour - Starting at Boston Common and the State House
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Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

2.Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,450 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Spend about 2.5 hours walking Boston’s full Freedom Trail with a historian guide. You’ll visit all 16 official landmarks, hear how events from 1760 to 1775 led to revolution, and finish near the North End. Guides such as Jon, Maura, Mark, and Alejandro are known for lively storytelling and thoughtful questions. Buildings are viewed from outside.

“Lots of walking but you learn so much and cut through the heart of historic Boston! Our guide Will was extremely knowledgeable and passionate on the subject!”

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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour - Begin at the Four Corners of Law
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Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

3.Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,216 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Meet your licensed local guide at Charleston City Hall for a two-hour walk through the Four Corners of Law, French Quarter, Rainbow Row, and South of Broad. Guides such as Al, Evans, Dennis, and Duggar are known for lively storytelling, architecture, and local tips. Expect flat streets, outdoor stops, and weather exposure.

“Very interesting tour of the historic district. Duggar, our guide, was very knowledgeable, interesting and fun. I would highly recommend this tour as an introduction to Charleston.”

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Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour - Following the candle through historic Savannah
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Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

4.Savannah History and Haunts Candlelit Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,235 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Walk Savannah’s historic center for about 90 minutes with guides such as Dan, Kel, or Kendra, hearing factual history, ghost lore, murders, executions, and local legends by candlelight. This is a story-led tour, not a jump-scare show, and it ends at Colonial Park Cemetery.

“A very nice walking tour, with several points of interest. It was indeed about an hour and a half. Our guide was very fun and very happy to answer questions, especially about hauntings at the hotels each guest was staying at. Would do again!”

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Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour - Historic homes and stories from the war years
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Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

5.Historic Savannah Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,918 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Walk Savannah’s Historic District with a local guide such as Pierce, Champ, Mike, or Savannah. Over about two hours, you’ll visit historic squares, homes, Factors Walk, River Street, Forsyth Park, and other landmarks while learning how Savannah grew. Headsets help you hear clearly in groups of up to 30.

“Very informative and cleverly-delivered tour by Pierce. Reasonable walking distance. Highly recommend!”

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New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour - Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 from outside the gates
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New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

6.New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,879 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Walk New Orleans’ Garden District with a local guide such as Caroline, Angie, or Sean. In about two hours, you’ll hear stories of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 from outside its gates, study antebellum homes and film locations, and get tips for food, music, and drinks. Groups are capped at 15.

“Not a ton of walking, but very informative. Learn and hear about a dozen homes and the different style of architecture. Also lots of other history about the Garden District.”

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French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour - The French Quarter: reading the oldest neighborhood
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French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

7.French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,724 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Walk the French Quarter with a professional English-speaking guide from Lucky Bean Tours. In about two hours, you’ll visit the French Market, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, Royal Street, and the Mississippi River. Guides such as Scott, Tim, Libby, Renee, Lesley, and Yvonne are known for lively stories, local advice, and plenty of time for questions.

“Lovely guide, very amenable - pleasant walk in French quarter. Was flexible as was new years and had to reroute around parade”

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Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour - South of Broad: quiet streets and private corners
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Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

8.Hidden Alleyways and Historic Sites Small-Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,335 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $34

Walk Charleston’s South of Broad and French Quarter districts with a licensed local guide. You’ll visit four to six alleys, see Rainbow Row, hear Revolutionary and Civil War stories, and learn about the city’s architecture and past. Guides praised by name include Duggar, Dennis, Evans Byrd, Al Mixson, Mark Jones, and Bruce.

“Duggar was a terrific guide. We really enjoyed his perspective and engaging story telling. We learned a lot, and saw a beautiful part of the city.”

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Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour - Meeting Vincente Martinez-Ybor at the starting point
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Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour

9.Historic Ybor City Food Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,210 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $89

Spend about three hours walking Ybor City, beginning at the statue of Vincente Martinez-Ybor and ending with food and coffee. Guides such as Cindy and Surch explain the district’s Cuban, German, Italian, and Spanish influences while you sample a Cuban sandwich, shepherd’s pie, calzone, cannoli, and Cuban coffee. Come hungry and wear comfortable shoes.

“Well worth it! The food was amazing. There was so much good food. It was also different types of food. Tour guide was exceptional! Highly recommend.”

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Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites - Betsy Ross House and Elfreth’s Alley
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Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

10.Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,020 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $43

Spend 90 minutes walking Philadelphia’s Old City with a local guide, often Seamus, Joseph, Amanda, or Ty. Expect humor, Revolutionary-era stories, and photo stops at more than 10 landmarks, including Elfreth’s Alley, Christ Church, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. It is a strong first-day introduction, though indoor admission is limited.

“Joseph was a wealth of history knowledge and had great stories and added some fun in as well! Would definitely recommend him for a future tour.”

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Southern Flavors Food, Pub Crawl, and History Walking Tour - The Historic District: tasting Southern staples
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Southern Flavors Food, Pub Crawl, and History Walking Tour

11.Southern Flavors Food, Pub Crawl, and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,623 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $60

This three-hour Savannah food walk begins at Johnson Square and visits about six food stops between Broughton Street and River Street. You’ll sample Southern favorites, international flavors, and dessert while hearing stories about Savannah. Christina, Christine, or Cricket may lead the group. Food and nonalcoholic beverages are included, with alcohol available to buy.

“Christina is very knowledgeable. She made the entire experience fun. Her expertise started before the tour..sh called to confirm and check dietary restrictions. During conversation I said we had never been to Savannah. She gave us great tips that probably saved us $100+ in parking and Ubers”

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Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour - Starting at Boston Common and the State House
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Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

12.Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,590 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Follow Boston’s Freedom Trail for 2.5 hours with an English-speaking local guide and a maximum of 15 people. You’ll visit burial grounds, meetinghouses, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s home, Old North Church, and more, ending with views of the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument. Guides may include Maura, Nick, Cyrus, Alejandro, or Zoe.

“Mark was an excellent guide! He really knew his history and was able to give extra bits of information he knew! Even though it was freezing (came in late Feb), it was totally worth it!”

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Genteel and Bard's Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Walking Tour - Wright Square and Savannah’s first murder
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Genteel and Bard’s Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Walking Tour

13.Genteel and Bard’s Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,546 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $39

Walk central Savannah for about two hours with Genteel and Bard guides such as Juliana, Jovi, Ollie, or TC. You’ll hear documented dark history, first-account letters, music, and ghost lore through a high-range headset while stopping at squares, cemeteries, and haunted landmarks. The tour stays outdoors and welcomes up to 22 people.

“Julianna was fantastic! She is an excellent storyteller, providing interesting information along with lots of wit / humour! She kept us engaged from beginning to end. Thank you for the wonderful tour!”

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New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour - Hot sauces, seasonings, and the spicy side of Louisiana food
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New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

14.New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,544 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $85

Start at 3rd Block Depot in the French Quarter for a progressive lunch of gumbo, hot sauces, pralines, po-boys, muffulettas, boudin, red beans and rice, and bread pudding. Guides such as Beth, Meg, Dylan, John, and Sarah pair each bite with New Orleans history. The small-group tour runs in morning or afternoon, rain or shine.

“Yummy variety of food, knowledgeable and funny tour guide! Beth is super knowledgeable about the history of New Orleans as well as cuisine history. She answered all of our questions and even shared some recipes with us. She was fabulous!!”

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Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel - Old Exchange, Provost Dungeon, and the path to the Revolution
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Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel

15.Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,284 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $40

Join Eric Lager, Ph.D., a history professor at The Citadel, for a roughly three-hour walk through Charleston’s historic center. In a group capped at 12, you’ll connect buildings, politics, religion, architecture, and the Civil War, from Dock Street Theater to the Battery. Admission to the Heyward-Washington House and Old Exchange is not included.

“Highly recommend this tour. Our guide was a rare combination of hugely knowledgeable, highly engaging, humorous. We learned lots - historical and otherwise.”

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New in History Walking Tours in the USA

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