Brass and Bronze: Audio Guide to Boston's Art and Monuments
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Brass and Bronze: Audio Guide to Boston's Art and Monuments

Active
1h - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this self-guided tour, you'll pay tribute to Boston's key figures and unlock its 400-year history. Experience the magic of GPS-playback on this immersive stroll through Boston.

Boston’s art is the key to unlocking its rich 400-year history. On this walking tour, you’ll hear the backstories behind the city’s monuments, learn about the artists involved, and discover how Bostonians reacted when the pieces were first unveiled.

For history and art enthusiasts, this tour goes beyond the textbooks, exploring the personalities and artwork that bring the city to life.

You’ll follow the Freedom Trail through the city’s historical core. Boston’s self-image has lots to teach us. Discover a one-of-a-kind blend of history and art in this four-hundred-year-old “City on the Hill” that will leave you with a unique outlook.

Available options

Brass and Bronze: Audio Guide to Boston's Art and Monuments

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

1

Start at James Michael Curley Park and hear about how this infamous mayor ran the city for seven months while serving time in jail. Understand how his statues symbolize the political shifts in Boston.

2

Next, visit Faneuil Hall, often called the Cradle of Liberty. Learn about its historical significance and why it has been a central meeting place for debates and discussions.

3

See the statue of Red Auerbach, legendary coach of the Boston Celtics. Hear about his compassionate deeds and contributions to Boston’s sports culture.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

Stroll through Quincy Market, Boston’s outstanding food court, and get a taste of the city’s culinary diversity.

5

Pass by the Dock Square Parking Garage, where you'll see the tea kettle that once held eight boys inside – a quirky piece of Boston’s past.

6

Admire the statue of Samuel Adams, a key figure in the American Revolution. Learn why the statue reportedly bears little resemblance to the man himself.

7

Visit the statue of Bill Russell, the celebrated Boston Celtics player, and hear about his impact both on and off the court.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

Explore the Old State House, Boston’s prior seat of government, and delve into its role in the city's colonial history.

9

Relax in Readers' Park and enjoy the serene environment dedicated to book lovers and the city's literary heritage.

10

Reflect at the Boston Irish Famine Memorial and understand the significance of the Irish community in shaping Boston’s history.

11

See the Democracy Donkey statue and find out how it was initially used as an insult before becoming the symbol of the Democratic Party.

12

Pass by Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in America, and learn about its notable alumni and historical importance.

13
Stop 13 Pass by

Discover the Boston Athenaeum, one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States, and its vast collection of rare books and artworks.

14

See the powerful Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial, commemorating the first African American regiment in the Civil War.

15

Learn about Mary Dyer, a Quaker martyr, and her fight for religious freedom, represented by her statue.

16

Admire the statue of John F. Kennedy and hear about the extensive research that went into capturing his likeness and legacy.

17

Enjoy the whimsical Frog Fishing sculpture, a playful piece that brings a touch of humor to the city’s artistic landscape.

18

Learn about The Great Elm, a historic tree that stood on Boston Common for centuries and was a symbol of the city's endurance.

19

Experience The Embrace, a recent addition to Boston’s public art, symbolizing unity and the city’s ongoing commitment to social justice.

20

Reflect on the Boston Massacre at the Crispus Attucks Memorial, honoring the first casualty of the American Revolution.

21

Visit the Lafayette Mall Monument and learn about Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolution.

22

Conclude the tour at Brewer Fountain, a beautiful piece of public art that has graced Boston Common since 1868.

What's not included

Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
Entrance fees

Available languages

Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Important information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

Meeting point

The tour begins at Union Square, at the intersection of Congress and Clinton Streets. The park is sandwiched behind City Hall, opposite Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. 

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Boston

Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is rich in history, culture, and education. Known for its significant role in the American Revolution and its prestigious universities, Boston offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Top Attractions

Freedom Trail

A 2.5-mile (4 km) walking route that passes 16 locations significant to the history of the United States, including churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, museums, and historic markers.

Historical 3-4 hours Free to walk the trail; individual attractions may have admission fees

Fenway Park

Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and a must-visit for sports fans and history buffs alike.

Sports/Historical 1-3 hours (tour or game) Tour: $20-$25; Game tickets: $30-$200+

Boston Common

America's oldest public park, Boston Common is a central gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering green spaces, walking paths, and seasonal activities.

Parks/Historical 1-2 hours Free (Swan Boats: $4-$5 per ride)

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the MFA houses nearly 450,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.

Museum 2-4 hours $27 (adults), free for children under 17

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

A group of islands in Boston Harbor offering outdoor recreation, historic sites, and stunning views of the city skyline.

Nature/Historical Half-day to full-day trip $5-$15 per person, depending on the island and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Clam Chowder

A creamy, hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon or salt pork. Boston-style clam chowder is typically made with milk or cream and is served with oyster crackers.

Soup Contains dairy and sometimes pork; vegetarian and vegan versions are available at some restaurants.

Lobster Roll

A buttered, toasted split-top roll filled with lobster meat, usually dressed with mayo or butter. Some versions include celery or other vegetables for added crunch.

Sandwich Contains shellfish and may contain dairy or eggs; gluten-free buns may be available at some restaurants.

Boston Cream Pie

A layered dessert consisting of sponge cake filled with custard or cream and topped with chocolate glaze. It's the official dessert of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Dessert Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; vegan and gluten-free versions may be available at some restaurants.

Oysters

Boston is known for its fresh oysters, which can be found at many seafood restaurants and raw bars. They are typically served on the half-shell with various toppings or sauces.

Appetizer Contains shellfish; vegan and vegetarian options may be available at some restaurants.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Blue Hills Reservation Kayaking or paddleboarding in the Charles River Biking along the Charles River Esplanade Rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders Picnicking in the Boston Common or Public Garden Strolling along the Charles River Esplanade Enjoying a spa day at one of Boston's many luxury spas Reading a book at the Boston Public Library

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall (May to October)

This is the best time to visit Boston for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, French, Italian
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Boston is generally a safe city for travelers, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Some areas of the city, such as certain neighborhoods in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation
  • • Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and always check the fare before starting your journey
  • • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys, and avoid sharing personal information

Getting there

By air
  • Logan International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from city center
By train

South Station, North Station

By bus

South Station, Logan Airport

Getting around

Public transport

The MBTA subway system is efficient and affordable, with four main lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange) connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown/Financial District Back Bay North End South End Fenway-Kenmore Beacon Hill

Day trips

Salem
16 miles (26 km) from Boston • Half-day to full-day trip

A historic coastal city known for its connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and waterfront activities.

Lexington and Concord
10-15 miles (16-24 km) from Boston • Full-day trip

Two historic towns that played significant roles in the American Revolution. Lexington and Concord offer a mix of historic sites, museums, and scenic walking trails.

Cape Cod
60-80 miles (97-129 km) from Boston, depending on the destination • Full-day trip or overnight stay

A popular summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and outdoor recreation. Cape Cod offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Festivals

Boston Harbor Hotel Chowder Festival • October (annual) Boston Pride • June (annual) Boston Film Festival • September (annual)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Freedom Trail early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
  • Take advantage of free or discounted admission days at museums and other attractions, such as the Museum of Fine Arts' free Wednesday evenings or the Boston Public Library's free exhibits and events
  • Explore Boston's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions
  • Try local specialties, such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston cream pie, at historic and iconic eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Mike's Pastry
  • Attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, one of the most iconic and historic baseball stadiums in the world
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 6-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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