Haunted Things To Do in Boston, Massachusetts: Ghost Tours, Legends, and Historic Hauntings
- Desirae-Haunted Traverse
- 3 hours ago
- 6 min read
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, and with centuries of war, revolution, disease, and unrest woven into its foundations, it’s no surprise that the city has earned a reputation as one of America’s most haunted destinations.
From historic burying grounds to shadowed alleyways and candlelit streets, Boston offers a unique blend of paranormal lore and walkable history. For travelers interested in ghost stories, haunted locations, and after-dark experiences, Boston is a city where the past refuses to stay silent.
Haunted Things To Do in Boston, Massachusetts: Best Ghost Tours
Looking for haunted things to do and ghost tours in Boston, Massachusetts? You are in the right place because one of the most popular ways to explore haunted Boston is through guided ghost tours, many of which operate nightly throughout the year. Here are my recommendations!
Haunted Boston Ghost Tours
This 90-minute walking tour explores the hauntings at Omni Parker House, Boston Common, and Boston Athenaeum's and more local ghostly tales.
Haunted Boston Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
A walking tour that explores haunted pubs, passing by haunted cemeteries, and sites rich with Revolutionary War heritage over a 2.5 hour stroll.
Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour
A nice respite from a day of walking on a trolley tour through haunted Boston's most paranormally rich sites. A guide, costume in 17 century garb enthralls guests with stories about haunted cemeteries, streets, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground.
Explore Salem from Boston
A quick trip to Salem will have this small group tour exploring the Salem Witch Trials, Haunted Locations in Salem, and Lunch with shopping too.
Want to learn more about Haunted and Bewitched Salem?
Read Haunted Traverse's Article Here 👉Haunted Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts: Ghost Tours, Witch History & Paranormal Experiences
Why Boston Is Considered One of America’s Most Haunted Cities
Founded in 1630, Boston witnessed some of the most defining — and violent — moments in American history. Epidemics, executions, wars, and political upheaval shaped the city and left emotional imprints that many paranormal researchers believe contribute to hauntings.
Places associated with sudden death, unresolved conflict, and intense human emotion are often linked to reported paranormal activity. Boston’s long and turbulent history makes it a natural focal point for ghost stories that have endured for generations.
A Famous Boston Ghost Story: The Ghost of the Omni Parker House
One of Boston’s most enduring ghost stories is tied to the historic Omni Parker House, a hotel that has stood in the heart of the city since 1855.
Among the spirits said to haunt the building is the ghost of Harvey Parker, the hotel’s original owner. Guests and staff have reported seeing a well-dressed man wandering the halls, adjusting portraits, or checking on the property as though ensuring everything remains in proper order.
Another frequently reported apparition is that of a former elevator operator, believed to be named Abigail. Witnesses describe hearing unexplained footsteps, feeling sudden cold drafts, and seeing elevator doors open and close on their own — even when the elevator is not in use.
Room 303 is often mentioned in paranormal reports, with guests claiming flickering lights, phantom knocks, and an uneasy sensation while staying overnight. Over the decades, these repeated experiences have cemented the Omni Parker House as one of the most haunted locations in Boston.
Because of its central location and long history, the hotel remains a popular stop on many Boston ghost tours and is frequently referenced in local paranormal lore.
Many Boston ghost tours include stories of the Omni Parker House, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in the city’s haunted history. There is a well reviewed ghost tour that includes Omni Parker House as a stop
Haunted Places to Visit in Boston
Boston Common
Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States and has served many purposes throughout its history, including public executions, military encampments, and burial grounds.
Visitors and tour guides report sightings of shadow figures, unexplained lights, and the ghost of a former British officer believed to wander the park after dark.
There is a well reviewed ghost tour that explore Boston Common & Beacon Hill
Granary Burying Ground
The Granary Burying Ground is the final resting place of notable figures such as Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. Despite its historical significance, many visitors report strange sensations, cold spots, and the feeling of being watched while walking among the graves.
King’s Chapel Burying Ground
Dating back to 1630, King’s Chapel Burying Ground is Boston’s oldest cemetery. Graves are layered several bodies deep, and paranormal reports include unexplained sounds, apparitions, and an oppressive atmosphere late at night.
Omni Parker House
The Omni Parker House is one of Boston’s most famous haunted hotels. Guests and staff have reported flickering lights, phantom footsteps, and objects moving on their own. The hotel is often associated with multiple spirits, including former employees and historical figures.
There is a well reviewed ghost tour that includes Omni Parker House as a stop
Why Take a Ghost Tour in Boston?
I often ask my tour guests to recommend ghost tours to hop on while I travel and Boston is one of the most recommended outside of Savannah. With good reason too!
Boston’s compact layout makes it ideal for walking tours, especially at night. Ghost tours allow visitors to explore historic neighborhoods safely while learning local history beyond traditional museums. And of course you have outstanding history spanning the inception of the United States of America and pre-colonial times.
For many travelers, these tours become a memorable highlight of their visit, offering entertainment, education, and a deeper connection to the city’s past. And don't forget the best way to make sure you don't miss a thing during your visit.
Planning Your Haunted Visit to Boston
Best time to visit:Fall offers peak atmosphere, though tours run year-round.
What to wear:Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers.
Who should go:
Paranormal enthusiasts
History lovers
Couples and small groups
Travelers seeking unique nighttime experiences
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Final Thoughts
Boston’s ghosts are not loud or theatrical. They linger quietly — in graveyards, along brick-lined streets, and within buildings that have witnessed centuries of human history.
For those willing to explore after dark, Boston offers not just stories of the past, but encounters with memories that never truly left.
Thank you for visiting this article!
Wishing You Safe and Spirited Travels, my Dear Readers. ~Dez
Let's Explore More if You Have Time!
I explore the emotional and personal side of haunted travel and spiritual curiosity in my Substack reflections->Substack Here 🌙
More Haunted Destinations to Explore
Haunted travel doesn’t stop here. I’m continuing to explore some of the most paranormally active destinations across the U.S., including Savannah, Salem, Charleston, and beyond.
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If haunted travel draws you in, these destinations are known for their ghost tours, paranormal history, and unexplained encounters.
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