Boston in 2 Days - New England Aquarium & Central Wharf
In Collaboration with Boston Sightseeing. Updated on April 3, 2026.
Single-ride pass for Boston’s open-top double-decker sightseeing bus. A guided 1 hour 30 minute loop that visits major landmarks and neighbourhoods (New England Aquarium, Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Old State House, Downtown, Boston Common/Public Garden, Beacon Hill, Back Bay/Copley, Massachusetts State House). Meet at the Boston Sightseeing Welcome Center on Atlantic Avenue. Final reboarding of a
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Boston Sightseeing, inspired by the tour Boston Sightseeing Single Ride Pass With Double Decker Tour Bus. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- New England Aquarium & Central Wharf
- Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market
- Historic Old State House and Downtown Crossing
- Boston Common & Public Garden (Swan Boats)
- Beacon Hill and Charles River views
More than 24 itineraries in Boston.
Itinerary
Day 1
Single 1 hour 30 minute guided loop on the open-top double-decker bus. Board at the Boston Sightseeing Departing & Welcome Center (206 Atlantic Ave). The route follows the published stops in order; passengers remain on the single-ride loop for the duration. Final reboarding of the day takes place at Stop 1 at 4:00 PM.
Boarding: Boston Sightseeing Departing & Welcome Center (206 Atlantic Ave)
Meet at the operator welcome/boarding point on Atlantic Avenue for ticket check and boarding. Staff provide free route maps and brief safety/orientation before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before scheduled departure to check in and secure lower-deck seating if desired.
- Bring a compact stroller that folds easily—staff can help stow it on the lower deck; allow extra time for folding.
- Carry a refillable water bottle; staff will provide route maps but there is limited onboard storage for food.
Stop 1: New England Aquarium / Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market
Short viewing and photo stop near Central Wharf — views to the New England Aquarium and access to Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market area for quick snacks or restrooms if needed.
- Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan a quick restroom break or snack at Quincy Market, stay within 8–12 minutes to reboard with the group.
- The sidewalk and boardwalk here are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible; follow staff directions for safe alighting and reboarding.
- Use the shelter under the market buildings if rain starts—reboarding will wait a short time for families with small children.
Stop 2: Old State House & Historic District
Drive-by and short pause at the Old State House area with views of the historic district and Boston City Hall from the bus.
- Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- For families with small children, point out the historic markers from the bus—walk-through time is limited on a single-ride pass.
- Keep jackets handy; coastal Boston can be breezy even in spring when seated on the open top.
- Use this stop to check that all small items are secured—drivers will remind passengers before departing.
Stop 3: Downtown Boston (Downtown Crossing / Park Street area)
View key downtown sites including Park Street Church, Old Granary Burial Ground, and the Boston Opera House from the bus route with a short pause.
Tips from local experts:
- Downtown Crossing can be busy—keep children close if you step off for photos during designated short stops.
- If anyone needs a quick restroom or snack, note the operator will pause briefly but does not provide extended layovers on a single ride.
- Use the photo-shot moments while the bus is stopped; the driver will indicate best sides for skyline and church steeple views.
Stop 4: Boston Common & Public Garden (Swan Boats views)
Short viewing stop beside Boston Common and the Public Garden; a traditional family photo spot with views of the Swan Boats lagoon and open green space.
- Monday6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Tuesday6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Wednesday6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Tips from local experts:
- The Public Garden paths are stroller-friendly; if you step off, keep to paved walkways to avoid uneven cobbles.
- If you want a closer look at the Swan Boats, note rides operate seasonally and are separate from the bus—plan extra time outside the single-ride loop.
- Find shaded seating near the Common edge if little ones need a rest; reboarding times are strict on the loop.
Stop 5: Cheers Pub / Beacon Hill & Charles River views
Pause near Beacon Hill for views of narrow streets, historic brick homes, and glimpses toward the Charles River; Cheers Beacon Hill is a recognizable stop for photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Beacon Hill streets are cobbled and can be uneven—use stroller brakes and hold hands when stepping off the bus.
- If you plan a quick souvenir photo at the Cheers sign, wait until the bus stops fully and follow staff crossing directions.
- This area has limited public restrooms; plan short snack breaks at earlier stops or on the bus.
Stop 6: Boston Public Library / Copley Square / Back Bay
Quick stop for views of Copley Square, the Boston Public Library façades, and Back Bay’s Newbury Street shopping corridor from the bus.
- Monday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Copley Square has step-free access points—ask staff for the best safe place to disembark briefly if needed.
- If anyone in your group needs an indoor restroom, the library has public facilities—plan to reboard promptly as the loop is timed.
- Use this stop for a quick stretch after longer seated sections; the bus will allow a short pause for families to regroup.
Stop 7: Trinity Church / Back Bay (Clarendon Street)
Short viewing stop at Back Bay with a focus on Trinity Church’s exterior and the character of the neighbourhood.
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- Trinity Church is best appreciated from the square; exterior photos are quicker than an interior visit on a single-ride pass.
- This area has limited curb space for long alighting—follow crew instructions for safe boarding with children.
- If anyone needs to use elevators or avoid stairs, plan this at the Copley Square stop where accessible routes are clearer.
Stop 8: Massachusetts State House / Financial District (final loop return)
Final short pause to view the State House golden dome over Boston Common and the Financial District skyline before returning to the Welcome Center.
- Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- The State House viewpoint is a quick photo stop—keep group together and reboard promptly to stay on the single-ride schedule.
- If anyone needs an accessible boarding point for the return, inform staff at this stop so they can assist.
- Allow a minute to check personal items before the final reboarding; the bus completes the loop and returns to the Welcome Center.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Neighborhood, Outdoor |
