Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission
4.5
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum Admission
By Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
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About
Gain admission to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum and learn how this significant event of 1773 kick-started the American Revolution. A live-guided tour is included with your ticket to one of Boston’s top-rated museums. Be sure to explore one of the famed tall ships, and don't miss your chance to throw the fated tea into Boston Harbor.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99
Duration: 1h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Written guide: Arabic, German, Norwegian, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
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Highlights
- Admission and live-guided tour of the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
- Family-friendly experience includes entry to both of the tall ships
- Centrally located near public transportation in Boston
- Live Narrated Guided Tour
- Entry/Admission - Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
- Guaranteed to skip the lines
What's not included- Gratuities
- Museum closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and subject to closures for private events.
- Start:
- 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, USA
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5650TEA- Most travellers can participate
- ALL guests must check in on-site 15 minutes prior to your tour time. Anyone not checked in within 15 minutes of their tour time may be considered a no-show and their seats may be re-allocated.
- MUSEUM CLOSED ON THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS DAY
- SKIP THE LINE
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5650TEA
From
₹3,037.27
per adult
Select date and travellers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- markwC1913JM0 contributionsOverpriced melodramaVery expensive. More melodrama than historic. A wast of time. Hard to hear. Rushed through due to timing of next tour. Worst thing I did in boston.Written 1 October 2024
- Birgitta-Kenneth0 contributionsA different experienceIt is interesting but it is also really well done as an experience in a different way with new ways to interact and present the story. You wont regret doing this I assure youWritten 18 September 2024
- jerrylD6254XD0 contributionsOur colonial woman clearly partook in the pernicious weedTo all who find this, my family and I took a tour with a missus, madame (?) Skullay. It was clear throughout the whole tour that she was high out of her mind. It was clear she also stank. Such a disappointment for our trip and are of money for the kids. The colonial characters in charge of the tours seemed to be picked at random, so just hope that you don’t get stuck with her.Written 10 September 2024
- JohnD106670 contributionsBe careful which browser you use when booking onlineUnfortunately, the website is not fully compatible with all browsers, Firefox specifically, such that booking is impossible using it, and when phoning to ask for assistance, you get transferred and then the line goes dead. I've never had this much trouble when trying to hand someone nearly $200 before!Written 18 July 2024
- DebbieW7340 contributionsFun way to learn a bit of our history.I wish history was taught like this when I was in school. It is interactive and really captures what I think the feelings of the Colonists were at that time. Factual and fun. I would recommend for families and for anyone wanting to know what happened at that time, to help us become independent.Written 11 June 2024
- 934shirleyn0 contributionsRecommended visitA brilliant attraction, and interactive, and the café had plenty of room, lots to see and hear about the history of the Boston Tea PartyWritten 18 March 2024
- ORP-or0 contributionsGood interactive museumThis is a great place to learn more about how the independence war of the US started. Not only you get to interact with the staff and throw some tea to the sea, you also see a short film explaining how everything started.Written 25 November 2023
- LBCdovs0 contributionsWorth a visitHad a really nice experience. Actors do a phenomenal job and are very humorous. The company in general does an excellent job covering the historical importance of this event and we’re able to squeeze in more than I had expected. Came here with my 6 year old which I had mixed feelings about, but we made it through and he was happy to get on the boat, explore it and throw the bag in. Would definitely recommend this for pretty much anyone.Written 13 November 2023
- Anne D0 contributionsSurprisingly FantasticWhen we approached the venue we were skeptical. However, the tour was one of our top three experiences in Boston. Our tour guide “Peter” was phenomenal. She stayed in character before, during and after the tour. You are made to feel as if you are part of that night by handing out cards with individuals names of participants of the Boston Tea Party. Highly recommended.Written 8 November 2023
- SteveRainville990 contributionsAwesome Tour!We took a group of 135 students and chaperones there today and had a wonderful experience! The staff there is truly dedicated to each and every tour. Our sales manager, Scott Harris, truly went above and beyond to ensure that our group had dedicated tour times and accommodated our large party with great customer service. The place itself is really cool, as it makes you step back in time to Colonial Days. The reenactments are very good, and "throwing" tea in the harbor is a great tradition. The gift shop had many great items, including all sorts of teas. The upstairs restaurant/cafeteria also has a good food option and multiple tea you can sample! Great overall experience, thanks to Scott and his dedicated team!Written 5 November 2023
- Mohamed7ElNaggar0 contributionsLive the moment of December 1773Live the moment of December 1773. An amazing visit with an amazing show the tells the story of the first revolution steps in Boston and the whole USA. Starting from the protest against the tea taxes till Boston massacre. Staff members are very helpful and informativessWritten 24 October 2023
- CraigE11190 contributionsInteresting and funFantastic experience and very interesting. The actors were great! Also really interactive, you even get a chance to throw boxes of tea into the sea.Written 22 October 2023
- taraoneil0 contributionsEntertaining HistoryIt was entertaining history. Kids 11,8,5,3. 3 year old struggled but the rest did well and enjoyed it. There is a lot of standing so be prepared for that. A couple things that could be improved: they started talking before everyone was in the room, it felt a little rushed. Also, you didn’t get to look around very much always being scooted to the next room. I had a seat for the last movie but most of the group didn’t, I was glad I did. It was expensive which is frustrating. We did all love it though and glad we did it.Written 18 October 2023
- 207RichardS0 contributionsProbably one of the best museum experiences in the worldWow, what an experience an interactive journey, not only about the Boston Tea Party but the history leading upto the battle of Lexington. The tour guides, in character were amazing, with group participation really made it real, finishing off with Hollywood quality films explaining the march of the British and the minutemen of Lexington. It was emotional, thought provoking and a museum experience like no other. An absolute must for Boston.Written 11 October 2023
- 91maryc0 contributionsWorth a VisitI went to this museum today and it was fabulous. The individuals that play the roles of characters are outstanding. I especially enjoyed Sarah Hughes. The exhibits and technology used in the exhibits were very innovative.Written 9 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
931 reviews
Excellent
691
Very good
157
Average
47
Poor
19
Terrible
17
judywork1957
San Francisco, CA95 contributions
Sept 2021
We enjoyed this experience. The tour was informative and historical content was presented in a way that engaged everyone from the very young to older participants. The young children on our tour were having fun while learning about history and those of us who already know much about the history learned some facts that we may not have known. The costumed cast members were knowledgeable and able to answer questions that we had. Everyone in the group from cast to tourists seemed to be having a good time throughout the experience! It was a rather short tour- only about an hour-filled with history but not at an overwhelming amount. I would definitely recommend it for families with children although it was a bit pricey. I think if I had young children, this would be one tour that I would try to fit into my budget!
Written 6 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michellehouse
Evansville, IN282 contributions
Jul 2022
The kids had a blast and learned a lot. This is an interactive experience with actors filling the rolls and guiding you through the experience. Our actors did a great job and were very engaging and energetic. The kids really enjoyed getting to throw "tea crates" in the harbor and the townhall meeting.
I will say during peak tourist times, you should probably pre-book tickets a few days ahead of time. We did not and the night before it was listed as "sold out" which causes a mild panic as this was the one thing our tween was excited to do. We emailed the staff at midnight and they responded very early the next morning that they do allow a certain number of walk up tickets to be sold and suggested we get there early. We arrived about 40 minutes before opening and I'm glad we did because the line was down the bridge by they time they actually opened.
We also got tea cups from the tea room upstairs which allows you to try several varieties of tea leaves that are similar to the blends that the colonist would have had. The kids were not fans of hot tea but the adults enjoyed it.
I will say during peak tourist times, you should probably pre-book tickets a few days ahead of time. We did not and the night before it was listed as "sold out" which causes a mild panic as this was the one thing our tween was excited to do. We emailed the staff at midnight and they responded very early the next morning that they do allow a certain number of walk up tickets to be sold and suggested we get there early. We arrived about 40 minutes before opening and I'm glad we did because the line was down the bridge by they time they actually opened.
We also got tea cups from the tea room upstairs which allows you to try several varieties of tea leaves that are similar to the blends that the colonist would have had. The kids were not fans of hot tea but the adults enjoyed it.
Written 9 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bailey G
Orlando, FL106 contributions
Oct 2020
As a lover of all thing history, especially when it comes to American history, I was super excited about paying to walk through the Boston Tea Party Museum.
Visiting Boston for the first time, again if you love history, is absolutely an incredible experience. So many things the shaped are country took place right in the heart of the city, including the famous Boston Tea Party.
When you first pay admission, you start by jumping into a live action story as if it's the night that these events are taking place. Live actors interact with you as your make your way down to the dock on the first real boat. Once on the boat, and after a bit of history has been given, you get a chance to chuck your very own crate of tea off of the boat (of course there is a rope attached to pull the box back ashore so no waste or pollution is actually going into the harbor). From there you are able to explore the ship and see what these early patriots might have seen as they search for cargo. As you continue through the experience, you do learn more in depth info regarding that night and the surrounding events that took place both before and after that night. After another quick tour of an additional boat, you eventually make your way into a final room to see one of the coolest American History artifacts.
In the final room, you get to bestow the last and only surviving tea crate from the night of the Boston Tea Party. As all the men were ordered to destroy every bit of tea cargo they could find without exception, one managed to survive by either being snuck out or floating in tack down the river. Long story short, you can see that someone gained possession of this said crate and it was passed down through their family for many generations until finally being donated to for the purpose of preserving history.
Once finished with this room, you are able to exit and visit the gift shop OR you can pay an additional $5.00 to partake in what I thought the best experience of this museum was, which was an unlimited tea tasting of the 5 different teas thrown overboard that night,
For an average individual, this may not sound exciting. However, for a history buff wanting to sock in any bit of authentic experience I could get, I thought it was a fun and special way to immerse yourself in that time period. The teas are really good, however there was a tea called Bohea tea which was outstanding (nice smokey flavor that reminds you of sitting around a campfire).
Overall, if I could give it 4.5 stars I would. I opt for 4 stars because the actors are a hair cheesy and the museum, while very fun and interactive, only has a small handful of things to physically read about and view.
For history loves and families especially, this is certainly a must do stop when you come to Boston. At least if it's once in your life. Some might think history is boring, however the immersive experience brings it to life giving you a real life lesson normally read in black and white.
Visiting Boston for the first time, again if you love history, is absolutely an incredible experience. So many things the shaped are country took place right in the heart of the city, including the famous Boston Tea Party.
When you first pay admission, you start by jumping into a live action story as if it's the night that these events are taking place. Live actors interact with you as your make your way down to the dock on the first real boat. Once on the boat, and after a bit of history has been given, you get a chance to chuck your very own crate of tea off of the boat (of course there is a rope attached to pull the box back ashore so no waste or pollution is actually going into the harbor). From there you are able to explore the ship and see what these early patriots might have seen as they search for cargo. As you continue through the experience, you do learn more in depth info regarding that night and the surrounding events that took place both before and after that night. After another quick tour of an additional boat, you eventually make your way into a final room to see one of the coolest American History artifacts.
In the final room, you get to bestow the last and only surviving tea crate from the night of the Boston Tea Party. As all the men were ordered to destroy every bit of tea cargo they could find without exception, one managed to survive by either being snuck out or floating in tack down the river. Long story short, you can see that someone gained possession of this said crate and it was passed down through their family for many generations until finally being donated to for the purpose of preserving history.
Once finished with this room, you are able to exit and visit the gift shop OR you can pay an additional $5.00 to partake in what I thought the best experience of this museum was, which was an unlimited tea tasting of the 5 different teas thrown overboard that night,
For an average individual, this may not sound exciting. However, for a history buff wanting to sock in any bit of authentic experience I could get, I thought it was a fun and special way to immerse yourself in that time period. The teas are really good, however there was a tea called Bohea tea which was outstanding (nice smokey flavor that reminds you of sitting around a campfire).
Overall, if I could give it 4.5 stars I would. I opt for 4 stars because the actors are a hair cheesy and the museum, while very fun and interactive, only has a small handful of things to physically read about and view.
For history loves and families especially, this is certainly a must do stop when you come to Boston. At least if it's once in your life. Some might think history is boring, however the immersive experience brings it to life giving you a real life lesson normally read in black and white.
Written 17 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Bailey,
Thank you for the fabulous review. We appreciate you sharing your experience and your feedback about the tour and tea. It is always great to hear from guests like you . We will be sure to share your comments with our whole team.
Written 19 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Newyorkfan40
Walsall, UK357 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This museum was a must on our list of things to do in Boston and it didn't disappoint.
The staff were all dressed up and put on a great show, they got everyone involved with the historical role play, the tour flowed and there wasn't a time when you got bored. Throwing the "tea chests" overboard the ship was great fun and everyone had a go
The staff were all dressed up and put on a great show, they got everyone involved with the historical role play, the tour flowed and there wasn't a time when you got bored. Throwing the "tea chests" overboard the ship was great fun and everyone had a go
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacations are special events, we are pleased you spent some of yours with us. Thank you for the wonderful review.
Written 28 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JtCtyWmn
9 contributions
May 2021
Delightful historical account of the event. The pinnacle was seeing a real tea chest from the harbor and how it was passed down through generations before it landed in the museum. This is a Boston must-do in my opinion. All of the actors stayed in character and were very knowledgeable. There are two ships to tour, and the gift shop is terrific. FYI, the replicated teas from the original era are not sold in decaf. That didn't discourage me from purchasing them - I'm very curious as to what they taste like. You can also taste them in the Tea Room but I didn't feel like spending more money in addition to the $30 each to do the tour. I think a tiny sip of the 1700s tea should be included and not another charge.
Written 18 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate your positive feedback about your experience. We take pride in serving our customers and hope to see you again soon!
Written 19 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aggie97jen
10 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Might have been a great museum, but we didn’t get a chance to see. Got there at 4 and all the tours until closed were already sold out. The people in front of us had even bought tickets to the 4:45 tour online, which they didn’t get to go on because they had already filled the tour there at the museum. Very frustrating for everyone!
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is very popular. We are currently selling tickets online that allow our guests to select a specific day to tour. However, the day selection does guarantee a tour time. Due to capacity restrictions, entry to the museum is on a first come first serve basis. ALL guests must check in with the booth to receive a tour time, depending on availability.
Tours will be available Thursday through Monday. First entry at 10:00am - last entry at 5:00pm.
Written 6 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
O6335IYgaila
Wisconsin14 contributions
May 2021
I understand the pandemic has changed the way businesses normally operate but I was disappointed with this tour/museum. Parts of the tour were eliminated due to Covid and the outside 45 minute tour consisted of intermittently standing around waiting for the group in front of us to leave the area so we could tour it. I don't know if they've lower their price since the pre-Covid times but I didn't think this was worth the money at all!
Written 27 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were sorry to hear you did not enjoy the Museum experience. We offer a satisfaction guarantee located on the customer service page of our website.
Written 3 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
P B
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Friends
Obvious Great History! Great to see and get an idea of its historical context and what the Sons of Liberty used to send their message to all.
Only two things not so good for paying almost $30 a ticket. There is not enough time to look around and take the photos you wait for between story telling, and there’s no tasting free tea option to their tea costing money with tax.
It would be good to add a few minutes between story telling to do what you waited for, and allow people to get to taste free tea. Just two ways to show gratitude towards the reasons why this act of courage happened.
Only two things not so good for paying almost $30 a ticket. There is not enough time to look around and take the photos you wait for between story telling, and there’s no tasting free tea option to their tea costing money with tax.
It would be good to add a few minutes between story telling to do what you waited for, and allow people to get to taste free tea. Just two ways to show gratitude towards the reasons why this act of courage happened.
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rafrew
Townsville, Australia93 contributions
Oct 2019
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. After purchasing our tickets we headed inside the church where we were given characters to play in the re-creation of the night of the Boston Tea Party. The staff were dressed up in time period costumes and were brilliant. Once we were on board the ship, we toured the ship before being able to have a turn at throwing a bale of tea into the harbour. Unfortunately this part of the tour was very rushed as there were a number of tours happening at the same time and the crew were pushing people through. This meant that a number of people missed out. But overall the visit was great fun and well worth the admission.
Written 29 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for stopping by and reviewing. It sounds as if you toured prior to COVID 19. Our COVID-19 Tour description follows for the information of our readers. Again thank you for reviewing.
Come enjoy our new modified, safely self-guided experience, Huzzah for Griffin’s Wharf”!
Explore Griffin’s Wharf and board BOTH of our ships, the Eleanor and the Beaver. Throw the fated tea into Boston Harbor alongside our costumed historical interpreters and hear the dramatic events surrounding the “single most important event leading up to the American Revolution”. View the Robinson Tea Chest, the only known surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party and experience it’s amazing story. Huzzah for Griffin’s Wharf has been designed with social distancing in mind, and the majority of your visit will be spent outdoors.
Please note that due to safety guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum will be operating at a significantly reduced capacity to allow for safe distancing, and some museum exhibits are currently not available for viewing.
Written 30 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenn
105 contributions
Three of us (two adults and one teenager) visited the Boston Tea Party Museum. All of us (even the frequently surly teenager) had a great time. The tickets are $30 each, but seemed worth the cost. Everything was very well done. You tour with a group and the tours appeared to run every thirty minute. The cast (clothed in period clothing) were all very good. Both the employees and visitors wore masks which we appreciated. The tour has parts where you are in close quarters with quite a few folks, but we felt comfortable because everyone was masked and respectful of one another. The tour took about an hour which worked out well for us getting back on Amtrak - the station is about a six minute walk away. The main hall of the station is really pretty and, in my opinion, also worth a visit itself.
Written 17 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The listing has multiple languages. How do we book a guide who can speak French? I think our Exchange Student from France could learn more of certain phrases were translated if she needs. Thank you!
Written 19 April 2023
I'd contact their e-mail address (on their web site). These tours of the Tea Party ships is run by a commercial company that also manages other historic sites. Providing live historic site interpreters who are fluent on foreign languages may be something this company has felt with in the past; see if they also do that in Boston.
Written 20 April 2023
I just ordered ordered 7 tickets for july 29th and did not get a email confirmation.
Written 22 July 2022
So buying tickets online and showing up any time? How long will we have to wait? What’s the best time for short lines?
Written 19 September 2021
When I visited it was around noon on a week day. I pretty much just walked up and bought my ticket and the next tour started in about 10 minutes.
Written 24 September 2021
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