Downtown Donuts & Cider Tour

This two-hour donut walk is run by Underground Donut Tour, which holds a perfect 5 rating from 1392 reviews. Tickets start at $70 per person and cancellation is free.

Overview

This two hour walking tour, run by Underground Donut Tour, links some of Boston's best donut shops with a route through the historic downtown core. It starts at Kane's Donuts on Oliver Street, works through Boston Public Market, the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway and Quincy Market, then heads into the North End, where it finishes at Bova's Bakery on Salem Street. Along the way a guide serves donut tastings, explains what makes different doughs and styles distinct, and mixes in stories about the city's history and architecture.

Between stops there is time to browse the market, take photos at recognisable landmarks, and pick up recommendations for other food and sightseeing around Boston. The tour is family friendly and capped at 20 travellers, so it keeps a small group feel.

It suits visitors who want a light introduction to downtown Boston with a food hook, or locals who enjoy donut trivia and a walk. Reviewers often describe the guides as knowledgeable and entertaining, and several said the history stops were as much a draw as the donuts. Anyone with serious trouble walking or standing for long stretches should think twice, since the route covers a lot of ground on foot.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Kane's DonutsThe tour begins at Kane's Donuts, 90 Oliver Street, Boston. The stop lasts 15 minutes and includes the first tastings.
2. Boston Public MarketA 30 minute visit with admission included, giving the group time to browse the market and sample more treats.
3. Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy GreenwayA 15 minute walk through the Greenway.
4. Quincy MarketA 15 minute stop at the market area, free to enter.
5. Union Square DonutsAnother 15 minute tasting stop featuring this bakery's donuts.
6. Bova's BakeryA 15 minute stop at this North End bakery, one of the later tastings on the route.
7. North EndThe final 15 minutes wind through the North End neighborhood, and the tour ends at Bova's Bakery, 134 Salem Street.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this tour plays out, based on the listing and on what travellers report.

• Pace and distance. Several reviewers estimated roughly 2 miles of walking over the 2 hours. They describe the pace as relaxed, with breaks at each tasting stop rather than continuous walking. It is still not ideal for anyone who struggles with extended time on their feet, which the listing flags directly.
• Portion sizes. Donuts are served as samples rather than whole ones, and reviewers note the donuts are sliced. One reviewer liked the smaller portions because it prevented filling up too fast, while another felt the portions were light for the price, so go in expecting tastings rather than full donuts.
• Group size. The listing caps the group at 20 travellers. Reviewers mention a social, easygoing atmosphere and meeting other donut fans along the way, so it is a shared experience rather than a private one.
• Weather and clothing. The experience requires good weather and may be cancelled in poor conditions, with a different date or a full refund offered in that case. The listing does not specify what to bring, so dress for a walk outdoors.
• Accessibility. The tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, allows service animals, and sits near public transportation, according to the listing. Surfaces along the route are described as wheelchair accessible.
• Photos and extras. The route passes recognisable spots such as Boston Harbor and the North End, and the listing notes photo opportunities along the way. Guides also hand out recommendations for further food, drink and sightseeing, which reviewers said they appreciated.

Common issues. A few reviewers felt the tasting portions were small relative to the price, since donuts are served sliced rather than whole. One reviewer would have preferred more variety in shops, noting that several donuts came from the same store. The listing warns the tour is not recommended for travellers who have difficulty walking or standing for extended periods, and poor weather can force a cancellation, though a new date or full refund is offered in that case. Gratuities for the guide are not included in the booking.

Questions People Ask Before Booking