Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall
As Boston’s original craft brewery and a pioneering institution in New England’s beer culture, Harpoon Brewery & Beer Hall has become a beloved destination for beer enthusiasts and community gatherings. Holding the distinction of receiving Brewing Permit #001 in Massachusetts, this iconic brewery combines European-inspired atmosphere with modern craft brewing innovation in the heart of Boston’s dynamic Seaport District.
Location
Located at 306 Northern Avenue in Boston’s vibrant Seaport District, Harpoon Brewery sits in one of the city’s most rapidly developing waterfront neighborhoods. The brewery’s strategic position offers easy access to harbor views and places visitors within walking distance of cultural attractions, dining, and entertainment venues. The facility itself features a spacious beer hall with communal tables that combines the charm of a European beer hall with the modernity of a craft brewery. Whether you’re a local craft beer lover or a tourist exploring Boston’s brewing heritage, this location serves as an ideal starting point for discovering the Seaport’s many offerings.
History
The story of Harpoon Brewery begins with three college friends—Dan Kenary, Rich Doyle, and George Ligeti—who were inspired by the rich beer culture they experienced while traveling through Europe. Their vision to bring that same diverse brewing tradition to Boston materialized in 1986 when they established the brewery and secured Massachusetts’ first craft brewing permit. The first batch of Harpoon Ale was brewed in June 1987, officially launching Boston’s craft beer revolution. Over the decades, Harpoon achieved several brewing milestones, including creating the Harpoon Winter Warmer, which became the first craft beer seasonal brewed in New England. In 1993, they introduced the Harpoon IPA, which quickly became a bestseller and helped establish the brewery as a key player in the craft beer movement. The brewery recently underwent a significant transformation in February 2026, rebranding its Boston location as “Harpoon Seaport” with an expanded vision that includes a chef-curated food program featuring haute dogs developed in collaboration with James Beard award-winning chef Ken Oringer.
Nearby Attractions
The Seaport District surrounding Harpoon Brewery offers an impressive array of attractions that make it easy to spend an entire day exploring the area. Music lovers can catch live performances at the Leader Bank Pavilion, a premier outdoor concert venue that hosts various events throughout the warmer months. For those seeking interactive entertainment, Puttshack provides an innovative indoor mini-golf experience with state-of-the-art technology and delicious food and drink options. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Institute of Contemporary Art, which features rotating exhibitions of contemporary works, while families can enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum. The dining scene is equally impressive, with renowned restaurants like Row 34 for fresh seafood and raw bar selections, Davio’s for homemade pasta, and Mastro’s Ocean Club for high-end steaks and seafood. Outdoor enthusiasts can stroll along the scenic Harborwalk for waterfront views, relax at The Lawn On D or Martin’s Park, or browse trendy shops including popular brands like Lululemon and Everlane. During summer months, the Seaport Summer Market adds to the area’s appeal with local vendors, food, and drinks in an open-air setting.
Planning Your Tour
If you want to maximize your Boston sightseeing tour, we recommend booking a tour with the Boston Sightseeing double-decker bus. From our nearest stop, you can easily move to the Boston Sightseeing Cruise to take your cruise tour, and once you're done, hop on and move to the next landmark again.
Our Tour Packages
Single Ride Pass
$40.25
Explore Boston in 90 Minutes
Ride above the crowd and enjoy the panoramic view of Boston
- Boston City Tour Single Ride Pass
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
- Blue Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- 90 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Charlestown Sightseeing Tour
- Night Tour
Hop-On Hop-Off All Day
$50.55
Boston City Sightseeing Tour
Experience historic Boston with unlimited hop-on hop-off at your own pace.
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Blue Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- 90 Minutes tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Shuttle Bus Service
- Charlestown Tour
- Night Tour
Hop-on Hop-off Boston & Charlestown Tour
$54.65
Boston & Charlestown Tour
Experience the charm of Boston & Charlestown with Boston Sightseeing at your own pace.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop-1 to Stop-11
- Hop-on Hop-off Charlestown Tour
- Blue & Orange Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 120 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Night Tour
2 Days Boston & Charlestown Hop -On Hop-Off Tour
$81.40
2 Days Boston & Charlestown Tour
Explore Boston & Charlestown with Boston's first double-decker bus at your own pace.
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Stop-1 to Stop-11
- Hop-on Hop-off Charlestown Tour
- Blue & Orange Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 120 Minutes Tour
- 2 Days Validity
- Night Tour
Boston Sightseeing Night Tour
$42.99
90 Minutes Boston Night Tour (Non-Stop)
Sit back, unwind, and let the magic of Boston after dark captivate you
- Boston City Night Tour
- Stop-1 to Stop-8
- Blue Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- 90 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
- Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- Charlestown Sightseeing Tour
Cruise Terminal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
$55.00
200 Minutes Hop-on Hop-off
Get onboard from Boston Cruise terminal and explore the historic beantown with Boston Sightseeing double-decker bus.
- Night Tour
- Hop-on Hop-off Boston Tour
- Blue & Purple Route Tour
- Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Shuttle Bus Tour
- 200 Minutes Tour
- 1 Day Validity
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