Where is the Good Will Hunting bench located exactly?

The bench is located in the Boston Public Garden, specifically on the side of the lagoon closest to Charles Street, between the bridge and the George Washington Statue. It is a standard park bench often identified by fans or small markings.

Is this a good walking tour Boston for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly as it passes through the Public Garden and Boston Common. Kids often enjoy seeing the Swan Boats and the 'Make Way for Ducklings' statues near the end of the route.

Can I go inside the 'Cheers' bar?

Yes, you can enter the Cheers on Beacon Street to see the pub that inspired the show. Note that the interior does not look exactly like the set from the TV show, as the show was filmed in a studio, but the atmosphere is still iconic.

Is the Liberty Hotel open to non-guests?

Yes, the Liberty Hotel welcomes visitors to view its historic architecture. You can see the original jail cells in the 'Clink' restaurant or the 'Alibi' bar, which are popular spots for a quick break.

What is the best time to start this film location walk?

Starting around 10:00 AM is ideal. This allows you to avoid the early morning rush hour and reach the Public Garden when the light is best for photos at the Good Will Hunting bench.

Are there many hills on this walking route?

The route is mostly flat, but there is a slight incline as you walk up through Beacon Hill toward the Liberty Hotel and Charles Street. It is considered a moderate walk due to some cobblestone surfaces.

What movies were filmed in Boston besides those on the walk?

Boston is a popular filming hub; other famous movies filmed here include 'Spotlight,' 'Gone Baby Gone,' 'Mystic River,' and 'Black Mass.' This route focuses on the most accessible downtown locations.

Cinematic Boston: Famous Film Locations | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Boston’s cobblestone streets and historic brick facades aren't just remnants of the American Revolution; they are the backdrops for some of Hollywood’s most iconic moments. This self-guided walk invites you to step onto the set of gritty crime dramas, high-stakes heists, and heartwarming Academy Award winners. From the legal drama of The Verdict to the intense streets of The Departed, the city provides a versatile canvas for filmmakers. As you explore independently, you will see how Boston’s unique architecture allows it to play many roles, from the shadows of the Irish mob to the refined elegance of Beacon Hill. This walking route connects the dots between cinematic fiction and the very real history of the city. You will visit the site where Paul Newman’s character sought redemption and see the former jail that now hosts luxury guests but once appeared in The Town. The journey concludes in the tranquil Public Garden, home to one of the most famous benches in film history. Whether you are a cinephile, a photography enthusiast, or a history buff, this neighborhood stroll offers a fresh perspective on the Athens of America. Discover at your own pace why directors like Martin Scorsese and Ben Affleck return to these streets time and again. Start exploring with Zigway and uncover the stories behind the lens. This walking tour Boston focuses on the intersection of modern storytelling and colonial heritage, making it a must-do for any visitor looking to see beyond the typical history books.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The legal backdrop of the Old State House from The Verdict
The gritty alleyways of Marshall Street featured in The Departed
The transformation of the Charles Street Jail in The Town
The elegant boutiques of Beacon Hill from The Thomas Crown Affair
The world-famous facade of the original 'Cheers' bar
The iconic park bench from Good Will Hunting in the Public Garden

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Old State House

Begin your self-guided adventure at the Old State House, a building that has stood since 1713. While it is famous for the Boston Massacre that occurred outside its doors, film buffs recognize it from the 1982 legal drama 'The Verdict.' Starring Paul Newman, the film used this historic site to represent the gravitas of the Massachusetts legal system. As you look at the balcony where the Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians, imagine the cinematic tension of Newman’s character fighting for justice. The contrast between the colonial architecture and the surrounding modern skyscrapers has made this a favorite spot for directors looking to capture the multi-layered identity of the city.

2

Marshall Street

A short walk brings you to Marshall Street, one of the oldest streets in the city. This narrow, atmospheric lane served as a backdrop for Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award-winning 'The Departed.' The area captures the 'Southie' grit and old-world charm that Scorsese sought for his tale of moles and mobsters. Nearby, the Union Oyster House and the surrounding alleyways provided the perfect textures for the film’s tense atmosphere. While the real South Boston is a few miles away, Marshall Street offers that timeless, dense urban feel that filmmakers love when depicting the hidden corners of the city's underworld.

3

The Liberty Hotel

This impressive granite structure was once the Charles Street Jail, housing some of Boston's most notorious criminals for over 140 years. Its cinematic fame peaked in Ben Affleck’s 'The Town,' where the imposing exterior underscored the high stakes of the film's heist plot. Today, it has been transformed into a luxury hotel, but many original features remain, including the cell blocks and the catwalks. It serves as a perfect example of how Boston repurposes its history, turning a site of incarceration into a filming location for a modern crime classic and eventually a vibrant social hub.

4

70 Charles Street

Welcome to the heart of Beacon Hill. This neighborhood’s refined atmosphere was the setting for the 1999 remake of 'The Thomas Crown Affair.' Specifically, 70 Charles Street represents the upscale world of Rene Russo’s character. The street is famous for its antique shops and gas-lit lamps, providing a sense of 'old money' elegance that was crucial for the film’s aesthetic. As you stroll, notice the meticulously preserved brickwork and window displays that make this one of the most photographed streets in America. It’s easy to see why filmmakers choose this area to represent the peak of Bostonian sophistication.

5

The 'Cheers' Bar

No cinematic exploration of Boston is complete without a stop at the original Bull & Finch Pub, now officially known as Cheers. While the interior scenes of the beloved sitcom were filmed on a soundstage in Hollywood, the exterior shots that opened every episode were filmed right here. The pub became a global symbol of Bostonian hospitality and neighborhood culture. Thousands of fans visit each year to take a photo under the famous sign. Even though it's technically a television location, its impact on the city's pop-culture legacy is as significant as any major motion picture.

6

Good Will Hunting Bench

Your walking route concludes in the serene Public Garden at one of the most humble yet famous landmarks in film history: the Good Will Hunting bench. Located near the pond, this is where Robin Williams delivered his powerful monologue to Matt Damon about life, love, and experience. Following Williams’ passing, the bench became a makeshift memorial, and it remains a place of pilgrimage for fans of the 1997 film. Take a moment to sit and enjoy the view of the Swan Boats, reflecting on the scene that earned Robin Williams an Oscar and put Boston's intellectual and emotional heart on the world stage.

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Explore “Cinematic Boston: Famous Film Locations” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend at each stop. The total distance is approximately 1.5 miles through the downtown and Beacon Hill areas.