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Known for its 360 views of the city, View Boston is not only the place to sip a cocktail high in the sky. Come for the views and the cocktails, but stay longer for a VIP Experience! During this unique experience, learn about Boston’s best-kept secrets courtesy of a View Boston Tour Guide, like Ben!

Ben has a background in hospitality, retail management and specifically in boutique stores. Prior to View Boston, he was managing a property down the road on Newbury Street. Ben has always been in the world of luxury and delivering an elevated experience. General customer service, managing shops/retail, always networking and loves talking to new people.

During this unique VIP experience, learn about Boston’s best-kept secrets while enjoying a signature beverage and surprise complimentary benefits along the way. The VIP ticket also allows you to enter View Boston twice in one day to experience the views both day and night!

Ahead of your visit to View Boston, get to know Ben a bit more below! 

Did you grow up in the Boston area? How did you become a tour guide at View Boston?

I grew up North of Boston, in Andover. In Boston, I’ve lived in Beacon Hill, Cambridge, and now I’m in Somerville. I found View Boston when looking for a new job and knew about the prior Skywalk Observatory. I applied without a specific niche or position of interest. During the interview process, the View Boston leadership quickly learned I had a true passion for connecting with people and offering exceptional customer service. I dug into the history of Boston and used prior knowledge of growing up here to find a place as a tour guide. I have been here ever since!

What’s your favorite time of day at View Boston? 

I love it all, but my favorite hour is one hour before sunset, at golden hour. The sun hitting the brownstones of Back Bay and South End is absolutely stunning. In just two hours at View Boston, guests are able to capture three different times of day with golden hour, sunset, and twilight. This is definitely a true winner! 

One fun fact about the city that you love? 

One fun fact that I relay to guests is the story of Oliver Smoots and the Mass Avenue Bridge that is visible out the window on the North Side.

Oliver Smoots was a student at MIT in the late 1950’s. Wanting to join one of the fraternities, he had to undergo an initiation fraternity pledge activity from the fraternity brothers.

The fraternity brothers decided to lay Oliver Smoots down on the bridge, designate his head-to-toe height on the bridge (5′ 7″) with markings as a unit of measure. They picked him up repeatedly and continued the markings every length of 5′ 7″.

To this day, there are 364 markings measuring 5′ 7″ (lines) on the bridge, plus one ear!

There is a plaque on the bridge that mentions the infamous prank. Every MIT student comes to know about Oliver Smoots.

What would be your ideal Boston day?

Walking around the very walkable city, exploring the architecture of Beacon Hill & Back Bay, taking tours, guided and self guided, this helps to always evolve our tours. A walk down the Freedom Trail with a stop at my favorite restaurant, Carmelina’s! To end the day, I would be walking the esplanade taking in the sail boats and amazing views. 

What Stratus cocktail would you recommend sipping on while enjoying the view?

Cue the Duck Boats!

Favorite Dish at The Beacon?

The Roasted Chicken has been a staple here from the beginning and is truly my favorite!

View Boston is open Monday through Friday from 10AM to 10PM; last entry is one hour prior to closing time. Tickets can be purchased online prior to your visit or in-person at the ticket kiosks between Vineyard Vines & Polo Ralph Lauren.