A Self-Guided Walking Tour of The Departed Filming Locations in Boston
- Lori S.
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 19
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This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours and experiences I genuinely believe are helpful for visitors to Boston.
Boston has long been a favorite backdrop for filmmakers. From historic dramas to modern crime thrillers, the city’s mix of old-world architecture, tight neighborhoods, and working waterfront gives movies an authenticity that’s hard to fake. Many well-known films have been shot here, but one of the most iconic modern Boston movies is The Departed.
Released in 2006 and directed by Martin Scorsese, The Departed brought Hollywood straight into the heart of Boston — filming on real streets, in real neighborhoods, and in front of landmarks locals recognize instantly. Instead of standing in for another city, Boston plays itself, and that’s a big reason the movie feels so raw and real.
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Instead of relying on soundstages, The Departed filmed across Boston Common, Beacon Hill, downtown, Chinatown, and the Seaport — places you can still walk through today. This guide turns those filming spots into an easy, GPS-friendly walking tour.
How This Walking Tour Works
Total walking distance: ~2 miles
Time needed: 2–3 hours with stops
Best time: Morning or early evening
What you need: Comfortable shoes and a phone for GPS
Each stop includes a physical address you can plug directly into your map app. Stop 1: Boston Common
📍 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
Boston Common appears in the opening rugby scene, immediately anchoring the film in Boston. The wide green space contrasts with the darker, tighter locations used later in the movie.
Start your tour here and walk through the park before heading uphill toward Beacon Hill. Stop 2: Massachusetts State House (Beacon Hill)
📍 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133
The Massachusetts State House is visible from Colin Sullivan’s apartment window in the film. That skyline view was deliberately chosen to reinforce his position of power and proximity to government authority.
Take a few minutes to walk around Beacon Hill — the brick sidewalks and historic buildings are pure Boston. Stop 3: Colin Sullivan’s Apartment Exterior
📍 120 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108
The exterior of Colin Sullivan’s apartment was filmed at Suffolk University Law School, a real downtown building used in place of a residential complex. The location puts Sullivan literally above the city, reinforcing his double life and hidden control.
From here, continue south toward Chinatown.
Stop 4: Boston City Hall
📍 1 City Hall Sq, Boston, MA 02201
Boston City Hall plays a dual role in The Departed.
Interior scenes were filmed here for Colin Sullivan’s office, emphasizing his rise within law enforcement.
Exterior scenes were also shot outside City Hall during moments involving Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), including scenes tied to his therapy sessions.
The stark Brutalist architecture adds to the film’s cold, institutional feel. Stop 5: Chinatown Neighborhood
📍 8 Beach St, Boston, MA 02111
Chinatown was used for several gritty neighborhood scenes, chosen for its dense streets, neon signage, and fast-paced energy. Walking here, it’s easy to see why the area fit the film’s tense, urban atmosphere so well.
This is a great place to pause for food or a quick break before heading toward the Seaport. Stop 6: Long Wharf
📍 66 Long Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
A key waterfront scene featuring Jack Nicholson and Martin Sheen was filmed along Long Wharf. The harbor backdrop reinforces the power struggle between characters while showcasing Boston’s working waterfront.
Walking here today, the skyline views are instantly recognizable from the film. Stop 7: Seaport District – Rooftop Scene
📍 12 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA 02210
The building at 12 Farnsworth Street is one of the film’s most famous locations. This is where Captain Queenan’s death occurs and where the final rooftop showdown unfolds.
The Seaport’s modern, industrial look provided a stark contrast to Boston’s historic neighborhoods, visually signaling that the story had reached its breaking point.
Optional Add-Ons (Not Walkable)
Charlestown
📍 Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129
Charlestown was used for various neighborhood scenes reflecting old-school Boston roots. While not part of this walking route, it’s worth visiting if you’re expanding your movie tour. Fore River Shipyard – Quincy
📍 Quincy, MA 02169 The warehouse shootout was filmed at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy. This location is about 30 minutes south of Boston and requires a car, but it’s a must-know spot for serious fans of the film. Boston has starred in countless films, but The Departed stands out for how deeply it uses the city itself to tell the story. Walking these locations lets you experience the movie the same way it was filmed — on real streets, in real Boston neighborhoods. .
