Overview
Historical heavyweights, Back Bay and Beacon Hill are some of Boston's most beautiful neighborhoods. With narrow, gas-lit streets and scores of architecturally significant buildings, these distinctly different neighborhoods will make up the core of almost any visitor's itinerary.
26 sights · 7 things to do · 26 places to eat · 15 bars & cafés · 19 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Back Bay-Beacon Hill
Boston Public Library
This is the headquarters of the Boston Public Library (BPL). This branch is defined by its two buildings, the original McKim building from 1895, and the newer Boylston building, opened in 1972. They were built to similar…
Christian Science Center
This strikingly beautiful site stretches out over almost 15 of the most expensive acres of land Boston has to offer. Functioning as the center of Christian Science in America, which is a metaphysical belief system profes…
Massachusetts State House
The Massachusetts State House was built in 1781 on Beacon Hill, land once owned by John Hancock. The dome of the State House was re-gilded with glittering 23k gold leaf in 1997, and makes for a spectacular view at sunset…
First Baptist Church
Admittedly a "deep cut" of Back Bay churches, this building houses a congregation formed all the way back in 1665, during a time when being Baptist was a punishable offense. The current building was opened in 1872 and de…
Old South Church
As one of the finest High Victorian Gothic churches in New England, the Old South Church is a stunning aesthetic landmark within the Back Bay. The interior is filled with sumptuous materials, musical instruments, and sta…
Park Street Church
Founded in 1809, this Park Street Church is on the Freedom Trail and known for a number of historical firsts. Among other things, William Lloyd Garrison delivered his first anti-slavery address here, and "My Country Tis …
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 23°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Dec and Mar. (climate data from nearby Boston)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 3 mi away (major hub). Directions
- BED Laurence G Hanscom Field, Bedford — 14 mi away. Directions
These neighborhoods have some of the best public transit options in the city. If you're heading to Beacon Hill the Red line will be your train. Use Charles/MGH for shopping and dining destinations along Charles street, as well as easy access to the Esplanade and the Charles River. Park Street is perfect for visiting the State House, Boston Common, and other points downtown. The Orange line is another option on the Back Bay's southern border. The Back Bay and Massachusetts Ave stations are shared with the South End, and work well for visiting the Prudential Center and Christian Science Plaza.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $159–$379 a night (typical $225), from 21 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $16 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$200, mid-range ~$290, comfortable ~$530.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Massachusetts State House, 54th Regiment Memorial, Park Street Church
- Lunch No.9 Park
- Afternoon Granary Burying Ground, Boston Athenæum
- Dinner Fill-A-Buster
- Evening 21st Amendment
Day 2
- Morning Boston Public Library, Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center, Marathon Finish Line
- Lunch Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar
- Afternoon Old South Church, Copley Society of Art
- Dinner Stephanie's On Newbury
- Evening Thinking Cup
Day 3
- Morning Barbara Krakow Gallery, Gallery NAGA
- Lunch The Parish Cafe
- Afternoon Gibson House Museum
- Dinner Grill 23 & Bar
- Evening Cheers
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Beacon Hill
One of the oldest communities in the city, Beacon Hill is also one of Boston's most desirable and expensive neighborhoods. The district took its name from a beacon placed here, used by early settlers as a call to arms during any unwanted invasions. When the Puritans first arrived, this area had three separate hills; most of them were leveled as used as infill for other low lying areas downtown. The hills were often called "trimount" by early Bostonians, giving root to a common street name, "Tremont". At the beginning of the 18th century, the agrarian residents would use nearby Boston Common to graze their livestock. And by the century's end, the hated British had been expelled, and a new state would call for a new state house. It was designed by prolific architect Charles Bulfinch at the end of the Revolutionary War, and built in 1795.
Construction of new homes and residences began in earnest at the dawn of the 19th century. Fabulous mansions were built, alongside symmetrical pairs of houses and exquisitely detailed row homes. During this era Beacon Hill became a seat of wealth and power, and residents of these opulent homes would call themselves Boston Brahmins. Industry still thrived here, however, and rope was manufactured for use on the ships constantly arriving in port. The Brahmins of course would not undertake this work, it was done by their neighbors, free Blacks and immigrants from throughout Europe. Immigrants also built the Brahmins their fine houses. You can see many identical structures, if less ornamented, in the Bay Village where these craftsmen lived.
Moving into the 20th century, increasing transit connections led to an economic boom in the city. Some of the more dilapidated structures were knocked down, while others would undergo extensive renovations. A neighborhood association was formed, along with an architectural commission, in order to better monitor renovation and development projects. Because of their work, brick sidewalks and several prominent buildings seem to remain almost frozen in time. Today, Beacon Hill is home to numerous antique stores, restaurants, and bars. The wealthiest families in Massachusetts still call the hill home, as do university students, young professionals, and healthcare workers employed across the street at Mass General Hospital.
Back Bay
A relative newcomer to Boston, the Back Bay was a stagnant pool of brackish water for millennia. As the city's population grew, so did the pressure to expand, and thousands of trainloads of gravel were brought in day after day, filling in most of the bay by 1882. This wholesale reshaping of shorelines and estuaries would not fly today! One notable feature is the neighborhood was established late enough to be laid out on a grid, making it one Boston's easiest areas to navigate.
New architects hungry for fame and commissions latched onto Copley Square, and constructed some of the finest churches and libraries in America. Strict building and tenant requirements were written into new property deeds, almost forcing harmonious rows of dignified multi-story brownstone homes to spring up. Walking the streets here--cut through by roads starting with A-H (Arlington-Hereford)-- it's easy to see why the Back Bay is considered one of the best-preserved examples of 19th-century urban architecture in the United States. Any modern updates to the exteriors of these homes are all but impossible. If the National Register of Historic Places or Back Bay Architectural Commission don't deny your request, neighbors who have spent millions of dollars buying into the neighborhood surely will.
During the 1960s, a major surge of development hit the city resulting in the High Spine concept. Parts of the Back Bay along the Mass Pike were rezoned for super tall and large scale construction. The thought being that large shadows cast by skyscrapers would fall over one another, and avoid throwing shade on the Common and Esplanade. These zoning laws even extend to the air rights above the highway, which are again a source of contention during today's modern construction boom. Today the area is home to wealthy families, young professionals, and used as a pied-à-terre for foreign nationals.
Get in
By public transit
These neighborhoods have some of the best public transit options in the city. If you're heading to Beacon Hill the Red line will be your train. Use Charles/MGH for shopping and dining destinations along Charles street, as well as easy access to the Esplanade and the Charles River. Park Street is perfect for visiting the State House, Boston Common, and other points downtown. The Orange line is another option on the Back Bay's southern border. The Back Bay and Massachusetts Ave stations are shared with the South End, and work well for visiting the Prudential Center and Christian Science Plaza.
Several stations on the Green line are located within Back Bay and Beacon Hill, these trolleys run constantly and are a great option. Largest of all is busy Park Street station, change here for the Red line. Continuing outbound from here you'll use Boylston, Arlington, and Copley. (Avoid looking like a tourist and pronounce it COP-lee, not COPE-lee.) At Copley the Green line will split into B, C, D, and E branches. They all go to Hynes Convention Center, except the E branch, which continues on to Prudential and Symphony stations. E trains are less frequent, so it might be faster for you to just go to Hynes and walk from there.
The most helpful busses are the #1 and CT1 lines, wait for them outside in front of the Hynes Convention Center stop. These buses run up and down Mass Ave, connecting travelers to Harvard Square, and Central Square respectively. The #39 leaves Back Bay station, running through Copley Square before continuing into the Fenway and to Jamaica Plain. Express busses #502 and #503 are more expensive, and will get you to Watertown and Brighton via the Mass Pike. The #9 and #10 will run you into Southie, and the #55 sits in traffic and doesn't really go anywhere.
Back Bay station is also a large transit hub, with Amtrak trains Acela Express, Northeast Regional, and Lake Shore Limited stopping here before making their final stop downtown at South Station. Same deal with the Commuter Rail. The Providence/Stoughton, Framingham/Worcester, Needham, and Franklin lines all stop here on their way to South Station.
If you're coming form Boston Logan International Airport,
By foot
This is honestly going to be the best option for most visitors. The T just isn't worth it if you're only traveling a stop or two. In the time it takes to get to the station and wait for the train to arrive, you could probably have already walked to your destination. Plus much of the neighborhood charm comes from a leisurely stroll, taking the time to absorb all the historical embellishments.
By car
No.
A few years ago a local startup tried to solve the problem of parking in this area. They went out of business. If you must drive; embrace the chaos and prepare to sit in traffic, lost, for the better part of an hour. When you make a wrong turn that sucks you onto the Pike or over a bridge, don't beat yourself up too much, it happens to Bostonians all the time. There is literally a sign on the highway showing motorists how to make a U-turn to get back into Boston. When you finally arrive and need to park, try underneath the Common or in a lot near Hynes Auditorium. Expect to pay about $15 an hour when demand is low, but do not expect to find any spaces. If you do find on street parking, congratulations on all your good deeds in your previous life!
Get around
There is elevated, covered walkway between Copley Place and Hynes Convention Centre.
See
Architecture
See Boston Public Library (BPL)
This is the headquarters of the Boston Public Library (BPL). This branch is defined by its two buildings, the original McKim building from 1895, and the newer Boylston building, opened in 1972. They were built to similar scale and use similar materials, but the ornamentation–or lack thereof–clearly separates them. The Boylston building completed extensive renovations summer of 2016; featuring a new cafe, radio station, and other amenities for the people of Boston. Don't miss the beautifully quiet interior courtyard, a place to spend a solitary moment reflecting in the heart of the city.
See Christian Science Center (Christian Science Plaza)
This strikingly beautiful site stretches out over almost 15 of the most expensive acres of land Boston has to offer. Functioning as the center of Christian Science in America, which is a metaphysical belief system professing "sickness is an illusion that can be corrected by prayer alone". The Mother Church (1894) and its enormous extension (1906), are architecturally significant, seeming to flow into one another with fantastic detail. The long reflecting pool is great to stroll around and people watch. You'll also find a giant water fountain to the north end of the pool, a real hit with the kids during sweltering summer days.
See Massachusetts State House
The Massachusetts State House was built in 1781 on Beacon Hill, land once owned by John Hancock. The dome of the State House was re-gilded with glittering 23k gold leaf in 1997, and makes for a spectacular view at sunset from the Massachusetts Avenue bridge. Free tours are available weekdays all year long from 10AM to 3:30PM, they last about 45 minutes. The grand staircase and hall of flags are a few of the highlights. Make sure to ask about "The Sacred Cod" to get the whole story.
Churches
See First Baptist Church (Brattle Square Church)
Admittedly a "deep cut" of Back Bay churches, this building houses a congregation formed all the way back in 1665, during a time when being Baptist was a punishable offense. The current building was opened in 1872 and designed by H. H. Richardson, the very same architect of the more famous Trinity church anchoring Copley square. Another notable element here are the friezes seen ringing the top of the tower. These were carved on site by Frédéric Bartholdi, who would later create the Statue of Liberty in New York.
See Old South Church (Third Church)
As one of the finest High Victorian Gothic churches in New England, the Old South Church is a stunning aesthetic landmark within the Back Bay. The interior is filled with sumptuous materials, musical instruments, and stained glass. After a misguided makeover in the 1950s, a painstaking restoration took place during the late 1980s. Historical members of the congregation include Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and William Dawes; Paul Revere's lesser known counterpart. (Although this building would be news to them.) Willard Sears, one of the architects responsible for this structure, also takes credit for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, another European inspired masterwork.
See Park Street Church
Founded in 1809, this Park Street Church is on the Freedom Trail and known for a number of historical firsts. Among other things, William Lloyd Garrison delivered his first anti-slavery address here, and "My Country Tis of Thee" was first sung on the front steps. Very much still an active pro-life parish, it hosts many classes teaching English as a second language, ministers to the homeless, and assists low income families within the city of Boston. Fun fact: this was the tallest building in America for almost two decades!
See Trinity Church
If you've only got the time to visit one church during your trip, make it this one. The American Institute of Architects called Trinity Church one of the "Ten Most Significant Buildings in the United States" in 1885. Today it is the only building remaining on their top ten list. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the church was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and was consecrated in 1877. Trinity Church established Richardson's reputation, birthing a new style of architecture soon adopted for a number of public buildings across the United States. Its interior murals were completed entirely by American artists.
See The Vilna Shul
A Jewish temple no longer (sort of), this storied edifice now functions as a cultural center. A place where all are welcome to share and enjoy the history of Boston's Jewish community. Major holidays and regular Jewish religious services are still performed here. Interestingly, the seating consists of pews salvaged from Roxbury's Twelfth Baptist Church. These benches would have been used by former African American slaves and volunteers in the heroic 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment.
Galleries
Landmarks
See 54th Regiment Memorial
This monument serves as a reminder of the brave men who, as one of the first official African-American military units in the US, fought for the Union during the American Civil War. The sacrifice and fighting spirit displayed by these men was instrumental in encouraging the enlistment and acceptance of African-American troops in the north. Still, unfair treatment was institutional, and the men of the 54th would receive only $7 per month, in contrast with the $13 paid to their white brothers in arms. Refusing this monthly paycheck became a point of pride among the soldiers, who would wait about 18 months to see their wages paid in full.
See Acorn Street
Spend a quick moment at one of the most photographed spots in the city. Your social media feeds will reward you.
See Granary Burying Ground
Founded in 1660, the Old Granary Burying Ground is Boston's third cemetery, and the final resting place for many members of the Revolutionary War. American patriots Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock are all interred here, as well as Crispus Attucks and the four other victims of the Boston Massacre. Benjamin Franklin does not rest here, but he was born nearby, which is the reason for the obelisk you'll see bearing his name. The graves have been repositioned from time to time, but the remains below are usually still correlated with the names above.
See Louisburg Square
Why should you visit this small private square fenced in by wrought iron? Well, its gorgeously preserved federalist architecture is unique to the country for one. These magnificent townhouses rarely trade hands, but when they do they command upwards of $11 million! Famous residents include, architect Charles Bulfinch, painter John Singleton Copley, and author Louisa May Alcott. Former Secretary of State John Kerry is a contemporary resident of the square.
See Marathon Finish Line
Quite easy to visit 364 days of the year, this is the endpoint for one of the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world. The Boston Marathon has been held every year since 1897, making it the world's oldest. On race day, streets are barricaded and lined with bleacher seating, and first aid tents spring up like mushrooms in Copley Square. If you like, pay your respects to the victims of the ghastly 2013 terrorist attacks here, but there is no permanent memorial at this site.
Museums
See Boston Athenæum
One of the oldest independent libraries in the USA, the Boston Athenæum was founded in 1807 by a few young Harvard graduates. Its purpose today is the same as it ever was; serving others by providing cultural programs and preserving architecture, books and works of art. Some notable members of this storied organization include Louisa May Alcott, John Adams, and John F. Kennedy. Art and architecture tours are open and available to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3PM, 1PM Sundays, and at 5:30PM Mondays.
See Gibson House Museum
The Gibson House was one of the first to be built in Back Bay, and has an unparalleled state of preservation that includes wallpaper, textiles, furnishings, and family artifacts and collections. A nice reminder that no matter how rich you were in 1860, you couldn't buy air conditioning!
See Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center
An independent geographic research and education center including an exhibition gallery that features changing thematic exhibitions, a public learning center with research books, and a reading room for rare map research. It is ranked among the top ten in the United States its collection of over 250,000 geographic objects, the significance of its historic (pre-1900) material, its advanced digitization program, and exceptional educational programs to advance geographic literacy among students in grades K to 12.
Parks
See Boston Common
Founded in 1634, this is the oldest park in the United States. Over the years, the Common has been used for everything, from grazing cows and livestock, to British encampments in the revolutionary period, to modern protests during the 20th and 21st centuries. Early after the city was founded, this was also the site of a town gallows, responsible for executing Quakers and "witches" alike. Today the Common is a nice spot for walking around and people-watching at all times of year. The Frog Pond, Central Burying Ground, and various monuments are all worthy of investigation, and scattered throughout the park. If you're visiting in winter, the big Christmas tree near Brewer Fountain is donated by Halifax, Nova Scotia, in thanks for Boston's help after an explosion there in 1917.
See The Boston Public Garden
Established in 1837 by Horace Gray, the Boston Public Garden, formerly an enormous swampy salt marsh, is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the United States. The Garden features a plethora of diverse plant life, including a wide variety of native and foreign trees, and a rotating arrangement of flowers that change with the seasons. It also features numerous statues and fountains dedicated to Boston's heroes throughout the ages. The park is centered on a four acre pond, which is crossed by the world's smallest suspension bridge, and teems with wildlife during the warmer months. During this time the Swan Boats are also in operation, a famous Boston Tourist attraction since 1877. In the northeast corner of the park, tourists can view the wildly popular duckling statues, based on Robert McCloskey's famous children's book "Make Way For Ducklings.".
See The Esplanade
A state-owned park along the banks of the Charles River. Perfect for jogging, cycling, or just strolling and enjoying the view. Home of the Hatch Shell, where live events take place during the warmer months, and where the Boston Pops play their spectacular 4th of July concert. Laze out in the sun on the public dock, or take a gondola ride along the Charles. You'll meet many Bostonians out and about year round, picnicking, reading, or just doing nothing at all. It's easy to get here by walking down the ramp on the east side of the Mass Ave bridge, or the ramp adjacent to the Charles/MGH Red line station. A third option is a footbridge overpass near the northwestern corner of the Public Garden.
Itineraries
- The Freedom Trail — A major tourist draw of significant historical sites in Boston. These 17 locations spread over 2½ miles are crucial to understanding revolutionary era America. A few are located here.
- Black Heritage Trail — This less touristed trail covers ten sites important in American black history scattered throughout Beacon Hill.
Do
Do Berklee Performance Center
Owned by the prestigious Berklee College of Music, this performance space has something going on about 200 days out of the year. The college uses the 1200 seats at this location to present its most popular events, mainly featuring current students and faculty. Musical offerings such as the Singers Showcase, International Folk Festival, and the Beantown Jazz Festival all take place here.
Do Community Boating (CBI)
A non-profit, CBI offers members instruction for sailing and windsurfing, and allows members to use CBI-owned sailboats on the Charles River. They've also got kayaks and paddleboards for rent. Check out their yearly and monthly memberships if you're going to be in town awhile. Organized in 1946, it is the oldest continuously operating community sailing program in the country.
Do Frog Pond
A great place for the kids, and open year round. In the wintertime an ice skating rink is set up, and children and adults skate around in circles all day. During the warmer months, the Frog Pond expands beyond the rink, providing ankle deep water perfect for toddlers to wade around in. Right next door is the "Tadpole Playground" with all manner of slides and other activities for the little ones. Stroller city.
Do Mary Baker Eddy Library (Christian Science Center)
Don't be fooled into thinking that this is just a library. The archives of Mary Baker Eddy; one of the most famous women of the early 20th century are found here, as is the Mapparium; a three-story stained glass globe depicting the world as it was in 1935 that you can actually walk through! While waiting for the twenty minute tour to commence, you can explore the Hall of Ideas and literally find the thoughts of some of the world's greatest thinkers at your feet.
Do Swan Boats
Located in the Lagoon, a 4-acre pond in the center of the Public Garden, the Swan Boats are one of the most famous and traditional icons of the city of Boston. Founded in 1877 by British immigrant and engineer Robert Paget, the boats have been preserved for over the years by the Paget family for tourist pleasure and enjoyment. Each of the six human powered boats is shaped like a white swan and carries around 20 adults. Enjoy a relaxing 15-minute trip around the pond and take in a beautiful tour of the Boston Public Garden.
Events
Do Anime Boston
This event has been cancelled for 2020, but will return April 2-4, 2021 in the Hynes Convention Center. Anime Boston has been an ongoing yearly convention of people from around the east coast who love Anime and Videogames. Anime Boston has been occurring since 2003, and is going as strong as ever with over 25,000 people attending during their 2019 convention. There are many things to do during this convention, such as attending artist workshops, attend events based around your favorite anime, visit the giant dealers room and buy memorabilia, watch cosplayers act out skits, or one of many events that are held throughout the weekend long convention.
Do Shakespeare on the Common
Every year in late July-early August, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company puts on free performances on Boston Common of various Shakespeare works. Performances are well attended, but there are few space constraints so you should be able to find a decent vantage point. Food Trucks show up and picnicking is a popular activity.
Buy
The Back Bay is by far the place to shop anywhere in New England. Between its two giant shopping malls and streets seemingly designed for browsing, there is little chance something you want can't be found here. Beacon Hill also has a nice main commercial district, offering wares for locals and tourists alike. First, a few quirkier spots not found in the malls and high streets:
Shop Bacco's Wine & Cheese
Feeling French today? Then this is the perfect place to pick up a few quality comestibles before heading over to the park for your picnic. If you'll be imbibing, make sure to pick up a few unlabeled opaque cups to drink from. The laws here are not quite as tolerant as you'll find across the pond.
Shop Bodega
Fun skater/streetwear shop with an enormous sneaker selection. The entrance is old hat by now, but still fun. Walk into what appears to be a simple bodega and investigate the vending machine. Operated by the "cashier", it soon swings open to reveal a little hallway and the real store beyond.
Charles Street
Even if shopping isn't on your to-do list, a walk down Charles street probably should be. Scenic gas lamps and centuries-old bricks warm views up and down the road. One of the strictest historical preservation codes in the country ensures that even a basic convenience store here must hang a shingle of hand-carved wood embossed with gold leaf.
Malls
Shop Copley Place
A very upscale and luxurious mall. It seems even odd to call it a mall, but hey, that's the format they've chosen. Most things here are not affordable to mortal humans, check out Tiffany & Co. as a prime example. Hawking some of the finest jewelry in the city, this is a great spot to window shop. Entering the store is basically walking into a bank vault, get a load of those doors! Across the mall Moncler, an apparel and outerwear store, offers several sweatshirt styles from around $1000. Alternatively, grab yourself a pair of designer Jimmy Choo shoes from $600-1800, or pop into Rigby & Peller for something a little more intimate but just as expensive. If you head up to the second floor you may have a better shot; with more traditional retailers like Gap, J. Crew, and Banana Republic selling clothing for the rest of us. Ongoing renovations should wrap up by the end of 2017, but the stores remain open, through you may notice a few empty spaces.
Shop Prudential Center
The more downmarket of the two malls here, (although that's not saying much) and clearly the larger, the shops at the Pru are always changing. Popular boutiques like Shinola offer plenty of stylish "lifestyle" oriented clothing and objects. Or head next door to Sephora for all the beauty products and fragrances to get your body and mind aligned. One of the best places to look without buying is the new Tesla showroom on the ground floor of the Boylston street side. Between the technology, design, or just the cars themselves, it's likely something will catch your eye. There are of course plenty of additional clothing retailers in residence: Express, Lacoste, and Polo to mention just a few. Right alongside them are even more shops with shoes, jewelry, and accessories like Aldo, Swarovski, and Kate Spade.
Newbury Street
If shopping is the question, beautiful and historic Newbury Street has the answer. As you walk from the Public Garden westward to Mass Ave; Newbury transitions from "high end" to "low end" boutiques. The street is narrow but not confining and filled mainly with appealing 19th century brownstones, the cafes and restaurants peppered throughout act as calls to linger. Over the years the street has crept closer and closer to becoming a giant outdoor mall, with familiar storefronts H&M, Zara, Nike World, Brooks Brothers, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters interspersed among some of the more uncommon shops listed below.
Shop Johnny Cupcakes
Founded by Johnny Earle who got his start allegedly selling t-shirts out of his car while working at Newbury Comics. Quite popular, there are now a few stores nationally. The brand generally sells apparel emblazoned with iconic symbols that have been replaced by cupcakes. Like their logo, a skull and crossbones with a cupcake swapped for the skull.
Shop Trident Booksellers and Cafe
Great neighborhood bookstore also adapting to changing market demands. Still sells a wide variety of thoughtfully curated books and magazines on two floors. Today, however, the excellent cafe does a brisk business and keeps them in the black. Plenty of reading material while you wait!
Eat
Budget
Eat The Upper Crust Pizzeria
A local upscale pizza chain, good spot for a good slice. Some seating on premises, but it can fill up fast if/when a large party shows up.
Eat Fill-A-Buster
A favorite with the workers of Beacon Hill, Fill-A-Buster is a small deli with a huge menu running from classic American breakfasts to falafel. Portions are big, prices are low, and you might see a politician (or at least their staff).
Eat Lucy Ethiopian Cafe
Surprisingly good Ethiopian can be found in this odd corner of the Back Bay. Bring a few friends and share a large combo platter, everything's good and the Injera bread is all the silverware you need. Vegetarian options are available and up to snuff. No A/C, but it's probably not hot enough to need it anyway.
Eat Cafe Jaffa
This café has been offering a variety of Middle Eastern fare since opening in 1991. Always busy, rarely crowded, ask the friendly staff what's fresh and good today. Shawarma and hummus are perennial favorites of course, but give some of the juices a shot too. They have an average selection of beer and wine.
Eat New Sushi
Offering a sushi burrito and poke bowls.
Eat The Friendly Toast
With a kitchy, retro 1950s vibe, this Back Bay location is open insanely late on Friday and Saturday, well for Boston anyway. Known for their filling breakfast food served whenever you're ready to eat it. Service usually has just the right amount of attitude. A wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
Eat Cornish Pasty Co
Dark wood and repurposed church pews set the mood at this American take on British pasty pies. The traditional style, filled with steak, potato, onions and rutabaga pairs wonderfully with the red wine gravy. Other options include fillings like Stilton cheese, or might have more of a Vegetarian, Mexican or Indian theme to them. Nail it all down with the Banoffee pie, made on premises. Serving bottled beer and cider while they await licensing for the taps.
Eat The Parish Cafe
A casual place with a moderate side walk cafe. Their specialty is sandwiches designed by some of the best chefs in Boston. They've also got a great cocktail menu and beer selection. If it's nice out everyone will have the idea to grab an outdoor seat at the same time.
Mid-range
Eat Santouka Ramen
The second, and smaller, location in Boston for this tiny national chain is all three: good cheap and quick. The reduction of space has meant the menu has been slashed to one item only, ramen. Choose between tonkotsu, tonkotsu, or tonkotsu style broth and load it up with various cuts of pork. There is a vegetarian option too, and of course a number of add-ons for your dish.
Eat The Paramount
A local, cafeteria-style "joint" with great breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Sister restaurant in Southie.
Eat Sonsie
Extremely trendy and somewhat expensive, Sonsie is known as a place for beautiful people. Multiple celebrities have dined here, and a few movies have been filmed within. There is reason for this, the food is excellent, the atmosphere serene and the downstairs wine bar is to die for.
Eat 75 Chestnut
Casual (for Beacon Hill) restaurant with attached bar. Has a pretty typical American style bistro menu and tin ceilings. Also seasonally open for brunch on the weekends.
Eat Toscano
Fancy and upscale Tuscan restaurant. Known for its meats, pasta dishes, and one of Boston's best wine selections.
Eat The Capital Grille (Hynes Convention Center)
Splurge
Eat Grotto
Intimate Italian restaurant in the shadow of the State House. There is a nightly prix fixe menu.
Eat Abe and Louie's
A happening steakhouse with some of the best cuts in town. Make sure to get reservations or come in on off hours. One sister location in Boca Raton Florida if that tells you anything.
Eat Grill 23 & Bar
Certainly a contender for the best steaks in Boston. Also serves excellent seafood entrees. Private dining rooms available. Make sure to make weekend reservations at least a week in advance.
Eat Top of the Hub (Prudential Center)
Dine in luxury at the top of the second tallest building in the city. Light jazz, good food, and high prices accompany a view of the city and everything around. On a clear day, you can see Maine and Cape Cod.
Eat No.9 Park
The flagship restaurant of Barbara Lynch (she also operates the B&G Oyster Co. and The Butcher Shop in South End) and one of the most acclaimed restaurant in Boston. Choose from an à la carte menu or order a multi-course tasting menu.
Eat L'Espalier
The flagship French restaurant in Boston headed by award-winning chef Frank McClelland. Impeccable service and memorable cuisine make this a top choice for special occasions. Choose from several fixed-priced multi-course menus (no à la carte menu available). Make reservations way in advance.
Drink
Drink 21st Amendment
Directly across the street from the State House, this is a great spot to relax or do a little politicking after work. The low ceilings with rustic beams and dark wood make it a cosy spot to imbibe a glass of your favorite poison. In wintertime, go during off hours, slide into a window seat and just watch the quiet snow fall.
Drink Beacon Hill Pub
Delightfully out of place. Beacon Hill is upper class Boston, but Beacon Hill Pub is a cheap, working class dive that has become popular with students. There is even a foosball table inside, perish the thought!
Drink Bukowski Tavern (Bukowski's)
Top notch beer list and excellent mixed drinks at this long running boozy spot. Wear your tightest jeans and vintage threads to this narrow, deep, and almost windowless space. Can't decide? Ask to "spin the wheel" and drink whatever it lands on. Be ready with cash, however, there are no do-overs even if it stops on a pricy option. ATM on premises.
Drink Cheers (Bull & Finch Pub)
After visiting this bar and chatting with bartender Eddie Doyle, Cheers producers decided to create a show based on this very pub. Trudge down the staircase of this iconic facade with the rest of the increasingly grey-haired crowd as you fondly remember when "everybody knows your name". Dated memorabilia lines the walls, and a can of something called "Norm's Nuts" is/are available for sale in the gift shop at this fantastically touristy location. Here only the exterior looks like TV, not the inside. If you want it the other way around head downtown to Faneuil Hall.
Drink McGreevy's Boston
If you are looking for a real Irish Boston Sports bar than you have to stop by McGreevy's and hoist a pint. The bar is the home of famous Irish rock band, The Dropkick Murphys, which really helps build its blue-collar atmosphere. The bar has positioned itself to be the unofficial bar of the Boston Red Sox, so if you can’t get a ticket to Fenway than this is a great alternative.
Drink The Pour House
A favorite with locals, the Pour House offers cheap food and drinks in a fun atmosphere. Weekends tend to be crowded, but during the day it is a great place for a cold brew and gigantic plate of nachos. Specific day specials, bars upstairs and down, oh and it's seat yourself.
Drink The Sevens Ale House
Casual drinking establishment with a pretty typical pub menu. Not much in the way of selection or amenities, but you're in the middle of it all and the prices can't be beat. It manages to be a neighborhood bar despite occasionally being swamped with tourists.
Drink Tip Tap Room
This pub serving spendy modern victuals, is also known for its wide ranging beer selection. Serving varieties from brewers around the country like Solemn Oath, Single Cut and Wicked Weed; they also sling local favorites like Jack's Abbey and Night Shift. Main course fare is pricy and meat heavy, with few outs for vegetarians.
Coffee
Drink Barrington Coffee Roasting Company
Drink Pavement Coffeehouse
The only one of this tiny Boston chain to escape the Fenway area. Offers a variety of selections on the menu from single origin coffee, to bagels and sandwiches.
Drink Pressed
Fancy smoothie spot with cold pressed juices and a small vegetarian food menu.
Sleep
Budget
Stay The College Club of Boston
The oldest women's college club in the nation is also a reasonably priced B&B next to the Boston Public Garden. Rents rooms to women and men. Small historic brownstone overlooking Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Eleven newly renovated and individually decorated rooms furnished with antiques.
Stay Charlesmark Hotel
Rooms are generally quite small, but comfortable. They're efficiently designed however, and seem more spacious than they actually are. Complimentary Continental breakfast is limited, but a 7-Eleven around the corner can fill in any gaps, and there are plenty of good restaurants nearby. Half a block from the Green and Orange Lines, and Back Bay Amtrak are within easy walking distance, even with luggage. Nice people. Complimentary computer workstations available in lobby; complimentary WiFi throughout.
Mid-range
Stay The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
A member of the Historic Hotels of America, The Boston Park Plaza has welcomed numerous U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries. The hotel is located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood adjacent to the Boston Public Gardens. The hotel features 941 guest rooms and 38 meeting and conference rooms totaling 14,000 square feet of meeting space.
Stay The Copley Square Hotel
Located in historic Copley Square, walking distance to Fenway Park, Newbury Street and Boston Common. This Boston hotel features 143 hotel rooms and suites. The Copley Square Hotel offers on-site dining at its restaurant, XHale, and live music at its lounge, Saint.
Stay Hilton Boston Back Bay
The Hilton Boston Back Bay hotel offers boutique-style lodging situated just steps away from all the excitement Boston has to offer. Walk from the hotel to fashionable Newbury Street and Copley Square for fabulous shopping and dining or make the short walk to historic Fenway Park.
Stay Loews Boston Hotel
Loews Boston Hotel is a city landmark boasting 225 elegantly appointed guest rooms, a collection of spacious suites and a host of luxury perks for the modern traveler—all in the heart of the ultra-exclusive Back Bay neighborhood. Housed in the former Boston Police Headquarters, which was built in 1924, this luxury Boston hotel is a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort.
Splurge
Stay The Westin Copley Place
The Westin Copley Place is located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood at Copley Square. The hotel is also connected to the Copley Place and Prudential Center Malls. This AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel features the Westin Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath products, a gym, and high-speed internet access.
Stay Four Seasons Hotel Boston
This is New England's only AAA Five Diamond and Mobil Five Star hotel and it is located right across from the Public Garden. The Four Seasons Hotel provides unbeatable views and close proximity to all major attractions. The lobby lounge (Bristol Lounge) has an excellent post-theatre dessert buffet during weekends. Also available: thick terry bathrobes and slippers, nice.
Go next
- Haven't yet slaked your unquenchable thirst for commerce? Head south to the South End and keep the capitalism train rolling at SoWa Market.
- Like those old churches and cemeteries? Keep exploring the Freedom Trail as it heads east into downtown Boston.
- Still want to eat good food, but everything here is too expensive? Hop a trolley to Allston's student focused fare.
- The museums in the Fenway neighborhood, like the Isabella Stewart Gardner, are some of the finest in the city.
- Climb aboard "the People's Chariot" (the #1 bus), and ride it across the Charles and into "the People's Republic" of Cambridge.
Nearby
Cambridge
City / town · 127 listings · 3 mi away
Somerville
City / town · 66 listings · 3 mi away
Brookline
City / town · 61 listings · 3 mi away
Everett
City / town · 14 listings · 3 mi away
Medford
City / town · 13 listings · 5 mi away
Winthrop
City / town · 7 listings · 5 mi away
Revere
City / town · 9 listings · 5 mi away
Malden
City / town · 10 listings · 5 mi away
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