Back Bay Travel Guide

Boston
Back Bay
Parisian boulevards and elegant brownstones conjure a truly romantic atmosphere, perfect for strolling and window shopping.

Back Bay, now one of Boston’s most desirable neighbourhoods, was once a large swamp. Here gorgeous townhouses and historical sites stand alongside some of the trendiest shopping in town, as well as two of the city’s tallest towers. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon visit to this modern, chic and walkable area.

As you walk around the area, notice how the layout makes sense. In 1856, Arthur Gilman proposed a neighbourhood plan based on the French model, with a flat orientation and a logically ordered street grid. Names of cross-streets are in alphabetical order. Notice the wide tree-lined boulevards inspired by Georges-Eugène Haussmann’s then-recent renovation of Paris, and a variety of beautiful stone townhouses. Back Bay’s lovely streets are perfect for strolling, stopping occasionally to admire the architecture or chat with residents.

Explore the neighbourhood by getting to know its two great walking streets. Newbury Street, once home to stables for the area’s houses, is now a shopping destination, with European-style boutiques and restaurants as well as the iconic music store, Newbury Comics. By contrast, Commonwealth Avenue is a grand boulevard in true Parisian style, lined with charming Victorian brownstones and street-side cafés.

The diverse flavours and styles of Back Bay and downtown Boston are proudly displayed at nearby Copley Square, the neighbourhood’s small but lively plaza. Take a seat and look around at a real marvel of architectural coexistence. Admire the proud Trinity Church of 1877, then see it again sumptuously reflected in the mirrored glass of the giant John Hancock Tower. The nearby Boston Public Library announces Boston as the “Athens of America” with its magnificent façade. Copley is also home to a smart fountain and a twice-weekly farmers market.

Use the subway to easily access Back Bay. After your visit, continue exploring the city’s many attractions: The Boston Public Garden, the Charles River Esplanade and the Prudential Centre are all just a short walk away. Alternatively, stay in the area to sample some of the finest eating and drinking Boston has to offer.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Back Bay

Copley House
Copley House
3 out of 5
239 W Newton St, Boston, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £86 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£86
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,101 reviews)
Comfortable and convenient.
"Very comfortable. Compact, nicely appointed. Stool with a back would have beeb more comfortable. One night room took in a lot of cooking smoke from another unit. Convenient location."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Copley House
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel
4 out of 5
39 Dalton St, Boston, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £165 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£165
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness centre, valet parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,443 reviews)
"Great location and ease of access"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel
Copley Square Hotel
Copley Square Hotel
4 out of 5
47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £127 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£127
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this boutique hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and valet parking. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,114 reviews)
"Great front desk staff. Perfect location to be a tourist with easy access to the T."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Copley Square Hotel
Boston Marriott Copley Place
Boston Marriott Copley Place
4 out of 5
110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £207 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£207
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,386 reviews)
"Perfect place to stay in Boston"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Boston Marriott Copley Place
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
The price is £235 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
£235
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy 4 restaurants, breakfast and Internet. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,018 reviews)
"Excelente"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel
The Colonnade Hotel Back Bay
The Colonnade Hotel Back Bay
4 out of 5
120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA
The price is £232 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
£232
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this boutique hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,329 reviews)
"Nice, clean and convenient to everything in Boston."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

The Colonnade Hotel Back Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Back Bay

Theatre District which includes night scenes and signage

Bay Village

While you're in Bay Village, take in top sights like Charles Playhouse and jump on the metro at Tufts Medical Center Station to see more of the city.

Bay Village
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South End

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

South End is noteworthy for its cafes, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Copley Place and Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

South End
Beacon Hill showing landscape views

Beacon Hill

5/5(3 area reviews)

Historical sites, shopping and restaurants highlight some notable features of Beacon Hill. Make a stop by Boston Common or Charles Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Charles-MGH Station or Park St. Station to get around town.

Beacon Hill
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Chinatown

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Theatres and historical sites are just a few things travellers enjoy in Chinatown, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Chinatown Station.

Chinatown
Kenmore Square featuring street scenes

Fenway–Kenmore

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Art galleries, museums and historical sites highlight some notable features of Fenway–Kenmore. Make a stop by Fenway Park or MGM Music Hall at Fenway while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Fenway Station or Kenmore Station to get around town.

Fenway–Kenmore
Default Image

West End

4/5(28 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and beautiful gardens are a few things travellers love about West End. Check out TD Garden or Museum of Science while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Science Park Station to get around town.

West End


Back Bay Travel Guide

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