Boston's Back Bay Neighborhood

Plan your Back Bay adventure

The Back Bay is affluent Boston at its best, boasting landmarks like Copley Square, the Prudential Center, and the Public Library. Peruse boutiques on Newbury Street, stroll down Commonwealth Ave., or spend your evening out at one of the local lively bars or restaurants.

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COMMUNITY

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Gearing up

Making waking practically pleasant

Making waking practically pleasant

The clever Moshi Voice Control Travel Alarm Clock responds to nine voice-activated commands, including time, set time, alarm, and set alarm.

HOTELS

ATTRACTIONS

RESTAURANTS

  • Legal Sea Foods

    Out-of-towners sometimes react suspiciously when I recommend Legal's -- they're expecting a secret ... More
  • L'Espalier

    Dinner at L'Espalier is a unique experience, very much like spending the evening... More
  • The Bristol

    The Bristol is to a regular restaurant as the Four Seasons is to a regular hotel: It looks about the... More
  • Davio's

    A cavernous space with a surprisingly comfortable vibe, Davio's ... More

NIGHTLIFE

  • Boston Symphony Orchestra

    From early May to early July, members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra lighten up...More
  • Fridays at Trinity

    This landmark church features 30-minute organ recitals by local and visiting artists on Fridays...More
  • Jordan Hall

    NEC's concert hall books students, faculty members, and professionals. It presents classical... More

SHOPPING

  • Alpha Gallery

    The Alpha Gallery specializes in contemporary American paintings, sculpture... More
  • Beadworks

    The jewelry at these shops will suit you exactly -- you make it yourself...More
  • Copley Place

    Copley Place has set the standard for upscale shopping in Boston since 1985... More
Blocks with style

Blocks with style

Explore an interactive audio map of Newbury Street's finer points.
Picnic planner
Boston on a budget

Plan a perfect picnic

Check out our suggestions for locations, supplies, and provisions. We did all the heavy lifting — all you have to carry is the well-stocked basket.
Best of secret spaces

Best of secret spaces

Hidden T stations, behind the scoreboard, inside famous clock towers, and more — take a peek around Boston's hidden gems and secret spots.
'The Donkey Show'

25 things to do under $25

Experience the best of Boston's art, music, and culture scenes for $25 or less.
literary tour of boston

Take a literary tour of Boston

From the streets of Back Bay to the State House dome, discover the Boston sites that have inspired dozens of authors.
Flowing (and not-so-flowing) fountains

Flowing (and not-so-flowing) fountains

Discover fountains of all shapes and sizes throughout Boston.
boston best hotel pools

Boston's best hotel pools

Jump in and experience the city's coolest hotel pools. Grab a drink at the juice bar, see a rooftop view or relax in luxury.
Boston

Around the hub

Readers share their snapshots of Beantown.