Boston's Back Bay Neighborhood

• • Back Bay
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  • Beacon Hill
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  • Chinatown
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  • Faneuil Hall
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  • Fenway/Kenmore
• • Fort Point
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  • Harvard Square
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  • South End
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  • North End

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. Find Boston: Lodging | Attractions | Restaurants | Nightlife | Shopping

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COMMUNITY

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Gearing up

Outdoor cleaning needs met

Sea to Summit’s pocket soaps let you take your toiletries in your carry-on without worrying about Ziploc bags, 3-ounce bottles, or leaking lids.

HOTELS

• Newbury Guest House

  After just a little shopping in the Back Bay, you'll appreciate what a find this cozy inn is: a... More

• Eliot Hotel

  This exquisite hotel combines the flavor of Yankee Boston with European-style...More

• Colonnade Hotel Boston

  The seasonal "rooftop resort" and swimming pool are probably... More

• Lenox Hotel

  The Lenox was the latest thing when it opened in 1900... More

ATTRACTIONS

• Gibson House Museum

  In the Back Bay, the Gibson House is an 1859 brownstone that embodies the word "Victorian." You'll... More

• The Institute of Contemporary Art

  In a former police station across from the Hynes Convention Center, the ICA is one of the least stuff... More

• Boston Public Library

  The central branch of the city's library system is an architectural and intellectual monument... More

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

Explore an interactive audio map of Newbury Street's finer points.
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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.

25 things to do under $25

Get ready to have some hot — and inexpensive — fun in the city. Check out 25 of our picks for summer, all $25 or less.

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.

• Plan Boston visitors' guide

Flowing (and not-so-flowing) fountains

Discover fountains of all shapes and sizes throughout Boston.

• Plan Boston visitors' guide
• Explore New England summer guide

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.

Around the hub

Readers share their snapshots of Beantown.