Back Bay

Boston

Back Bay featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Back Bay
Back Bay showing street scenes and a city as well as a large group of people
Back Bay showing a statue or sculpture
Back Bay showing food and markets

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 neighborhoods, 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 neighborhood 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 neighborhood 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 flavors and styles of Back Bay and downtown Boston are proudly displayed at nearby Copley Square, the neighborhood’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 Center 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 Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

4 out of 5
47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
The price is P8,328 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,328
P9,698 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,772 reviews)
"Exc"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
39 Dalton St, Boston, MA
The price is P11,499 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P11,499
P13,390 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Boston. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,677 reviews)
Ruby's trip
"Very clean and great for getting the tube into the city"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel
Boston Marriott Copley Place

Boston Marriott Copley Place

4 out of 5
110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
The price is P12,637 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P12,637
P16,705 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Boston. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,633 reviews)
"Clean, comfortable, fantastic service as always."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Boston Marriott Copley Place
Copley House

Copley House

3 out of 5
239 W Newton St, Boston, MA
Stay at this 3-star guesthouse in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,773 reviews)
"parking was a breeze & very shirt walk to brownstone.very clean dorm style room with small kitchen & bathrrom & comfy king size bed. would definitely stay agian."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Copley House
Hotel AKA Back Bay

Hotel AKA Back Bay

4.5 out of 5
154 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
The price is P13,833 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P13,833
P18,428 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,108 reviews)
"very accomodating and helpful"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Hotel AKA Back Bay
The Colonnade Hotel Back Bay

The Colonnade Hotel Back Bay

4 out of 5
120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA
The price is P16,505 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P16,505
P21,209 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,050 reviews)
Loved our stay!
"We will definitely return! What a great family friendly place!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

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

Back Bay showing a city

Back Bay East

While you're in Back Bay East, take in top sights like Copley Square or Old South Church, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Copley Station or Arlington Station.

Back Bay East
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Prudential - St. Botolph

While you're in Prudential - St. Botolph, take in top sights like Copley Square and jump on the metro at Prudential Station to see more of the city.

Prudential - St. Botolph
Theatre District which includes signage and night scenes

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

South End is noteworthy for its cafes, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Copley Place and SoWa Artists Guild.

South End
Beacon Hill which includes landscape views

Beacon Hill

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

Beacon Hill
Boston which includes a garden

MIT

While you're in MIT, take in top sights like Stata Center and jump on the metro at Kendall-MIT Station to see more of the city.

MIT

Back Bay