Welcome to Back Bay
A sophisticated urban neighborhood with sought-after residential charm
Back Bay is an affluent Boston neighborhood located along the Charles River. It's home to remarkable Boston destinations, such as the Boston Public Library, Newbury Street, Copley Square, and Trinity Church. It features beautiful brownstone homes and tree-lined streets that boast a mixture of Paris-style sidewalk cafes and boutiques.
It's hard to imagine that this highly sought-after neighborhood was once a marshy, flat bay. However, thanks to Arthur Filman, this meticulously planned neighborhood has become Boston's crown jewel.
What to Love
- A wide variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions
- A unique fusion of residential and commercial districts
- Sidewalk cafes
- Vibrant nightlife
Local Lifestyle
Back Bay's lifestyle is centered around its cluster of shops, cultural institutions, and restaurants. Yet, it still maintains a residential feel, with brownstone homes perched between boutiques along Newbury Street. This gives the neighborhood’s residents city life at their fingertips. You'll find locals taking morning strolls at the Boston Public Garden and shopping at
Newbury Street during the day. From the evening until late in the night, locals gather at outdoor cafes for dinners or go for a live music performance at the Symphony Hall.
Back Bay's ample green space and walkable avenues give locals a place to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. You won't miss finding folks setting up for a game of croquet on the Charles River Esplanade or jogging on the streets. It's also a haven for fashion lovers, with couturiers lined along Newbury Street close to the Public Garden's entrance.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
You should expect a chic and popular neighborhood like Back Bay to have a wide range of excellent, upscale restaurants. Satisfy your craving for succulent seafood at
Atlantic Fish Company. Since 1978, this iconic restaurant has served Back Bay residents with the most tasteful seafood. Don't miss trying their lobster ravioli or pan-seared sea bass.
Steak lovers have
Abe & Louie's to treat their taste buds. This restaurant sets the standards of a classic American steakhouse with its unparalleled flavor combinations and world-class service. Their signature menu items, like fresh seafood and steaks, will leave you full but still wanting more.
If you are looking forward to having classic Italian fare, look no further than
Basile. This fine Italian kitchen has the most stylish scene and wonderful Italian flavor in Back Bay.
No other place has a more luxurious shopping experience in the Back Bay Area than
Copley Square. Here, you will find everything you seek, from fashion and accessories to jewelry and shoes. You will find high-end designer shops like Boss, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, and Jimmy Choo.
The shops at
Prudential Center provide excellent shopping in Back Bay. There are also stores for every brand, including Athleta, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nespresso, and Kate Spade.
Things to Do
Back Bay has plenty of things to do. Make the most of your time here aboard the
Boston Duck Tours at the Prudential Center or the Old Town Trolley. It gives you an opportunity to enjoy the entire neighborhood and see its fascinating appeal. For a more intimate experience, visit the
Charles River Esplanades, where you can enjoy many outdoor activities like kayaking, cycling, or running as you take in the beautiful views.
A visit to the first public botanical garden in the US,
Public Garden, also guarantees a great outdoor experience. There are a lot of things to do here, whether it's strolling through its paved walkways, enjoying the picturesque weeping willow trees, or hopping on one of the Swan Boats.
If you love historical architecture, visit
Trinity Church and wonder at its extensive murals and impressive stained-glass windows.
Schools
Boston Public Schools serve the community of Back Bay. Top educational opportunities include: