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

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 P16,049 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
P16,049
P20,967 total
Jun 1 - Jun 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Boston. Enjoy 4 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,257 reviews)
"Close to everything, nice room and bathroom"

Reviewed on May 10, 2025

The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
4 out of 5
47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
The price is P7,768 per night from 26 May to 27 May
P7,768
P9,046 total
May 26 - May 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this boutique hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,659 reviews)
"Charming"

Reviewed on May 12, 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 P11,121 per night from 26 May to 27 May
P11,121
P12,950 total
May 26 - May 27
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,772 reviews)
"I didn’t realize"

Reviewed on May 13, 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 P12,909 per night from 26 May to 27 May
P12,909
P16,985 total
May 26 - May 27
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! (1,526 reviews)
"The team here is always so welcoming and kind. They are engaging and supportive of making sure you are having a wonderful stay with them. Should out to the front desk team for supporting me. The lady who checked me in was efficient and made sure I was happy with my accommodations, while her peer ..."

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Boston Marriott Copley Place
Hotel AKA Back Bay
Hotel AKA Back Bay
4.5 out of 5
154 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
The price is P15,340 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
P15,340
P20,140 total
Jun 8 - Jun 9
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! (1,034 reviews)
"I liked the location the most."

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Hotel AKA Back Bay
The Colonnade Hotel Back Bay
The Colonnade Hotel Back Bay
4 out of 5
120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P14,164 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
P14,164
P18,443 total
May 31 - Jun 1
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! (1,814 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on May 13, 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 featuring 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
Prudential Tower featuring a high rise building, a city and skyline

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
An old church has been hollowed out and is being prepped for renovation.

South End

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 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
An authentic hot pot experience at Shabu Zen in the heart of Boston's Chinatown.

Chinatown

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

Chinatown

Back Bay