Back Bay, MA

Boston

Back Bay featuring a city, heritage architecture and street scenes
Back Bay which includes a fountain and a river or creek as well as a small group of people
Back Bay featuring a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Back Bay showing a statue or sculpture
Back Bay showing markets and food

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


Back Bay Hotel Deals

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

4 out of 5
47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
$161 nightly
The price is $187 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$187 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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! (3,782 reviews)
"Staff was great, super location, used the valet parking, very cool old property! Bathrooms are maybe due for a refresh but not bad at all. Will definitely return."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
The Newbury Boston

The Newbury Boston

5 out of 5
15 Arlington St, Boston, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$515 nightly
The price is $600 total per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
$600 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (482 reviews)
"Awesome place to stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

The Newbury Boston
Copley House

Copley House

3 out of 5
239 W Newton St, Boston, MA
$176 nightly
The price is $202 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$202 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (1,772 reviews)
"Location was perfect. A very clean and quiet place."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Copley House
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
39 Dalton St, Boston, MA
$209 nightly
The price is $243 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$243 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,694 reviews)
"A great place to stay. I.will reserve a room again in the future."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel
Boston Marriott Copley Place

Boston Marriott Copley Place

4 out of 5
110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
$268 nightly
The price is $312 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$312 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,649 reviews)
"It was expensive for what you get. Everything was good, but nothing exceptional, except the pillows. Loved the pillows."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Boston Marriott Copley Place
The Lenox Hotel Boston

The Lenox Hotel Boston

4.5 out of 5
61 Exeter Street, Boston, MA
$325 nightly
The price is $378 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$378 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Boston. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,100 reviews)
"Everything!!!"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

The Lenox Hotel Boston
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 neighborhoods 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

4/5(530 area reviews)

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

5/5(43 area reviews)

Historic Federal-style rowhouses, gaslit streets, and brick sidewalks create a charming atmosphere. Explore the Boston African American National Historic Site, shop on Charles Street, and easily access MBTA stations.

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

Chinatown

4/5(129 area reviews)

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, MA

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