Welcome to Back Bay
The Back Bay neighborhood boasts a rich history dating back to the late 19th century when it was created through a massive land reclamation project. Its iconic Victorian brownstone architecture reflects the city's Gilded Age prosperity. The neighborhood's layout is organized in a grid pattern interspersed with tree-lined streets. The focal point of Back Bay is the picturesque Esplanade along the Charles River and the historic Boston Garden. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to Newbury Street, renowned for its upscale boutiques and dining establishments. Centrally located the Back Bay is the perfect blend of old-world charm with contemporary amenities.
What to Love
-
Historic architecture with petite gardens
-
Excellent walkability
-
Shopping - Newbury Street, Copley Place, and Prudential Mall
-
Charles River Esplanade and Boston Garden
- Berkeley College of Music
Local Lifestyle
Back Bay is one of the most desirable neighborhoods downtown. Many of the brownstones still offer single-family living while others have been renovated into luxurious condos.
The gardens, bricked sidewalks, and waterfront location give the neighborhood an irresistible charm. High-end shopping and up-scale dining are right outside your door, while activities like farmers’ markets, concerts, and the international crew event - Head of the Charles make this an active and upscale neighborhood to call home.
Dining
ZUMA is a world-renowned, contemporary Japanese restaurant located at the Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street. It is the 12th and the latest addition to the international collection. ZUMA offers a sophisticated twist on the Japanese izakaya style of informal eating and drinking with its stunning wood-focused design, lively bar scene (complete with floating DJ booth), and multiple open kitchens (main kitchen, sushi counter & robata grill). Exotic cocktails and dishes ideal for sharing are truly pieces of art created with the highest quality ingredients. Lunch, Brunch and Dinner are offered.
OSTRA is a contemporary restaurant with an elegant, but lively atmosphere. The cuisine focuses on specialty seafood found throughout the Mediterranean and regions within the US. Its sister restaurant SORELLINA offers regional Italian-Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist and a unique wine list. The modern decor is enhanced by the floor-to-ceiling windows. These must-visit restaurants are perfect for a special occasion or a gathering of friends.
LA VOILE will transport you to the heart of France. This charming restaurant on Newbury Street offers a genuine European dining experience as everything from the zinc bar to the vintage chandeliers were imported from France. The food and wine list are fantastic and sitting on the outside patio will surely conjure up memories of the South of France or Paris.
EATALY is an incredible Italian emporium with fantastic options for seafood, meat, produce, and freshly prepared meals located in the Prudential Mall. Featuring a dozen different vendors and dining options, Eataly offers something for everyone, especially after a day of shopping.
PARISH CAFE offers a friendly and casual place to gather. It offers a creative menu of gourmet sandwiches created by well-known chefs throughout Boston. Their impressive beer menu and private patio with colorful umbrellas make this a popular local spot.
Entertainment / Shopping
NEWBURY STREET is home to restaurants, galleries, and seven contiguous blocks of well curated shopping. The upscale designer boutiques are located closer to the Public Garden and the shopping continues for seven full blocks.
The PRUDENTIAL MALL and COPLEY PLACE are two of Boston's most affluent shopping venues. Located in the heart of Copley Square they each feature 75+ shops and for convenience they connect via a skywalk and link to the Back Bay train stop where you can get the T (subway), commuter rail, or Amtrack service.
Things to Do
THE BOSTON PUBLIC GARDEN is the first botanical garden in the US founded in 1837. The perfectly curated garden beds change seasonally, and the famous SWAN BOATS are available for relaxing rides around the pond during the summer months. These paddle boats are a family-owned business dating to the 1870’s truly a special experience for young and old.
THE CHARLES RIVER ESPLANADE - Millions of visitors enjoy this iconic riverside park which offers recreational space, scenic pathways, playgrounds, water activities, and hosts cultural events throughout the year. One of the City’s most anticipated events is the annual July 4th Boston Pops concert at the HATCH SHELL complete with a professional firework display.
COPLEY PLAZA is the heart of Back Bay. Originally known as the Avenue of the Arts, today it is filled with historic buildings and hosts a variety of community events. A must-see is the BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY (BPL). Established in 1848, it was the 1st large free municipal library in the country. Be sure to visit the central library’s courtyard designed after the Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome and the exceptional murals by artist John Singer Sargent that took 29 years to complete!
If you are looking for views head up to the recently opened VIEW BOSTON OBSERVATION DECK in the PRUDENTIAL CENTER. Located on floors 51 & 52 of the tallest building in Boston, visitors can dine or enjoy a beverage while experiencing the Cloud Terrace, a 360- degree open-air deck or the remarkable 3D video presentation of the city called Boston 365.
DUCK BOAT TOURS – Voted “best city tour” this is a fun and efficient way to see the historic sights of Boston. World War II-style amphibious landing vehicles escort guests on a fully narrated and guided tour of the city.
