Boston’s Amazing Back Bay
Boston’s Back Bay is chock full of amazing architecture, restaurants, shopping, art galleries, and more. Today, along with neighboring Beacon Hill, it is one of Boston’s two most expensive residential neighborhoods.
Learn more about this popular area of Boston and why you should visit!
Back Bay Architecture
Victorian Brownstones. The rows and rows of Victorian brownstone homes are considered one of the best preserved examples of 19th-century urban design in the United States. These regal sentries make the Back Bay famous, and create the vision most people imagine Boston to be.
Boston Public 
Library. An architecture marvel in its own right, the Library stands tall on the corner of Dartmouth and Boylston Streets. According to its website, the Boston Public Library has a collection of over 23.7 million items, which makes it one of the largest (and the first) municipal public library systems in the United States.
200 Clarendon. Previously known as the John Hancock Tower, it is the tallest building in Boston and all of New England. The tower was designed by Henry N. Cobb of the firm I. M. Pei & Partners and was completed in 1976. The next year the American Institute of Architects presented the firm with a National Honor Award for the building.
Prudential Tower. This is the second tallest building in Boston and is also known as the Prudential Building or, as locals call it, “The Pru.” It has a 50th-floor observation deck, called the Skywalk Observatory, which is currently the highest observation deck in New England that is open to the public. Definitely worth the elevator trip up!
Back Bay Shopping
Back Bay has one of THE BEST shopping districts in Boston. Newbury Street, Boylston Street and Commonwealth Avenue are lined with unique shops. Keep your eyes open because you may spot a celebrity shopping on these picturesque streets.
Most famous perhaps is Newbury Street, with its numerous chic boutiques and galleries it is a must for anyone new to Boston.
Back Bay Dining
Since Back Bay is one of the most expensive places in Boston, there are many fine dining experiences to splurge on. But the more thrifty traveler can take heart and find reasonable options as well.
Back Bay Accommodations
The best way to see Boston is to live like a Bostonian. Short-term Apartment rentals are extremely popular in this area and with so many of them nestled in this historical neighborhood you can’t go wrong. In this high-rent district you get more bang for your buck in a furnished apartment.
Check out these Boston short-term rental options and experience the Back Bay like a local.
