Welcome to Back Bay
Affluent and sophisticated, this popular Boston residential area is full of historic charm
Considered one of the most expensive residential areas in Boston, Back Bay is well known for its elegant Victorian brownstones and trendy boutiques. Home to the Boston Public Library, Trinity Church, and Copley Square, there’s plenty of historic charm here, punctuated by upscale hotels, several office high rises, and quaint sidewalk cafés.
A true retail and restaurant destination, the landscape of this neighborhood was reportedly modeled after Paris, France — a fact which is evident along Newbury Street and Commonwealth Avenue, where well-heeled locals frequent designer boutiques, art galleries, and cafés.
There’s a vibrant nightlife here, and a range of lively bars and restaurants dot Back Bay’s main thoroughfares. At popular raw bar Saltie Girl, seafood is served every which way, while Atlantic Fish Company is a longstanding favorite for fine seafood dining. sweetgreen, a regional chain, offers simple, seasonal, and healthy salads and grain bowls made in-house from scratch, using whole produce delivered each morning.
The Prudential Center and John Hancock Tower — Back Bay’s most identifiable skyscrapers — are highlights of the city’s skyline. Residents savor the beautiful water views of the Charles River, and warm weather draws locals and tourists to the Esplanade, where paths are carved out for running and biking. Sailing and kayaking are also popular pursuits in this scenic town, and on Boylston Street, which is full of shops, bars, and restaurants, you’ll find the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
