Looking for some retail therapy? Make a beeline for Boston’s affluent Back Bay neighbourhood, which sits on the Charles River and features a wealth of enticing boutiques, international designer stores and budget-friendly outlets. It’s also blessed with fine-dining restaurants, coffee shops, bars and popular attractions.
Shoppers typically flock to Newbury Street, which is lined with alfresco cafes, designer boutiques and art galleries. The 501 Boylston shopping mall boasts H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Sunglass Hut and Athleta, while Longchamp is ideal for leather goods and Lilly Pulitzer is a hit with its colourful dresses. When hunger strikes, duck into The Met Back Bay for gourmet burgers or Lolita Back Bay for Mexican-inspired fare.
You can admire a range of historical landmarks around Back Bay, including Khalil Gibran Plaque and the Boston Vendome Hotel Fire Memorial. Kick back in Copley Square, which hosts a seasonal farmer’s market, before heading to the Skywalk Observatory for 360-degree views of Boston and beyond.
Getting there
Back Bay is about 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Boston or 20 minutes if you catch the C, D or E metro line from Government Center to Copley. You can drive to Back Bay from Boston Logan International Airport in 15 minutes.