Back Bay, Boston guide

You can’t walk far without hitting a park here. Start at Copley Square, a pretty, pint-sized garden with water fountains and sculptures. Don’t miss the ornate, Romanesque-style Trinity Church, which dates back to 1877. Or walk along the Charles River Esplanade, a historic waterside park with views across the river to Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Back Bay’s wide, tree-lined promenades owe much of their character to the French capital. In the mid-1800s, when the neighbourhood was being developed, architect Arthur Gilman took inspiration from the streets of Paris when designing Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Grab a coffee and take a stroll, admiring its Victorian townhouses. Or look for statues of historical figures, including US Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

One of Boston’s most famous shopping destinations, Newbury Street slices through Back Bay from east to west. Although it’s best known for designer shops, you’ll also find trendy restaurants, salons and art galleries tucked among Boston’s iconic brownstones. On a budget? The western end has a more low-key vibe, with locally owned boutiques, second-hand shops, indie booksellers and comic book stores.

Back Bay isn’t just for grown-ups. The Charles River Esplanade has three large playgrounds for small children, while kids ten and over can take sailing, kayaking or windsurfing lessons on the river. Boston Duck Tours depart from the Prudential Center and are a fun way to see the city. On an amphibious vehicle, you’ll travel from land to water, learning about Boston’s history and important landmarks.

One of the best museums in Back Bay is Gibson House. Built in 1860, it showcases the extensive art and antique collection of the wealthy Gibson family. Are you a book lover? Don’t miss the Boston Public Library. Established in 1848, it was one of the country’s first free municipal libraries. Take a free public tour, admiring its arched ceilings, grand marble pillars and elaborate statues.

The neighbourhood comes to life in June for Boston Pride for the People, with the annual parade starting in Copley Square. In summer, Newbury Street holds pedestrian-only Sundays. The thoroughfare is closed to traffic and filled with food stalls, live music and street vendors. In October, Copley Square hosts the Boston Book Festival, featuring talks, food trucks and plenty of reading material.

Newbury Street is the main thoroughfare and a treasure trove for shoppers. Pop into Trident Booksellers, a cafe and bookshop with a community feel. You’ll find designer shops at the Prudential Center and Copley Place, linked by an overhead walkway. Copley Square hosts Boston’s largest farmers market twice a week, with local goodies like artisan pastries, Atlantic oysters and gourmet coffee.

If you like dressing up for dinner, you’re in the right neighbourhood. The best restaurants in Back Bay include refined American steakhouses, white-tablecloth Italian eateries, Japanese ‘izakaya’ (casual bars) and chic French bistros. You’ll also find some of Boston’s finest seafood, from lobster rolls to raw oysters. Head to Atlantic Fish Company for classics like New England clam chowder.

In summer, Back Bay’s bars spill out onto the streets. Start the night at Sonsie on Newbury Street, a local favourite and a great place for people-watching. Then move on to one of the neighbourhood’s dimly lit bars offering innovative cocktail menus. Or check out the tap selection at Bukowski Tavern, a cosy dive pub where local brews are served alongside classic American fare.