Back Bay, Boston

Name: Back Bay
Address: Boston, United States

#569 among attractions in Boston

Neighbourhood

Gallery (3)

Map

Map

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Facts and practical information

Back Bay is an officially recognized neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, built on reclaimed land in the Charles River basin. Construction began in 1859, as the demand for luxury housing exceeded the availability in the city at the time, and the area was fully built by around 1900. It is most famous for its rows of Victorian brownstone homes—considered one of the best preserved examples of 19th-century urban design in the United States—as well as numerous architecturally significant individual buildings, and cultural institutions such as the Boston Public Library, and Boston Architectural College. Initially conceived as a residential-only area, commercial buildings were permitted from around 1890, and Back Bay now features many office buildings, including the John Hancock Tower, Boston's tallest skyscraper. It is also considered a fashionable shopping destination and home to several major hotels. ()

Alternative names: Coordinates: 42°21'3"N, 71°4'47"W

Address

Back BayBoston United States

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Day trips

Back Bay – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Newbury Street, Copley Place, Skywalk Observatory, Trinity Church.

~1330 ftSW
Shopping, Shopping district
Newbury Street, Boston
7 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Boston, Newbury Street stands as a beacon of urban sophistication and a premier shopping district renowned for its eclectic mix of stores and charming atmosphere. This iconic thoroughfare, stretching from the Public Garden to Massachusetts...
~1360 ftSE
Shopping, Shopping centre
Copley Place, Boston
7 min walk • Copley Place, nestled in the historic heart of Boston, stands as an upscale shopping haven that caters to the discerning tastes of both locals and visitors alike. This premier shopping center, located in the vibrant Back Bay area, offers a luxurious shopping experience...
~1470 ftSW
Landmark 52-floor skyscraper and mall
Skywalk Observatory, Boston
8 min walk • Perched high above the bustling streets of Boston lies the Skywalk Observatory, a towering beacon that offers an unparalleled view of this historic city. Situated within the Prudential Center, the observatory stands as a modern marvel, inviting visitors to ascend...
~1160 ftE
Church, Romanesque architecture, Romanesque revival architecture
Trinity Church, Boston
6 min walk • Trinity Church, a cornerstone of Boston's architectural and spiritual landscape, stands as a testament to both history and craftsmanship. Nestled in the city's vibrant Back Bay area, the church is a focal point for residents and visitors alike.
~1800 ftNW
Park, Bike trail, Outdoor activities
Charles River Esplanade, Boston
9 min walk • Nestled along the banks of the Charles River in Boston, the Charles River Esplanade is a lush urban oasis that offers city dwellers and visitors alike a serene escape from the bustling streets. This picturesque park stretches for three miles along the river, providing...
~1000 ftE
Square, Farmer's market
Copley Square, Boston
5 min walk • Copley Square, nestled in the heart of Boston, United States, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural and architectural heritage. This public square is bordered by some of the most significant buildings in Boston, including the historic Trinity Church, the...
~1980 ftNE
Monuments and statues
Lotta Fountain, Boston
10 min walk • Lotta Fountain is a 1939 fountain and sculpture by artist Katharine Lane Weems and architects J. W. Ames and E. S. Dodge. It is installed along Boston's Charles River Esplanade, in the U.S. state of Massachusetts.
~1120 ftSW
Shopping, Shopping centre
The Shops at Prudential Center, Boston
6 min walk • The Prudential Center is an enclosed shopping mall within the mixed-use Prudential Center complex in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.
~520 ftE
Gothic church with music services
Old South Church, Boston
3 min walk • Old South Church in Boston, Massachusetts, is a historic United Church of Christ congregation first organized in 1669. Its present building was designed in the Gothic Revival style by Charles Amos Cummings and Willard T.
~530 ftNE
Street, Park
Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Boston
3 min walk • Commonwealth Avenue is a major street in the cities of Boston and Newton, Massachusetts. It begins at the western edge of the Boston Public Garden, and continues west through the neighborhoods of the Back Bay, Kenmore Square, Boston University, Allston, Brighton and Chestnut Hill.
~630 ftSE
Library
Boston Public Library, Boston
4 min walk • The Boston Public Library is a municipal public library system in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, founded in 1848.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Back Bay?

Nearby attractions include Exeter Street Theatre, Boston (1 min walk), Copley Society of Art, Boston (2 min walk), Old South Church, Boston (3 min walk), Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Boston (3 min walk).

How to get to Back Bay by public transport?

The nearest stations to Back Bay:

Light rail

Copley • Lines: B, C, D, E (3 min walk)
Prudential • Lines: E (10 min walk)

Bus

Ring Rd @ Boylston St • Lines: 9 (4 min walk)
Saint James Ave @ Dartmouth St • Lines: 10, 39, 502, 504, 55, 9 (5 min walk)

Train

Boston Back Bay (9 min walk)
Lansdowne (27 min walk)

Metro

Back Bay • Lines: Orange (9 min walk)
Massachusetts Avenue • Lines: Orange (19 min walk)