The Back Bay Boston neighborhood is renowned for its attractive architecture and chic shops. Among the standouts in relation to the neighborhood’s architecture are rows of Victorian brownstone homes. This is one of the nation’s best-preserved examples of 19th century urban design. Another thing that the Back Bay neighborhood is known for is its rather affluent nature. Students might be prevalent in the area near Massachussetts Avenue, but their numbers grow increasingly scarce as you get closer to the upscale Public Garden zone. However you choose to describe it, Back Bay is a fantastic place to explore. Built out of a landfill more than 100 years ago, you can find the pleasant neighborhood right along the Charles River between the Public Garden and Kenmore Square. To the near east is the downtown core of Boston, and not too far west is famous Fenway Park.

Back Bay Attractions

The affluent Back Bay Boston neighborhood is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a U.S. Historic District. Largely responsible for these honors is the neighborhood’s aforementioned Victorian brownstone homes. Back Bay also boasts other architecturally significant buildings, including the beautiful Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library McKim Building. The Trinity Church was completed in 1877, while the Boston Public Library McKim Building was finished in 1895. Structures from the Victorian era aren’t the only significant Back Bay buildings. The neighborhood is also home to newer edifices, such as the John Hancock Tower. The tallest building in Boston and New England, the Hancock Tower was designed by I.M. Pei & Partners and was completed in 1976. A great way to take in the architectural bliss of Back Bay Boston is by strolling around Copley Square, as this square is surrounded by some of the area’s most notable buildings. When a break from sightseeing is in order, Back Bay visitors can hit the neighborhood's numerous shops or duck into a café or restaurant for some refreshment. Newbury and Boylston Streets are the main Back Bay shopping avenues. Shopping enthusiasts are also encouraged to check out the high quality retailers at the Copley Square and Prudential Center malls.

Back Bay Boston Nightlife

Found around the Back Bay neighborhood are lively restaurants and bars that help to make this a popular Boston nightlife center. It also doesn’t hurt that Fenway Park, the Theater District, and Boston Common are relatively close by. After watching a Red Sox game, fans can head towards Back Bay for some evening fun. The Theater District in general is a popular entertainment district. In relation to Boston Common, the area features some clubs that contribute to the general region’s nightlife allure. The Back Bay restaurants, it should be noted, offer a wide range of cuisines. They are also known for their price ranges, which should allow you to find something that suits both your taste and budget. Diners and nightlife chasers can also consider the restaurants in nearby Chinatown, as a number of these eateries don’t close until 3 or 4 AM.

Boston Map

Back Bay Boston Hotels

The Back Bay area can be a great place to base yourself on Boston visits. Not only is it a pleasant and attractive neighborhood. Back Bay is also well-situated, allowing for easy access to the best that Boston has to offer. This explains why the Back Bay Boston hotels are able to attract a wide range of clientele, from business travelers and convention attendees, to sightseers and shoppers. A number of rather luxurious hotels populate the area, with examples including the Lenox Hotel, the Mandarin Oriental (pictured), and the Fairmont Copley. Other good bets among the Back Bay Boston hotels include the Westin Copley Place, the Sheraton Boston, and the Boston Marriott Copley Place. If something that leans a little more towards the affordable side is what you’re after, the Boston Common Hotel & Conference Center might be a good fit. You can also consider some of the other area hotels that are known to offer appealing rates, with the Newbury Guest House being a prime example. Plenty of other good hotels are found in and around the Back Bay Boston neighborhood, so travelers are encouraged to weigh all of the available options when trying to find their ideal lodging match.