Boston shopping is one of Beantown’s top attractions. Of course there’s Fenway Park and the sites along the Freedom Trail, but there are also unique boutiques, quirky bookstores, and plenty of cafés and restaurants to shop and refuel between splurges. Boston stores are known for friendly service and one-of-a-kind items, though with the range of outlets, boutiques, and department stores it would be impossible to cover the whole shopping scene in Boston during one trip. Avid Boston shoppers would suggest starting at the Newbury Street shops and letting the temptation begin in one of the most well-known areas in the city.

The Newbury Street shops are stretched along eight blocks and are renowned for the variety and quality that they offer. Located in the Back Bay area of Boston near the Public Garden, the street is lined with beautiful nineteenth-century brownstones. This adds a bit of history to your day of shopping. The atmosphere and stellar shopping attracts both locals and tourists alike to this popular area. Newbury Street shops offer a full range of goods from expensive and luxurious to hip and cutting edge. On a sunny day, this is an especially pleasant area of the city to spend some time shopping, and there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy a fine meal at the end of the day.

If you're looking for somewhere new beyond Newbury Street, there are plenty of options. Shopaholics who have done their research know that the next area of Boston stores to hit is Downtown Crossing near Boston Common. This pedestrian-only area is a fantastic spot to browse, and the lack of cars is a pleasant escape from the city traffic. Bargain shoppers will be delighted by the designer offerings at the famous Filene’s Basement, and after this area of Boston shopping, the next place to see is an old-fashioned city market.

Boston Map

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also called Quincy Market, is one of the most popular places to shop in Boston. Common retail stores have an extraordinary selection here, and whether you’re looking for clothes, shoes, housewares, or books, you are sure to be tempted by the range of things on display. In addition, don’t miss out on the Quincy Market food court—there are enough options to keep you eating and drinking here all afternoon, though after the bustle of the marketplace, you might want to escape the crowds.

If you still haven’t satisfied your craving for something special, there's another area of Boston stores that doesn’t disappoint. At the bottom of Beacon Hill, Charles Street offers some fantastic Boston shopping, though the high-end shops here will quickly help you to blow through your budget. If you're looking to wind your day down with a little bookstore browsing, you can head to Harvard Square for a few last small purchases. After a busy day of shopping, the ultimate indulgence is to unwind in one of Boston’s relaxing spas, or once night falls, climb aboard a harbor cruise or book a table at one of Boston’s fine-dining restaurants. However you spend your time in Boston, your souvenirs will be a wonderful reminder of your visit, and it’s likely you’ll be planning another trip back in the near future.