World by City

Shopping & districts

Back Bay

Open in Maps
Back Bay

Back Bay

Back Bay is a neighborhood in Boston characterized by its grid layout and rows of historic brownstone houses. Travelers visit this area to walk through its residential streets, explore the local architecture, and access a variety of shopping and dining options.

Getting There

The neighborhood is centrally located. From downtown Boston, you can reach the area via the MBTA Green Line or by walking. Depending on your starting point in the city center, the trip typically takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Time Allocation

Allow 3 to 5 hours to explore the district. This provides enough time to walk through the residential blocks and visit the primary commercial corridors.

When to Visit

The area is accessible year-round. Autumn is a common time for visitors to see the changing foliage among the city trees. Be aware that the main shopping streets get crowded on weekends and during holiday shopping seasons.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, this neighborhood is easily combined with several nearby landmarks:

  • Old South Church (0.2km)
  • Copley Square (0.4km)
  • Trinity Church (0.4km)
  • John Hancock Tower (0.5km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

GetYourGuide GetYourGuide 클룩 Klook Tiqets Tiqets KKday KKday WeGoTrip WeGoTrip

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Back Bay

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Back Bay Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search Boston hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

View on Compare sites 부킹닷컴 View on Booking.com 호텔스닷컴 View on Hotels.com

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Good to visit alongside

Old South Church

Temples & religious sites

Old South Church

A church in downtown Boston, worth a short stop while strolling the streets. Its modest atmosphere makes for a peaceful little rest.

0.2 km away
Copley Square

Parks & gardens

Copley Square

Copley Square is a plaza in downtown Boston, surrounded by Old South Church, Trinity Church, and the Boston Public Library. It's a great spot to take in a range of architectural styles in one place.

0.4 km away
Trinity Church

Temples & religious sites

Trinity Church

An Episcopal church located in Boston's Back Bay district. Built in 1733, it offers a chance to appreciate both its architecture and history.

0.4 km away
John Hancock Tower

Views & landmarks

John Hancock Tower

The John Hancock Tower is a Boston skyscraper known for its distinctive all-glass exterior. Completed in 1976, it has since become one of the city's signature landmarks.

0.5 km away
Boston Public Garden

Zoos & aquariums

Boston Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden sits in downtown Boston next to Boston Common and is known as the oldest public botanical garden in the United States. It's a great spot for a stroll past statues like the one of George Washington, and it's conveniently close to a subway station.

0.9 km away
Symphony Hall

Culture & venues

Symphony Hall

A historic concert hall where the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops regularly perform. Designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark and a Boston landmark, it's recommended for travelers who enjoy classical music.

1.1 km away