14 Best Things To Do In Boston's Back Bay, Massachusetts

things to do in boston back bay
Amber
Amber 
Updated
| 4 min read

No trip to Boston is complete without exploring the city’s trendy Back Bay neighborhood. Located on the southern banks of the Charles River just east of Fenway Park, you’ll find some of the best shopping, dining and architecture on display in Boston. There are plenty of Vrbo vacation rentals as well. Take some time to shop till you drop at Copley Place, and grab a bite to eat at the best French restaurant in Boston, L'Espalier. These are just a few of the must-visit places in Boston’s Back Bay; for more of the best places to explore during your trip, be sure to plan on checking out these other fabulous attractions. Scroll down to learn about the best things to do in Boston’s Back Bay, Massachusetts.

1. Enjoy some good music with a nice meal at The Bebop

Great food, music, drinks & ambience!

Posted by The Bebop on Monday, August 13, 2018

The Bebop is a pub and live music venue that is a prime destination for musicians and music fans. With an Irish pub menu, sandwiches, salads, cocktails, entrees, and martinis, The Bebop offers a nice meal to complement the wonderful music.

There are also numerous musicians who come and play at the pub on certain days which makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Not to mention, there are numerous events that the pub holds regularly, including comedy nights and trivia quizzes.

The Bebop

Address: 1116 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215, United States

Website: The Bebop

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am- 1am; Sat - Sun: 9am - 1am

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2. Browse the extensive selection at the Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library 6
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AlexiusHoratius used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Boston Public Library system boasts an impressive 26 branches and a history dating back to 1848 when it became the first free municipal library in the country. The Central Library in Copley Square is the branch you’ll find in the Back Bay, and it is completely massive, encompassing two buildings at almost one million square feet (92903 square meters). One section of the library you may want to visit is the rare books department; as of 2018, the library has accumulated approximately 235,000 rare books and more than a million manuscripts.

Boston Public Library

Address: 700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

Website: Boston Public Library

Opening hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:00am - 9:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm; Sunday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

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3. Go on a shopping spree at Copley Place


Get ready to shop until you drop at this multi-story, 9.5-acre (3.8-hectare) shopping and multi-use facility. Inside, you’ll find some 75 stores to satisfy all of your shopping desires, with anchor stores including Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., and Barneys New York. A great shopping experience isn’t all that you’ll find here; be sure to grab a bite to eat between stores at restaurants such as Au Bon Pain or Tender Greens.

Copley Place Mall

Address: 100 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116

Website: Copley Place Mall

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 10:00am - 8:00pm; Sunday: 12:00pm - 6:00pm

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4. Indulge your taste buds at L'Espalier


If you get a hankering for French food while exploring Boston’s Back Bay, L'Espalier is the only place you should be headed to for a delightful meal. L'Espalier has been around since 1978 and is considered to be the first independently owned restaurant to boast a menu of haute cuisine. Upon arrival, get your taste buds ready for a delicious journey trying out a variety of foods on the eight-course tasting, or go all out and book a reservation to try the Chef’s Tasting Journey at the chef’s table.

L'Espalier

Address: 774 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

Website: L'Espalier

Opening hours: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 10:30pm (daily)

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5. Sit back with a drink at Sonsie

Sonsie has been treating Boston’s Back Bay to delicious international cuisine and phenomenal beverage pairings for over 24 years now, and they show no signs of slowing down. Grab a drink to enjoy in the open sidewalk cafe, weather permitting, or head into the European lounge that features the coziest leather chairs and sofas. Cocktails are readily made and there is a wine list of over 200 varieties to choose from.

Sonsie

Address: 327 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

Website: Sonsie

Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 10:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 9:30am - 11:00pm

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6. Feast your eyes on the paintings at Trinity Church

Altar, Trinity Church, Boston, Massachusetts
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daderot used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Trinity Church in Boston’s Back Bay is considered by many to be one of the top 10 buildings in America when it comes to art and architectural masterpieces. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained-glass windows, mosaics and wall murals to marvel at. Be sure to take a guided tour provided by knowledgeable volunteers, for the best experience.

Trinity Church

Address: 206 Clarendon St, Boston, MA 02116

Website: Trinity Church

Opening hours: Sunday: 12:15pm - 4:30pm; Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00am - 4:30pm

Price: 10 USD per person

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7. View Boston from the Skywalk Observatory


Many Bostonians recommend visitors drop by the Skywalk Observatory as their first stop while in the city. If the weather is cooperative with clear skies, you can see up to 100 miles from the Skywalk, which stands an astounding 700 feet (213 meters) tall. Get the most out of your visit and be sure to take the personalized audio tour.

Skywalk Observatory

Address: 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199

Website: Skywalk Observatory

Opening hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm (daily)

Price: 20 USD per person

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8. See the world in a whole new way at The Mapparium

things to do in boston back bay | see the world in a whole new way at the mapparium
Source: instagram

You’ll gain a new appreciation for the layout of our great world after a visit to the Mapparium. Although the place is housed within the Mary Baker Eddy Library, visiting it is considered a trendy thing to do in Boston. The Mapparium is a three-story stained-glass globe structure that offers its visitors a more three-dimensional view of the globe.

Delve deeper by exploring the complementary exhibit, which features letters and other artifacts regarding the Mapparium, that have only recently been made public.

The Mapparium

Address: 200 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115

Website: The Mapparium

Opening hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm (daily)

Price: 6 USD per person

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9. Cheer your team on at Champions


Sometimes the best place to watch the big game is at the pub, and watching your team is great fun while at Champions (even more so if you’re rooting on the Red Sox). Champions is located on the second floor of the Copley Place shopping center and features thirty-six 46" HDTV’s, all set to broadcast the biggest games of the hour. Grab a bite to eat from the grill and sample one of the 36 beers on tap, or try a signature cocktail.

Champions

Address: 110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116

Website: Champions

Opening hours: Sunday - Thursday: 6:30am - 12:30am; Friday & Saturday: 6:30am - 1:30am

Price: 25+ USD per person

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10. Browse for some fresh produce at Copley Square Farmers Market

Posted by Copley Square Farmers Market on Friday, December 3, 2021

Of course, checking out the best local products must grace any list of things to do in Boston. Copley Square Farmers Market delightfully ticks this box. Located in the heart of Back Bay’s commercial and cultural hub, this bustling spot offers Massachusetts farmers a place to sell their produce to the masses. It is the biggest farmers market in Boston and the vendors sell a variety of fresh produce, including vegetables, meat, maple syrup, and many more.

Also, do take note that not every registered vendor is present when the market is open. Please consult the website to see which vendor is available. There are also special food vendors serving products like pasta, fresh fish, hummus, and many more.

Copley Square Farmers Market

Address: 139 St James Ave, Boston, MA 02116, United States

Website: Copley Square Farmers Market

Opening hours: Tue & Fri: 11am - 6pm (closed on Sat - Mon, Wed - Thu)

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11. Take a step back in history at the Gibson House Museum


The Gibson House, which was built in 1860, stands as it did back then, remaining mostly untouched by the passage of time. The home was built as a single family residence with an Italian Renaissance styling, and it was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2001. Visits to the house are only available through the tour, so be sure to arrive according to the tour times listed.

Gibson House Museum

Address: 137 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02116

Website: Gibson House Museum

Opening hours: Wednesday - Sunday: Tours start at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm

Price: 10 USD per person

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12. Stroll along the fashionable Boylston Street

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Boylston Street, located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, is a bustling and vibrant thoroughfare that offers an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Experiencing its lively atmosphere is surely one of the best things to do in Boston’s Back Bay at night. Discover an array of trendy boutiques, flagship stores, and designer shops that cater to every fashionista’s taste.

Treat yourself to delectable cuisine at the numerous restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs that line the street, offering diverse culinary delights. As you explore, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Boston Public Library and the Boston Marathon Finish Line, adding historical and cultural significance to your journey.

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13. Experience unique fun at Prudential Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you missed the @Laneige and @inInnisfree usa Glow on the Go Beauty Bus last weekend, you can still stop by Sephora Prudential to stock up on these skincare faves.

Posted by Prudential Center Boston on Friday, June 16, 2023

Located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, the Prudential Center is a renowned destination offering diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. This iconic complex stands tall with its striking architecture and panoramic city views from the Skywalk Observatory on the 50th floor.

Immerse yourself in a world of luxury and fashion as you explore an impressive selection of designer boutiques, high-end retailers, and specialty stores. Indulge your taste buds at the vibrant food court or savor a delightful meal at one of the many restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments. The Prudential Center also hosts various events, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year, making it a hub of cultural activity.

Prudential Center

Address: 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199, United States

Website: Prudential Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm

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14. Find your new favorite wine on a wine-tasting tour (from USD 100.0)

Enjoy sipping on some of the best wines in the Back Bay during this wine tour. The tour lasts approximately two hours and includes food pairing advice with the wines sampled. During the tour, you’ll learn a bit about the history of the area while making a leisurely tour of the best restaurants in the area.

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Boston Back Bay 2-Hour Wine Tasting and Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours

19 reviews

Explore all that Boston's Back Bay has to offer

Boston Back Bay reflection
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Robbie Shade used under CC BY 2.0

If you’ve been wondering about what is there to do in Boston’s Back Bay for so long, this curated list must have tickled your wanderlust spirit. With so many culinary and cultural delights awaiting you, this destination makes for a worthwhile trip. Be sure to check out the Back Bay next time you’re in Boston.

And for convenient stays, you can check out the Airbnb vacation rentals in Downtown Boston, which is reachable within 10 minutes from Back Bay. But if you’re looking to stay in a similar riverside neighborhood, the Airbnb vacation rentals on and near New Street will come in handy for your travel needs.

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Frequently asked questions about the things to do in Boston's Back Bay, Massachusetts


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Amber has enjoyed being an office manager at a geotechnical engineering firm for seven years and has a Bachelor's degree from Tarleton State University in Marketing. When not working or wrangling...Read more

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