Living in one of the apartment buildings in Back Bay, Boston provides connections to the past, present, and future. You can feel the energy of a new nation in every historic site and building and relive the excitement. Retail shops, businesses, and restaurants connect us to the present and the colleges and libraries propel us into the future. Since its inception, the irresistible vibrancy of Back Bay has made it one of Boston’s most popular locations. Many people consider Back Bay to be one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the country due to the timeless beauty of the Victorian brownstones and the unique variety of its classical architectural styles.
Landmarks
The grandeur of the Boston Public Library can be described as palatial. The Beaux-Arts Renaissance Revival style portrays an elegance of a by-gone era that is filled with art and architectural wonders. However, this palace was built for the people. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was the first free public library in the U.S. The treasures displayed in the building span three centuries and the library is home to more than 19 million volumes. Only the Library of Congress is larger! There are rare books, manuscripts, and early editions of Shakespeare’s works.
Adjacent to Copley Square are buildings that are architecturally amazing. The Old South Church became a National Historic Landmark in 1970 because it is one of the most significant High Victorian Gothic churches in New England. Built from 1872 to 1877, Trinity Church was so unique that the style was named after its architect. Richardsonian Romanesque is distinguished by the use of many colors, towers, heavy arches, and rough stones. And since old Boston and new Boston consistently overlap, across the street is New England’s tallest building at 200 Clarendon Street, formerly known as The John Hancock Tower, that stands proudly at sixty stories.
Shopping and Restaurants on Newbury Street
When people think of Back Bay shopping, images of Newbury Street appear. Within the historic brownstones are stores that tantalize shoppers with trendy, modern, and classic clothes, decorative items, and accessories. Brandy Melville has a unique twist to its trendy clothes – one-size-fits-all. ZARA offers chic clothes with a Spanish flare. Soodee is a boutique with an intimate setting. A favorite of rock stars, Alan Bilzerian, has fashionable men and women’s clothes with an edge. A trip down memory lane (at least for clothes) awaits you at Vivant Vintage. Dig for treasure in their huge selection. When you want to decorate yourself and your home with one-of-a-kind finds, look through Brodney Antiques & Jewelry. Even in Boston, Rick Walker’s will spark a sense of whimsy with their western apparel. And when it’s time to curl up with a good book, the staff at Posman Books will help you find one. We could continue describing all the fantastic stores on Newbury Street, but it would take hours. There are approximately 250 of them!
If you took the time to explore all the stores on Newbury Street, you would end up being very hungry. So, choose one of the 62 restaurants and cafes; they are all terrific. If you crave some traditional American fare and want large menus, try Sonsie or Joe’s on Newbury. For gourmet Italian food, Faccia a Faccia is the place for such delicacies as lobster arancini. Classic French cuisine, such as Les Moules Frites, is served at La Voile. When you hear the call of the sea, try some classic New England seafood at Little Whale. Trident Booksellers & Café offers two favorites – books and great food. And when you are in the mood for fabulous pizza and nothing else will do, Dirty Water Dough Company will create the perfect pizza for you. The only difficulty in finding a great place to eat on Newbury Street is making a choice. The only thing to do is try them all.
Shopping and Restaurants in Copley Place
Sometimes when you plan a fun day of shopping, the New England weather interferes. Well, Back Bay has you covered. In Copley Place, the upscale stores and restaurants provide a perfect place for an outing. Stores such as Coach, Fendi, Dior, Gucci, J.Crew, and Jimmy Choo plus others are all under one roof. When you want an interesting sandwich or pastry and some of the best coffee in Back Bay, locals recommend Caffe Nero. Legal Sea Foods is famous throughout Boston for serving a taste of New England in every bite. Parm was awarded a place on the 101 Best Places to Eat in North America list and it’s right here in Back Bay. Try their sandwich of the month or mouth-watering Italian cuisine.
Prudential Center Shopping, Food, and Entertainment
“The Pru” is what the locals lovingly call this exciting mixed-use complex. One can easily spend the day and part of the evening here and not run out of fun things to do. The sophisticated and luxuriously appointed stores are a browser’s paradise. The offerings include Alo Yoga, Bonobos, Aritzia, Canada Goose, L’Occitane, Pandora, and chocolates at Laderach Chocolatier Suisse. There are multiple culinary adventures along your journey through the mall such as Eataly, Sweetgreen, Wagamama, and Del Frisco’s. And there are plenty of treats to satisfy the sweet tooth such as Ben & Jerry’s, Cold Stone Creamery, and Sugarfina.
The Prudential Center provides one-stop shopping when it comes to entertainment. Within the complex is a lovely open-air park called the South Garden. In addition to providing respite, it has a variety of shows (weather permitting). Take in a movie under the stars in July and August. Delight in some of Boston’s best talent when you listen to Berklee’s Summer in the City concerts. You can even participate in some fitness classes while enjoying the fresh air. In addition, 749 feet above the city, the observation deck provides a panoramic view of Boston.
Entertainment in Back Bay
Indulge your creative side and visit Pottery Studio 1 on Newbury Street. Experience is not necessary; they provide the instruction, and you have the fun. Enter Back Bay Social on a Friday afternoon to enjoy the music and the exotic cocktails. Foxhole keeps a party atmosphere going with its upbeat music and classic fare. When you are living in Back Bay, you can treat yourself to a different experience every day.
Rental Options
Back Bay is famous for its authentic brownstones, its elegance, and its luxurious surroundings. The rental options range from the classic to the ultra-modern with all the amenities one would expect in a trendy, exciting locale. Envision infinity pools, fitness centers, rooftop decks, and spectacular views. No matter which residence you choose, Back Bay living is the epitome of style.
Transportation and Services
The Green Line serves Back Bay at the Hynes Convention Center, Arlington, Prudential, and Copley stations. The Orange Line’s Back Bay station is also an Amtrak and MBTA Commuter Rail station.
Green Space
Though only 0.9 square miles, Back Bay has managed to carve out some enchanting green space. Copley Square Park has a refreshing fountain and seasonal events on their meticulously maintained lawn. Relax as you watch the Charles River flow through in the Charles River Esplanade. In addition to the natural beauty, it hosts events, public art, and guided tours. Statler Park has an interesting art deco fountain and is situated among historic buildings.
This quintessential Boston neighborhood is also home to Berklee College of Music, the Boston Architectural College, The New England Conservatory, and the New England College of Optometry. Back Bay is a place where history and the present, wild and tame, and work and play exist gracefully together. This is Boston at its finest.