10 best things to do in the Back Bay

The wait is over. View Boston, the highly anticipated observatory encompassing the top three floors of the Prudential Tower, opened its doors on June 15th, 2023. The immersive observatory and experiential attraction offers guests a personalized perspective of the city.

The BPL regally sits across from Copley Square, attracting scores of student groups, visitors, and casual book-browsers to its multi-faceted complex. The labyrinthine structure is a joy to get lost in; be sure to visit the cloistered courtyard, a most tranquil place to linger. Join a free tour covering the library’s art and architecture, or check out one of the talks and readings that are regularly offered.

The unabashedly ornate Trinity Church is the visual centerpiece of Copley Square. The church is known for its extensive murals—almost every inch of wall was handpainted by a team led by American artist John La Farge. The impressive stained-glass windows include four that were designed by the English Pre-Raphaelite painter Edward Burne-Jones and made by Arts and Crafts pioneer William Morris.

Hue Boston, located in the Copley Square Hotel, offers an all-day dining experience influenced by the flavors of Indian, Asian and Caribbean cuisines. A collaborative effort by business partners George Aboujaoude and Maurice Rodriguez, event organizer Robert Eugene, and tech entrepreneur Nick Saber has resulted in a space that truly represents the city's diverse spirit. Start with lunch in the RoseBar and then head downstairs for dinner in the Supper Club and into the Speakeasy for late night drinks.  

At first glance, it looks like any other convenience store, the window lined with faded bleach bottles and paper towels. But behind the hidden sliding door is the secret store within a store; an ultra-modern interior containing Boston’s hottest sneaker shop—carrying rare releases from Nike and Adidas, as well as deluxe streetwear and books on art and design.

This massive food and drink complex takes up a grand, multi-floor space in the Prudential Center. Enjoy a stroll through the retail maze, stopping to look at surprisingly affordable luxuries from near (local cheesemakers) and far (every Italian product imaginable). There are multiple places to eat and drink; from full-service, high-end dining to quick sandwiches and gelato.

Make time to dine or at least grab drinks at OAK Long Bar + Kitchen. Often listed as one of the best hotel bars in Boston, this is actually just one of the best bars in Boston, period. Locals frequent this spot often and their cocktails are some of the best pours in the city year after year.

In a sea of chains, Trident remains a tried-and-true standby for the more indie-minded of Boston’s over-caffeinated literary nerds. The magazine selection is peerless—art zines, obscure trade publications… and is that a Spanish edition of Foreign Affairs? The food and drink is solid; if you’re bummed about not being able to order a single-origin pour-over, the atmosphere will make up for it.

The Mapparium, the world’s largest walk-in globe, is among the city’s quirkiest landmarks. Essentially a three-story model of the globe built to scale, the perfect sphere runs 30 feet in diameter, and can be crossed by means of a glass bridge that bisects its interior. The 608 stained-glass panels recreate the world as it was in the mid-1930s, when the project was completed. (Geography aficionados will notice the outdated borders and names.)

Newbury Street is officially cool again. Not that it ever stopped being cool, just that it has the vibrancy that I think we all remember it having, but may have drifted off in the past few years, is back. Located in the heart of Back Bay, Newbury Street has always been known for its designer shops and historic brownstones. So swing by to shop till you drop!