8 of the Best Shopping Areas in Boston - Trip Canvas
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8 of the Best Shopping Areas in Boston
Published: August 17, 2023
Written byAAA Travel Editor, CW
While the idea of Boston most often conjures up ideas of magnificent historic sites, mouthwatering clam chowder and captivating cobbled streets, this stunning New England city is quickly become a mecca for shopping enthusiasts from around the world. Offering visitors everything from beautiful boutique-laden side streets to luxurious shopping centers filled with renowned high-end brands, Boston has something to excite every shopper.
Whether you’re looking for a wonderful souvenir or a fantastic piece of fashion, take a look at these AAA-recommended destinations to make sure you hit all the best shopping opportunities in Boston during your stay.
One of the most iconic Boston shopping destinations, Quincy Market is overflowing with historic charm and an array of boutique shops, eateries and activities to make every guest’s visit worthwhile. The marketplace is home to over 100 local and beloved shops, numerous high-quality restaurants and several street vendors spilling out onto the street corners.
One part shopping mall and one part world-class entertainment center, Quincy market is often filled with highly talented performers for guests to enjoy as they grab a bite from one of the mouthwatering food stalls crammed into Faneuil Hall.
Some of the larger brand-name shops found in the market include Nine West, Urban Outfitters and Victoria’s Secret. However, some of the most popular stops are well-known regional brands like Newbury Comics and Yankee Candle.
If you’re looking for an upscale luxury take on a traditional shopping center, then Copley Place is the ideal destination for you. Ralph Lauren, Tiffany’s and Louis Vuitton are just a few of the numerous high-end brands found in this exclusive galleria.
While many of the retailers found in Copley Place are focused on fashion and apparel, there are several high-end specialty stores like Brookstone and Samsonite found within this glamourous two-story mall.
Sharon Hahn Darlin / Wikimedia / CC BY 2.0
3. Newbury Street
Newbury Street, Boston, MA Neighborhood
Located in Boston’s beautiful Back Bay, Newbury Street is widely considered one of Boston’s premier shopping destinations and with good reason. Surrounded by magnificent 19th-century brownstones on every side, visitors wandering through Newbury Street are guaranteed to find a plethora of high-end shopping, delicious dining opportunities and some of the city’s most enticing entertainment venues.
Big-name luxury brands like Chanel and Burberry have set up their luxury shops in this beloved neighborhood. However, fantastic sweet boutiques and trendy shops are still the most popular destinations in the area.
Wikimedia Commons / Derrick Coetzee
4. The Prudential Center
800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA Shopping Center
Constantly ranking as one of the top shopping centers in the country, Boston’s Prudential Center is not only a mall but a mini-city all to itself. A Catholic Chapel, full-service U.S. Post Office and the famous Boston Duck Tours all call this center home, in addition to the numerous upscale shops and high-class eateries spread throughout.
Located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, the Prudential Center offers the epitome of high-end shopping. Guests can stroll through world-class brand storefronts like Saks Fifth Avenue and Kate Spade underneath the center’s noteworthy glass skylights before grabbing a bite at Eataly, one of Boston’s premier Italian food hubs.
istockphoto.com / Marcio Silva
5. Boston Seaport
South Boston Waterfront, Boston, MA Neighborhood
Well known for its seasonal holiday market, the Boston Seaport is a fantastic place to find trendy shops, delightful restaurants and a plethora of entertainment opportunities throughout the year.
With views overlooking the Boston Harbor, this remarkable neighborhood offers visitors some of the city’s most unbelievable views. Home to the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Seaport is home to some of the city’s most exciting galleries, making it a premier destination for visitors hoping to bring home an exquisite piece of art.
istockphoto.com / travelism
6. Downtown Crossing
24 Winter Place, Boston, MA Shopping District
Possibly one of the most popular shopping destinations in the city, Downtown Crossing is a primarily pedestrian shopping zone in the middle of the city where visitors can leisurely spend their time wandering through over 200 retailers, restaurants and studios calling this unique neighborhood home.
While Macy’s is definitely the center of this unique destination, many shoppers enjoy spending their time looking through the numerous local shops and specialty storefronts for one-of-a-kind finds they can’t get their hands on anywhere else. The various jewelry stores, bookstores and music shops found here are also some of the very best in the city.
GBCVB / Kyle Klein
7. Harvard Square
Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA Shopping District
One of the most recognizable destinations in the city, Cambridge is most known as the home of Harvard University. However, before you take a walking tour or start looking for classes, you should take a look at the neighborhood’s incredible shopping scene.
Harvard Square is just a bit south of the University and offers a much more homey and charming feel than the rest of the city. Filled with locally owned shops and small friendly restaurants, a visit here will leave you feeling like you’re part of a community.
Handcrafted artisan gifts, trendy clothes and books that haven’t been printed in decades are just a few of the special finds visitors can pick up here before they grab a bite at one of the mouthwatering local ramen shops, pizza joints or elegant five-star restaurants.
One of Boston’s oldest residential neighborhoods, the North End has turned itself into a premier shopping destination brimming with exceptional specialty stores, artisan craftsmen and a unique array of restaurants to tantalize your taste buds.
While you won’t be able to find any of the larger name-brand stores anywhere in this boutique neighborhood, there is hardly a need for them. Exceptional artists and designers have turned the North End into the best place to find special one-of-a-kind items that will help you hold onto your memories of this captivating city.
Boston is a city filled with stunning historic sites, world-class restaurants and some of the finest shopping opportunities in all of New England. Whether you’re looking for a name-brand piece or handcrafted artwork, this remarkable city has it all.
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