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Back Bay in Boston

Things to Do in Back Bay, Boston

A shopping district on Newbury Street, which has transformed from stables to a destination compared to Rodeo Drive and 5th Avenue. Boylston Street offers a mix of bars and restaurants alongside landmarks like Copley Square and the Prudential Center.

A shopping district on Newbury Street, which has transformed from stables to a destination compared to Rodeo Drive and 5th Avenue. Boylston Street offers a mix of bars and restaurants alongside landmarks like Copley Square and the Prudential Center.

  • Boston Public LibraryBoston Public LibraryLibrary
  • Copley SquareCopley SquarePlaza
  • Trinity ChurchTrinity ChurchFamous Protestant Church
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By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026

Top things to do in Back Bay

  • Boston Public Library in Back Bay, Boston

    Boston Public Library

    4.8 · 3.6k
    Library

    library system in Boston, Massachusetts

    Mon–Thu
    9 AM – 8 PM
    Fri
    9 AM – 5 PM
    Sat
    9 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    11 AM – 5 PM
  • Copley Square in Back Bay, Boston

    Copley Square

    4.6 · 225
    Plaza

    Named for painter John Singleton Copley, this small green square is anchored by Trinity Church.

    Map
  • Trinity Church in Back Bay, Boston

    Trinity Church

    4.6 · 1.5k
    Famous Protestant Church

    Grand Episcopal church built in 1877, featuring notable stained-glass windows & vintage organs.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Fri
    10 AM – 4:30 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 4:30 PM
    Sun
    Closed
  • Old South Church in Back Bay, Boston

    Old South Church

    4.7 · 623
    Historic Church

    Ornate, 1875 church housing a congregation founded in 1669, with notable organs & jazz services.

    Mon–Thu
    8 AM – 8 PM
    Fri
    8 AM – 7 PM
    Sat
    9 AM – 4 PM
    Sun
    8:30 AM – 4 PM
  • Gibson House Museum in Back Bay, Boston

    Gibson House Museum

    4.6 · 154
    History Museum

    Tours, lectures & other special events take place at this brownstone with distinct Victorian flair.

    Mon–Wed
    Closed
    Thu–Fri
    1 PM – 4 PM
    Sat
    1 PM – 4 PM
    Sun
    1 PM – 4 PM
  • Prudential Center in Back Bay, Boston

    Prudential Center

    4.5 · 15.0k
    Shopping Mall

    Fancy indoor mall with upscale department stores, shops & dining, including an Eataly location.

    Mon–Fri
    11 AM – 9 PM
    Sat
    11 AM – 9 PM
    Sun
    11 AM – 7 PM
  • Lindt Chocolate Shop in Back Bay, Boston

    Lindt Chocolate Shop

    4.8 · 581
    Chocolate Shop

    Retailer known for fine Swiss chocolate, truffles & confectionery since 1845.

    Mon–Fri
    10 AM – 8 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 8 PM
    Sun
    11 AM – 7 PM
  • Virtuosity Musical Instruments in Back Bay, Boston

    Virtuosity Musical Instruments

    4.9 · 140
    Record Store
    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Fri
    10 AM – 6 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    Closed

Where to eat & drink in Back Bay

  • Hecate in Back Bay, Boston

    Hecate

    Top 500 bar
    Cocktail Bar· $20-60

    A European-inspired cocktail bar located in Boston.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Fri
    5 PM – 1 AM
    Sat
    5 PM – 1 AM
    Sun
    Closed
  • The Friendly Toast in Back Bay, Boston

    The Friendly Toast

    4.5 · 5.6k
    Brunch· $20–30

    Trendy hangout serving all-day breakfasts in quirky surroundings, with vegan options.

    Mon–Fri
    7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    Sat
    7:30 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    7:30 AM – 5 PM
  • Trident Booksellers & Cafe in Back Bay, Boston

    Trident Booksellers & Cafe

    4.5 · 4.4k
    Café & Bakery· $10–20

    Indie bookstore & cafe with a big all-day breakfast menu, veggie options & a relaxed vibe.

    Every day
    8 AM – 10 PM
  • Atlantic Fish Company in Back Bay, Boston

    Atlantic Fish Company

    4.6 · 4.3k
    Seafood· $40–100

    Established eatery with a refined interior & sidewalk seats offering seafood & a robust wine list.

    Mon–Thu
    11:30 AM – 10 PM
    Fri
    11:30 AM – 11 PM
    Sat
    11 AM – 11 PM
    Sun
    11 AM – 10 PM
  • A.T. O'Keeffe's in Back Bay, Boston

    A.T. O'Keeffe's

    4.4 · 902
    Sports Bar· $20–30

    The oldest sports bar in America is open again in the Back Bay! Formerly McGreevy's, a staple in Back Bay.

    Every day
    11 AM – 2 AM
  • Abe & Louie's in Back Bay, Boston

    Abe & Louie's

    4.5 · 3.0k
    Steakhouse· $100+

    High-end steakhouse known for classic steaks & sides, brunch & an extensive wine list.

    Mon–Thu
    11:30 AM – 10 PM
    Fri
    11:30 AM – 11 PM
    Sat
    11 AM – 11 PM
    Sun
    11 AM – 10 PM
  • Moon Bar in Back Bay, Boston

    Moon Bar

    4.7 · 157
    Bar· $30-90

    Sophisticated outpost offering a range of seafood dishes, global wines & draft brews.

    Mon
    Closed
    Tue–Thu
    5 PM – 10:30 PM
    Fri
    5 PM – 11:30 PM
    Sat
    5 PM – 11:30 PM
    Sun
    Closed
  • Mistral in Back Bay, Boston

    Mistral

    4.6 · 1.3k
    French· $100+

    Elegant bistro crafting acclaimed French-Mediterranean cuisine in refined surroundings.

    Mon–Thu
    5:30 PM – 9 PM
    Fri
    5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
    Sat
    5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
    Sun
    5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

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Back Bay map

Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.

Map of Back Bay with pinned top attractions (1 through 10)
  1. 1Boston Public Library
  2. 2Copley Square
  3. 3Trinity Church
  4. 4Old South Church
  5. 5Gibson House Museum
  6. 6Hecate
  7. 7Prudential Center
  8. 8The Friendly Toast
  9. 9Lindt Chocolate Shop
  10. 10Trident Booksellers & Cafe

Other areas in Boston

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