Back Bay - Boston, MA Area Guide

As its name suggests, Back Bay was once a tidal bay. More than 5,000 years ago, Native American tribes used the Back Bay area to build fish-weirs to trap fish as they moved through the tidal waters. In 1814, the city built a dam over the tidal flats where Beacon Street is today. The architect Arthur Gilman, who laid out the Back Bay neighborhood, designed the area to be an upscale residential area — a far cry from its original use as a milling zone. Over the years, the neighborhood has been home to a number of luminaries such as John Singer Sargent and Oliver Wendell Holmes.

Back Bay was one of the United States' first cultural centers and continues to hold an important place in the city's arts scene. The Gibson House Museum on Beacon Street showcases perfectly preserved items from the 1800s and early 1900s. On Boylston Street, the historic Old South Church and Boston Public Library draw visitors from around the world. The neighboring theater district provides residents with performances that range from Shakespeare to contemporary musicals. The neighborhood also holds numerous annual events, including the Boston Book Festival and the Back Bay Block Party.

Restaurants in Back Bay give residents the opportunity to enjoy foods from all over the globe. Catering to the tastes of discerning locals, establishments in the area lean toward the pricey end of the spectrum. Most eateries are located south of Commonwealth Avenue.

Adventurous Back Bay diners make a beeline for Asta, which offers fixed-price tasting menus in three-, five-, and eight-course options. Menus change regularly to take advantage of seasonal ingredients, and residents look forward to dishes such as beef with shishito peppers and anchovy vinaigrette, and bass head terrine. Boston Magazine praises Chef Alex Crabb's innovative presentation and use of unusual native ingredients. For a more affordable dining experience, check out the Salty Pig. Sip a Pimm's Cup 10 cocktail while you build your own charcuterie board to snack on before you dive into a broccoli rabe pizza.

Whether you are heading to dinner or across the city, Back Bay provides a variety of transportation options. Many residents opt to walk, taking advantage of the neighborhood's compact size and well-maintained sidewalks. With a bike score of 88, Back Bay also provides safe and convenient riding options. Cyclists usually opt to ride along the paths next to the Charles River and on Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

Public transportation links in Back Bay line the southern boundary of the neighborhood along Boylston Street. The Green Line picks up passengers at the Hynes Convention Center, Copley and Arlington stops. Eight different bus lines also lie within walking distance of Boylston Street. Hailing a cab from the street is possible during the day but becomes more difficult after work and on weekend evenings. Uber also offers a full range of services in Back Bay.

If you choose to drive, public parking garages cluster around the Back Bay commercial areas. Expect to pay at least $30 for a 24-hour period. Get out of the area in minutes using the Massachusetts Turnpike on-ramps at the western end of the neighborhood.

Residential and commercial buildings occupy most of the space in Back Bay, but residents enjoy access to several nearby parks. Escape the chaos of the city at the Charles River Reservation IV, which parallels the neighborhood on the northwestern side. Popular with runners and bikers, the park offers miles of trails and lovely views of the Charles River. Residents flock to the Hatch Memorial Shell at the northeastern end of the park to participate in annual fun runs, listen to classical concerts and participate in community dance events.

Nearby, the Public Garden provides a network of paved paths and acres of meticulously groomed gardens. Take a swan boat ride on the pond in the center of the garden or enjoy a picnic on the expansive lawns. Parks in the area are free and kid-friendly, but do not offer much in the way of playground equipment. Bring your dog through the Public Garden to the off-leash area in the Boston Common. This territory rotates between five different areas, so look out for the signs.

Renters living in Back Bay pay an average of $3,240/month to rent an apartment, compared to the Boston city average of $3,284. City dwellers exploring houses for rent in Back Bay can expect to pay around $4,101/month. For those looking to buy, the average house is valued at $1.2 million, compared to the city average of $768,000.

Overflowing with designer stores and Boston boutiques, Back Bay is a luxury shopper's dream. Most stores in the neighborhood appear in the Copley Place shopping mall and along Newbury Street. At Copley Place, tourists and locals frequent high-end stores such as Tory Burch, Burberry and Jimmy Choo. On Newbury Street, stop into Cartier to add to your jewelry collection, or stop in for a new bag at Chanel. Find your perfect pair of jeans and high-quality shoes along the way, then end the day sampling luxury olive oils and vinegars from small artisan establishments or picking up fresh produce from the Prudential Center farmer’s market.

Boston Public Library, Copley Place, Copley Square, Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Boston Public Gardens, Prudential Center, Charles River Esplanade, DCR’s Hatch Memorial Shell, Berklee College of Music