New York City has Fifth Avenue, Los Angeles has Rodeo Drive and Boston has Newbury Street. Along its eight blocks, this fashionable street offers some of the best shopping and dining in the city.
When Boston was first established, the area that is now Newbury Street was under water. As the city expanded in the mid-1800s, the harbor was slowly filled in to create the Back Bay District. The street was originally developed as a residential neighborhood. Note Newbury Street’s similarity to Europe, with its wide tree-lined boulevards and stately brick edifices.
Discover a range of shops in the Newbury Street area. You will find something to suit every budget and interest, from fashion to home goods. Luxury department stores Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Barneys all have shops on here. Appreciate the gorgeous beaux-arts architecture of the former Museum of Natural History, which is now a flagship Restoration Hardware store.
Take a break from shopping to visit the ethereal Emmanuel Church. Built in 1861, this Episcopalian church was the first structure to be built on Newbury Street. It features an exquisite chapel and beautiful stained glass.
From fancy restaurants to casual cafés, Newbury Street has plenty of dining options. It also has a surprising number of ethnic food restaurants from all over the world. Although it is known mainly as a daytime destination, you’ll find some great pubs on Newbury Street where you can have a drink.
Newbury Street runs between Massachusetts Avenue at its west end and Boston Public Gardens. After an afternoon of shopping, enjoy a peaceful stroll among the colorful flowers and shady trees of the expansive park.
When you reach the intersection of Newbury and Dartmouth streets, head a block south to Copley Square. This bustling area is considered the center of the Back Bay District. Historic buildings, such as the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church, line the square.
Newbury Street runs parallel to Esplanade Park. Head a few blocks north to enjoy a scenic walk in this park along the Charles River.
