DK Travel : Boston : Back Bay

The easily navigated grid of streets in Back Bay bear little resemblance to the labyrinthine lanes around Downtown and the North End. In the mid- 1800s Back Bay was filled in to accommodate Boston’s mushrooming population and by the late-1800s, the area had become a vibrant, upscale neighborhood. Home to many of Boston’s wealthiest families, the area was characterized by lavish houses, grand churches, and bustling commercial zones. Many of the original buildings stand intact, providing an exquisite 19th-century backdrop for today’s pulsing nightlife, world-class shopping, and sumptuous dining.

For information on the origins of Back Bay (see Around Newbury Street) For information on Boston Common (see Boston Common & Public Garden) Note: Cross streets in Back Bay run alphabetically, beginning with Arlington in the east and ending at Hereford Street in the west Note: For those tight on time, the Prudential Center’s glorified food hall, Marché Movenpick, makes perfect sense

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Hempest

True believers in the superiority of hemp as something to put on rather than inhale, Hempest showcases casual and dress duds fashioned from this environmentally-friendly fiber.
Hope

With its mood crystals, gargoyle statuettes, and witchcraft journals, this rarest of boutiques may hold the ticket to a mythological netherworld, but you will still need cash or plastic to get there.
Institute of Contemporary Art

Founded in 1936, the country’s oldest non-collecting contemporary arts institution rewards its visitors with challenging, cutting-edge exhibitions. Over the years, the ICA has shown video installations, customized cars, and even blowtorches by internationally celebrated guest artists. Another ICA endeavor is its Vita Brevis program, which introduces works of contemporary art into public spaces around the city.
International Poster Gallery

Arguably the most fun – albeit the most populist – gallery on Newbury, the IPG stocks vintage first edition movie posters and print advertisements from the belle époque .
Jasmine Sola & Sola Men

For fashionistas on a budget, this local chain’s flagship store stocks carefully selected, reasonably-priced women’s wear, from the likes of BCBG and Central Park West, and sleek men’s wear, too.
Joe’s American Bar & Grill

Although the white tablecloths might suggest refined dining, Joe’s fits squarely in the glorified-burger milieu. Its patio boasts prime people-watching and the staff are kid-friendly.
Judi Rotenberg Gallery

Intense colors and an emphasis on graphic design distinguish the works of artist-owner Rotenberg and her contemporaries. Most artists represented are New England-based.
Kings

The fifties were never so cool as they seem at this retrostyled lounge, pool hall, and bowling alley buried downstairs next to the Hynes Convention Center.
Louis, Boston

Louis offers the city’s most rarified shopping experience. The main attractions here are classically handsome Brioni suits, sharp Jil Sander leather pumps, and Apothecary cosmetics.
Lux, Bond & Green

While not quite as prestigious as its neighbor Shreve, Green still manages with Tag Heuer watches, Mikimoto pearls, and Garavelli diamonds at prices that remain this side of the stratosphere.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
- under $30
- $30–$45
- $45–$60
- $60–$75
- over $75