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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The Artful Hand

With the American Crafts Movement of the late-19th century as its muse, The Artful Hand sells exquisite pieces of embroidery, woodwork, home accessories, and hand-painted glass.
The Esplanade

The perfect setting for a leisurely bike ride, an invigorating jog, or a lazy, languid afternoon of soaking up the sun, the Esplanade is one of the city’s most popular green spaces. This gorgeous ribbon of green hugging the Charles’ river banks was inspired by Venetian canals. July 4th (see Fourth of July) at the Esplanade’s Hatch Shell concert venue brings the world-famous Boston Pops orchestra along with thousands of revelers to enjoy the incomparable mix of music, good cheer, and awe-inspiring fireworks.
The Pour House

Cheap, hearty pub grub and occasional drink specials lure college kids to this two-story bar and grill. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and you’re bound to make a friend or two.
Top of the Hub Lounge

Talk about a view: 52 stories above Back Bay, this bar dazzles with sweeping views, live jazz, and a wicked gin martini.
Toppers

From a perfect pillbox to a fashionable fedora, or an ensemble of knit stocking cap, scarf and gloves for braving the nastier months of winter, this all-inclusive hat shop caps all the competition.
Trident Booksellers & Café

Trident is popular for its delicious, healthful sandwiches, strong coffee concoctions, and arguably the best informed book and magazine selections in the city.
Trinity Church

When I. M. Pei’s 60-story John Hancock Tower was completed in 1976, Bostonians feared Trinity Church would be overshadowed by its gleaming upstart neighbor. Yet H. H. Richardson’s masterpiece, dedicated in 1877, remains just as vital to Copley Square, and as beautiful, as it appeared on its opening day (see Trinity Church).
Vox Populi

Slick bi-level Vox gets things right with a post-work dining scene. But after 8pm, the drink denizens pack in four-deep to the well-stocked bar.
Whiskey’s

You better have ID in hand before putting pint to mouth at this lively bar. It’s full of hard-drinking collegiate types, who arrive around 6pm and stay until last call.
Zóe Home

This bright boutique offers vibrant, playfully designed contemporary furniture that screams “unique.” Choose from plush retro divans, utilitarian rolling desks, and whimsical decorative lighting.