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Try as it might, Back Bay’s most famous street cannot escape comparisons to Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. True, both offer stupendous people-watching, sophisticated shopping, chic dining, and prestigious galleries. Yet with its 19th-century charm and convenient subway stops, Newbury Street outclasses its built-yesterday Left Coast counterpart by far. (see Back Bay).

Discount fashion outlets nationwide owe Filene’s Basement an immense debt of gratitude. Since 1908, this sprawling subterranean department store has championed the “name-brand shopping for less” retail philosophy. Some items are well priced, while others see their prices plummet the longer they sit on the shelves – illustrating Filene’s markdown concept. The store inspires severe cases of bargain-hunting hysteria, especially during the bridal gown sale (see Wedding Gown Shopping at Filene’s Basement).

Charm abounds on this bluest of blue-blooded street, which is studded with antique dealers (see Antiques at 99 Charles), specialty grocers, and modern houseware boutiques. Come nightfall, wrought-iron gaslamps illuminate the brick sidewalks, residents hurry home with wine and fresh flowers, and sleek bistros buzz with excitement.

The waft of enticing aromas floating from this treasure could send even the most resolute dieter into a tailspin. Candied fruits, chocolate-covered nuts, imported hard candies – all sold in bulk – taste as heavenly as they smell. But don’t overlook the extensive inventory of imported Italian foods, and quality teas and coffees.

Next to a Red Sox baseball cap, no other clothing item is as fundamentally Bostonian as a Harvard sweatshirt. The Coop, in Harvard Square, is your one-stop shop for Harvard-related merchandise with a dizzying array of clothing, books, posters, prints, and even specially engraved Tiffany silver jewelry.

This was among the country’s first upscale urban shopping malls. It counts such du mode tenants as Armani Exchange, Tiffany, Neiman Marcus, and Bebe plus locally owned shops such as the arts and crafts boutique, Artful Hand.

Being presented with a grilled salmon fillet may be more appealing than cooking one yourself, but this 350-year-old outdoor produce market still holds undeniable charm for visitors. Witness the feeding frenzy as fishmongers try to undercut each other on the day’s catch.

Harvard Square’s bookstores are some of the most distinguished in the country. The intimate Globe Corner Bookstore (28 Church St) boasts a mind-boggling inventory of travel books and maps. The c.1932 Harvard Book Store (1256 Massachusetts Ave) stocks countless new and used titles. And the irrepressible Revolution Books (see Revolution Books) keeps the red flag waving with socialist and communist literature.

With its millions of visitors every year, Faneuil Hall Marketplace would not be found on any best-kept secret list. However, with its central location and rich colonial history, it offers a unique shopping environment. Choose from name-brand stores such as the Gap, Banana Republic, and Abercrombie & Fitch plus a plethora of food stalls. (see Faneuil Hall Marketplace).

Here you’ll find large stores such as Macy’s, H&M, Filene’s, and the legendary Filene’s Basement. Additionally, smaller shops ranging from used CD retailers to discount athletic-shoe outlets attract a youthful mix.