Shopping in Boston is a lot of fun, whether you decide to shop in the city or in the suburbs.
Shopping in the city is exciting and very convenient. There are literally hundreds of shops at your fingertips, from budget stores to the very top of luxury establishments. Everything is close, and most of the shopping areas can be reached on foot or by public transportation.
Being close does not mean they are alike. Amazingly, each shopping area in Boston is completely unique in style and price point. For example, Charles Street and Newbury Street are very pretty and historic, with many boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. By comparison, the Seaport area is very modern and trendy, with unique shops and fun pop-up stores.
Shopping in the suburbs is best done by car, as the distances are much greater and public transportation is less available. Most of the shopping areas are located near Interstate 95, which encircles the city. There are many shopping malls along that highway, but each mall has its own style and caters to a specific customer base. Most of the malls in the suburbs are in the premium segment, but a few malls have shops in the luxury segment, like “Shops at Chestnut Hill” in Newton.
Map of Boston's Major Shopping Areas
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Best Shopping Areas in the City
 Assembly Row
Shopping District with over 50 stores. There are great shopping and dining options and with over a dozen outlet stores it is a great place to go bargain hunting in stores like Saks Off Fifth, Brooks Brothers, Columbia, Polo Ralph Lauren and many more.
Ten minute drive on I93 North of city center |
 Cambridgeside
Hip shopping mall near colleges with 80 stores including TJ-Maxx, Gap, Best Buy, Ann Taylor, Aeropostale, Apple, Sephora, and The Cheesecake Factory.
Cambridge |
 Charles Street
Charles Street is likely the prettiest street in Boston and it popular among both residents and visitors. The street is lined with charming and upscale shops, offering a mix of boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. You will find many cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee.
City Center |
 Copley Place
Upscale mall in the center of Boston with 80 stores including Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, Porsche Design, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci and more.
Back Bay |
 Downtown
Popular shopping district frequented by locals as well as visitors. Stretching from the Boston Common all the way to the waterfront, this area has over 200 retailers and 300 independent jewelers. The Downtown Crossing, Financial District and Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market areas receive the mostshoppers.
City Center, Downtown Crossing, Faneuil Hall |
 Harvard Square, Cambridge
Two blocks wide and wrapped around Harvard University is Harvard Square, one of the most interesting and eclectic shopping areas around Boston. With over 8 million visitors a year, the Square is one of the most popular shopping locations in the Boston area. Best way to get here is via the Red Line to “Harvard Square Station”,
Harvard Square, Cambridge |
 Newbury Street
World-famous upscale shopping street located among historic brownstone buildings. It is renowned for its upscale boutiques, trendy shops, art galleries, and a diverse range of restaurants and cafes.
Back Bay, City Center |
 Prudential Center
Upscale mall in the center of Boston with Saks Fifth Avenue and 72 shops and eateries. Major retailers include Aritzia, Canada Goose, Eataly Boston, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sephora, and Tesla. With over 60,000 visitors a day, it is ranked among the top shopping centers in the US.
Back Bay |
 Seaport Area
The Seaport area in Boston is the newest addition to the city’s neighborhoods, and without exaggeration, it is by far the most exciting new district in Boston. With 70 unique stores, there is so much to explore and discover, like Millennial favorites Everlane, Lunya and Alo or French luxury store Crémieux.
Off City Center |
