Newbury Street, nestled in Boston’s prestigious Back Bay neighborhood, stands as a celebrated haven for shoppers. Renowned for its sophisticated charm and eclectic mix of stores, this iconic street offers an unparalleled retail experience. From internationally acclaimed designer boutiques to trendy local shops, Newbury Street caters to diverse tastes and styles. Here, you can discover flagship stores of luxury giants like Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren, alongside unique boutiques such as Pink, national retailers like Rag & Bone, and beloved local gems including Betsy Janney, L’Elite, and Soodee.
If your shopping desires extend beyond Newbury Street, the surrounding area is equally rewarding. Just a short stroll away, Boylston Street, Prudential Center, and Copley Place present an even wider array of shopping opportunities. Here, you’ll encounter international fashion houses like Gucci and Saint Laurent, department store icons like Neiman Marcus, alongside distinctive local boutiques, mid-range retailers, and discount stores – ensuring that virtually everything you could wish for is within easy reach.
Need a Pause from Newbury Street Shopping?
For a refreshing interlude from your retail therapy, take a brief walk to Prudential Center, conveniently located just a block from Newbury Street. Ascend to the top three floors and immerse yourself in the breathtaking panoramic views from the View Boston Observatory.
Panoramic view from View Boston Observatory
Newbury Street graces Boston’s elegant Back Bay, stretching across eight vibrant blocks nestled between the serene Public Garden and bustling Massachusetts Avenue. As you meander along this iconic street, you’ll be captivated by the architectural splendor of grand Victorian mansions that line both sides, occasionally punctuated by modern buildings that add a contemporary touch to the historic landscape.
Beyond its reputation as a premier shopping destination, Newbury Street is also home to refined hotels and guesthouses, such as The Newbury Boston (formerly the Taj), upscale salons and spas, and chic restaurants like Sonsie and La Voile, making it a complete lifestyle destination.
Top photo: Exquisite boutiques lining Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay, showcasing a blend of luxury and style.
International Designer Boutiques on Boston’s Newbury Street
Max Mara boutique Newbury Street Boston
Newbury Street is synonymous with high-end fashion, showcasing an impressive roster of big-name designers. Here, you’ll find boutiques representing iconic brands such as Valentino, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Ralph Lauren, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of luxury fashion.
Generally, the most prestigious and upscale brands strategically position themselves on the eastern end of Newbury Street, closer to the picturesque Public Garden. This prime real estate is home to a concentration of internationally and locally acclaimed designer clothing boutiques and fine jewelers. Expect to encounter distinguished names like Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Akris, Armani, Max Mara, Alan Bilzerian, Cartier, Brooks Brothers, L’Elite Bridal, Valentino, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Shreve, Crump, & Low. This section of Newbury Street is a veritable showcase of elegance and high fashion.
L'Elite Bridal Newbury Street Boston
For those with a penchant for European fashion, resort wear, or simply staying ahead of the latest trends, this iconic Back Bay street is a must-visit. You’ll discover a plethora of smaller, specialized boutiques tucked in amongst the grand showrooms, each offering a curated selection of unique and stylish items.
As you explore further west towards Massachusetts Avenue, the retail landscape transitions to feature more local and specialty brands. This part of Newbury Street is home to boutiques such as No Rest for Bridget, Birkenstock, Vuori, Lululemon, Opal & Oak, Revolve Consignment, and Reiwatakiya, offering a different flavor of fashion and retail experiences.
Madewell store front on Newbury Street
It’s easy to become fixated on Newbury Street’s famous luxury boutiques. However, it’s important to remember that this is also a vibrant neighborhood where residents shop for everyday essentials and appreciate finding good deals. Beyond the high fashion, you’ll find establishments that cater to daily needs, including hair and nail salons, fitness centers, and personal trainers, all serving the local community.
LIT Boutique Newbury Street Boston
Adding to the street’s diverse character, Restoration Hardware occupies a historic building, once home to the Boston Museum of Natural History, the precursor to today’s Museum of Science. For contemporary and modular furniture, particularly popular among Boston’s large student population, Burrow offers stylish and reasonably priced options. For higher-end furnishings, Room & Board at 375 Newbury Street, on the corner of Newbury and Mass Ave, is a locally favored furniture store known for its high-quality modern classics.
The street’s retail mix also includes practical services such as real estate offices, optical shops, a UPS store, and Johnson’s Paint, another local favorite. At Johnson’s Paint, you might overhear designers discussing premium brands like Farrow & Ball, alongside students comparing prices for more affordable paints, highlighting the diverse clientele of Newbury Street.
Zara store front Newbury Street Boston
Interspersed with the renowned luxury boutiques, you’ll discover a variety of other retail options including hat shops, Sophora, fitness studios, gyms, numerous hair and nail salons, and mid-market fashion brands such as Uniqlo, Zara, TJ Maxx, Urban Outfitters, and Allbirds footwear. A large and popular H&M store, situated on a corner location, extends through to Boylston Street, which also houses a Talbot’s store, further broadening the shopping spectrum.
Rag & Bone store Newbury Street Boston
As you venture a few blocks west from the Public Garden, the boutiques transition to become slightly less glitzy, focusing more on edgier designs, contemporary styles, and accessible price points. While Newbury Street attracts affluent visitors and tourists drawn to the famous international designer boutiques, it’s also a favored shopping destination for Boston’s substantial community of university students, numbering around 250,000, as well as the broader local population.
Local Shops & Designers on Newbury Street
L'Elite Boutique Newbury Street Boston
Fashion-conscious shoppers on a budget often gravitate towards the smaller, predominantly locally owned boutiques like LIT, No Rest for Bridget, and Soodee, as well as consignment stores such as Revolve, primarily located on the western end of Newbury Street.
Soodee boutique Newbury Street Boston
Decades ago, before the influx of international brands, independent local designers were the defining characteristic of Newbury Street, establishing it as the city’s hub for design creativity. For many shoppers, this section of the street remains the most intriguing, even as larger brands like Madewell, UNIQLO, and Patagonia have also established a presence here.
Sea Bags store Newbury Street Boston
Shops, restaurants, and other businesses typically occupy the ground floor, which may be elevated by a few steps, the second floor, and basement spaces. This architectural feature is a result of the original Victorian brownstone design that characterizes most buildings here. The entire Back Bay area was constructed on reclaimed land, starting in the 1860s, and boasts one of the largest concentrations of well-preserved Victorian buildings and architecture in the United States, adding to the unique charm of Newbury Street.
State & Liberty store Newbury Street Boston
While some businesses have been fixtures on Newbury Street for many years, others are more transient, reflecting the ever-changing nature of fashion trends. This constant evolution ensures that there’s almost always something new to discover and explore on Newbury Street.
More Types of Stores on Newbury Street
Pratesi luxury linens Newbury Street Boston
Newbury Street shopping extends far beyond clothing boutiques, encompassing a wide variety of retail categories. In addition to high-end home furnishings and decor stores like Anthropology and Simon Pearce, you can also find antique shops, bookstores, and exquisite jewelry boutiques.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe stands out as a unique destination, combining a bookstore with an all-day cafe serving freshly prepared comfort food, and hosting nightly events such as readings by local authors, creating a cultural and retail hub.
A significant number of art galleries, many specializing in established and renowned artists, make Newbury Street a popular destination for art enthusiasts and gallery strolls.
Muji store Newbury Street Boston
The Japanese concept store Muji offers a diverse selection of products, all carefully curated with a minimalist yet stylish design aesthetic. Here, you’ll find clothing, luggage, home furnishings, tableware, and food items. Customers are often seen browsing the sections featuring lucite storage drawers, perfect for organizing pens, paperclips, and makeup. The subtle aroma therapy diffusers create an addictively scented atmosphere, making Muji a store that’s hard to leave.
More Back Bay Shopping Streets & Upscale Malls
Marathon Sports store Boston
Just a block away and running parallel to Newbury Street is Boylston Street, offering even more fantastic shopping opportunities. Along Boylston Street, you’ll find large sporting goods stores such as Eastern Mountain Sports and City Sports, Back Bay’s Apple Store, luxury linen provider Frette located next to the Mandarin Oriental Boston Hotel, and even discount retailers like Marshalls.
For an even more upscale shopping experience, the Prudential Center is conveniently located steps from the Mandarin Oriental. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, Prudential Center also features the popular Eataly food complex, offering a blend of retail and culinary delights.
For an expanded luxury shopping experience, you can walk through the skywalk from Prudential Center to Copley Place, another upscale Boston shopping mall. Copley Place is home to numerous internationally recognized designers, including several who also have boutiques on Newbury Street. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Copley Place boasts boutiques from Jimmy Choo, Dior, Armani, Tiffany & Co., and other high-end brands.
More to Do & See On & Near Newbury Street
For visitors to Boston, Newbury Street and its vicinity offer a wealth of additional attractions. Explore Copley Square, the architecturally stunning Boston Public Library, and Trinity Church, along with other historically and architecturally significant churches in the area.
Traveling with companions less enthusiastic about shopping? Suggest a visit to King’s Dining & entertainment, where they can enjoy bowling, skee ball, and casual dining options. Fenway Park is also within walking distance (about 8-10 minutes) to the west of Massachusetts Avenue, offering a game or a tour for sports enthusiasts.
If you are a dedicated shopper, allocating a day or more to fully explore the diverse stores in this captivating neighborhood is highly recommended.
Where to Stay & Dine Near Newbury Street
Newbury Street Guest House Boston
Newbury Street (& Nearby) Back Bay Hotels
Do you need more than a single day to fully experience the stores and boutiques on Newbury Street and the surrounding shopping areas? Staying in a nearby hotel offers unmatched convenience, and you’ll find excellent options to suit every budget.
Affordable Budget Accommodations in Back Bay
Charlesmark Hotel – This affordable boutique hotel in a prime Back Bay location, across from the Boston Marathon finish line, offers an outdoor patio for relaxing after shopping. Find out more
Copley Square Hotel – A well-loved bargain hotel in Back Bay, offering a stately 1891 Italian Renaissance/Beaux Arts exterior and welcoming hospitality. Check reviews & rates
Mid-Range Hotels Close to Newbury Street
Newbury Guest House – A boutique hotel with 35 well-appointed rooms and complimentary breakfast in a Victorian brownstone on Newbury Street. Bonus: Home to the acclaimed French restaurant La Voile. Check rates & availability
Lenox Hotel – An elegant hotel known for personalized service and rooms featuring wood-burning fireplaces. Rates and reviews
The Newbury Boston – Overlooking Newbury Street and the Public Garden, this hotel combines luxury with an ideal location. Rates & reviews
5-Star Luxury Back Bay Hotels
Mandarin Oriental Boston – Indulge in luxury at this hotel and let them pamper you after a day of shopping. Rates & reviews
Fairmont Copley Plaza – Experience glamour and personalized service at this famous hotel overlooking Copley Square. Rates and reviews
More Back Bay hotels near Newbury Street shopping destinations
Where to Dine & Drink on Newbury Street
Outdoor dining Newbury Street Boston
Need to refresh, refuel, and relax after your shopping spree? Newbury Street boasts over 50 cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, tea rooms, bakeries, wine bars, juice bars, bistros, and ice cream, gelato, and chocolate shops.
Here’s a small selection to tempt your palate:
Dining: Sonsie, Serafina, Stephanie’s on Newbury, Itadaki, Piattini Wine Cafe, La Voile, Kashmir, Cafeteria, Trident Bookstore, Double Zero Pizza, Beantown Pho & Grill, Wens Yunnan Noodle, Deluca’s Market (carryout)
Drinking: Mother Juice, 1855 Bar a Vins, Pavement Coffee House, Tea Forte, Caffe Nero, Dunkin Donuts, Barrington Coffee, Thinking Cup, Egalitea Organic Cafe
Sweet treats: Ben & Jerry’s, Lady M, Patisserie on Newbury, Amorino Gelato, JP Licks, Teuscher Chocolatier
Discover the best outdoor dining in Back Bay
More Places to Shop in Boston
Faneuil Marketplace Boston
Newbury Street Fashion . . . At a Discount
While some Newbury Street boutiques offer affordable options, the allure of famous and expensive international fashion labels can quickly impact your budget. To achieve the desired look without overspending, take advantage of sales and discounts.
You have two primary strategies for saving:
Getting to Newbury Street
- Newbury Street location: Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.
- Closest T (subway) stations: Green Line/Arlington (east end), Copley (central), and Hynes Convention Center (west end).
- Parking: Prudential Center’s underground garage is most convenient, but can be expensive without validation (more info: Pru Center website). Boston Common Garage offers lower rates with a short walk.
Another Way You Will Save on Newbury Street
Visitors from outside Massachusetts can benefit from a “hidden” saving: no sales tax on clothing under $175. Massachusetts sales tax on non-clothing items and clothing over $175 is only 6.25%. If you are visiting from a country with high VAT or a US state with clothing taxes, you can realize significant tax savings while shopping here!
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