Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay is renowned as a sophisticated shopping destination, offering an eclectic mix of high-end boutiques, trendy stores, and unique local shops. Stretching across eight blocks in the elegant Back Bay neighborhood, Newbury Street is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Boston shopping. Here, amongst grand Victorian brownstones, you can find everything from international designer brands to local favorites, creating a shopping experience unlike any other.
Luxury and Designer Boutiques on Newbury Street
Calvin Klein Outlet at Wrentham Village
For those seeking luxury and high-fashion, the eastern end of Newbury Street, closer to the Public Garden, is where you’ll find the most prestigious international designers. Iconic names like Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Ralph Lauren have established their presence here, alongside other luxury brands such as Valentino and Burberry. These flagship stores offer the latest collections and a premium shopping atmosphere. Jewelry aficionados will also find renowned jewelers like Tiffany & Co. and Cartier in this upscale section of Newbury Street.
Max Mara boutique on Newbury Street
This area is a true haven for designer fashion, with boutiques like Max Mara, Armani, and Akris adding to the luxurious landscape. L’Elite Bridal, a local institution, caters to those seeking couture bridal gowns and evening wear, further cementing Newbury Street’s reputation for high-end fashion and exclusive finds. For those with a taste for European fashion and the latest trends, Newbury Street provides a curated selection of specialty boutiques nestled amongst these larger, globally recognized showrooms.
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Diverse Shopping: From Trendy Boutiques to Local Gems
As you stroll westward on Newbury Street, moving away from the Public Garden and towards Massachusetts Avenue, the shopping scene evolves. While still maintaining a stylish vibe, you’ll discover a wider array of stores catering to diverse tastes and budgets. This part of Newbury Street is characterized by a mix of national retailers, trendy boutiques, and beloved local shops.
Brands like Rag & Bone and national retailers can be found here, interspersed with unique local stores such as Betsy Janney and Soodee. Trendy boutiques like Pink add a youthful and vibrant energy to the street. This section of Newbury Street reflects a more accessible and contemporary shopping experience, appealing to a broader audience while still offering quality and style.
Calypso and Betsy Jenney on Newbury Street
Beyond fashion, Newbury Street also caters to everyday needs and local residents. You’ll find salons, spas, gyms, and even practical stores like optical shops and paint suppliers. Furniture stores such as Room & Board and Burrow offer modern home furnishings, catering to the tastes of Bostonians, including the large student population. This blend of retail ensures that Newbury Street is not just a destination for luxury shoppers but also a functional and convenient place for the local community.
LIT on Newbury Street
Affordable Finds and Everyday Essentials
Delving further into Newbury Street, you’ll discover that amidst the high-fashion and designer labels, there are also opportunities for more affordable shopping. Brands like Zara, Uniqlo, TJ Maxx, and Urban Outfitters have a presence on Newbury Street, offering stylish options at more accessible price points. H&M, a hugely popular retailer, even boasts a large store spanning through to Boylston Street, demonstrating the street’s appeal to a wide range of shoppers.
Marc Jacobs on Newbury Street
This mix of price points makes Newbury Street a favorite among Boston’s large student population and those seeking both high-end and budget-friendly options. Consignment shops like Revolve Consignment further contribute to the diverse shopping landscape, offering unique and pre-owned fashion finds. Whether you’re looking for designer deals or everyday wear, Newbury Street provides a range of choices.
Rag & Bone, nestled among Newbury Street
More Than Just Clothes: Exploring Newbury Street’s Diverse Offerings
Newbury Street is not solely dedicated to clothing and fashion. The street boasts a wide array of other retail experiences, including home furnishings, art galleries, bookstores, and specialty shops. Stores like Anthropology and Simon Pearce offer unique home decor and furnishings, while Pratesi showcases luxury linens.
Pratesi – luxury linens on Newbury Street
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous art galleries lining Newbury Street, showcasing both established and emerging artists. Trident Booksellers & Cafe provides a unique combination of a bookstore, cafe, and event space, offering a relaxed atmosphere for browsing and enjoying refreshments. Japanese concept store Muji adds another dimension with its minimalist and stylish range of clothing, home goods, and stationery. This diverse mix ensures that Newbury Street caters to a wide range of interests beyond just fashion.
The packets of colored pens and Japanese candy near the cash registers at Muji can be hard to resist if you have to wait in line
Dining and Refreshments on Newbury Street
Shopping on Newbury Street is also complemented by a plethora of dining options. From cafes and coffee shops to upscale restaurants and wine bars, Newbury Street offers numerous places to refuel and relax during your shopping excursion. Whether you need a quick coffee break at Pavement Coffeehouse or Caffe Nero, a delicious lunch at Sonsie or Stephanie’s on Newbury, or a sweet treat from Amorino Gelato or Lady M Cake Boutique, you’ll find plenty of choices to satisfy your cravings. The outdoor dining scene, especially during warmer months, adds to the vibrant atmosphere of Newbury Street.
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Exploring Beyond Newbury Street: Nearby Shopping Destinations
While Newbury Street itself offers a comprehensive shopping experience, the surrounding Back Bay area provides even more retail opportunities. Just a block away, Boylston Street offers additional shopping options, including larger retailers and department stores. Upscale malls like Prudential Center and Copley Place, easily accessible from Newbury Street, feature even more luxury brands and department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. These nearby shopping destinations extend the retail landscape and provide even more choices for shoppers in the Back Bay area.
Marathon Sports, part of a small New England athletic wear group known for their wide selection of athletic shoes
Planning Your Visit to Newbury Street
Newbury Street is conveniently located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood and is easily accessible by public transportation. The Green Line of the MBTA (subway) has several stops along Newbury Street, including Arlington, Copley, and Hynes Convention Center stations. For those driving, parking is available at the Prudential Center garage and Boston Common Garage, although public transport is often recommended due to traffic and parking costs.
Visitors from outside Massachusetts will also benefit from the state’s no sales tax policy on clothing items under $175, offering potential savings on purchases. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Newbury Street promises a memorable and diverse shopping experience in the heart of Boston.
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For those planning to spend more than a day exploring Newbury Street and the Back Bay, numerous hotels are located nearby, ranging from budget-friendly options like Charlesmark Hotel and Copley Square Hotel to luxury accommodations such as the Mandarin Oriental Boston and The Newbury Boston. Staying in the Back Bay provides easy access to Newbury Street and other Boston attractions, making it an ideal base for your Boston shopping adventure.
