Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay is a renowned shopping destination, famed for its blend of high-end luxury and trendy style. Stretching across eight vibrant blocks, nestled between the iconic Public Garden and bustling Massachusetts Avenue, Newbury Street offers an unparalleled retail experience. Here, grand Victorian brownstones house an eclectic mix of internationally acclaimed designers, chic boutiques, and beloved national brands, creating a shopping haven that caters to diverse tastes and budgets.
Whether you’re seeking haute couture from the likes of Chanel and Marc Jacobs, unique finds in local boutiques such as Betsy Janney and Soodee, or everyday essentials from retailers like Rag & Bone, Newbury Street has it all. Its prime location in the elegant Back Bay neighborhood makes it easily accessible and a delightful place to spend a day exploring Boston’s sophisticated side.
Boutiques along Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood
Newbury Street Shopping: A Blend of Luxury and Local Charm
Newbury Street distinguishes itself with its seamless integration of luxury shopping within a historic and charming neighborhood setting. The street is lined with stunning Victorian mansions, a testament to Back Bay’s rich architectural heritage, interspersed with modern buildings that add a contemporary edge. This unique backdrop enhances the shopping experience, making it more than just retail therapy; it’s a stroll through Boston’s elegant history.
Beyond shopping, Newbury Street is a vibrant hub for lifestyle and leisure. Elegant hotels like The Newbury Boston (formerly the Taj) offer luxurious stays, while top-tier salons and spas provide pampering and rejuvenation. Fashionable restaurants such as Sonsie and La Voile contribute to the street’s sophisticated ambiance, making it a complete destination for discerning visitors and locals alike.
Designer Boutiques and High-Fashion on Newbury Street
For those with a penchant for luxury, the eastern end of Newbury Street, closer to the Public Garden, is a treasure trove of international designer boutiques. This area is home to some of the biggest names in fashion, including Valentino, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Ralph Lauren. These prestigious brands occupy prime real estate, showcasing their latest collections in elegant storefronts.
Max Mara boutique on Newbury Street
Here, you’ll find a concentration of renowned boutiques and jewelers, featuring brands 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 must-visit for anyone seeking high-end fashion and timeless elegance.
L'élite, local emporium of couture bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and evening wear
As you explore further west towards Massachusetts Avenue, the retail landscape evolves to include more local and specialty brands. While still stylish, this section offers a broader range of price points and styles, reflecting Boston’s diverse population and tastes.
Local Boutiques and Everyday Finds on Newbury Street
Moving west on Newbury Street, you’ll discover a delightful mix of local and specialty stores that cater to everyday needs and unique tastes. Brands like No Rest for Bridget, Birkenstock, Vuori, Lululemon, Opal & Oak, Revolve Consignment, and Reiwatakiya offer a more relaxed and contemporary shopping experience.
Madewell on Newbury Street
Newbury Street isn’t solely about luxury; it’s also a neighborhood street serving the daily needs of Boston residents. Hair and nail salons, gyms, and personal trainers are interspersed among the boutiques, reflecting the practical side of this fashionable thoroughfare. Even Restoration Hardware, located in a historic building that once housed the Boston Museum of Natural History, adds to the street’s diverse character.
For furniture shoppers, Burrow offers modern, modular designs popular with students and locals alike, while Room & Board at the corner of Newbury and Mass Ave provides high-quality, classic modern pieces. Adding to the everyday mix, you’ll also find real estate offices, optical shops, a UPS store, and Johnson’s Paint, a local favorite known for carrying both affordable and high-end paint brands like Farrow & Ball.
Zara on Newbury Street offering popular affordable fashion
The western stretch of Newbury Street also features mid-market fashion brands like Uniqlo, Zara, TJ Maxx, Urban Outfitters, and Allbirds, alongside hat shops and fitness studios. The presence of a large H&M extending to Boylston Street and a Talbot’s further emphasizes the street’s appeal to a broad range of shoppers.
Rag & Bone nestled among historic brownstones on Newbury Street
This blend of high-end and accessible shopping makes Newbury Street a favorite for both well-heeled visitors and Boston’s large student population, creating a vibrant and dynamic shopping atmosphere.
Unearthing Local Fashion and Unique Boutiques on Newbury Street
For fashion-forward individuals on a budget, the western end of Newbury Street is a treasure trove of locally owned boutiques and consignment shops. Stores like LIT, No Rest for Bridget, and Soodee offer unique, often locally designed apparel, while consignment shops such as Revolve provide opportunities to find designer pieces at discounted prices.
L'Elite boutique on Boston's Newbury Street showcasing local fashion
Historically, Newbury Street was the epicenter of Boston’s independent design scene. While international brands have since moved in, the street retains its creative spirit, with local designers still contributing to its unique character. This section remains particularly appealing to shoppers seeking originality and distinctive style, even amidst larger brands like Madewell, UNIQLO, and Patagonia.
Sea Bags featuring totes made in Maine available on Newbury Street
The architectural design of Newbury Street, with shops occupying ground floors, second floors, and even below-ground spaces in Victorian brownstones, adds to the street’s charm and unique shopping experience. This distinctive layout is a result of Back Bay’s history as reclaimed land, now showcasing some of the best-preserved Victorian architecture in the United States.
State & Liberty pop-up shop on Newbury Street featuring athletic fit clothing
The retail landscape on Newbury Street is ever-evolving, with some stores having been fixtures for decades and others popping up as trends change. This constant flux ensures that there’s always something new and exciting to discover, making each visit to Newbury Street a unique experience.
More Than Just Fashion: Diverse Shopping on Newbury Street
Newbury Street’s offerings extend far beyond clothing and accessories. Home furnishing and decor stores like Anthropology and Simon Pearce, antique shops, bookstores, and jewelry boutiques add to the diverse retail mix.
Pratesi luxury linens available on Newbury Street
Trident Booksellers & Cafe is a beloved institution, combining a bookstore with an all-day cafe and hosting nightly events, creating a community hub within the shopping district. Furthermore, Newbury Street is renowned for its numerous art galleries, specializing in both established and emerging artists, making it a destination for art enthusiasts and gallery strolls.
Muji Japanese concept store on Newbury Street with unique home goods and stationery
Japanese concept store Muji offers a curated selection of minimalist and stylish goods, from clothing to home furnishings and food items, adding an international flavor to Newbury Street’s retail scene.
Exploring Beyond Newbury Street: More Back Bay Shopping
Just a block away and parallel to Newbury Street, Boylston Street offers even more shopping opportunities. Here, you’ll find large sporting goods stores, the Apple Store, luxury linen purveyors like Frette, and even discount retailers like Marshalls, providing a broader spectrum of shopping options.
Marathon Sports athletic wear store near Newbury Street in Boston
For an upscale mall experience, Prudential Center is steps away, anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, and featuring the popular Eataly food complex. Connected via skywalk, Copley Place offers another luxury shopping destination with international designers, including many who also have boutiques on Newbury Street, anchored by Neiman Marcus and featuring brands like Jimmy Choo and Dior.
Attractions and Activities Near Newbury Street
Beyond shopping, Newbury Street’s location in Back Bay places it near numerous Boston attractions. Copley Square, the Boston Public Library, and Trinity Church are all within easy walking distance, offering cultural and historical interludes to a shopping day.
For visitors with non-shopping companions, King’s Dining & Entertainment provides options for bowling and games, while Fenway Park is also within walking distance for those interested in baseball or tours. With so much to explore, Newbury Street and its surroundings can easily fill a day or more of exploration.
Hotels and Dining: Enhancing Your Newbury Street Experience
To fully enjoy Newbury Street and the surrounding shopping and attractions, consider staying at a nearby hotel. Back Bay offers accommodations for every budget, from affordable options like Charlesmark Hotel and Copley Square Hotel to mid-range hotels like Newbury Guest House and The Lenox Hotel, and luxury options such as Mandarin Oriental Boston and Fairmont Copley Plaza.
Newbury Street Guest House with La Voile restaurant on the ground floor
Dining on Newbury Street is just as diverse as its shopping. With over 50 cafes, restaurants, and bars, you’ll find everything from casual coffee shops to upscale dining experiences. Notable dining spots include Sonsie, Serafina, and La Voile, while cafes like Pavement Coffee House and Thinking Cup offer perfect spots for a break. Sweet treats are readily available at Ben & Jerry’s, Lady M, and Amorino Gelato, among others.
Smart Shopping on Newbury Street: Sales and Tax Savings
While Newbury Street offers options for various budgets, strategic shopping can maximize your savings. Sales and discounts are common, especially at larger retailers and during seasonal events.
Furthermore, visitors from out of state or overseas can take advantage of Massachusetts’ no sales tax on clothing items under $175. This can lead to significant savings, particularly for those accustomed to high VAT or clothing taxes, making Newbury Street an even more attractive shopping destination.
Getting to Newbury Street
Newbury Street is conveniently located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood and is easily accessible via public transportation. The Green Line subway stations at Arlington (east end), Copley (central), and Hynes Convention Center (west end) provide direct access to the street.
Parking is available at the Prudential Center garage, though it can be expensive without validation. The Boston Common Garage offers a more affordable option, a short walk from Newbury Street.
By combining luxury and local finds, historical charm with modern amenities, and diverse shopping with nearby attractions, Newbury Street stands out as Boston’s premier shopping destination, offering a rich and rewarding experience for every visitor.
