Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay is a shopper’s paradise, renowned for its elegant ambiance and diverse retail offerings. From high-end designer boutiques to trendy and affordable shops, Newbury Street caters to every taste and budget. Nestled within stunning Victorian brownstones, this iconic street provides a unique shopping experience that blends luxury with local charm.
If you’re looking for the ultimate shopping experience in Boston, Newbury Street should be at the top of your list. But the retail therapy doesn’t stop there. Neighboring Boylston Street, Prudential Center, and Copley Place extend the shopping haven, offering an even wider array of international brands, department stores, and unique local finds. You can truly find everything your heart desires in this vibrant Boston neighborhood.
Need a Pause from Newbury Street Shopping?
Just a short walk from Newbury Street, the Prudential Center beckons with more than just shops. Ascend to the View Boston Observatory, located on the top three floors, for breathtaking panoramic city views and a fantastic break from your retail explorations.
Newbury Street’s prime location in Boston’s Back Bay places it amidst architectural beauty. Spanning eight blocks between the Public Garden and Massachusetts Avenue, the street itself is a visual treat.
As you stroll along Newbury Street, you’ll be captivated by the grand Victorian mansions that house many of its celebrated shops. Interspersed among these historic gems are modern buildings, creating an interesting architectural mix.
Beyond shopping, Newbury Street is also a destination for luxury and leisure. Elegant hotels like the Newbury Hotel Boston, upscale salons and spas, and chic restaurants such as Sonsie and La Voile enhance the street’s sophisticated appeal.
Boutiques along Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood
Newbury Street’s International Designer Boutiques
Newbury Street is synonymous with high fashion, hosting an impressive collection of international designer boutiques. Luxury brands such as Valentino, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Ralph Lauren have established their presence here, making it a must-visit for discerning fashion enthusiasts.
The eastern end of Newbury Street, closer to the Public Garden, is often considered the most prestigious. Here, you’ll discover flagship stores of the most coveted and upscale brands.
Max Mara boutique on Newbury Street
This section of Newbury Street is a treasure trove of internationally acclaimed and locally prestigious designer clothing and jewelry stores. Explore boutiques from Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Akris, Armani, Max Mara, Alan Bilzerian, Cartier, Brooks Brothers, L’Elite Bridal, Valentino, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Shreve, Crump, & Low. L’Elite Bridal, in particular, has been a long-standing favorite for Boston brides seeking couture gowns.
L'élite bridal boutique storefront on Newbury Street
If European fashion trends and resort wear are on your radar, Newbury Street offers a plethora of smaller specialty boutiques nestled between the grand showrooms. This iconic Back Bay street is perfect for discovering unique and trendy pieces.
Venturing westward towards Massachusetts Avenue, the retail landscape transitions to feature more local and specialty brands. Discover stores like No Rest for Bridget, Birkenstock, Vuori, Lululemon, Opal & Oak, Revolve Consignment, and Reiwatakiya, catering to diverse styles and preferences.
Madewell store front on Newbury Street
While Newbury Street’s luxury boutiques are well-known, it’s important to remember that it also serves the everyday needs of the local community. Beyond high-end fashion, you’ll find essential services catering to residents, including hair and nail salons, fitness centers, and personal trainers.
LIT storefront on Newbury Street
Adding to the street’s diverse retail mix, Restoration Hardware occupies a historic building, once home to the Boston Museum of Natural History, the precursor to today’s Museum of Science.
For modern and modular furniture, especially popular among Boston’s large student population, Burrow offers stylish and reasonably priced options. Local furniture favorite Room & Board, located at 375 Newbury Street on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue, features high-quality modern classics at a higher price point.
Further enhancing the street’s practicality are real estate offices, optical shops, a UPS store, and Johnson’s Paint, a local favorite. At Johnson’s Paint, you might overhear designers discussing premium brands like Farrow & Ball alongside students seeking affordable paint supplies, highlighting the street’s diverse clientele.
Zara storefront on Newbury Street
Interspersed with luxury boutiques, Newbury Street also houses hat shops, Sophora, fitness studios, gyms, numerous hair and nail salons, and mid-market fashion brands. Discover popular stores like Uniqlo, Zara, TJ Maxx, Urban Outfitters, and Allbirds footwear, offering a range of styles and price points.
A large and popular H&M store occupies a corner location, extending through to Boylston Street, which also features a Talbot’s.
Rag & Bone storefront on Newbury Street
As you walk west from the Public Garden, the boutiques transition to become slightly less opulent and more focused on edgier designs, contemporary styles, and more accessible price ranges.
While Newbury Street attracts affluent visitors and tourists seeking luxury brands, it’s also a beloved shopping destination for Boston’s large student population (approximately 250,000) and local residents.
Local Shops & Designers on Newbury Street
L'Elite storefront on Newbury Street in Boston
Budget-conscious fashion lovers appreciate the smaller, primarily locally owned boutiques like LIT, No Rest for Bridget, and Soodee, as well as consignment shops such as Revolve, located on the western end of Newbury Street.
Soodee storefront on Newbury Street in Boston
Decades ago, before international brands arrived, Newbury Street was dominated by independent local designers, making it the city’s hub for design creativity. For many shoppers, this section of the street remains the most intriguing, even with the presence of larger brands like Madewell, UNIQLO, and Patagonia.
Sea Bags storefront on Newbury Street
Shops, restaurants, and other businesses on Newbury Street are typically situated on the ground floor (often a few steps up), the second floor, and in basement-level spaces. This architectural characteristic stems from the design of the original Victorian brownstones that house most businesses.
The Back Bay area, built on reclaimed land starting in the 1860s, boasts the largest concentration of well-preserved Victorian buildings and architecture in the United States, adding historical charm to your shopping experience.
State & Liberty storefront on Newbury Street
While some stores have been Newbury Street staples for years, others are more transient, reflecting evolving fashion trends. This dynamic retail environment ensures there’s almost always something new to discover.
More Types of Stores on Newbury Street
Pratesi luxury linens storefront on Newbury Street
Newbury Street shopping extends beyond fashion to include a diverse range of retail categories. Beyond clothing and accessories, you’ll find high-end home furnishings and decor stores like Anthropology and Simon Pearce, as well as antique shops, bookstores, and jewelry boutiques.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe uniquely combines a bookstore with an all-day cafe serving comfort food and hosting nightly events such as author readings, creating a cultural and retail hub.
Newbury Street is also renowned for its numerous art galleries. Many specialize in established and famous artists, making the street a popular destination for art enthusiasts and gallery strolls.
Muji store display on Newbury Street
Japanese concept store Muji offers a curated selection of minimalist and stylish design goods, encompassing clothing, luggage, home furnishings, tableware, and food items. Customers are often drawn to their lucite storage drawers and stationery. The store’s signature aroma therapy diffusers create an addictively scented atmosphere that enhances the shopping experience.
More Back Bay Shopping Streets & Upscale Malls
Marathon Sports storefront in Back Bay, Boston
Just a block away and parallel to Newbury Street is Boylston Street, offering even more shopping opportunities. Here, you’ll find large sporting goods stores like Eastern Mountain Sports and City Sports, Back Bay’s Apple Store, luxury linen store Frette, and discount retailer Marshalls.
For an even more upscale experience, Prudential Center is a short walk from Boylston Street. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, Prudential Center also houses the popular Eataly food complex.
Connected via a skywalk from Prudential Center, Copley Place is another luxury shopping mall in Boston. It features internationally renowned designers, many of whom also have boutiques on Newbury Street. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Copley Place is home to high-end brands like Jimmy Choo, Dior, and Armani.
More to Do & See On & Near Newbury Street
Beyond shopping, Newbury Street’s location offers access to numerous Boston attractions. Explore Copley Square, the architecturally stunning Boston Public Library, and historic churches like Trinity Church.
Traveling with non-shoppers? King’s Dining & Entertainment, nearby, offers bowling and games. Fenway Park is also within walking distance (8-10 minutes west of Mass Ave) for baseball games or tours.
If you love to shop, dedicate a day or more to fully explore Newbury Street and its surrounding retail paradise!
Where to Stay & Dine Near Newbury Street
Newbury Street Guest House with La Voile patio dining
Newbury Street & Nearby Back Bay Hotels
To fully enjoy Newbury Street and nearby shopping, consider staying at a local hotel. Back Bay offers accommodations for every budget.
Affordable Budget Accommodations in Back Bay
Charlesmark Hotel – Enjoy an outdoor patio at this budget-friendly boutique hotel near the Boston Marathon finish line. Find out more
Copley Square Hotel – A well-loved bargain hotel in Back Bay with a historic exterior and welcoming atmosphere. Check reviews & rates
Mid-Range Hotels Close to Newbury Street
Newbury Guest House – Boutique hotel with complimentary breakfast in a Victorian brownstone on Newbury Street. Check rates & availability
Lenox Hotel – Elegant hotel with personalized service and fireplaces in some rooms. Rates and reviews
The Newbury Boston – Luxury hotel overlooking Newbury Street and the Public Garden. Rates & reviews
5-Star Luxury Back Bay Hotels
Mandarin Oriental Boston – Indulge in luxury and pampering after shopping. Rates & reviews
Fairmont Copley Plaza – Experience glamour and personalized service overlooking Copley Square. Rates and reviews
More Back Bay hotels near Newbury Street shopping destinations
Where to Dine & Drink on Newbury Street
Outdoor dining on Newbury Street
Recharge and relax after shopping at one of Newbury Street’s many dining establishments. With over 50 cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, and more, there’s something for every craving.
Dining options include: 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).
Beverage spots: 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.
Find the best outdoor dining in Back Bay
More Places to Shop in Boston
Faneuil Marketplace
Alt text: Outdoor kiosks at Faneuil Marketplace in Boston, bustling with shoppers and vendors, with historic buildings in the background.
Newbury Street Fashion . . . At a Discount
While Newbury Street offers a range of prices, luxury boutiques can be expensive. To enjoy the Newbury Street style without overspending, consider sales and discounts.
Two key strategies for saving:
- Sales Events: Many Newbury Street stores, even high-end boutiques, have seasonal sales, especially end-of-season clearances. Watch for advertised sales and promotions.
- Consignment Shops: Explore consignment stores on the western end of Newbury Street, like Revolve Consignment, for pre-owned designer items at reduced prices.
Getting to Newbury Street
- Location: Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.
- Subway (T): Green Line/Arlington (east end), Copley (central), and Hynes Convention Center (west end).
- Parking: Prudential Center garage (convenient but can be expensive without validation). Boston Common Garage (more affordable, 5-10 min walk). Pru Center website. Boston Common Garage
Another Way You Will Save on Newbury Street
Visitors from out of state or overseas can benefit from Massachusetts’ no sales tax on clothing items under $175. For items over $175 and non-clothing items, the sales tax is only 6.25%, offering significant savings compared to regions with higher VAT or clothing taxes.
More Articles about Shopping in Boston
Fun Ways to See Boston
Need a Boston Hotel or Apartment?
Booking.com Use Booking.com to find and book hotels and apartments in Boston.
