Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay is a shopper’s paradise, renowned for its elegant atmosphere and diverse retail offerings. Stretching across eight blocks, nestled between the iconic Public Garden and bustling Massachusetts Avenue, this famed shopping district boasts an impressive mix of internationally acclaimed designers, trendy boutiques, well-known national retailers, and unique local shops. Whether you’re seeking high-end fashion, unique finds, or everyday essentials, Newbury Street provides an unparalleled shopping experience in a beautiful, historic setting.
If Newbury Street alone doesn’t satisfy your retail desires, the surrounding area offers even more. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Boylston Street, Prudential Center, and Copley Place, expanding your shopping horizons with an even greater array of international boutiques, national brands, local gems, and department stores. In this vibrant area, you can truly find everything your heart desires.
Need a Pause from Shopping on Newbury Street?
For a breathtaking break from browsing the Shops On Newbury Street, take a quick detour to the Prudential Center, located just a block away. Ascend to the top three floors and experience the View Boston Observatory, offering panoramic cityscapes that will refresh and inspire you before you dive back into your retail adventure.
Panoramic city view from View Boston Observatory near Newbury Street shops
Newbury Street’s location within Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood adds to its allure. This elegant area is characterized by grand Victorian brownstones, which house many of the shops, hotels, and restaurants, creating a unique and charming backdrop for your shopping excursion. While admiring the diverse array of shops, be sure to look up and appreciate the stunning Victorian architecture that lines the street, occasionally punctuated by modern buildings, blending history with contemporary style.
Beyond its retail offerings, Newbury Street is also home to luxurious hotels such as the Newbury Hotel Boston (formerly the Taj), upscale salons and spas for pampering, and a plethora of fashionable restaurants like Sonsie and La Voile, perfect for refueling after a successful shopping spree.
Top image: A vibrant stretch of boutiques showcasing the diverse shops on Newbury Street in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.
Explore International Designer Boutiques on Newbury Street, Boston
Upscale Max Mara boutique showcasing designer fashion on Newbury Street
For those with a taste for luxury, Newbury Street is synonymous with high-end fashion. You’ll discover flagship boutiques from renowned international designers like Valentino, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Ralph Lauren, among others. The eastern end of Newbury Street, closer to the Public Garden, is particularly known for housing the most prestigious and upscale brands, making it a prime destination for luxury shopping enthusiasts.
This area is a veritable treasure trove of internationally and locally celebrated designer boutiques and jewelers. Here, you can find Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Akris, Armani, Max Mara, Alan Bilzerian, Cartier, Brooks Brothers, L’Elite Bridal, Valentino, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Shreve, Crump, & Low, offering a dazzling array of luxury goods and exceptional craftsmanship.
L'Elite bridal boutique, a local gem for couture gowns and dresses on Newbury Street
If you’re captivated by European fashion, seeking resort wear, or eager to explore the latest trends, Newbury Street is the place to be. Interspersed amongst the grand showrooms are smaller, specialized boutiques, each offering a curated selection of unique and stylish items. This blend of established luxury and emerging trends ensures a dynamic and exciting shopping experience for every fashion enthusiast.
As you venture west along Newbury Street towards Massachusetts Avenue, the retail landscape evolves to feature more local and specialty brands. Discover unique shops such as No Rest for Bridget, Birkenstock, Vuori, Lululemon, Opal & Oak, Revolve Consignment, and Reiwatakiya, reflecting a shift towards more contemporary and individualized styles.
Madewell store front featuring contemporary clothing on Newbury Street
It’s easy to get swept away by Newbury Street’s glamorous image, but it’s important to remember that it’s also a neighborhood serving the everyday needs of Boston residents. Beyond high fashion, you’ll find a variety of practical shops and services catering to local life. Hair and nail salons, gyms, and personal trainers are all part of the Newbury Street mix, reflecting its role as a functional urban street as well as a shopping destination.
LIT boutique sign on Newbury Street, showcasing local fashion
Interestingly, Restoration Hardware occupies a historic building that once housed the Boston Museum of Natural History, a precursor to the modern-day Museum of Science. This historical detail underscores the rich heritage embedded within Newbury Street’s contemporary shopping scene.
For furniture shoppers, especially Boston’s large student population, Burrow offers stylish and affordable modular furniture. Local residents also appreciate Room & Board, located at the corner of Newbury Street and Mass Ave, known for its high-quality modern classic furniture.
Beyond clothing and furniture, Newbury Street also accommodates everyday needs with real estate offices, optical shops, a UPS store, and Johnson’s Paint, a local favorite. Even at Johnson’s Paint, you might overhear interior designers discussing high-end brands like Farrow & Ball alongside students seeking budget-friendly paint options, highlighting the diverse clientele of Newbury Street.
Zara store front, a popular affordable fashion brand on Newbury Street
Adding to the eclectic mix, you’ll find hat shops, Sophora, fitness studios, gyms, numerous hair and nail salons, and mid-market fashion brands like Uniqlo, Zara, TJ Maxx, Urban Outfitters, and Allbirds footwear. The presence of H&M, a large and popular store extending to Boylston Street, and Talbot’s further broadens the retail spectrum.
Rag & Bone store nestled among historic brownstones on Newbury Street
As you stroll further west from the Public Garden, the boutiques transition to become slightly less overtly luxurious, focusing more on edgier designs, contemporary styles, and accessible price points. This gradual shift reflects the diverse tastes and budgets of Newbury Street’s shoppers.
While Newbury Street certainly attracts affluent visitors and tourists drawn to the famous international designer boutiques, it’s also a beloved shopping destination for Boston’s substantial community of university students – approximately 250,000 strong – and the city’s residents alike. This broad appeal ensures that Newbury Street remains a vibrant and dynamic shopping environment for everyone.
Discover Local Shops & Designers on Newbury Street
L'Elite boutique front, a local fashion destination on Newbury Street
For fashion-conscious shoppers on a budget, the western end of Newbury Street is a haven of smaller, primarily locally owned boutiques. Shops like LIT, No Rest for Bridget, and Soodee, along with consignment stores such as Revolve, offer unique and stylish finds without the high price tags of luxury brands. These shops are a testament to Newbury Street’s commitment to supporting local designers and offering diverse fashion choices.
Soodee boutique, a woman-owned local fashion shop on Newbury Street
Historically, before the influx of international brands, Newbury Street was dominated by independent local designers, establishing it as Boston’s hub for design creativity. For many shoppers, this section of the street retains its unique charm and appeal, even amidst the presence of larger brands like Madewell, UNIQLO, and Patagonia. This blend of local and national brands creates a compelling and varied shopping experience.
Sea Bags store, featuring totes made in Maine, on Newbury Street
The architectural design of Newbury Street, with its Victorian brownstones, contributes to the unique shopping experience. Shops, restaurants, and businesses typically occupy the ground floor, often elevated a few steps above street level, as well as the second floor and basement levels. This distinctive layout is due to the original design of the Victorian brownstones built on reclaimed land in the Back Bay starting in the 1860s. Back Bay is renowned for having the largest concentration of well-preserved Victorian buildings and architecture in the United States, lending historical significance to your shopping stroll.
State & Liberty pop-up shop turned permanent store on Newbury Street
While some businesses have thrived on Newbury Street for decades, others are more transient, adapting to evolving fashion trends. This constant flux ensures that there’s almost always something new and exciting to discover on Newbury Street, making each visit a fresh experience.
More Than Just Fashion: Diverse Shops on Newbury Street
Pratesi luxury linens store front on Newbury Street
Shopping on Newbury Street extends far beyond clothing boutiques. As you explore, you’ll find a wide array of specialty stores catering to diverse interests. High-end home furnishings and decor stores like Anthropology and Simon Pearce, antique shops, bookstores, and jewelry boutiques all contribute to the rich tapestry of retail offerings.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe offers a unique combination of an all-day cafe serving comfort food, a bookstore, and nightly events like readings by local authors. This multifaceted space exemplifies the diverse experiences available on Newbury Street.
Newbury Street is also a renowned destination for art enthusiasts, boasting a large number of art galleries specializing in established and famous artists. A gallery stroll along Newbury Street is a popular activity for both locals and visitors, adding a cultural dimension to the shopping experience.
Muji store display of colorful pens and Japanese candies near checkout on Newbury Street
The Japanese concept store Muji offers a curated selection of minimalist and stylish design items encompassing clothing, luggage, home furnishings, tableware, and food. Browsing Muji is a unique sensory experience, enhanced by its signature aromatherapy diffusers, making it a store that’s hard to leave.
Explore More Shopping Streets and Upscale Malls Near Newbury Street
Marathon Sports store front, a New England athletic wear shop near Newbury Street
Just a block away from Newbury Street, parallel Boylston Street presents even more shopping opportunities. Here, you’ll find large sporting goods stores like Eastern Mountain Sports and City Sports, the Apple Store, luxury linen provider Frette, and even discount retailers like Marshalls, offering a broader spectrum of retail options.
For an even more upscale shopping experience, the Prudential Center is conveniently located steps from Boylston Street and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor, Prudential Center also features the popular Eataly food complex, combining shopping with gourmet dining.
Connected via skywalk to Prudential Center is Copley Place, another luxury Boston shopping mall. Copley Place features a host of internationally renowned designers, including many who also have boutiques on Newbury Street, such as Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, Dior, Armani, and Tiffany & Co., expanding the luxury shopping precinct.
Beyond Shopping: Things to Do On and Near Newbury Street
For visitors to Boston, Newbury Street’s location offers easy access to numerous attractions. Nearby Copley Square, the architecturally stunning Boston Public Library, and historic churches like Trinity Church provide enriching cultural experiences to complement your shopping endeavors.
Traveling with companions less enthusiastic about shopping? King’s Dining & Entertainment, located nearby, offers bowling, games like skee-ball, and casual dining options. Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is also within walking distance, offering tours and game day excitement.
With its diverse shops and surrounding attractions, Newbury Street truly warrants dedicating a day or more to fully explore and enjoy all that this fantastic Boston neighborhood has to offer.
Where to Stay & Dine Near Newbury Street
Newbury Street Guest House with La Voile restaurant patio at ground level
Newbury Street & Nearby Back Bay Hotels
Planning an extended shopping trip to fully experience the shops on Newbury Street and surrounding areas? Staying in a nearby hotel provides ultimate convenience, with options for every budget.
Affordable Budget Accommodations in Back Bay
- Charlesmark Hotel: A boutique hotel in Back Bay, across from the Boston Marathon finish line, offering an outdoor patio for relaxation after shopping. Find out more
- Copley Square Hotel: A well-regarded budget hotel in Back Bay, known for its historic architecture and welcoming atmosphere. Check reviews & rates
Mid-Range Hotels Close to Newbury Street
- Newbury Guest House: A boutique hotel on Newbury Street in a Victorian brownstone, including complimentary breakfast and the acclaimed La Voile French restaurant. Check rates & availability
- Lenox Hotel: An elegant hotel with personalized service and rooms featuring wood-burning fireplaces, offering a luxurious mid-range stay. Rates and reviews
- The Newbury Boston: Overlooking Newbury Street and the Public Garden, this hotel combines luxury with a prime location. Rates & reviews
5-Star Luxury Back Bay Hotels
- Mandarin Oriental Boston: Indulge in luxury at this hotel, offering pampering amenities after your Newbury Street shopping excursions. Rates & reviews
- Fairmont Copley Plaza: Experience glamour and exceptional service at this iconic 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 scene along Newbury Street in Boston
After a rewarding shopping day, Newbury Street offers over 50 cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, and more to help you refresh and refuel.
Dining Options: 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 and Coffee 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 outdoor kiosks in Boston
Newbury Street Fashion . . . At a Discount
While Newbury Street offers shops for various budgets, the allure of luxury boutiques can be tempting. To enjoy the Newbury Street style without overspending, sales and discounts are your best allies.
Discount Shopping Options:
- Sales Events: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and special promotions at Newbury Street boutiques and department stores.
- Consignment Shops: Explore consignment stores like Revolve Consignment on Newbury Street for pre-owned designer items at reduced prices.
- Nearby Outlets: While not directly on Newbury Street, consider visiting outlets in the greater Boston area for potential discounts on brands found on Newbury Street.
Getting to Newbury Street
- Newbury Street Location: Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.
- Nearest Subway Stations (The T): Green Line – Arlington (eastern end), Copley (central), and Hynes Convention Center (western end).
- Parking: Prudential Center Garage offers convenient parking, but consider Boston Common Garage for potentially lower rates, a short walk away. Boston Common Garage. More information: Prudential Center website.
Tax Savings on Newbury Street
Visitors from outside Massachusetts may benefit from no sales tax on clothing items under $175. Sales tax on items over $175 and non-clothing items is 6.25%, which is still relatively low compared to some regions. This can result in significant savings, especially for international visitors or those from states with higher clothing taxes.
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Need a Boston Hotel or Apartment?
Booking.com – Use this map to find accommodations near Newbury Street.
