Newbury Street in Boston stands as an iconic destination for shoppers seeking a blend of luxury, style, and unique finds. This vibrant street, nestled in the historic Back Bay neighborhood, offers an unparalleled retail experience, from high-end designer boutiques to charming independent stores. Whether you’re a seasoned fashionista, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for that perfect Boston souvenir, Newbury Street’s diverse array of stores promises something for everyone.
Exploring Newbury Street: A Shopper’s Paradise in Boston’s Back Bay
Stretching eight blocks from Arlington Street at the edge of the Public Garden to Massachusetts Avenue, Newbury Street is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a picturesque experience. Lined with Victorian brownstones, many of which house boutiques on the ground floor and salons or offices above, the street exudes a unique charm. Walking down Newbury Street, you’ll find a captivating mix of upscale retail, art galleries, salons, and restaurants, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon indulging in retail therapy and soaking in the sophisticated Boston atmosphere.
The allure of Newbury Street lies in its eclectic mix. You can find flagship stores of international luxury brands alongside locally-owned boutiques that offer one-of-a-kind items. This contrast creates a shopping environment that is both exclusive and accessible. The street is particularly known for its fashion-forward clothing and accessories, but its offerings extend far beyond apparel. Art lovers will appreciate the numerous galleries showcasing contemporary and classic works, while those seeking unique gifts or home décor items will find plenty of independent shops to explore.
For visitors and locals alike, navigating Newbury Street is a breeze. It’s pedestrian-friendly, encouraging leisurely strolls and window shopping. The street’s location in Back Bay also means it’s easily accessible by public transportation and surrounded by other Boston attractions, making it a convenient stop on any Boston itinerary.
Must-Visit Stores on Newbury Street: Curated Selections for Every Shopper
To help you navigate the impressive retail landscape of Newbury Street, here’s a curated guide highlighting some must-visit stores, categorized to match your shopping interests:
Luxury & Designer Boutiques
Newbury Street is synonymous with luxury shopping, hosting some of the most prestigious brands in the world. These boutiques offer high-end fashion, jewelry, and accessories for discerning shoppers.
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Chanel Boutique (5 Newbury St): An icon of French fashion, Chanel on Newbury Street offers a curated selection of the brand’s classic accessories, jewelry, makeup, and watches. Stepping into this boutique is an experience in itself, embodying the timeless elegance of Coco Chanel.
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Cartier (28 Newbury St): For exquisite jewelry and luxury watches, Cartier is a must-visit. This renowned jeweler showcases stunning collections, from the iconic Love bracelet to sophisticated timepieces, perfect for those special occasions or timeless investments.
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Valentino (47 Newbury St): Italian haute couture finds its Boston home at Valentino. Known for its romantic and dramatic designs, the Valentino boutique on Newbury Street presents the brand’s latest collections of clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories, embodying Italian luxury and craftsmanship.
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Armani (22 Newbury St): Effortless Italian style defines Armani. The Newbury Street store features Giorgio Armani’s men’s and women’s designer clothing, shoes, and accessories, representing minimalist elegance and sophisticated tailoring.
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Max Mara (69 Newbury St): For women seeking chic and sophisticated fashion, Max Mara offers Italian ready-to-wear collections. Known for its timeless outerwear and elegant designs, Max Mara is perfect for building a classic and versatile wardrobe.
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Alice and Olivia (166 Newbury St): Bringing a playful and whimsical touch to luxury, Alice and Olivia offers women’s clothing with colorful and unique designs. This boutique is ideal for those looking to add a vibrant and fashionable statement to their wardrobe.
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Longchamp Paris (139 Newbury St): Famous for its high-quality leather goods, particularly the Le Pliage bag, Longchamp on Newbury Street offers a range of women’s bags, men’s and women’s briefcases, wallets, accessories, and luggage, blending Parisian chic with practicality.
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Polo Ralph Lauren (93-95 Newbury St): American classic style is embodied at Polo Ralph Lauren. This large store presents the brand’s signature men’s and women’s clothing collections, representing preppy elegance and timeless designs.
Alice and Olivia boutique on Newbury Street, showcasing its vibrant and fashionable storefront.
Independent Boutiques: Unique Finds and Local Charm
Beyond the luxury giants, Newbury Street thrives on its independent boutiques, offering unique and personalized shopping experiences. These stores often showcase local designers, artisanal goods, and curated collections you won’t find anywhere else.
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Betsy Jenney (114 Newbury St): For designer clothes and accessories with a focus on unique and stylish pieces, Betsy Jenney offers a curated boutique experience. This shop is perfect for those seeking individual style and high-quality fashion beyond mainstream trends.
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Bobbles and Lace (225 Newbury St): A popular women’s clothing boutique, Bobbles and Lace offers trendy clothing, accessories, and shoes. With its online shopping option as well, it combines boutique charm with modern convenience.
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Lit on Newbury (223 Newbury St): Specializing in women’s clothing, dresses, and accessories, Lit on Newbury is a boutique that curates fashionable and contemporary styles. It’s a great spot for finding that perfect dress or accessory to complete an outfit.
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Lure Boutique (306 Newbury St & 293 Newbury St): With two locations on Newbury Street (Lipstick Boutique at 293 Newbury St is also part of Lure Boutique), Lure Boutique offers women’s clothing, dresses, casual wear, accessories, and jewelry. They provide a wide range of styles from everyday wear to special occasion outfits.
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Covet (176 Newbury St): For sustainable and stylish shopping, Covet is a women’s consignment clothing boutique featuring luxury brands. It’s an excellent choice for finding designer fashion at a fraction of the original price, while also supporting sustainable fashion practices.
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Castanet Designer Consignment (175 Newbury St): Similar to Covet, Castanet offers women’s designer fashion clothing, accessories, and shoes on consignment. This boutique is another treasure trove for those seeking pre-owned luxury and designer items.
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Soodee Women’s Boutique (170 Newbury St): Soodee offers a range of women’s clothing and accessories, focusing on contemporary styles and wearable fashion. It’s a boutique that caters to everyday elegance and modern trends.
The stylish storefront of Lit Boutique on Newbury Street, inviting shoppers to explore its curated women’s fashion.
Unique Finds: Gifts, Art, and Specialty Stores
Newbury Street isn’t just about fashion; it’s also home to stores offering unique and specialty items, from art and antiques to quirky gifts and local crafts.
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Newbury Comics (332 Newbury St): A Boston institution, Newbury Comics is a haven for music and pop culture enthusiasts. Offering new and used CDs, DVDs, vinyl, video games, posters, t-shirts, collectibles, graphic novels, comics, books, jewelry, and trading cards, it’s a place to discover both nostalgic favorites and new obsessions.
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Trident Booksellers and Cafe (338 Newbury St): Combining the love of reading with a cozy café experience, Trident Booksellers and Cafe is an independent bookstore with a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to browse books, find unique gifts and greeting cards, and enjoy a coffee or meal.
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Anime Zakka (349 Newbury St): For fans of anime and Japanese pop culture, Anime Zakka is a must-visit. This store is filled with anime-themed collectibles, toys, figurines, and gifts, offering a fun and niche shopping experience.
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Fairy Shop (272 Newbury St): Step into a whimsical world at the Fairy Shop, offering Harry Potter merchandise, fairy-themed gifts, books, decorative jewelry boxes, night lights, and t-shirts. It’s a magical place for unique gifts and fantasy lovers.
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Fineone Hand Craft and Gift (209 Newbury St): For unique and handcrafted gifts, Fineone offers a delightful selection of baby toys, plush toys, candles, puzzles, soap bombs, and housewares. It’s the perfect spot for finding thoughtful and original presents.
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Patch NYC (46 Waltham St, South End – near Newbury St): While technically just off Newbury Street, Patch NYC is worth the short detour. This design studio offers unique home decor, tabletop items, accessories, jewelry, candles, and stationery, all with a distinctive artistic flair.
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Arden Gallery (129 Newbury St), Child’s Gallery (168 Newbury St), DTR Modern Galleries (167 Newbury St), Galerie D’Orsay (33 Newbury St), Gallery Naga (67 Newbury St), Pucker Gallery (240 Newbury St): Newbury Street is renowned for its art galleries. These galleries showcase a diverse range of art, from contemporary paintings and sculptures to fine art photography and antique pieces. Exploring these galleries provides a cultural break from shopping and a chance to appreciate fine art.
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Firestone & Parson (8 Newbury St) & Small Pleasures (142 Newbury St): For those interested in jewelry and antiques, Firestone & Parson and Small Pleasures offer fine jewelry, silver, estate, and antique jewelry. Small Pleasures also provides custom designs and jewelry repair services.
The iconic Newbury Comics store on Newbury Street, a must-visit for pop culture and music aficionados.
Athletic & Outdoor Gear
For active shoppers, Newbury Street also provides options for athletic wear and outdoor equipment.
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Niketown (200 Newbury St) & New Balance (124 Newbury St): Major athletic brands like Nike and New Balance have flagship Stores On Newbury Street. Niketown offers an extensive range of sneakers, footwear, men’s and women’s clothing, and accessories. New Balance focuses on athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories for men and women.
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Marathon Sports (671 Boylston St – near Newbury St): For running and fitness enthusiasts, Marathon Sports, located just off Newbury Street on Boylston, offers running, walking, and jogging footwear and apparel.
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Fitness Hub Activewear Boutique (123 Newbury St): Fitness Hub provides exercise and yoga clothing for women and men, along with accessories and jewelry, catering to the fitness-conscious shopper.
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Fjallraven (342 Newbury St): For outdoor enthusiasts, Fjallraven offers men’s and women’s outdoor clothing and equipment, including backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, and travel accessories, known for their durable and functional Scandinavian designs.
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Champion (333 Newbury St): Champion offers sportswear and casual clothing for women, men, and children, including workout apparel, suitable for those seeking comfortable and athletic-inspired styles.
The storefront of Fitness Hub Activewear Boutique on Newbury Street, catering to fitness and yoga apparel needs.
Shoes & Accessories
Newbury Street is a fantastic destination for shoe lovers and those looking for stylish accessories.
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Trend (134 Newbury St): Trend offers a curated selection of women’s and men’s shoes, accessories, and jackets, focusing on fashionable and contemporary footwear.
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John Fluevog (226 Newbury St): For unique and stylish shoes, John Fluevog offers distinctive designs for men and women, along with accessories. This store is known for its artistic and unconventional footwear styles.
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Allbirds (205 Newbury St): For comfortable and sustainable shoes and apparel, Allbirds is a popular choice. Offering men’s and women’s footwear and apparel made from natural and sustainable materials.
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Rothy’s (211 Newbury St): Rothy’s specializes in women’s and men’s comfortable and stylish shoes made from recycled plastic bottles. Known for their flats and loafers, Rothy’s combines sustainability with fashion.
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Dr. Martens (201 Newbury St): Iconic and durable footwear can be found at Dr. Martens. This store offers their classic boots and shoes, known for their rebellious style and long-lasting quality.
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Sunglass Hut (86 Newbury St & 335 Newbury St): For eyewear needs, Sunglass Hut has two locations on Newbury Street, offering a wide selection of sunglasses from various brands.
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Topdrawer (273 Newbury St): Topdrawer offers a wide range of accessories, including travel accessories, notebooks, stationery, pens, wallets, leather products, and bags, perfect for gifts or personal use.
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Laced (118 Newbury St) & Sneaker Junkies (268 Newbury St): Sneaker enthusiasts will find havens at Laced and Sneaker Junkies. Laced is a sneaker boutique offering men’s and women’s footwear, apparel, and accessories, including consignment sneakers. Sneaker Junkies also offers sneakers, men’s and women’s clothes, and accessories, focusing on trendy and collectible sneakers.
Trend shoe store on Newbury Street, showcasing a variety of fashionable footwear and accessories.
Shopping Tips for Newbury Street
To make the most of your shopping trip to Newbury Street, consider these helpful tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Mornings are often quieter than afternoons. Sales often happen seasonally, particularly after holidays and end-of-season.
- Parking: Parking in Back Bay can be challenging and expensive. Public transportation is highly recommended. The Green Line T stops at Arlington (eastern end) and Copley (western end) are convenient. If driving, consider parking at Boston Common Garage or Prudential Center Garage (validation may be available at Prudential Center shops).
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are essential.
- Explore Side Streets: While Newbury Street is the main attraction, don’t hesitate to explore the cross streets like Gloucester and Exeter for hidden gems and quieter boutiques.
- Take Breaks: Shopping can be tiring! Newbury Street is dotted with cafes and restaurants where you can relax, refuel, and people-watch.
- Check Store Hours: Store hours can vary, especially for independent boutiques. Check websites or call ahead to confirm opening times.
- Tax-Free Shopping (for international visitors): Massachusetts has no sales tax on clothing items under $175. This can be an added bonus for international visitors shopping for apparel.
- Sales Tax: Keep in mind Massachusetts sales tax applies to most other items, including accessories, jewelry, and home goods.
Beyond Shopping: What Else to Do on Newbury Street
Newbury Street is not just about shopping; it’s a vibrant street with much more to offer.
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Dining: Newbury Street and the surrounding Back Bay area boast a diverse culinary scene. From casual cafes like Trident Booksellers & Cafe and Pavement Coffeehouse to upscale restaurants like Stephanie’s on Newbury and Sonsie, there are dining options for every taste and budget.
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Art Galleries: Immerse yourself in art by visiting the numerous galleries along Newbury Street, showcasing a variety of styles from contemporary to classic.
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Architecture: Admire the beautiful Victorian brownstones that line Newbury Street, a hallmark of Back Bay architecture.
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People Watching: Grab a coffee at an outdoor café and enjoy people-watching. Newbury Street is a lively place with a constant flow of locals and tourists.
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Proximity to Attractions: Newbury Street is conveniently located near other Boston attractions. The Boston Public Garden and Boston Common are at the eastern end, perfect for a pre- or post-shopping stroll. Copley Square, with Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library, is at the western end. The Prudential Center and Copley Place Mall are also nearby, offering more shopping and dining options.
Conclusion: Experience the Best of Boston Shopping on Newbury Street
Newbury Street offers a unique and diverse shopping experience that is quintessentially Boston. From luxury flagship stores to independent boutiques and art galleries, this iconic street caters to a wide range of tastes and interests. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Boston, exploring the stores on Newbury Street is a must-do for anyone looking to indulge in retail therapy, discover unique finds, and soak in the sophisticated atmosphere of Boston’s Back Bay. Plan your visit today and discover the best stores Newbury Street has to offer!