Attractions in Back Bay (Boston)

Public Garden

Just across Charles Street from the Boston Common, Public Garden is elegantly landscaped with flower beds, lagoons, walking paths and statues, including a notable monument of George Washington on a horse. You can watch couples posing for their wedding photos every summer weekend. The children's story Make Way for Ducklings took place here, and there is a popular sculpture of the ducklings in the northeast corner of the park. A ride in the famous Swan Boats is an essential experience for any visitor.

Boston Duck Tours

A fleet of "Ducks", brightly colored, vintage World War II amphibious vehicles provide narrated, half-land, half-water tours of Boston. Do not be alarmed when your Duck abandons its wheels and lowers itself onto the Charles River! Tours cover many of Boston's downtown tourist attractions famous spots like the State House and the Prudential Tower. Keep in mind, Tour guides encourage quacking! Tickets sell out quickly, especially on summer weekends. So go and quack away with Boston Duck Tours.

Charles River Esplanade

Get a feel for Boston with a stroll along 17 miles of riverside paths and parks. Watch sailboats and racing college crews on the Charles River Esplanade. On summer evenings, there is free music at the Hatch Memorial Shell, and there are always hundreds of walkers, joggers, bikers, dog-walkers and sunbathers enjoying the view. The best way to reach the river is via the Arthur Fiedler footbridge, which is close to the intersection of Beacon and Arlington Streets in the Back Bay, or via the pedestrian bridge near the Charles/MGH T station.

Trinity Church Boston

As you sit in Copley Square, you cannot help noticing the incredible detail on the facade of this Episcopal church. Finished in 1877, Trinity Church's Romanesque structure designed by Henry H. Richardson is considered one of the finest examples of church architecture in the nation.

The Boston Public Library

A century-old Italianate structure of bronze doors and grand marble staircases, Boston Public Library — the first large public library in the nation — holds 6 million books and sees 2 million visitors annually. Priceless holdings include first edition folios by Shakespeare, original music scores by Mozart and Prokofiev, and the personal library of former President John Adams. The cool interior features murals by John Singer Sargent and a relaxing courtyard.

The Church of Christ, Scientist

The Church of the Christian Science religion is part of the sect's Boston headquarters. Mary Baker Eddy, a New Hampshire native who moved to Boston in 1881, founded the church in 1879. Members spurn modern medicine in favor of prayer-based healing. The Church of Christ, Scientist was built in 1894, and the reflecting pool along the building is a relaxing spot for people of all faiths.

Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory

For a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding area, take a trip to this Skywalk observatory. The windows here present a vista of Boston in all directions. On a clear day, visitors can see the mountains of New Hampshire. Museum-like displays offer detailed information on the history of Boston's geography. See their website for information on prices and further details. Open daily 10 am onwards.

Newbury Street

Any shopper will enjoy a stroll down this street, which features eight blocks of upscale boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. On warm weekends, the sidewalks are teeming with window shoppers, street performers and overflowing outdoor cafes. Located in the historic Back Bay, much of the brownstone architecture is influenced by the Art Nouveau style of the 1920s. There are upscale clothiers like Max Mara. In addition, chic galleries and restaurants, such as Stephanie's of Newbury and Sonsie, attract a well-dressed, monied crowd.

Old South Church

When this congregation was formed in 1669, it was a dissenting group from the First Church in Boston and was known as the Third Church. Famous historical members of this church's congregation included Benjamin Franklin, William Dawes, James Otis and Phillis Wheatley. These members worshipped at the Old South Meetinghouse, which was the home of this congregation at the time. The church moved to its current Boylston Street home in 1875. It is now a congregation of the United Church of Christ. Services are held every Sunday at 11a.

Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

The local tourist bureau provides extensive information on lodging and areas of interest to visitors by mail, on-line, or through the "Boston By Phone" service. The latter is useful in connecting directly to businesses. Since many Boston hotels are often full during the summer, the bureau can help direct tourists to available lodging. Services are also available for meeting planners, tour leaders and the media.

G Spa

If you're looking for a beauty makeover, complete relaxation and indulgence then, head over to this spa. With a variety of different massages and treatments you'll be guaranteed complete rejuvenation. Choose from the different ranges of beauty products, so you can continue your beauty treatment back at home too. Self preservation is in vogue, so don't be left behind.

The Heritage on the Garden

Heritage on the Garden is a shopping street dotted with some really upscale designer boutiques and dining spots. It is home to famous designer labels, such as Sonia Rykiel, Escada, Hermes, Candela Spa and Anne Fontaine. For those who love to indulge in good food, restaurants Excelsior and Via Matta are also on the Heritage. From window shopping to simply hanging out at hot-spots, this famous landmark is a touristy spot everyone must explore.