While we might not be known for our shopping centers like 5th Avenue in Manhattan or The Dubai Mall, you can still find a mix of main street and hidden gem shopping in Boston. Stroll Newbury Street any time of year for a picturesque open-air shopping experience. Enter the Prudential Center for an indoor experience complete with famous shops like Saks and Ralph Lauren.
Take the footbridge over to Copley Place for all the high-end retailers like Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and more (even if it’s just window shopping). Find below a full list of the best places to go shopping in Boston:
1. Newbury Street
This is the premiere shopping destination for Bostonians and tourists alike. Newbury is beautiful year-round, with holiday lights illuminating the brick sidewalks in the colder months. There are even “Open Newbury Street” days in the summer through fall, allowing pedestrians full access to the road.
Newbury Street starts at Mass Ave. and travels down to the Boston Public Garden. You’ll find more budget-friendly retailers like T.J. Maxx and Urban Outfitters by Mass Ave. and high-end retailers like Valentino and Loro Piana towards the Public Garden.
2. Copley Place
Located in Back Bay, Copley Place is just steps from Newbury Street. This mall houses a selection of the world’s most high-end brands like Gucci and Moncler.
3. Prudential Center
Connected to Copley Place, and a Boston landmark, the Prudential Center is a one-stop entertainment destination. You’ll find retailers selling everything from beauty to chocolate to footwear. You can also take a shopping break at Boston’ sky observatory for stunning views and delicious food.
4. Charles Street
If you want a unique shopping experience unlike any other, go to Charles Street. The majority of retailers on this cobblestone street in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood are stand-alone local shops. Head to Rouvalis for stunning flowers or Ouimillie for incredibly unique fashion sourced from around the globe. And don’t skip this bookstore for an out-of-this-world shopping experience.
5. Downtown Crossing
Downtown has a bit of everything. There is a focus on budget-friendly shops like Macy’s, Old Navy, Primark, and off-price retailers. You’ll also find a lot of pawn shops to buy or sell gold.
6. The Current
This retail incubator in Seaport changes its store every few months. For brands, it’s an experimental retail experience to test out a brick-and-mortar. We discovered the incredible local celebrity-favorite brand, Randolph, at The Current. And Boston’s first permanent jewelry store, Brave Daughters, opened in The Current before moving to a permanent shop just across Seaport Boulevard.
7. The Superette
And that permanent Brave Daughters store is located at The Superette, Boston Seaport’s upscale shopping area. This area is home to plenty of emerging, niche brands like Le Labo, Staud, and Mia’s Bakery.
8. South End
Stores are scattered in every corner of this Boston neighborhood. You’ll find pet supply shops, clothing stores and even Boston’s first non-alcoholic bottle shop.
9. Assembly Row (Somerville)
Assembly Row completely transformed into a 45-acre mixed-use village. You’ll find plenty of off-price retailers like HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx, outlets like Saks Off 5th, and delicious spots to eat! You can even take a break to get a facial at Heyday!