10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Boston
Where to Shop in Boston and What to Buy?
The best places to go shopping in Boston offer just about any item you can imagine among its quaint boutiques and massive stores. Whether you’re looking for something luxurious or you want to shop on a budget, you’ll never have to look far to find something that catches your eye.
When you visit Boston, you can turn your entire trip into a shopping excursion with so many options that it could take up the entire length of your vacation to explore them all. Still, you’ll want to hit the top places first. Check out the best places to go shopping in Boston and what to buy.
1. Newbury Street
Known as one of the most expensive streets in the world
Good for: Shoppers, Luxury
Newbury Street is a popular and upscale shopping district where you’ll find high-end items from world-renowned designers in extravagant surroundings. Some of the popular brands available on this street are Ralph Lauren, Chanel, and Marc Jacobs. Step into chic boutiques for Breitling watches, stylish apparel, and luxurious homeware.
When you visit this street, you’ll see an array of Victorian brownstone mansions on both sides, showing the wealth that tends to be centered here. However, several sleek, modern buildings have a presence as well. You’ll find this luxury experience available in the Back Bay neighborhood.
Newbury Street
2. Downtown Crossing
Popular pedestrian shopping zone
Good for: Shoppers, History
Downtown Crossing is one of the most visited shopping areas in the city and boasts a diverse array of stores situated among historic surroundings that date back decades. Here, you’ll find jewelry stores, drugstores, and health and beauty stores, as well as shops offering books, music, and movies. You’ll even find some pushcart vendors selling tasty snacks, fresh produce, and trinkets.
You’ll find it all at the intersection of Washington, Winter, and Summer, and there are 2 subway stations in this area for extra convenience. While you’re here, check out the Corner Mall for a great international food court.
Downtown Crossing
3. North End
For unique shops and Italian specialties
Good for: Shoppers, Food
North End is a shopping district that strays away from standard malls and shops by offering a more unique selection of specialist stores and foodie treats. Italian specialty shops are the most common, so expect to find plenty of Italian-themed items on your excursion.
Most stores in this district tend to focus on apparel and accessories, offering fashionable and unique options you won’t be able to find in larger big-box stores. Plus, you’ll find an array of restaurants, so you can grab a bite to eat in between shopping adventures. You’ll find it all north of city center.
North End
4. SoWa Art + Design District
Where shopping meets art
Good for: Shoppers
SoWa Art + Design District is the place you want to be if you’re looking to take home custom and original works of art to decorate your home. Art galleries in the area are notably contemporary, showing off unique styles that tend to stand out.
When you visit this district, you’ll be able to see numerous galleries run by artists who truly have a passion for their craft. It isn’t just paintings either, as you’ll find handicrafts, sculptures, and custom-made furniture as well. See it for yourself east of Shawmut and south of Chinatown.
SoWa Art + Design District
5. Copley Place
A modern shopping mall
Good for: Shoppers
Copley Place offers a traditional shopping mall experience, though the décor and stores available inside tend to lean more toward the luxurious side of the spectrum. Retailers like Ralph Lauren and Tiffany & Co have a major presence at this mall, and the aesthetic is fashionably attractive, complemented by a large skylight.
Visiting Copley Place will put you among 2 levels of shopping opportunities that mainly consist of apparel. High-end retailers like Coach and Louis Vuitton are available, but you’ll also find specialty stores like Brookstone and Samsonite Black Label. It’s all located west of downtown around Back Bay.
Location: 100 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday 11 am to 7 pm, Sunday noon to 6 pm
Phone: +1 617-262-6600
Copley Place
6. Harvard Square
A charming shopping district close to the famous college
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Harvard Square is a delightful shopping district where you can explore small shops and restaurants while being serenaded by friendly street performers. The small shops tend to be locally run by owners who are happy to talk to you about everything they have on offer.
Given the small size of local shops here, it’s common for owners to take a personal interest in your needs, suggesting items that would fit your unique personality. The added allure of the nearby restaurants makes it easy to find fun in this district for hours at a time. You’ll find it all south of Harvard University in Cambridge.
Location: Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Phone: +1 617-491-3434
Harvard Square
7. Quincy Market
Boston’s historic downtown
Good for: Shoppers, History, Food, Nightlife
Quincy Market is the center of shopping in the historic downtown area where you’ll find more than 100 stores along with restaurants, bars, and pushcarts. This combination of shops comprises a beloved local market that dates back nearly 4 centuries.
Among the shops here, you’ll find a variety of items on offer inside the historic centuries-old buildings, like souvenirs and hand-crafted jewelry. Some luxury items are available, but most shops tend to offer a nice middle ground between budget and luxury. The food for sale is varied, but when in Boston you must try the cream pie, Boston’s official dessert. The market is on the north side of downtown.
Location: 4 South Market St, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm
Quincy Market
8. Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Historic market housing local vendors
Good for: Shoppers, History
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is one of the most popular historic markets in town, offering fun shops among sites where some of the most important events in American history happened. Faneuil Hall itself is known as the Home of Free Speech since it was the spot where the first town hall meeting in the country was held.
When you visit this market, you’ll find historic marketplace buildings that are each packed full of shops and historic sites. Most shops in the area tend to be quite modest with quality items, and street performers are regular entertainment. You’ll find it in the historic district on the north side of downtown. Read more
Location: 4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
9. Boston Public Market
Indoor and all-year artisans
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Boston Public Market is a year-round marketplace where you’ll find producers and artisans from the local area offering a variety of specialty items and fresh food. Around 30 vendors tend to be at the market at any given time during open hours, and their offerings typically include fresh produce, fully prepared meals, and crafts.
Many of New England’s best make their way to this market specifically to reach visitors who’d prefer to get their items directly from the producer. Plus, vendors are often happy to talk to you about what they have for sale, so you can learn everything about your purchases. You’ll find it all in northern downtown north of the Old State House.
Location: 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Open: Monday and Tuesday from 8 am to 6 pm, Wednesday–Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 617-973-4909
Boston Public Market
10. Haymarket Farmers’ Market
Shopping near the Freedom Trail
Good for: Shoppers, History, Food
Haymarket is a popular and historic marketplace by the Freedom Trail where you can find fresh and affordable produce and other items among historic buildings. Local food shops here are located in old brick-and-mortar buildings, letting you experience the market and local history simultaneously.
One of the best aspects of this market is that prices tend to be quite affordable compared to most other offerings in the city. If you’re keeping a tight budget on your vacation, this is the best place to go for fresh produce and trendy shops. You’ll find it all by the highway north of downtown. It’s a good idea to bring cash and reusable bags.
Location: 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108, USA
Open: Friday and Saturday from 4 am to 7 pm
Haymarket Farmers' Market
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