Back Bay Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Back Bay in Boston. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Boston City View Bicycle Tour: History and Landmarks

• Downtown Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill & Back Bay Walking Tour

• Boston Private 3-Hour Tour by Car

• Boston's Architecture + History Walking Tour + Fun Photo Tips

• Boston Private City Tour and Chauffeur Service

There’s no cost to visit the Boston neighborhood of Back Bay independently, but it does have some high-end dining and shopping. Guided tours are a great way to visit—expect to pay around US$75 for a half-day bike tour that passes through Back Bay, and US$45–55 for a walking tour. Other bus and car options vary in price.

Yes, Back Bay is definitely worth visiting while you're in Boston—it's one of the city's most charming and historic neighborhoods. The brownstone houses and cobbled streets are attractive, and you can find some great upscale restaurants and shops here. Stroll through the neighborhood on your own, or join a guided walking tour to enhance your experience.

Per one customer who booked the Downtown Freedom Trail, Beacon Hill & Back Bay Walking Tour, "Allan was such a fun and knowledgeable tour guide. I appreciate that our tour group was small because we got to hear it all. Our tour guide was patient and answered everyone's questions. It was my daughter's favorite part of the trip."

One of Boston’s most affluent and upscale districts, this storied enclave has been called one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the United States. It’s known for high-end designer boutiques along swanky Newbury Street, elegant Victorian brownstones perched in a row, and top-notch food joints serving modern takes on iconic New England seafood.

Some say it’s because of the high concentration of fancy shops, including Marc Jacobs and Chanel. It’s true; this shopping street gives off an air of lofty exclusivity. But more than that, it’s famous for being so pretty: Newbury Street gives Beacon Hill a run for its money in historic Boston charm.

Yes, you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere in the neighborhood you can’t reach on foot. Many parts of Boston are a walker’s paradise. If you’re headed further afield, Back Bay conveniently has its own commuter rail and subway stop—Back Bay Station. It’s also easy to find taxis or rideshares.

Stroll around, and feel free to wander—Back Bay’s grid streets make it virtually impossible to get lost. Explore the pedestrian-only mall on Commonwealth Avenue and walk through the Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. Save time for a little retail therapy along Newbury Street.

History buffs shouldn’t miss walking part of the Freedom Trail, a historical itinerary that begins in Boston Common. The route stretches 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) and might take you the better part of a day (it ends at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charleston), but you can follow part of the self-guided tour.

That depends. Back Bay is a pricey area, but coming here for a few hours (or even a few days) doesn’t have to break the bank. While the neighborhood is best known for its fine dining and luxury retailers, you’ll also find a mix of budget-friendly cafés, eateries, and local boutiques.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Back Bay. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Boston:

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace

• Boston Common

• Boston North End

• Quincy Market

• USS Constitution

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Boston.