Whether you’re looking for designer goods or one-of-a-kind items by local creators, Boston has you covered. From trendy Newbury Street in Back Bay to charming boutiques in historic Beacon Hill, we’ve found the best places to seek out in three of the city’s coolest shopping corners.
Beacon Hill
It’s not all cobblestone streets and historic homes in this picturesque Boston neighborhood. Venture to Charles Street for all sorts of boutique shopping — browse fashionable finds at Holiday, December Thieves, Dress Boston and Crush Boutique; peruse preppy clothes for the whole family at J. McLaughlin; or stock up on stylish kids’ staples at Red Wagon.
Make sure to pop into the various antique shops that line the street as well. You never know what you might find, from vintage jewelry to snazzy hats. For upscale local souvenirs, check out Flat of the Hill or Blackstones of Beacon Hill, both of which have well-curated collections of candles, bags, books and other knickknacks.
Back Bay
Eight-block-long Newbury Street
is one of Boston’s chicest shopping areas, packed with high-end stores, restaurants,
bars and cafés. You’ll find branches of Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Dolce &
Gabbana and Giorgio Armani intertwined with local favorites like Ball and Buck and other independent
boutiques.
A few blocks from the glamour of Newbury Street is Bodega, a fun spot for men’s clothing and shoes. Inside what appears to be a convenience store, look for a soda machine — the cleverly disguised door slides open to reveal a shop of fancy footwear, snappy clothes and stylish accessories from more than 100 brands.
Head back up Huntington Avenue to luxe mall Copley Place, home to outposts from brands like Barneys, Burberry, Dior, Coach, Furla and many others. At the adjacent Prudential Center, more boutiques from the likes of Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren and Frette can be found.
South End
Probably Boston’s artsiest neighborhood, South End, and its trendy SoWa (South of Washington) design district, is packed with galleries and a plethora of independent shops specializing in clothing, home goods and décor. From May through October, check out the Sunday SoWa Open Market to discover everything from artwork to jewelry in one central location. If you’re visiting during the colder months, SoWa Vintage Market is open Sundays year-round.
It can be quite rewarding to simply wander around South End, admiring the Victorian architecture in between stopping into shops on side streets. Visit Gifted on Dartmouth Street for locally made pottery and jewelry, freshen up your wardrobe with boho fashions at Flock on Shawmut Avenue or try out edgier ensembles at Viola Lovely.
