I first moved to Boston to attend college in 2008; and as it has with many others, the city sunk its claws into my heart and has never let me leave. Over the course of eight and a half years in Boston, I’ve attended three schools, lived in three neighborhoods, worked eight jobs, taken thousands of pictures, made lifelong friendships, fallen in love, and ultimately decided to settle down here for the foreseeable future.

Boston from above
There are countless reasons why Boston is such an easy city to fall in love with. There’s an influx of brilliant people from around the world to its prestigious schools, keeping the city diverse and vibrant. It’s the perfect size for wandering, and you’ll fall in love with the historic buildings and rows of brownstones. Each season has its own beauty, from the stunning fall foliage to the lively summer energy and cozy winter warmth.

Commonwealth Avenue
I believe that anyone can feel at home in Boston; and to help you find a neighborhood to explore, I’ve put together this Boston travel guide to the must-see spots in my city. This week, I’ll show you Back Bay; next, be sure to check out every other Boston travel guide, covering 4 neighborhoods: Downtown Boston, Beacon Hill, the North End, and the South End!

Commonwealth Avenue
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Boston Travel Guide: 5 Must-Visit Neighborhoods
Back Bay

Newbury Street
Prior to the mid-1800s, Back Bay was, in fact, a bay. Thousands of trainloads of gravel from Needham, MA were responsible for the creation of one of Boston’s most-loved neighborhoods. There are many different ways to experience Back Bay: Go shopping or grab a bite to eat on Newbury and Boylston Streets; see the Charles River from the Esplanade or the Mass Ave Bridge; experience Commonwealth Avenue and the Public Garden in every season; or gaze at the famous Victorian brownstones on Commonwealth, Beacon, and Marlborough Streets. (Keep reading my Boston travel guide to discover the most photogenic streets to wander in Back Bay & 4 other neighborhoods!)

Dartmouth Street & Marlborough Street
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Boston Travel Guide: Must-See Spots in Back Bay

Christian Science Center
Christian Science Center
Stop by the reflecting pool during the day, and again at night—it’s impossible to decide which is prettier! Be sure to snap a photo of the skyscrapers’ reflections in the pool.
- 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
- Closest T stops: Hynes (Green line – all branches), Symphony or Prudential (Green line – E branch)
- Season: Spring, summer, fall

Christian Science Center
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Charles River Esplanade
Charles River Esplanade & Massachusetts Avenue Bridge
See stunning views of Boston, Cambridge, and the Charles River from the Massachusetts Avenue bridge. Next, take a mile-long stroll down the Esplanade to Longfellow Bridge, pausing halfway to sunbathe or take pictures on the docks. (This is also where Boston’s 4th of July fireworks are held!)
- Intersection of Massachusetts Avenue & Storrow Drive, Boston, MA 02115
- Closest T stop: Hynes (Green line – B, C & D branches), or Charles/MGH (Red line) on the opposite end
- Season: Summer, fall

Charles River Esplanade
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Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library
Through the entrance on Dartmouth Street, you’ll enter the McKim Building, one of my favorite places included in my Boston travel guide. You can have lunch in the Roman-inspired open-air courtyard, or read a book upstairs in breathtaking Bates Hall.
- Main entrance: 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116; McKim Building: Dartmouth Street
- Closest T stop: Copley (Green line – all branches)
- Season: All

Boston Public Library
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John Hancock Tower in Copley Square
Copley Square
You can find your way to Copley Square by following the John Hancock Tower, the tallest building in New England. Have a picnic lunch or read a book on the lawn, by the fountain, or on the steps of Old South Church.
- Intersection of Boylston Street & Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA 02116
- Closest T stop: Copley (Green line – all branches)
- Season: Spring, summer, fall

Copley Square
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Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden
This was the first public botanical garden in the United States, established in 1837. Come to see the tulips in the spring, or the scenic pond in any season. It’s also famous for the swan boats and Make Way for Ducklings statues.
- Intersection of Commonwealth Avenue & Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116
- Closest T stop: Arlington (Green line – all branches)
- Season: Spring, summer, fall

Boston Public Garden
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Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Commonwealth Avenue Mall
This is the green space in the center of Commonwealth Avenue, and it’s the perfect place to read a book in the summer. In the winter, the trees are lit with Christmas lights, and it’s one of the best places to see on my Boston travel guide.
- Commonwealth Avenue, between Arlington Street & Massachusetts Avenue
- Closest T stop: Hynes at one end (Green line – B, C & D branches), Copley in the middle (Green line – all branches), Arlington at the other end (Green line – all branches)
- Season: All

Commonwealth Avenue
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Clarendon Street
Boston Travel Guide: Back Bay Streets to Wander
Beacon Street
Boylston Street
Commonwealth Avenue
Marlborough Street
Newbury Street

Newbury Street
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Dig Inn
Boston Travel Guide: Back Bay Restaurants to Try
Atlantic Fish Company
- 761 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
- Closest T stop: Copley (Green line – all branches)
- Meal: Dinner
Cafeteria
- 279 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116
- Closest T stop: Hynes (Green line – B, C & D branches)
- Meal: Dinner
Dig Inn
- 557 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
- Closest T stop: Copley (Green line – all branches)
- Meal: Breakfast or lunch
Douzo
- 131 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA 02116
- Closest T stop: Copley (Green line – all branches), Back Bay (Orange line)
- Meal: Lunch or dinner
JP Licks
- 352 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115
- Closest T stop: Hynes (Green line – B, C & D branches)
- Meal: Dessert
Pavement
- 1096 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215
- Closest T stop: Hynes (Green line – B, C & D branches)
- Meal: Breakfast, lunch, or coffee
Trident
- 338 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115
- Closest T stop: Hynes (Green line – B, C & D branches)
- Meal: Breakfast or lunch

Dig Inn
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Berkeley Street & Newbury Street
Liked this post? Be sure to check out the 4 other parts of my Boston travel guide: Downtown Boston, Beacon Hill, the North End, and the South End!
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Molly Ho
It sounds like you have a lot of wonderful experiences and memories of Boston! I love all the photos and recommended places to visit, especially loving the vibe of Dig Inn. Looks like my kind of place.
Robin
It’s such a cute place–and the food is just as good! Very California, so I can see why it would catch your eye 😉
Rose
Your photos of Boston on Instagram always make me want to visit! Thanks for the great travel guide!
Robin
Thank you so much, Rose–hope you get the chance to use it someday! Boston is a great city 🙂
Divya@ Eat Teach Blog
I have actually never been to Boston. I almost moved there! But then I got into a school in LA and I wasn’t ready to spread my wings and be so far from my family. I hope to visit someday! These places look beautiful!
Robin
Oh my gosh, what a coincidence! I moved here for college and didn’t even think about Boston once–I was just so set on getting into school that the city was not even a factor. But then over 8 years later, I’m still here because I loved it so much! Hope you get a chance to visit someday!
Holly
It’s been a few years since I’ve been in Boston but reading all of your great suggestions makes me want to visit again. Thanks for this great list!
Robin
The city honestly changes so much every year–it gets better and better. Definitely come back, there’s so much to see!
Ellie
Oh my gosh I visited Boston with you parents when I was 7 and I remember loving it! I saw The Lion King there before any of my classmates back in the UK on I was pretty happy lol! Commonwealth Avenue is so beautiful and Beacon Hill and the brownstones. I can’t wait to visit again.
Ellie
http://Www.scotchandstilettos.com
Robin
Those are two of my favorite streets to take hundreds of photos on, no matter the season! Hope you make it back someday!
candy
Boston seems to have managed to have the best of the old and the new come together and makes it work. One place I hope to visit soon.
Robin
That’s exactly what I love about it! It’s about the closest as you can get to Europe in that way 🙂
RuthAnn Rafiq
What a beautiful photographic tour of this city! I’ve never been but now I really want to go!
Robin
Thank you, that’s so nice of you to say! Definitely put it on your list!
Leighann
I love this! I’m a New Englander and I miss it!
Robin
Thank you!! Glad I did it justice 🙂
Kristin
I have heard that Boston is lovely but I have never been! Your pictures make it look like what I’ve heard is true. It sounds cool!
Robin
Thank you so much! It really is a lovely city – and it’s one that you just have to experience for yourself, because it’s hard to explain what a great vibe it has.
Kyle Studstill
That library shot is great—I used to go all the time to the main library reading room here in NYC but it has been closed for renovation for so long, and I didn’t know Boston had a beautiful one too until now!
http://www.patientexplorers.com
Robin
Thank you, Kyle! I’ve been to the NYPL too – just as stunning as Boston’s! I love how both libraries have so much more than you’d expect – so many rooms to discover, with so much history!
Kristine-Bites of Flavor
What a great post!! I’ve been dying to go to Boston and your pictures make me want to go sooner rather than later.
Robin
Thanks so much, Kristine – I’m so happy to hear that! Absolutely put it on the top of your list!
Abbey
Boston looks beautiful! I’d love to visit the library someday! 🙂
Robin
It’s such a lovely place, I hope you get to see it someday! (And I didn’t even show the courtyard – it’s amazing!)