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Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the most historic and culturally significant cities in the United States. It is also a major center for business and finance, with several large corporations headquartered in the city. The businesses here have seen much growth in recent years, thanks to the city’s strong economy. The layout of Boston’s business district is quite different from other major American cities, with many small, narrow streets and alleyways. This can make navigation difficult for first-time visitors, but once you get your bearings, it’s easy to find your way around. Some would say Boston’s business scene is a bit more traditional than in other parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t many opportunities for shoppers. There is a collection of some of the city’s best shopping malls and districts, which Boston residents and visitors alike can enjoy.
Here are our 10 of the best places to go shopping in Boston, Massachusetts.
# 10 – The Corner Mall
The Corner Mall is a utilitarian downtown mall home to over 300 independent jewelers, 200 retailers, and various restaurants. It is located at the intersection of Washington, Winter, and Summer Streets in Downtown Crossing, a strategic location that allows for high foot traffic and easy access to public transportation. The stores in the mall offer a convenient shopping experience and carry the latest trends enabling you to shop for everything you need in one place.
Some popular retailers in the building include Champs, Foot Paths, Chase, and Skechers USA. The food court inside this mall is especially noteworthy as it offers a delicious variety of cuisines from all over the world that are sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for a unique setting that offers shopping and dining experiences.
Address: 417 Washington St, Boston, MA 02129
Website: https://thecornermall.com/
# 9 – Copley Place
Another place you can go shopping and find some good deals is Copley Place. The mall is located at Route 9 and Interstate 84 in Waterbury, Connecticut. It offers two levels of shopping with over 50 stores, some of which are high-end designer stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, and Yves Saint Laurent.
You can also find more casual stores like The Gap, J. Crew, and the Banana Republic. Apart from the stores, the mall has a food court, a movie theater, and an indoor playground for kids. There are 1,400 parking spaces available, and the mall is easily accessible from any direction. And with Copley Place being adjacent to two hotels, The Westin and The Boston Marriott, Copley Place makes for a convenient and comfortable shopping experience.
Address: 100 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/copley-place/
# 8 – Newbury Street
Newbury Street isn’t a mall but a 1.6km long street lined with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It runs from the Boston Public Garden to Brookline Avenue, crossing many significant roads. Because it’s an actual street, you can pop in and out of stores as you please and window shop to your heart’s content.
The street is also home to many high-end brands like Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, and Saint Laurent, as well as trendy boutiques, national retailers, and local shops. You can easily spend a whole day exploring Newbury Street, and you definitely won’t be disappointed with the selection of stores. However, if you are more of a one-stop shopper, you’ll have to find one of the many nearby malls. But overall, Newbury Street is a great place to shop ’til you drop.
Address: Newbury Street, Boston
Website: https://www.newburystboston.com/
#7 – Boston Public Market
The Boston Public Market is an indoor, year-round marketplace featuring about 30 New England artisans and food producers housed under one roof, offering fresh foods, prepared meals, crafts, and specialty items. This is the place you want to go shopping for some of your favorite foods from New England.
The market is a civic, community-building space for farmers, fishers, food entrepreneurs, neighbors, customers, and partners who come together around the common food culture. They create opportunities for small businesses to thrive and nourish our community with conversation, experiences, and education about public health and the impact of buying local food. Year-round festivals, cooking classes, workshops, and tours create an engaging, educational experience and a vibrant environment for everyone.
Address: 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108
Website: https://bostonpublicmarket.org/
#6 – Quincy Market
Quincy Market is one of the oldest and most popular markets in Boston. The market comprises three buildings – Quincy Market, South Market, and North Market. The market was built in the 1820s to cope with the overcrowded Faneuil Hall. Quincy Market has turned into a festival marketplace where you can find colonnade eateries, lots of shops, pushcarts along the side of the buildings, and street performers. It’s a popular place for locals to hang out and relax and for tourists to experience the historic town of Boston.
Quincy Market is your shopping paradise. There are hundreds of shops both inside and outside the three market buildings. Here you can find the big brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Puma. But you will also find lots of Boston or New England-oriented shops that are not common to see elsewhere.
Address: 4 South Market St, Boston, MA 02109
Website: https://www.quincy-market.com/
#5 – Haymarket
Here is another farmers market, the Haymarket, a historic outdoor greenmarket in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It is located near Faneuil Hall and the Freedom Trail in the city’s historic downtown area. The market sells fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood at some of the lowest prices in New England. Over 40 independent vendors sell their wares at the market, which is open every Friday and Saturday.
The history of Haymarket dates back to the 1600s, when merchants first started congregating in the area. Today, the market is a vibrant hub for fresh produce and a popular tourist destination. As most of the Boston area is quite compact, Haymarket is surrounded by modern skyscrapers, traffic, and trendy shops. However, the market still provides a taste of “old” Boston and is well worth a visit.
Address: 100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108
Website: http://www.haymarketboston.org/
#4 – SoWa Art + Design District
SoWa Art + Design District isn’t your regular shopping district. This is the place you want to be if you’re looking for top-class art, fashion, and design all in one place. It’s also home to the SoWa Open Market, a gathering of local farmers, artisans, and designers who sell their wares every Sunday. SoWa is short for “South of Washington Street.” It got its nickname because it’s located just south of Washington Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The area used to be full of abandoned warehouses, but it has since been transformed into a chic and modern shopping district.
If you’re looking for designer clothes, home decor, or even a nice place to grab a bite to eat, you’ll want to head to SoWa. There are over 20 different galleries and restaurants in the area, guaranteeing you’ll find something to your taste. On Sundays, the SoWa Open Market takes place. This is a great opportunity to support local businesses and buy unique items you won’t find anywhere else. Make sure to swing by on the First Friday when the galleries and studios in the area open their doors to the public.
Address: 450 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Website: https://www.sowaboston.com/
# 3 – South Bay Center
South Bay Center has a reputation for having a good selection of stores and restaurants. The shopping center is also convenient because it is located near mass transit and highways. The mall opened in 1998, making it one of the newer malls in the area. In 2015, there was a proposal to expand South Bay Center. The expansion would include adding six-story buildings with 500 apartments, a 200-room hotel, a movie theater, and stores. It is home to popular stores like Best Buy, Converse, Carter’s, Backyard, Applebee’s Grill & Bar, AMC, European Wax Center, Nike, Starbucks, and Ultra Beauty.
The shopping center is located in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, MA making it accessible to people who live in the city and its suburbs. The expansion proposal has caused controversy because of the traffic concerns it would bring to the neighborhood. Despite the traffic concerns, the South Bay Center expansion presents an exciting opportunity for the Dorchester community.
Address: 8 Allstate Rd, Boston, MA 02118
Website: https://bostonsouthbay.com/
# 2 – Prudential Center
You can call it a mall, a shopping center, or mixed-use development, but there’s no denying the Prudential Center’s status as one of Boston’s most popular destinations. Located in the heart of the city, the Pru (as it’s affectionately known to locals) is home to more than 65 shops and restaurants anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue. It’s also connected to the Hynes Convention Center, major hotels, residential and office buildings, and other retail destinations like Copley Place.
With more than 60,000 visitors daily, it’s no surprise that Pru was voted the “#5 Cash Cow Shopping Center” in the United States by Women’s Wear Daily. And thanks to its convenient location and ample parking, more than 3,600 garage parking spaces, it’s easy to see why the Pru is such a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. If you’re looking for a quick bite, there are plenty of options, from familiar fast-food chains to more upscale restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and Eddie V’s.
Address: 105,800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199
Website: https://www.prudentialcenter.com/
# 1 – Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is the perfect blend of history and modernity, with a mix of shops, restaurants, and street performers that are sure to entertain. While it’s one of the shopping areas in Quincy Market (discussed above), it deserves to get its own shoutout for being a top shopping destination. The marketplace has undergone several renovations since its inception in 1742, but the most recent and drastic changes occurred in the ’70s when the area was transformed into a shopping mecca. This was also when the street performers began gracing the marketplace with their talents.
Over the years, the marketplace has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Boston, and it’s easy to see why. Today, it’s home to over 100 shops and 30 restaurants, making it the perfect place to find souvenirs, gifts, and a bite to eat. Here you can find everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion, and there’s always something going on, thanks to the street performers. Whether you’re looking to do some serious shopping or just browse, Faneuil Hall Marketplace will serve as a great starting point for your Quincy Market experience.
Address: 1 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109
Website: https://faneuilhallmarketplace.com/
10 Best Places To Go Shopping In Boston, Massachusetts article published on BigCityReview.com© 2022
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