Neighborhood walk · Back Bay
Squares, shop windows and the Mall
Cross Back Bay from its civic heart to its shopping street and tree-lined residential spine.
By Fun Boston · Published
- ZIP areas
- 02116, 02199
- Time
- 30–45 minutes with stops (estimate)
- Start
- Copley Square
- Finish
- Commonwealth Avenue Mall
- Cost
- Free outdoors; optional indoor visits may cost extra.
- 01
Copley Square
Start outside the Boston Public Library and take in the mix of public space and architecture around the square.
- 02
Newbury Street
Walk north to Newbury Street and follow its changing storefronts for a few blocks.
- 03
Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Finish on the landscaped promenade. Compare its pace with the parallel commercial street you just left.
Before you go
The Commonwealth Avenue Mall is a linear park with several street crossings; use the signals at each block.
These are desk-researched route ideas, not field-tested turn-by-turn or accessibility guides. Use the walking map, follow signs and crossings, and check current conditions and opening hours.