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Boston is home to 675,647 people. And if there are hundreds of thousands of people living here, you’re probably aware that it has something for everyone!
Boston’s historic streets have a great collection of shopping, food, and entertainment choices for visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re a big-time shopaholic looking for designer pieces, a self-proclaimed food snob looking to try something new, or someone who just wants to visit the nightlife, each street has something to offer for everyone in Boston!
As you read this blog post, you can find things to do, as can young professionals, couples, and even seniors, each recharging according to their interests and energy levels.
Editor’s note: This list is not the “ultimate.” We curated this list based on our preferences and things we love about these streets. Feel free to also drop us your recommendations!
Top Streets in Boston for Shopping
From luxury shopping sprees to local antiques, Boston’s streets are just the right spot to be in. You’re going to find plenty of shopping options without having to worry about other options. Here are the two main streets we picked:
Charles Street
Best For: Antiques, local crafts, and unique gifts
A quieter shopping alternative to its neighboring streets, Charles Street is located in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. This narrow, gas-lamp-lined street in Boston has old-world charm and also some of the city’s quirkiest boutiques.
What distinguishes Charles Street is its emphasis on craftsmanship and personal service. You’ll notice store owners frequently greet customers in person and tell them the stories behind their stores’ carefully curated collections. And who doesn’t love shopping with fun?
Newbury Street
Best For: Luxury shopping and trendy boutiques.
Newbury Street stands as Boston’s premier shopping destination, stretching eight beautiful blocks through the Back Bay neighborhood. This tree-lined avenue has a stellar mix of luxury brands and independent boutiques set in beautiful 19th-century brownstones.
What truly sets Newbury apart, however, is its pedestrian-friendly vibe. Its spacious sidewalks encourage relaxed browsing, and adorable cafes offer prime spots for people-watching in between shopping sprees.
Top Streets in Boston for Food
If you’re a food lover, you don’t want to miss out on the amazing food options on Boston’s streets. Whether you’re looking for authentic tastes or a casual dinner spot, find the best streets with our recommendations!
Tremont Street
Best For: Chef-driven restaurants and weekend brunch spots.
Running through Boston’s Theater District and South End, Tremont Street has become among the city’s most exciting restaurant corridors. Combining old Boston charm with modern innovation, this historic street is home to restaurants of all shapes and sizes, from homey bistros to hip gastropubs.
What people love about Tremont is that there are chef-driven concepts here. For instance, some of Boston’s most creative culinary minds have set up shop here and built menus around what’s locally available. And if you’re a foodie, you’re going to find Tremont Street a paradise for the best cuisines!
Hanover Street
Best For: Authentic Italian cuisine and traditional pastries.
Italian food lovers, you cannot miss out on this! Hanover Street is the principal artery of Boston’s Little Italy in the North End. This narrow, busy street contains an amazing diversity of Italian eateries in just a few blocks.
Generational family-run establishments present some of the authentic plates of pasta, while local bakeries fill the air with the buttery scent of freshly baked tiramisu and cannoli.
What might surprise you is that Hanover Street has its actual link to Boston’s Italian heritage. Many of the establishments retain recipes and traditions that were brought over by generations of immigrants decades ago in the US.
Top Streets in Boston for Entertainment
From local theatre performances to sports events, here are the two best streets that offer the perfect blend of fun and entertainment in Boston.
Washington Street
Best For: Theater performances and cultural events.
Washington Street in downtown Boston serves as the backbone of the city’s Theater District. Year-round, Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts, and dance productions appear at historic venues like the Opera House and the Paramount Theater. Between these huge theaters, you’ll also find more intimate performance spaces that present experimental works and support local artists.
The main distinguishing aspect of Washington Street is that many venues offer rush tickets and student discounts; cultural experiences are within reach of broader audiences. The street changes character at night, when theater marquees glow and pre-show throngs pack nearby restaurants and bars.
Lansdowne Street
Best For: Sports entertainment, live music, and high-energy nightlife.
Located near Fenway Park, Lansdowne Street has become the home of sports entertainment and nightlife in Boston. Lansdowne Street is for high energy, entertainment & experience for anyone wanting to see how Boston cheers on their favorite teams over Sports & Head, and it will leave you with priceless memories in the city with tons of Instagram-worthy photos!
On game days, the street fills up with a sea of Red Sox fans, with nearby bars and restaurants brimming with pre-game excitement. Additionally, the street serves an entertainment purpose of a different sort during daylight hours, so people of every age can enjoy the vibe throughout.
Need more options? Check out our other guides:
Wrapping Up
Boston streets never disappoint, and if you’re looking to explore the streets, our list of the best streets for shopping, food, and entertainment will give you the right direction to move.
Additionally, do not forget to keep exploring your options with your friends, family, and even alone! Even for solo explorers, the streets of Boston offer a memorable experience you’ll never forget.
And if you’re already living in Boston and think we missed out on an important street, feel free to give us your suggestions to help others out.
Moving to Boston? We Are Here to Help!
If you’re moving to Boston and need help, you can reach out to us. Our team at 617 Boston Movers will help you settle down without adding to your existing stress.
