We LOVE Back Bay, from cozy cafes to trendy boutique shops to beautiful brownstone architecture. If you’re visiting Boston, Back Bay is a must.

Looking for a Back Bay Boston food tour or restaurant? Back Bay restaurants in Boston? What are some things to do in Boston’s Back Bay?

Our Boston Chocolate tour uncovers fun spots around the Harvard Square area, but on the other side of the river, the posh Back Bay neighborhood in Boston has just as many incredible fun spots to add to your Boston Bucket list!

Here are some our favorite Back Bay restaurants and hidden gems:

 

1

Waffle on A Stick at Bittersweet shop

Address: 257 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

If you’re looking for a cute coffee shop on Newbury to grab a fun snack or a sweet treat head to Bittersweet Shoppe. They have a charming, vintage- modern atmosphere and a beautiful patio for the sunny weather. You must try their waffle on a stick. Fresh belgian waffle served on a stick. What a fun concept.

 

2

Café SuSu under Suit Supply

Address: 240A Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Speaking about hidden gems, did you know that under Suit Supply there is an espresso bar and cafe? It has beautiful interior decor with velvet covered seats. What a fun place to hideout and sip on a coffee before going on with your shopping on Newbury.

 


5

Afternoon Tea! Boston Back Bay Food Tour

Have you had afternoon tea at this hidden courtyard in the Boston Public Library? The Boston Public Library is much photographed, especially its Hogwarts style study hall – Bates Room – to its grand marble central staircase – and it is a place to visit in Boston. Serving an elegant classic tea with a twist of New England culinary favorites, they offer a 90 minute afternoon tea experience in the Courtyard of Boston Public Library. Enjoy this elegant dining experience with a beautiful ambience. If you love afternoon tea like we do, check out our favorite afternoon tea spots around Boston here!

library courtyard

 

6

Lady M Crepe Cakes

Address: 304 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

Looking for a sweet treat to celebrate a special occasion? Lady M has unique crepe cakes with different seasonal flavors to try. You’ll be wowed by all of the layers in these elegant treats.

crepe cake on boston street

 

7

Peruse the brownstone boutiques – Lipstick, Bobble and Lace

Address: Newbury Street

Newbury Street has all the big names in shopping – Zara, H &M, Nike, but if you’re looking for something cute and unique, check out these small boutiques. Lipstick offers fun earrings, and Bobble and Lace offers cute sweaters and dresses.

shoes on a shelf

 

8

Trident Booksellers to Find Cute Gifts

Address: 338 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

An old favorite in Boston, not only do they have a selection of books, they always have a changing selection of fun games, prints, and tools that are perfect to find cute gifts for friends and family. They also have a cafe upstairs if you’re looking to grab brunch as well, with yummy chicken and waffles!

 

Check out our award winning food and chocolate tours!

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9

Jonquils Bakery for incredible shaped desserts

Address: 125 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Check out Jonquils Bakery which opened in 2019 for fun shaped desserts! They create eclectic and beautiful geometric desserts. Their brand pastry chef, Dinara Kasko, was born in Ukraine and studied to become an architect but became interested in baking. Kasako’s main method baking involves using a 3D printer to construct a silicone mold that becomes her breath-taking designs you may not want to eat just marvel at!

 

apple pastry

 

10

Enjoy a concert in the center of Boston

Address: Massachusetts Avenue and Boylston Street, Boston, MA

Berklee College is the best performing arts college in the world, and their own performing arts concert center has so many great concerts.T hey also have a Cafe 939 with lots of up and coming acts. If classical is more  your liking, Boston Symphony offers $25 tickets for guests under age 40. They also host the world-renowned Boston Pops during the summer and holiday season! For many many years we went to the Boston Pops for New Year’s Eve, and it’s always been a magical experience.

 

11

Ramen on a cold day! Try Red White for Vegan Ramen or Santouka Ramen

Addresses:

Red White294 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

Santouka66 Hereford St, Boston, MA 02115

Enjoy ramen on a cold day! Line up outside Santouka Ramen for a bowl of hot and hearty ramen. If you’re interested in vegan ramen which isn’t always available in Boston, Red White around the corner offers amazing vegan ramen!

ramen on a tray

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12

Hidden Sneaker Shop

Address: 6 Clearway St, Boston, MA 02115

Vintage Shoe store or Grocery Store? Disguised as a convenience store, Bodega is an ultra modern streetwear and sneaker shop that’s hidden behind a sliding door. Go check it out yourself to discover this hidden store. Then post a photo to the gram and tag us! #otbpfoodtours

 

13

Take the #1 Bus to Cambridge Afterwards

Boston is a really small, walkable city. You can string together a morning in Back Bay with our Saturday afternoon Harvard Square Chocolate Tour starting at 2pm or 5pm or our Central Square Food and Mural Arts Tour on Sundays at 12pm. Instead of having to ride the train to Park Street and transfer to the Red Line, you can also take the 1 bus directly from Massachusetts Avenue @ Newbury Street to the heart of Central or Harvard Square, just a straight shot down Massachusetts Avenue — you’ll cross the bridge by MIT and may even catch a glimpse of them sailing on the Charles. It’s a fun trip to take even if you’ve got no destination, we love our “T”!