Where to go shopping in Boston

Boston is a place steeped in history. But this is no museum. Boston is still one of the biggest and one of the most interesting cities on the whole eastern seaboard of the United States, with a long history of immigration beginning with the presence of European settlers that goes back to the very first North American colonies. Home to some of the best-known sports teams in the United States, Boston is a place that is forever reinventing itself while still holding onto its proud traditions.

Boston is a big city with all the amenities that come with that, including shops. So if you are planning a Boston shopping spree, you're in luck. From Boston Public Market to the trendy shops of the Seaport District to the sprawling shopping malls in and around the city, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to great places to do your shopping.

Leave your bags behind with Bounce to make the most of your trip. By partnering with local businesses, we make it easier than ever to find storage in Boston. You can leave suitcases at Logan Airport or drop off shopping bags downtown with our partners. With your belongings safely stored, you can carry on shopping or switch things up and go for a night out on the town, knowing your new items will be safely looked after for as long as you need.

All you need to know when shopping in Boston

Shopping in Boston is an enjoyable mix of tradition, culture, and contemporary style. Just about everything is available here, from affordable fast fashion to haute couture. Plus, Boston's lively urban life means you can find plenty of individual stores that office and you won't find anywhere else. And if it's holiday shopping you're after, Boston really comes alive in the Christmas season, with an excellent Christmas market that's well worth visiting. Use the city's excellent public transportation system to navigate different areas of the city and see what each of them has to offer for your shopping pleasure.

Shopping architecture

Boston’s shopping areas range from iconic outdoor markets to sleek, modern malls. From the luxe designer boutiques of Massachusetts Avenue in Back Bay to the vibrant and anarchic atmosphere of Jamaica Plain, you'll find everything you could possibly want to buy and a lot of things you didn't know you needed until you saw them. Plus, Massachusetts' low sales tax makes this a great place to purchase high-end items at a discount compared to other states.

• Newbury Street: A historic street lined with designer boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. This is a great place to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and some really high-end merchandise.
• Copley Place: An upscale shopping mall featuring luxury brands. If you're looking for one-stop shopping, this is one of the best places for it, but the products on offer here are cut above those you'll find in your average mall.
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace: A bustling hub of local vendors, shops, and eateries housed in historic buildings. You'll probably be exploring the many historic attractions in this area anyway, so you may as well take the time to enjoy the gift shops, clothing stores, restaurants, and other retailers on offer.
• Charles Street: Along with Beacon Hill, Charles Street offers an eclectic selection of boutique stores selling clothing, art, antiques, stationery, and just about everything else. During the holiday season, you'll also find ice skating on nearby Boston Common.
• The Seaport District: A trendy waterfront area with stylish stores and artisan shops. One of the up-and-coming areas of the city, this is a place where rents are a little lower and more quirky and experimental stores are more abundant.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Boston open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays. Some convenience stores and pharmacies in downtown Boston are open 24 hours a day if you really need them, but for regular shopping, you'll have to do your browsing during the day.

Shop like a local

• Bring reusable shopping bags, as Boston encourages eco-friendly practices. Plastic bags are virtually unheard of in Boston these days, so you'll need a reusable cloth bag, and you can buy one from most shops if you need to.
• Use public transportation, such as the MBTA (the “T”), to navigate shopping districts easily.
• Visit outdoor markets early for the best selection of goods. As the day goes on, all the good stuff gets snapped up, so you'll want to get there early if you really want to buy the best.

Unique shops to visit in Boston

Boston’s independent boutiques and artisan stores are some of the best places to explore what makes the city unique. Yes, major chains provide a consistent product and often good sales, but if you want something unique to remind you of your trip, these specialist stores are usually a better option. You might pay a little more, but it's worth it to experience the unique charm of Massachusetts and get your hands on some local merchandise.

Bodega

Hidden behind a secret door in a convenience store, this unique boutique offers a curated selection of high-end streetwear and sneakers. The clothing on offer here is almost as cool as the setting, so if you've ever wanted to buy your clothes in a speakeasy-type environment, this is your chance.

Address: 6 Clearway Street

Flock

Located in the South End, Flock offers bohemian-inspired clothing, accessories, and local jewelry. This is a great place to shop for unique gifts, but maybe also some cool closing for yourself.

Address: 274 Shawmut Ave

Museum of Fine Arts Shop

This shop offers art-inspired gifts, books, and unique items from local and international artists. Celebrate Boston's cultural riches with an artistic gift, and help support the museum at the same time.

Address: 465 Huntington Ave

Shopping experiences in Boston

Boston’s markets and specialty stores offer a variety of goods, from gourmet foods to handmade crafts. They also offer that thing that can be so elusive for travelers in a new city: an authentic experience of city life. Shopping at these places not only helps you support local traders, but also gives you an insight into what shopping in Boston is all about, and what makes the city such a great place to live and explore.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Also known as Quincy Market, this is a historic marketplace featuring artisan goods, souvenir shops, and street performers. It’s a lively destination for browsing and entertainment, and even if you don't buy anything, it's a great place to just soak up the atmosphere in one of the liveliest retail environments in the city.

Address: 4 S Market Street

Boston Public Market

An indoor market featuring locally sourced foods, handmade crafts, and unique New England products. Not just a place for delicious food, it's also a great spot for gifts and products you won't get anywhere else.

Address: 100 Hanover Street

Formaggio Kitchen

A specialty food shop in Cambridge offering artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet pantry items. This gourmet grocery store actually has multiple locations throughout the city, and each one offers to take your taste buds on a journey around the world with some of the finest food products anywhere in Boston.

Address: 244 Huron Ave

Traditional shopping options in Boston

For a more conventional shopping experience, Boston has world-class malls and shopping centers. Leave your bags behind with Bounce and do some one-stop shopping in these highly convenient shopping centers that have everything you're likely to need.

Copley Place Mall

An upscale mall featuring luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Burberry, as well as fine dining options. You'll want a healthy budget if you're going to shop here, but if you want the very latest and greatest in designer brands, this is the place to come.

Address: 100 Huntington Ave

Prudential Center

Adjacent to Copley Place, this shopping center offers a mix of high-street brands, local stores, and an observation deck with stunning views of the city. It's a little bit more affordable than its neighbor, and has a good mix of different stores that should suit all needs.

Address: 800 Boylston Street

Assembly Row

Located just outside the city in Somerville, this outlet shopping center features discounts on major brands, along with dining and entertainment options. It's a place to go if you still want quality goods, but are willing to travel a little way to get them at a reduced price.

Address: 355 Artisan Way, Somerville

Boston is a big enough city to have something to offer everyone. No matter what kind of shopping you like to do, you can certainly do it here. From upscale fashion boutiques to quirky record stores and vintage clothing outlets, you're virtually guaranteed to find something you like.

Leave your heavy bags behind with Bounce, and you can make the most of your time here. In Boston, there's always something new to discover, so traveling light makes it easier than ever to enjoy the city like a local and have a memorable shopping trip.