Boston has an impressive array of different shopping options -- from big malls right in the heart of it all to tiny hidden boutiques in idyllic neighborhoods. Grab a coffee from Thinking Cup and wander down picturesque Newbury Street to window-shop at upscale designer and consignment stores. Visit the Prudential Center or Copley Place for the larger chain stores. Or spend a day roaming the quiet streets of the South End or newer pop-ups in the Seaport. Check out our picks for the best places to spend some of your hard-earned cash and support a local business.

Newbury Street - Back Bay

Although the last five years have brought a lot of change to this unique Boston shopping destination, we would be amiss if we didn't begin with Newbury St & Back Bay.

Known for its upscale shops, Newbury Street has long been the place to see and be seen. The street is lined with Chanel, Vera Wang, Valentino, Diane von Furstenberg, Armani and Burberry, but also has plenty of more affordable stores: Madewell, National Jean Company, Niketown, H&M  among them.

The street also has plenty of smaller boutiques. Check out Crush Boutique, Blue Jeans Bar and Bobbles & Lace. If you’re in the market for some inexpensive, glittery costume jewelry, So Good Jewelry is the place to go. With plenty of cafes & restaurants to keep you fueled between gorgeous window displays, you're guaranteed to have a fab time.

Charles Street - Beacon Hill 

Located in the historic and quaint neighborhood of Beacon Hill, Charles Street has a great collection of boutiques. Visit Moxie for shoes, bags and accessories, and Wish for more contemporary women’s clothing.

The Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro is a must to pop in for a cocktail or a small bite, and of course there's a Tatte if you need some extra fuel before you climb up the Hill. 

Harvard Square - Cambridge

If you find yourself in the neighboring city of Cambridge, Harvard Square is the place to be. The historic red-brick center of Cambridge is a great place to both people-watch and do some shopping. Visit LUSH Cosmetics (for fresh, handmade products), Mint Julep (for funky women’s apparel and accessories), Follow the Honey (for bee-inspired gifts), or the Harvard COOP bookstore to try to get some knowledge to rub off on you.. 

South End

The South End’s two parallel arteries, Tremont and Washington Streets, are at the center of the area’s thriving food and drink scenes. It also has a rich cache of culture, taking in the likes of the Boston Center for the Arts and the domed structure of the Boston Ballet headquarters.

In recent years the area south of Washington Street, known as SoWa, has exploded with showrooms and studios—notably, the converted warehouse at 450 Harrison Avenue, which houses myriad artists’ studios and exhibition spaces.

Small shops, selling everything from kids’ gear and pet accoutrements to fashion and chic home accessories, are dotted throughout the neighborhood. 

Gorgeous boutiques and great F&B make the South End a do not miss!

The Seaport

The Seaport wasn't much of a shopping destination until 2018, with the opening of many of the stores within One Seaport, a two-block destination for retail, dining, fitness and entertainment. Here you'll find stores ranging from Away luggage, Bonobos and L.L.Bean, to lululemon, Outdoor Voices and Warby Parker.