Newbury Street Shopping
Newbury Street is often called Boston’s version of Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive. But I think Newbury Street is more charming, interesting, and varied.
Yes, you will see those high-end luxury shops; but also fun independent boutiques, art and antiques galleries, eco-friendly shops, sidewalk cafes, chocolates, and more. Whether you are a serious shopper ready to spend, or more of a browser and window-shopper, you’ll enjoy a few hours of fun here.
Note that Newbury Street can get pretty crowded and overwhelming on weekends, especially in good weather. You might want to hit it on a weekday if possible.
The high-end luxury shops are mostly clustered near the Public Garden (east) end of the street.
We’re talking Chanel, Burberry, Akris, Marc Jacobs … you get the idea. That’s the Rodeo Drive part.
Louis Boston (pronounced ‘looeeze’), on Berkeley Street at the corner of Newbury, is a gorgeous luxury department store featuring imported (and very, very expensive) women’s and men’s apparel, shoes, and accessories, as well as home items. It’s worth stopping in just to admire. A celebrity favorite, but now getting competition from the nearby, newly-opened Barney’s at Copley Place Mall.)
But as you work your way west on Newbury past Clarendon you’ll find more independent boutiques, galleries, shops, and salons, as well as a couple upscale consignment shops.
Some favorites include Footstock (European luxury comfort footwear); Soodee (trendy womens’ fashion); Queen Bee (young n’ trendy); Dress (modern women’s casual clothing, a Boston Magazine 2007 “Best of” winner; staff is super-friendly); Calypso (colorful, feminine, island-inspired women’s apparel); Jari Boutique (on Clarendon near Newbury, upscale women’s boutique, small European designers); Stil (another “best of” winner from Boston Magazine, fashion-forward women’s clothing, understated, mostly Scandanavian designers); envi (fashionable eco-conscious clothing) … (deep breath) …
Bath, body, and makeup shops like Lush, Sabon, Diptyque, M.A.C. … Upscale consignment shops The Closet and Second Time Around … gosh, so many more interesting shops. Honestly, you should just wander up and down Newbury, plus duck into a couple side streets, and see what intrigues you.
Click here for the Newbury Street website, including a complete list and map of shops and services.
And be sure to pick up a Newbury Street Map & Directory, either at your hotel, or at any of the shops.
Fun tip: Featured in Vogue, Elle, Lucky, and Star, G-Spa (don’t you love the name?) is a fun, hip salon at 35 Newbury Street (second floor) offering “Quickie” (30 minutes or less) manicures, pedicures, massages, and facials. (They also offer full “Splurge” services). I stopped in without an appointment and had a terrific 15-minute manicure from Eun.
Take a break
You’ll find plenty of sidewalk cafes and restaurants all along and around Newbury. A few suggestions:
L’Aroma 85 Newbury between Berkeley and Clarendon. Busy but friendly independent coffee shop with wonderful coffee, tea, baked goodies, sandwiches, and salads.
Tealuxe 108 Newbury, corner of Clarendon. Tea bar and cafe.
Parish Cafe and Bar at 361 Boylston (one block south of Newbury) A local favorite for lunch, dinner, or late night. They feature innovative sandwiches created by numerous top local chefs; also salads, entrees, and drinks.
Getting to Newbury Street
MBTA stations: Green Line B,C, or D to Arlington Station (east end); Copely Square (center); or Hynes ICA station (west end).
But remember, Boston is so compact that if you are staying in the city, you will probably be able to walk to Newbury Street.
Please share your Newbury Street favorites in the comment box below!
Thanks!
Carol
