Boston's Best Shopping Malls
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
1 Faneuil Hall Market Place
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 723-9109
www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
Hours: Varies by store, see directory
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is definitely unique. It's a historic site, a tourist trap, a local hangout, a drinking hole, a date destination and, more than anything, a place to shop. Since 1742, Faneuil Hall has been both a marketplace and a meeting place. Some of America's history was planned out in the middle of this location. Today, Faneuil Hall Marketplace features more than 100 shops and street vendors that sell everything from brand name goods to those created by local designers and artisans. You'll also find a diverse selection of places to eat or grab a drink when you're finished shopping.
Downtown Crossing
Washington Street, between Temple and Bromfield Streets
Boston, MA 02228
www.bostonbid.org
Hours: Varies by store
In the late 1800s, Downtown Crossing became Boston's bustling shopping district. Both Jordan Marsh and Filenes had their start here, later becoming national chains. While both of these department stores (and many like them) are now defunct, Downtown Crossing is still alive and well. Closed to vehicle traffic, this is an ideal place for pedestrians and families to enjoy the shops and street vendors.
Porter Square
Somerville and Massachusetts Avenues
Cambridge, MA 02140
Hours: Varies by store
Those looking for local flavor, look no further. While most of the tourists don't venture any further into Cambridge than Harvard Square, Porter Square has created an oasis for local Bostonians. It consists of shopping centers such as Porter Square Galleria and the Porter Square Shopping Center, with plenty of stores in between. Here you'll find Porter Square Books, a great independent bookstore and café and Mudflat Gallery, which features local clay artists.
The Shops at Prudential Center
800 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02199
(617) 236-3100
www.prudentialcenter.com
Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 9 pm, Sun – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bostonians will tell you that the best part about the Pru is how convenient it is to get there. Several bus lines and two MBTA stations stop directly at the center, which is also connected to Copley Place by a skywalk. While The Shops at Prudential Center is known mostly for its large national retailers, particularly anchor stores Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue, you will also find a selection of local Boston retailers mixed in. Isis Parenting, Boston's go-to place for expectant parents and 344, a locally owned women's clothing shop, are some of the center's highlights. And don't miss Best of Boston, a shop offering any and every kind of Boston memorabilia you can think of.
Copley Place
110 Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 369-5000
www.facebook.com/ShopCopleyPlace
Hours: Mon to Sat – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sun – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Copley Place is probably most well-known for being the only place in Massachusetts to have a Barney's New York. It also features a host of other luxury designer stores, which makes it a great spot for both window shopping and people watching. But intermixed with high-end stores like Salvatore Ferragamo and Christian Dior, you'll find some local Boston favorites like Nouveau Fashion Gallery, which carries a fine selection of clothing, jewelry, handbags and shoes. The shops at Copley Place tend to be on the smaller side, which can amount to a fairly limited selection. However, the proximity to Newbury Street and the skywalk connecting it to the Pru make it a great day-long shopping destination.
