Walk from Faneuil Hall to Back Back Bay

Question

Hi,

Would a walk from Faneuil Hall down Boylston Street into the Back Bay neighborhood be a nice walk to see quaint neighborhoods?

I am dead set on going to Faneuil Hall for a fun lunch then I want to explore a quaint neighborhood. I don't mind touristy areas.

What do those in the know think of this plan?

Do you have other suggestions if this is bad?

Thanks!

Answer

Walking from Faneuil Hall to the Back Bay along Boylston Street can be a pleasant way to see a mix of historic and modern Boston, though it is a longer walk—roughly 2.5 to 3 miles depending on your exact route. You’ll pass through the downtown/core area, the theater district, and end up in the Back Bay neighborhood, which is known for its Victorian brownstones, tree-lined streets, and charming architecture.

Here are some considerations for your walk:

The route will take you past some busy, urban areas that are more commercial than quaint, but you will get a good feel for the energy of the city.
Once you reach Back Bay, you’ll be in a quieter, more picturesque neighborhood with historic streets like Commonwealth Avenue and side streets lined with cafes, shops, and brownstones.
The walk can be broken up with stops along the way, such as the Boston Public Garden, Copley Square, and Newbury Street for a mix of greenery, architecture, and boutique shopping.

Alternative ideas if you want a more “quaint neighborhood” feel:

Consider heading from Faneuil Hall toward the North End after lunch. It’s very walkable, historic, and full of narrow streets, cafes, and old-world charm.
Another option is walking from Faneuil Hall toward Beacon Hill, which features cobblestone streets, historic row houses, and Gaslit alleyways—very picturesque and quintessentially Boston.
For a mix of historic and scenic, you could take a short subway ride to Back Bay or the South End to save some walking while still enjoying charming neighborhoods.

Overall, your plan is doable and can be enjoyable if you don’t mind some urban walking. If your priority is quaint, historic streets and charming architecture, Beacon Hill or the North End may provide a more visually appealing experience than the stretch of Boylston Street through downtown.

Walk from Faneuil Hall to Back Back Bay

More Boston Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions