At 800 Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay, Prudential Center brings shops, restaurants and city views together beneath the Prudential Tower. Browse stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Sephora, choose from more than 60 places to eat, or head up to View Boston for a 360-degree look across the city. Its exhibits include an illuminated miniature of Boston shown in different seasons and times of day. The enclosed shopping concourse is a useful stop in poor weather; allow extra time if you want to shop, eat and visit the observatory.
Shopping and dining in Back Bay
Prudential Center is a shopping and dining complex at 800 Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay. Its enclosed concourse connects a range of shops, cafes and restaurants, giving you an indoor place to browse or stop for a meal. Stores include Saks Fifth Avenue and Sephora, and the wider mix includes both retail and food options.
Dining is a substantial part of a visit. The center has more than 60 restaurants and food options, from food stands for a quick bite to sit-down meals. That makes it easy to combine a meal with shopping or a visit to the tower. If you are planning to spend time browsing, the indoor layout also keeps the outing sheltered from the weather.
Views and exhibits at View Boston
View Boston occupies floors 50, 51 and 52 of the Prudential Tower, a 750-foot building. The observatory experience includes 360-degree views across Boston and beyond. From above, you can look out over the city and spot landmarks such as Fenway Park and the Charles River. Sunset is one option for seeing the skyline in changing light; a nighttime visit gives the city a different appearance.
An immersive theater and a miniature model of Boston add context to the views. The model is lit to depict the city at different times of day and across the seasons. It gives you a close-up way to see how the city’s appearance changes, alongside the broad outlook from the observation areas.
Planning your visit
You can make the center a short shopping stop or spend several hours combining stores, a meal and View Boston. The broad range of dining choices suits different kinds of stops, from a quick bite to a longer meal. Seasonal decorations add another reason to walk through the outdoor areas during the Christmas period.
Paid parking is available at the center, but parking fees can add to the cost of a visit. Public transport and rideshare are alternatives if you would rather not drive. The center also has a Catholic chapel and a U.S. Post Office, so its uses extend beyond shopping and dining.
FAQ
Where is Prudential Center in Boston?
It is at 800 Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay.
Can you see Boston from Prudential Center?
Yes. View Boston in the Prudential Tower has 360-degree views across the city and beyond.
What can you see at View Boston besides the skyline?
The experience includes an immersive theater and an illuminated miniature of Boston shown at different times of day and in different seasons.
How long should you plan for Prudential Center?
Allow about 2 to 3 hours to combine shopping, a meal and a visit to View Boston.
