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Massachusetts (MA)
Boston
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Copley Square
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Copley Square

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Copley Square
4.5
About
Copley Square, home to the Boston Public Library, is known for its upscale restaurants and trendy stores. Anchored by the modern John Hancock building and the stately Trinity Church, the square is more than just an entertainment hub in the Back Bay neighborhood. The architecture in the area is steeped in history and the plaza’s fountain and lawn are great spots to people-watch and unwind. Visit on market days for the farmers market—one of the biggest and busiest in Boston—and check out the activities calendar for cultural events held year-round at the square. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Back Bay
Wander around this quintessential neighborhood in the heart of Boston for high-end shops, restaurants, and the feeling of city bustle. Its most identifiable skyscrapers, the Prudential Center and John Hancock Tower, are highlights of the city skyline. Visit Newbury street to explore unique and trendy boutiques – as well as every other kind of store imaginable – all housed in beautiful brownstone buildings. In nice weather, restaurant patio seating is packed with Bostonians and tourists alike soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the food. Commonwealth Ave offers a beautiful stroll down residential tree-lined streets. Keep walking towards the Charles River and enjoy a beautiful view by the water. In warmer months, people run and bike on paths running along the esplanade, and sail and kayak on the Charles River. Boylston street, also full of shops, bars, and restaurants, is the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Head towards Copley Square and check out the Boston Public Library, which is particularly beautiful from the Dartmouth street entrance.
How to get there
  • Copley • 2 min walk
  • Back Bay • 4 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,844 within 5 kms
Mistral
1,101
0.4 km₹₹₹₹ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Sorellina
860
0.1 km₹₹₹₹ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Friendly Toast
843
0.3 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Thinking Cup
305
0.2 km₹ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Atlantic Fish Co
4,963
0.4 km₹₹₹₹ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
Parish Cafe & Bar
939
0.4 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Bar • Cafe
Flour Bakery + Cafe
667
0.3 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Bakeries • American • Cafe
Grill 23 & Bar
1,304
0.3 km₹₹₹₹ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
The Salty Pig
535
0.3 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Bar • Pizza
Douzo
495
0.4 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
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Attractions
608 within 10 kms
John Singleton Copley Statue
15
32 mMonuments & Statues
Trinity Church
1,033
43 mArchitectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Back Bay
640
0.2 kmNeighbourhoods
Boston Public Library
4,110
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries
Old South Church in Boston
251
0.2 kmHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
John Hancock Tower
105
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Storrow Drive
6
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives
Brodney Antiques and Jewelry
2
0.2 kmAntique Shops
New England Historic Genealogical Society
9
0.2 kmLibraries
Lyric Stage Company of Boston
51
0.2 kmTheatres
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
838 reviews
Excellent
406
Very good
350
Average
77
Poor
2
Terrible
3
roaming_kiwi58
Christchurch, New Zealand2,826 contributions
Interesting buildings around this square
Sep 2023 • Couples
Copley square is surrounded by interesting and historic buildings. We only had a brief stop here as part of a tour. Unfortunately a large part of the square was being dug up, so it was difficult to get around to see much in the short time we had. Need to go back!
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Turtle5954
Warrington, UK1,889 contributions
Nice
Oct 2022
Nice sized square, surrounded by a lovely mix of buildings - old and new. The Public Library wins for me - go inside!
Written 3 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
candycorn1
Philadelphia, PA332 contributions
Serenity in the city...
Sep 2022
This is a beautiful section of Boston. We stayed at a hotel on Boyleston Street and it was a nice respite to relax after walking and touring all day. Fountains and water pools, and grassy area for picnics or just people watching.
Written 2 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kay-cee-1138
Houston, TX443 contributions
An attractive oasis in the Back Bay area
Sep 2022
When visiting the sites of the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston, one can hardly miss Copley Square, since it sits directly between two of the finest buildings in town: the Public Library and Trinity Church.
Copley Square is about a block in size, with grass, trees, and flower beds. There is a large fountain on the north side (by the statue of the square's namesake). The openness of the square allows some fine photographs of the surrounding buildings.
On the Saturday when your reviewer was there, Copley Square was covered with a large traders' market, with tents selling everything from clothes to books to spices, and more. The place felt vibrant and was quite well-attended. Of course, it helped that it was almost a perfect day, weather-wise.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camassia
Eugene, OR197 contributions
Activity and History
Oct 2022
Spending several days ambling around Boston, with some destinations but also random routes. Copley Square was a nice surprise on one of our routes. A little farmer's market was taking place, added color and interest and learned about John Copley. Explored the surrounding architecture and buildings, especially the Old South Church. Interesting history timeline.
Written 21 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
judilater
Los Angeles, CA11 contributions
Nothing Special at the Moment
Jul 2022
The square is being restored, and unless you need to see another farmers' market, there's no reason to go there especially, but you'll see it anyway if you go to see the Sergent murals in the library or Trinity Church.
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia17,664 contributions
Center of Back Bay
Apr 2022
Copley Square is in the very center of historic and beautiful downtown Boston. In the middle of upscale Back Bay the square is adorned by the magnificent Trinity Church and opposite it a grand classic Boston public Library edifice.
Both can be visited free which I strongly suggest.
In side streets are numerous restaurants, cafes and shops.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David-Kevin B
Washington DC, DC404 contributions
Boston's Copley Square...
Oct 2021
Known originally as Art Square, Copley Square is known for the skyline-defining John Hancock Tower, restaurants, shops and the historic Trinity Church.
Written 9 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
New York City, NY3,203 contributions
In the heart of Back Bay
Nov 2021
My wife, daughter, two friends and I walked around Copley Square in November 2021. And I returned once by myself. Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library are the key sights on the square. There is a lot of activity in the square and it is a nice place to walk around.
Written 30 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne R
5 contributions
Good things to say!
Nov 2021
The shops near Copley Square and the Square itself are gorgeous, be sure to check out the bookstore (Posman books) and cafes/restaurants on Newbury Street !
Written 22 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Copley Square (Boston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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