Discovering Downtown Boston’s Neighborhoods

Downtown Boston is rich with distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, history, and appeal. Whether you’re strolling historic streets, dining in cutting-edge restaurants, or simply taking in views of the harbor, four neighborhoods stand out: Back Bay, Seaport District, South End, and North End. Here’s a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide.

Back Bay

Back Bay

Back Bay is perhaps one of Boston’s most elegant and walkable neighborhoods. With its tree-lined boulevards and historic architecture, it blends upscale shopping, fine dining, and residential charm.

• Located between the Boston Public Garden and the Charles River, Back Bay is defined by its grid-like streets, Victorian-era brownstones, and handsome 19th-century architecture.
• One of its premier dining spots is Eva (279A Newbury Street) — described as “a space designed to be welcoming and bright, a place for great food, refreshing cocktails and lively conversation… sitting back to enjoy and observe the hustle & bustle of beautiful, historic Newbury Street from one of the largest outdoor patios”. 

Seaport District

Seaport

The Seaport District is Boston’s modern waterfront playground, a place where innovation, dining, and waterfront access come together.

• Once an overlooked industrial area, the Seaport has evolved into one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods with sleek residential towers, boutique hotels, cultural institutions, and waterfront vistas. 
• A standout in the Seaport: Committee (50 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA 02210), where the atmosphere, shareable mezze plates, and harbor-facing location make it a true must-visit. According to their site: “There’s no better way to unwind than with great food, waterfront views, and a lively atmosphere at Committee… shareable mezze plates, inventive cocktails, and warm hospitality make this a must-visit stop on your Boston itinerary.”

South End

South End

South End offers a vibrant fusion of historic charm and creative energy — great for food lovers, art aficionados, and those who like a neighborhood with personality.

• Positioned just south of Back Bay, the South End is recognized for its mid-1800s Victorian row houses, making it the largest intact Victorian residential district in the country. 
• Boston Plans
• Today it’s home to a thriving restaurant scene and arts community: “The South End is a diverse neighborhood … with a fine dining scene untarnished by tourist attractions.” 
• WBUR
• Neighborhood highlights include the SoWa-Art & Design District (“South of Washington”), which features galleries, design showrooms, and the popular SoWa Open Market.

North End

North End

The North End is Boston’s beloved “Little Italy”—rich in history, charm, and Italian culinary heritage.

• Known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and abundant Italian restaurants, the North End gives visitors an authentic slice of Boston’s old-world side.
• It’s home to iconic eateries and bakeries along Hanover Street, and to historic landmarks like the Paul Revere House and Old North Church, which make for excellent exploration.

End Your Day at Committee in the Seaport

After visiting the charming brownstones of Back Bay, enjoying the vibrant energy of the South End, and exploring the historic streets of the North End, have dinner in the Seaport at Committee, your grand finale. With its waterfront ambiance, inventive Mediterranean sharing plates, and stylish setting in the Seaport, Committee offers a tasty, memorable end to your downtown Boston adventure. Make reservations today.