1. View Boston

    1. View Boston

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    Boston, MA

    View Boston

    4.3 (123 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    View Boston Photos

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    Winet F.

    View Boston offers some truly incredible views of the city. We visited around sunset, and watching the skyline light up while seeing Fenway Park packed during a baseball game was such a memorable experience. The panoramic views alone made the visit worthwhile. That said, we were disappointed to find that the open air deck was closed for a private event. One of the main reasons we purchased tickets was to experience the outdoor viewing area, and unfortunately, that information wasn't disclosed beforehand. It felt like we missed out on a big part of what makes View Boston unique. Overall, we still enjoyed our visit and thought the views were beautiful, but I would recommend checking ahead to make sure all areas are accessible. We loved what we were able to experience and just wish we had the opportunity to enjoy everything the attraction has to offer.

    Cool Display of Boston
    Angela C.

    View Boston is accessible from the bottom of the Prudential Center in the middle of the shopping/dining area. Once you go through security, you take the elevators up to the top floor where you are rewarded the most beautiful view of the city in an enclosed area with sofas and signs showing you different parts of the city. I usually like to go up to towers in the late afternoons so I can see the city I'm visiting during the day and at night, but on this trip I went in the morning and it was still pretty! I spotted Fenway Park, the Citco sign indicating the end of the Boston marathon, the MIT dome, and several other areas I have already explored by foot. Go down one level and you can experience the open air and enjoy cocktails in the restaurant. It would actually be a lovely place to dine or have a date night. Go towards the exit and there is a cool display about Boston with lights and a video backdrop, as well as a gift shop at the end. Definitely worth a visit at least once!

    Marynell K.

    Such beautiful views of Boston! This was my second time here and each time I enjoyed my experience. It wasn't overly crowded like other observation view decks I've been to. The cinema room has amazing displays of Boston each time I've gone there was a different display so it's definitely worth going more than once. The bar quaint with a full bar offering. There is a restaurant with views though I haven't been myself. The gift shop before you exit has various souvenirs available for purchase from salt water taffy, books, clothing and more. Definitely a must to experience panoramic views of Boston.

    Cindy O.

    We enjoyed the view from the enclosed 52nd floor observatory. Beautiful day and great for photos! The next floor down with the open air observatory waa so windy, you could barely stand. It was an in-out quickly type of view! Not sure why they even have it! It wasn't a windy day and guessing that high up, there is always wind! There's a nice immersion video running and a cool model set of the city with a video behind going thru dawn to dusk. We saw an area that looked like a bar of restaurant that would make a nice meal with a view. It wasn't open. Maybe it's open during evening time or on the weekends? There wasn't much history about the building or how it was built (as is done at the NYC Empire State Building). It's very over priced for what you get, entrance only! If you bare doing the Boston Pass, and it doesn't cost much, then I would suggest it. In addition to the ticket price (and tax), we paid $6.88 processing fee! Self-service at a Kiosk and gave no idea why they would charge a processing fee (these were purchased onsite not online!). $75 for two people! Money better spent elsewhere. Definitely feel like a summer tourist now. They run a lot of ads and how I was sucked in! I used to work at the John Hancock Tower during Summers. We were allowed up to the observatory any time no charge (and definitely took many opportunities). Very cool.and scary for many! Unfortunately they permanently closed the observatory after 9/11! Seems like they have tried to pick up this market. On a nice day, definitely going and seeing a 360 view is fun! Seattle Space Needle and NYC Empire State Building.

    Marlon T.

    View Boston in Back Bay was a cool experience, especially during the Boston Marathon expo. I had free access to the top, which was a great perk and made it easy to check out. Unfortunately, it was super cloudy the day I went, so there was basically no view at all. Even with that, it was still fun to go up and see the space. I can imagine on a clear day this would be an amazing spot with incredible views of the city. Hard to complain when it is free, and I would definitely come back again hoping for better weather next time.

    Two viewing levels and a floor with exhibits and a restaurants.
    Tony H.

    Bostons only observation tower/deck is worth checking out if you enjoy elevated views of the city. Inside the Prudential center mall you find the entrance and ticket kiosk booth to view Boston. (Side note if you plan on doing multiple attractions check out the My City Pass app for package deals that include access to view Boston) The 52nd floor is the enclosed viewing deck, one floor below on the 51st is the open air viewing area, and just below is the exhibit area and restaurant on floor 50th. Definitely check the weather forecast before booking the day and time you want to go so you don't end up here on a cloudy/rainy day with no view of the city.

    Boston
    Kevin G.

    Excellent view. Tons of shopping and dining in the prudential building. I regret saving this. "Pinnacle" experience. Pun intended. I went to watch the sun set and stayed after dark. It's confusing. Go in the Prudential Building at 800. Up the escalator and down the hall. You can't miss it. Follow the ticket ladies directions. You'll be on the 52nd floor. Do all that and then go down one level like you're leaving and there's an open air level on the 51st floor all the way around. There's a pretty good bar there too. Then when you leave you'll see the interactive experience. Highly recommend.

    Corner view from the Cloud Terrace
    Lailah J.

    Boston, MA (Back Bay) - every major city with skyscrapers has at least one observation deck now, and The View on top of the Prudential Tower is Boston's answer to those seeking a bird's eye view of the city. If you've been to One World Observatory in NYC, it's quite similar to that, but not as tall at 52 floors. It used to cost $5 to come up here once upon a time and was no big deal, but the newly opened View (from June 2023) has been turned into a bonafide "attraction" with enhancements. It's a pretty cool experience from start to finish, with a neat finale, albeit pretty pro forma in how these things go. (Admittedly I'm a bit of a jaded customer since I'm a sucker for heights and have done too many observatory towers around the world - including all 5 in NYC - to be easily awestruck.) But sweeping 360 views, especially with outdoor access, never fail to impress, and it's fun trying to identify buildings on the ground. There are digital touchscreens around that point to a few neighborhoods and landmarks, but they could use better graphics and be more detailed. The wrap-around terrace features an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar (Stratus Bar), and there is also a restaurant on the 50th floor (The Beacon Bistro) where you can grab a bite or drink while enjoying panoramic views. This is a fun thing to do in Boston for all ages!

    City Views
    Holly D.

    Seeing a city from up high is always such a classic experience, and View Boston absolutely delivered. We went right around sunset, and it was stunning -- the colors, the skyline, the views over the water... truly unforgettable. The whole experience was smooth, well-designed, and definitely one of the highlights of our trip. I'd highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city. A must-do if you want to take in Boston from a whole new perspective!

    Christina R.

    View Boston was not on my itinerary but I had purchased a CityPass for the aquarium and a boat ride that came with the choice of two other places to visit. It ended up raining pretty bad on our first day in Boston, so an indoor activity like View Boston seemed like the best idea instead of the river activity I had originally planned. Finding the entrance was no hard, there are plenty of signs leading you to the area. The escalators and elevators were fun and I liked the interactive movie in the elevator. The views from up here are fantastic and I appreciated how many levels there were and places to sit and just enjoy. There are even couches and comfy seating on the lower level outside of the restaurant. On the top level, I really loved the screens that showed you landmarks, that you could move around and see details for different places around the city. On the lower level, I really enjoyed the city model that changed color and video depending on the Boston icon they were featuring. Super cool and especially fun for the kids. Overall, I do not regret choosing this experience and would actually come back and pay the full price to experience it.

    Dan R.

    "The lonesome days they have gone by Why should I beg her when she's saying goodbye? But now she's gone and I don't worry 'Cause I'm sitting on top of the world" (B.B. King) If you can't sit on top of the world, rest assured that you can sit on top of the Prudential Center and get a magnificent view of Boston from the 52nd floor courtesy of View Boston. You enter through the Prudential Center but be aware the signage isn't the best and it may take you a while to find the ticket booth and elevators that zoom you skyward. You'll find a glass encased viewing platform up on that 52nd floor that gives you free access to walk around and enjoy amazing panoramic views of the city. But the 51st floor was just as great, maybe even better because it has a 360° open-air roof deck. Photo ops for your group and scenic views of the city are everywhere. Of course there is a rooftop bar named Stratus, so if you want a Marguerita or a Prosecco as to watch as the sun sets..... no worries. Totally worth the time to visit!

    Gino T.

    While visiting Boston we did a package deal tour with Boston Duck Company to enjoy View Boston located in the Prudential building a quick walk from the Duck tour as well as our hotel at Copley Place. The weather was perfect that day and so clear, it is a well organized observatory and as it's said in the song "on a clear day you can see forever" What a great way to appreciate the Boston area, all the way to the ocean and every bit of the city. Definitely worth the price, it offers food and full bar at the observation deck with plenty of seating to hang out and enjoy the time as well as the sights. Put it on your list and you won't be disappointed (unless the weather is cloudy etc) Well done View Boston we will be back. Ciao

    Hannah S.

    It is worth it to get your timing right where you are up here to watch the sunset!! We ate dinner, had some drinks, and enjoyed the view of the city as well as the sun setting.

    Boston (from View Boston)

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    Ask the Community - View Boston

    Hows the parking?

    The parking just kind of depends, as it's in a mall. On the day I went, parking was really easy, though.

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    Review Highlights - View Boston

    The elevator ride itself is pretty quick and has these visuals flashing on the walls as you go up to the 52nd floor.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

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    John Hancock Tower

    John Hancock Tower

    4.5
    (22 reviews)
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    During our last stay in Boston, we had a room that had a direct view of the John Hancock tower…read more It was such a beautiful sight...especially at night...most of the offices were lit up and it made the whole building look almost magical. This towering skyscraper stands tall at 790 feet, making it the tallest building in New England. Construction on the John Hancock Tower began in 1968 and was completed in 1976. The tower is made up of reflective glass panels that give it a sleek and modern appearance The John Hancock Tower is located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, at 200 Clarendon Street. If you are lucky to go up to some of the high floors, you could enjoy great views of the city.

    I *SO* wish I was writing this review under different circumstances. There is now a deep pain…read moreassociated with this building... but this isn't the building's fault - thus no stars deducted. You see, I used to work at one of the companies within. I don't want to name it, so let's say I was somewhere between 50%-75% of the way up. To say it was a dream job is an understatement; I couldn't have dreamt it up if I tried. Well, my employment ended in less than six months. Not 100% my fault, not 100% theirs... even if you were to find the numbers, they probably wouldn't add up to 100 either - sometimes in life there is a sprinkle of rotten luck. I had a lot of pride not only in the company I worked for and in the work I did, but also for where (physically) I worked. Friends and colleagues would often ask me, and I would tell them I work right in the John Hancock Tower. Outwardly, I would [try to] be completely nonchalant about it, but inside I felt just a little hurt when the other person wasn't as wowed as I was walking into work every day. From inside, well, the view is incredible, of course. The one caveat is the nighttime view isn't what you would expect (nor what I accurately conveyed in the photos). I think it is partly due to the blue mirror coating on the glass - it reflects some of the now rather scarce blue light. As an architectural symbol, it is probably as uniquely Boston as Fenway. Something that is immediately recognizable. Yes, there are valid criticisms about its location right next to Trinity Church, and how it fits into the overall landscape. It is said, correctly, that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I for one, despite what anyone else says, think the building is wicked awesome. I also love how one can see it from very far away (I've seen it from Lynn and Weymouth!) There is also some fascinating history surrounding the building, including cases where the glass would fall out, and many windows were replaced with wooden panels. Or, how it was determined that under certain wind conditions, the building could fall - and reinforcements were added to the structure, as well as a stabilizer on one of the top floors. With all this, and especially the privilege of having worked inside it, there is not conceivable way I would award anything less than five stars.

    Photos
    View of the John Hancock tower from the Prudential Center area.
    View of the John Hancock tower from the Prudential Center area.
    View from Inside
    View from Inside
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    Faneuil Hall

    Faneuil Hall

    4.3
    (149 reviews)
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    Every time I think of Boston this is one of the first places that comes to mind. Whenever I visit I…read moremake a point to stop here. This is the place where I had my first Boston cream pie and I will never forget it. Feneuil Hall dates back to the 1700s and was created as a meeting Hall and marketplace, but later became a very important site for public speeches during the American revolution. You can still feel the history here in the spirit and the gorgeous architecture of the space. Every time I visit it feels so vibrant and alive. It's almost always packed with people and has a great energy. You can find amazing food here and I wasn't joking about my first ever Boston cream pie. I was born and raised on the west coast and it's just not something that we eat out there. Ever since my first bite, if Boston cream pie is an option anywhere, that is the choice I am making. It's so simple, but so delicious! Boston has so much to see and do. There is such a rich history here that it can be hard to choose just a few activities during a visit. I've been lucky enough to visit many times and do many things here and I would still put Feneuil Hall at the top of my list. Between the architecture, the history and the atmosphere, its's definitely a must-do and you could honestly probably move through this one quickly, but it's much better if you take your time, grab something to eat and just let yourself enjoy being part of the city for a little while.

    Great historic building in Boston. Faneuil Hall is a must visit if in town…read more Located inside a beautiful building with a great facade, Faneuil Hall is standing in the area since 1742 as a place of gathering for people like Samuel Adams and John Hancock to protest the rules and laws of the King pre-Revolution. It continued to be a place for community members to gather, discuss ideas, start protests, trying to make things better in the country. Nowadays, Faneuil Hall is a nice Visitor Center belonging to the National Park Services. It's a free museum dedicated to its interesting past, spread on 2 floors. Lots of great and interesting exhibits here. There are a few shops as well to get souvenirs. Downstairs, there are clean restrooms, water fountains to refill your bottle and benches where you can rest a tad. People meet in front for tours. They have street artists, I usually enjoy that type of the show, but here they were taking over and they were rude to tourists! It opens at 10 am, closes at 5 pm. Great for your own tour of Boston. Part of Freedom Trail. A place that's a great part of US history!

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    At Faneuil Hall
    At Faneuil Hall
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    Front of Faneuil Hall

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    Front of Faneuil Hall
    The North End

    The North End

    4.6
    (134 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    North End aka Little Italy is my favorite Boston neighborhood…read more It's lively and welcoming with bakeries, pizza shops, and Italian restaurants lining the cobblestone streets Paul Revere's house is in North End as are several other historical landmarks. You can't help but feel like you're in a small village in Italy when in the North End.

    After spending a year nearby a few years ago, I feel like I've explored and experienced the North…read moreEnd pretty well. I've dined at a few dozen Italian restaurants, wandered through historic landmarks, and even spent quiet moments in the old cemeteries tucked between brick facades and wrought iron. Returning recently for a day of exploring with Mrs. K., I was eager to share some of that charm -- those narrow streets that smell like espresso and marinara, the echo of Paul Revere's midnight ride, and the layered stories etched into every corner. But what stood out this time, more than the cannoli or the cobblestones, was how difficult the neighborhood can be for folks with mobility challenges. The North End is a feast for the senses, but not always a friend to the feet. Sidewalks are uneven, often narrow, and sometimes disappear altogether. Curb cuts are inconsistent, and many storefronts (especially the older, family-run trattorias) have steps without railings or ramps. We found ourselves rerouting a few times, dodging delivery trucks and squeezing past sidewalk café setups that left little room for a walker or wheelchair. Even the Freedom Trail, which winds through the area, occasionally dips into terrain that feels more 18th-century than 21st-century accessible. That said, the spirit of the place remains magnetic. We managed fabulous espressos at a quiet spot on Salem Street. A few blocks away, we paused at Copp's Hill Burying Ground, where the view over the harbor still stirs something deep and reflective. But I couldn't help noticing how much of the North End's magic is locked behind physical barriers. How many stories, meals, and moments are harder to reach if you're not nimble on your feet. It's a neighborhood that deserves to be experienced by everyone, and I hope the city continues to find ways to make that possible. Because the North End isn't just Boston's Little Italy. It is a living museum, a community, and a reminder that history should be accessible, not just preserved. [Review 1117 of 2025 - 1262 in Massachusetts - 24670 overall]

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    Take pride in your neighborhood, this message sponsored by the North End Chamber of Commerce
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    View Boston - observatories - Updated July 2026

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