Back Bay is Boston's most elegant neighborhood - Victorian brownstones, tree-lined streets, and upscale shopping. It's where you go for a nice day out, shopping on Newbury Street, or impressing visitors.

Boston's premier shopping street, running 8 blocks from the Public Garden to Mass Ave:

• Blocks 1-3 (Arlington end): High-end boutiques, designer stores
• Blocks 4-6: Mix of chains and local shops, more affordable
• Blocks 7-8 (Mass Ave end): Funky shops, vintage stores, tattoo parlors

Student tip: Walk from Mass Ave toward Arlington for a "budget to bougie" experience. Best window shopping in Boston.

• Boston Public Library: Beautiful historic building, free to visit, great study spot
• Copley Square: People-watching, summer events, farmers market
• Prudential Center: Indoor mall, Skywalk Observatory views
• Public Garden: Swan boats in summer, beautiful any season
• Trident Booksellers: Bookstore + cafe combo, BU student favorite

Back Bay has many restaurants but they skew expensive. Student-friendly options:

• Chipotle/Sweetgreen: Fast casual on Newbury
• Trident Cafe: Affordable brunch and sandwiches
• Pavement Coffeehouse: Great coffee, study-friendly
• Earl of Sandwich (Pru): Cheap and filling

For special occasions: Salty Pig, Abe & Louie's, Atlantic Fish Co.