Whether you see Boston’s skyline from below or above, know that you’re admiring one of our nation’s prettiest cities. To gain an aerial perspective on Boston, head to these 7 spots in the city for unbeatable views:
- Skywalk Observatory
Facebook/Skywalk Observatory
Flickr/Thomas Hawk The Skywalk Observatory occupies the 50th floor of the Prudential Center Tower. From here you can see for up to 80 miles in good weather.
- Top of the Hub
Facebook/Top of the Hub On the 52nd floor of the same tower you’ll find one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston. As you savor a meal at this fine dining eatery, there’s plenty of time to soak in panoramic vistas. The attached bar offers views that are just as superb. This is a more budget-friendly way to appreciate Boston from above. The Prudential Center is located at 800 Boylston Street.
- Bunker Hill Monument
Flickr/Rich
Flickr/Matthew Paulson The views from the pinnacle of this 220-foot-tall obelisk more than compensate for the effort of scaling 294 steps to the top! The Bunker Hill Monument is located in Monument Square in Charlestown.
- Washington Tower
Facebook/Mount Auburn Cemetery
Tripadvisor/qofdnz This tower, perched atop a hill in Mount Auburn Cemetery provides more expansive views than you might expect from a 62-foot-tall structure. From the top, you can enjoy views over the cemetery - which is also an arboretum - and of the Boston skyline. Explore this beautiful cemetery at 580 Mount Auburn Street in Cambridge.
- Lookout Rooftop Bar
Facebook/Outlook & Lookout at The Envoy Hotel Lounge atop the Envoy Hotel at this rooftop bar that affords gorgeous city and harbor views, especially at sunset. Settle near a fire pit and sample a microbrew or craft cocktail prepared by talented mixologists. The Lookout Rooftop Bar serves drinks only - for food, you need to head inside to Outlook Kitchen and Bar. The Envoy Hotel is located at 70 Sleeper Street in Boston.
- Custom House Tower
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Tripadvisor/Takeustothesunshine This tower stands 496-feet-tall and, although it’s now part of a Marriott hotel, you can visit the observation deck on the 26th floor. You can purchase tickets at the front desk. The observation deck is closed to the public on Fridays and during bad weather, so check the forecast before you head out. It is located at 3 McKinley Square in Boston.
- Take a scenic helicopter tour!
Facebook/Tuckamore Aviation
Tripadvisor/joshwardell Okay, so this is both a cheat and a splurge, but we thought it worth suggesting a helicopter tour as the ultimate way to gain an aerial perspective of Boston! Tuckamore Aviation offers Hover Boston Tours, including a “doors open” option for the ultimate photoshoot.
Where’s your favorite spot to enjoy fantastic views of Boston? Share your suggestions (and photos!) with us in the comments below!
Facebook/Skywalk Observatory
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
The Skywalk Observatory occupies the 50th floor of the Prudential Center Tower. From here you can see for up to 80 miles in good weather.
Facebook/Top of the Hub
On the 52nd floor of the same tower you’ll find one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston. As you savor a meal at this fine dining eatery, there’s plenty of time to soak in panoramic vistas. The attached bar offers views that are just as superb. This is a more budget-friendly way to appreciate Boston from above. The Prudential Center is located at 800 Boylston Street.
Flickr/Rich
Flickr/Matthew Paulson
The views from the pinnacle of this 220-foot-tall obelisk more than compensate for the effort of scaling 294 steps to the top! The Bunker Hill Monument is located in Monument Square in Charlestown.
Facebook/Mount Auburn Cemetery
Tripadvisor/qofdnz
This tower, perched atop a hill in Mount Auburn Cemetery provides more expansive views than you might expect from a 62-foot-tall structure. From the top, you can enjoy views over the cemetery - which is also an arboretum - and of the Boston skyline. Explore this beautiful cemetery at 580 Mount Auburn Street in Cambridge.
Facebook/Outlook & Lookout at The Envoy Hotel
Lounge atop the Envoy Hotel at this rooftop bar that affords gorgeous city and harbor views, especially at sunset. Settle near a fire pit and sample a microbrew or craft cocktail prepared by talented mixologists. The Lookout Rooftop Bar serves drinks only - for food, you need to head inside to Outlook Kitchen and Bar. The Envoy Hotel is located at 70 Sleeper Street in Boston.
Flickr/Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
Tripadvisor/Takeustothesunshine
This tower stands 496-feet-tall and, although it’s now part of a Marriott hotel, you can visit the observation deck on the 26th floor. You can purchase tickets at the front desk. The observation deck is closed to the public on Fridays and during bad weather, so check the forecast before you head out. It is located at 3 McKinley Square in Boston.
Facebook/Tuckamore Aviation
Tripadvisor/joshwardell
Okay, so this is both a cheat and a splurge, but we thought it worth suggesting a helicopter tour as the ultimate way to gain an aerial perspective of Boston! Tuckamore Aviation offers Hover Boston Tours, including a “doors open” option for the ultimate photoshoot.
To appreciate aerial views without expending any effort, live vicariously through these 15 gorgeous images.
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