9.0 out of 10

Charles St, Central Boston

Ranked 2nd best street in Central Boston
42.3639647846835 -71.0699460315641
Great for
  • Eating Out
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Internet Access
  • Medical Facilities
  • Parks & Recreation
Not great for
  • No ratings yet
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  •  
  •  
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Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  •  

Reviews

5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"One of the country's nicest street"

As a student at a nearby New England boarding school, I always found that one of my favorite weekend pastimes was escaping "off-campus" to Boston, about an hour away by train. Inevitably, I would find myself wandering to Charles Street, one of the most scenic and charming streets not just in Boston proper, but arguaby in the United States. At its best in spring, when the blossoms on the trees lining these period streets begin to bloom, Charles Street is gorgeous all year long, with sedate brick buildings and plenty of European-style outdoor cafes. Check out arty Room with a Vieux antiques for a few household set pieces, then hit up breakfast at any of the local cafes, or lunch at Artu on Charles Street, the lower-key Beacon Hill Bistro, Toscano Restaurant, or Figs pizzeria. With marvelous access to public transport, and moments by foot from the charms of Beacon Hill, Charles Street is Boston's premier destination
Pros
  • Great cafes
  • Beautiful
  • Great shops
Cons
  • Quiet
  • Expensive
  • Staid
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5
2yrs+

"Perfect for a charming stroll on a sunny day."

This street has got to be one of my favorite places in Boston--it has as much retail as the famed Newbury Street, but retains much more character, as the street actually seems livable. There are plenty of wine shops for the wine enthusiast, great little shops, and neat restaurants to try out, but there are also hardware stores and pharmacies--all of the staples you would need to get by. The old brick buildings truly are gorgeous. It almost feels like you've entered a time warp when you walk onto the street. Time your visit just right, and you could witness the Make Way For Ducklings reenactment parade, which is always a sight to see, with children in full duck costume.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5
2yrs+

"As Boston as it gets"

Awesome historical street in the upscale Beacon Hill neighborhood. Some fun wine shops and bars for the wine fans. The street also runs between Boston Common and the Public Garden, which is the most beautiful part of Boston in my opinion. If I was going to take a visitor to just one street in Boston, this would be it.
4/5
2yrs+

"Quaint and Historic....lots of shops and cafes...great for gift buying."

Charles Street is in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston and runs from the Charles River to the Boston Common/ Public Garden. It is a busy road with lots of shopping and restaurant destinations, including some of my favorite spots in the city. The buildings are historic and quaint, with the brick sidewalks lending a real 'old Boston' feel. You'll find plenty of antique shops amidst trendy boutiques, and neighborhood eateries next to exciting new cafes. My pick for home goods and unique gifts is 'Koo de Kir'. You'll find beautiful accessories and furnishings that you won't find anywhere else. I love 'Moxie' (for shoes and bags) and 'Wish' (for great fashion finds), and don't miss the sidewalk sales here in mid-September. 'Black Ink' has cool stationary and quirky, fun gifts. If you're looking for a bite to eat, there are plenty of choices: 'Toscano's' (yummy Italian food...fun spot to have a glass of wine and some app's at the bar), 'Upper Crust Pizza' (one of my favorite pizza joints in the city), and the 'Paramount' (quick cafeteria-style spot with awesome breakfast). I love to heading to Charles Street just before Christmas. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate on Saturday afternoon, and take a stroll to browse for wonderful gifts. You'll get in that 'Old-time Christmas' spirit.....and best of all - it beats hitting the mall!
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
5/5 rating details
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
2yrs+

"The "Charles" must refer to Dickens"

Maybe it's just because I was walking down this street during the last big snow squall Boston got, but I had to pinch myself to make sure I hadn't gotten sucked into the pages of "Nicholas Nickelby" or something. This street has so much charm and character, and if it weren't for the cars and pavement, I'm not sure I would realize what century I was in. I thought of this as an antiquing street the first time I visited, and it is-but I have since come to know its amazing markets and wine shops (Charles St. Liquors and Beacon Hill W&S have the best selection and prices), not to mention its incredible restaurants and a great wine bar in Bin 26 Enoteca. It's my favorite visiting street in Boston, but with its culture, look, and how quiet it is for a main thoroughfare, I can't imagine anyone not wanting to live here, too!
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"A Great Street to Spend Your Free Time"

Charles Street is the main thoroughfare of Beacon Hill. The street is full of restaurants, shops, bakeries, a drugstore, realtor's offices and DeLuca's Market. The Kennedy family has property on Beacon Hill and when I worked at DeLuca's, a very nice woman who worked for them would come in and make purchases. I spent many hours at the outdoor cafe smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee and writing. Charles Street goes right between the beautiful Public Garden and Boston Common as it heads south away from Beacon Hill. It's not far from Charles River or the T.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees

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