Feast your eyes with the beauty of Boston as View Boston presents a unique way to view the skyline from up above. Raised above the iconic The Prudential Center, this captivating observatory deck offers a breathtaking panorama beyond the horizon. Discover the city’s architectural marvels, cultural treasures, and indulge in a culinary experience at its exquisite restaurants.
View Boston - In a nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested duration: | 3-4 hours |
| ☀️ Best time to visit: | Sunset |
| 💜 Must do: | Open Doors |
| 🎟️ View Boston ticket: | $40.36 |
| 🚇 Closest metro: | 3 Copley Station, Boston, MA 02116 |
Views to catch
Fenway Park
Boston Common and Public Garden
Charles River
Beacon Hill
Harvard University Buildings
Things to know
Offical name: View Boston at Prudential Center
Date of opening: 15 June 2023
Architect: Perkins & Will
Architectural style: Modern, Contemporary
Function: Observation Deck, Cafe and Restaurant, Immersive Experience Center
Opening hours and address
10 AM to 10 PM every day. The last admission is at 9 PM.
Address: 800 Boylston Street Floor 52, Boston, MA 02199, USA
Get directions
Why you must visit View Boston?
- Start with the view: Your journey begins with a ride up to the 52nd floor of the Prudential Tower. Here, you’ll find a 360-degree observation deck where you can peek over the vivid skyline of the city. It’s like having Boston at your feet.
- Learn as you look: On the 50th floor, there are interactive exhibits like 3D models of the city, and a 270 degree film of the city’s highlights where you can learn about Boston's history, culture, and architecture.
- Treat yourself: After immersing yourself in the city’s past and present, why not treat yourself? View Boston has 2 restaurants with delightful dining options and a gift store. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite or pick up a souvenir.
- A golden backdrop: From The Cloud Terrace on the 51st floor, you can capture lovely photographs with a twilight lit cityscape as your background during the late afternoon and sunset hours.
- Spot the landmarks: Lastly, don’t forget to play spot-the-landmark! From this vantage point, you can see some of Boston’s most famous landmarks including Fenway Park, Boston Common, and the Charles River. Each one has its own story waiting to be discovered.
Recommended View Boston tickets
View Boston - Your experience deconstructed
1Ascend to the top of the Prudential Tower’s 52nd floor
You can get incredible indoor panoramic views of the city from here, no matter where you stand. Get an even better look at the spectacular city skyline from The Lookout elevated viewing platforms and use the Virtual Viewers to learn more about the City’s many landmarks and attractions.
2Visit The Cloud Terrace
The journey continues on the 51st floor where you will find plenty of photo opportunities as you roam the 360-degree open-air roof deck and stop to enjoy beverages with a view at Stratus.
3Explore Boston 365
Utilize this interactive neighborhood discovery tool to explore various neighborhoods and locate attractions, restaurants, and landmarks of interest based on your individual taste. You can also explore this remarkable 3D model of the city with projection-mapping to dramatically reveal the seasons, spirit, and celebrations that bring Boston to life.
4Experience Open Doors
Be enveloped by this 270-degree immersive theater screen showcasing street-level exploration of various neighborhoods and behind-the-scenes perspectives from some of Boston’s most beloved attractions, including Fenway Park!
Soak in the Boston skyline
Best time to visit View Boston
If you want to admire the city’s skyline from View Boston, the best time to go is in the late afternoon, before the sun sets. You can capture amazing photos of the skyline in the golden light. Or, you can visit early in the morning, when it is less crowded and you can enjoy the view at your own pace. Weekdays are also quieter than weekends. Summer and fall are the ideal seasons to visit, but winter can be nice too if you don’t mind the cold. Try to avoid holidays and festive periods like Christmas when the crowds tend to be large.
View Boston – opening hours
10 AM to 10 PM every day. The last admission is at 9 PM.
Getting there
- You can take the following bus routes that pass near Prudential Tower: 1, 39, 504, 9, BB.
- From various locations, you can take a bus to Prudential Tower. For example, from Kelly’s Roast Beef, Revere it takes about 102 minutes.
- The Green Line “E” train has a Prudential Center stop which exits into the Center.
- You can take the following subway lines that pass near Prudential Tower: GREEN LINE D, GREEN LINE E, ORANGE LINE.
- The complex is conveniently accessible from I-90 and I-93 and is located within two blocks of Back Bay Station with commuter rail, Amtrak, and MBTA subway access.
Insider tips for visiting View Boston
- Plan your visit: View Boston can get busy, especially during peak tourist season. Plan your visit ahead of time to avoid long lines and ensure you get the most out of your experience.
- Explore the exhibits: Don’t miss out on the key attractions like Boston 365, Open Doors, and The View Shop. These will make your visit more fulfilling.
- Check the weather: The view from the top of Prudential Tower can be affected by weather conditions. Check the forecast before your visit to ensure clear skies for the best views.
- Attend special events: Keep an eye on the Tower Lighting Schedule and other special events that take place at View Boston. These can add a special touch to your visit.
- Dress appropriately: The open-air roof deck can be chilly, especially in the evenings or during cooler months. Dress in layers or bring a jacket to stay comfortable.
- Capture the moment: Don’t forget your camera! The panoramic city views provide excellent photo opportunities.
- Try local cuisine: Make sure to try some local cuisine at The Beacon, the family-friendly bistro at View Boston.
- Enjoy sunset views: For a truly unforgettable experience, time your visit to coincide with sunset. The views of the city bathed in golden light are breathtaking.
- Learn about Boston’s history: Use this opportunity to learn more about Boston’s history, culture, and architecture through the exhibits and information available at View Boston.
- Relax and take your time: Lastly, don’t rush your visit. Take your time to soak in the views, enjoy the attractions, and make lasting memories.
Interesting facts about View Boston
- The Prudential Tower, atop which View Boston is located, stands as the 2nd-tallest building in Boston with a height of 749 feet. It was designed by Charles Luckman and Associates and opened in June of 2023. View Boston was designed by Perkins & Will and constructed by Turner Construction Co.
- Special events like the Tower Lighting Schedule add to the charm of this place. Whether you’re discovering famed institutions or meeting friends for a sunset cocktail, View Boston ensures an unforgettable experience.
- View Boston hosts several events throughout the year, including yoga sessions, live music performances, and holiday-themed events. It also offers private event spaces for corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions.
Restaurants
The Beacon restaurant at View Boston offers an exceptional culinary experience with breathtaking views of Boston. It features a 22-seat window-facing bar, seasonal beverages, and bites. The rotating seasonal menu is made with fresh, local ingredients. This restaurant is located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Tower.
The Stratus at View Boston is a 360° cocktail rooftop experience located on the 51st floor of the Prudential Tower. It offers handcrafted cocktails, indoor and outdoor seating, and a 360-degree open-air roof deck. Soak in stunning views of the Boston skyline, as you enjoy signature cocktails. You can also indulge in a few bar bites while admiring the views.
Things to do around View Boston
Fenway Park is a baseball stadium located in Boston, Massachusetts. Since 1912, it has been the home of the Boston Red Sox, the city’s American League baseball team. The park is known for its unique features, including “The Triangle”, Pesky’s Pole, and the Green Monster in left field.
Distance from View Boston: 1.5 miles
Symphony Hall is a concert hall located at 301 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts. It can accommodate an audience of 2,625. The hall is considered one of the top three concert halls in the world for its acoustics and is considered the finest in the United States.
Distance from View Boston: 1 mile
When something special is happening in the night sky – a passing comet, a lunar eclipse, or a visible pass of the International Space Station – the Judson B. Coit Observatory is the place to be. Unravel the mysteries of the night sky with their friendly astronomy team.
Distance from View Boston: 1.5 miles
Established in 1837, the Boston Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America. It’s a beautiful and tranquil place to visit, with its swan boats, fountains, and diverse range of plants and flowers. Over 80 species of plants are cultivated there for future plantings in the Garden.
Distance from View Boston: 1 mile
Hotels Around View Boston
Frequently asked questions about View Boston
The View Boston observation deck provides stunning 360-degree views of Boston’s skyline. This is the best vantage point in the city that also houses exhibits and top-notch restaurants to make your visit worthwhile.
Inside View Boston is a state-of-the-art observation deck, immersive exhibits, and fine dining options.
Yes, View Boston is accessible to guests with reduced mobility.
We suggest spending about three to four hours to make the most of your visit to View Boston.
View Boston maintains a strict no-animals policy, even during non-public hours. However, Certified Service Animals and animals undergoing training for certification, are allowed to assist guests with disabilities. Service dogs and dogs in training must be at least 12 months old; animals under 12 months old are not permitted.
You are free to capture personal photos and videos using hand-held devices to document their experience. However, it's important to note that the use of professional photographic equipment, video cameras, recording devices, tripods, lights, and similar gear is not permitted without prior approval from View Boston management.
