Adorned with Federalist Era architecture and unmatched charm, the Beacon Hill neighborhood continues to be a hot spot for tourists and history buffs alike. Walk down the brick sidewalks of this historically rich neighborhood to find quaint boutiques, world-renowned restaurants and instagrammable cafes—our guide is here to lead you to the best spots.
Where To Eat
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272 Cambridge St., mamaisonboston.com
Bienvenue à Ma Maison! The work of mastermind Stanislava Sosnitsky and French-native celebrity chef Jacky Robert, this French bistro provides classics with an unexpected yet satisfying twist. Be prepared to make a few impossible choices while perusing their sophisticated menu of boneless short ribs bourguignon with potato croquette and duck magret a l’orange with brussel sprouts.
15 Beacon St., mooorestaurant.com
From culinary expert Jamie Mammano, Mooo…. is a modern steakhouse boasting a full-bar and award-winning wine list. Whether it’s three egg frittata florentine for breakfast, faroe island salmon for lunch or roasted bone marrow for dinner, at Mooo.…, you can never go wrong.
47 Charles St. toscanoboston.com
Toscano’s dedication to premiere Italian cuisine goes beyond your typical spaghetti and pizza—local and rare imported ingredients pay homage to the traditional cooking found in Italy’s greatest culinary region, Tuscany. Further elevating the atmosphere are century-old walnut floors, Italian stone walls, hand-carved doors and premiere window seats to Beacon Hill’s bustling Charles Street.
Where To Stay
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15 Beacon St., xvbeacon.com
Tucked inside a turn-of-the-century landmark Beaux Arts building, this luxurious Beacon Hill escape is a must-stay—especially during Boston’s blustery winters. Gas fireplaces, cashmere throws, 400 thread count Frette linens, heated towel racks and more create a cozy, sumptuous atmosphere for all wayward travelers. After a dip in one of their jacuzzi tubs, ride the original caged-glass elevator downstairs to Mooo...., where dirty martinis and high-end cuts are sure to delight.
25 Charles St., beaconhillhotel.com
Located in a 19th century Beacon Hill building, this recently renovated boutique hotel flawlessly combines the allure of history with a touch of modern flare. Enjoy a pristine mix of European hospitality and New England charm at their cozy bar, intimate eatery or open-air roof deck during the warmer months.
215 Charles St., libertyhotel.com
If you’re looking for historically-rooted accommodations, book a room at The Liberty, formerly the Charles Street Jail. Although the hotel includes some humorous acknowledgements of the building’s scandalous past, like pillows with tally marks of the days, it also stands at the pinnacle of Boston luxury. With a beautifully landscaped courtyard, imported bed linens, and a top-rated restaurant, helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Lydia Shire, you might just want to add one more tally mark to those delightful accent pillows.
170 Charles St., whitneyhotelboston.com
Situated just off the Charles River, The Whitney is a chic boutique hotel with close proximity to the endless shopping and dining opportunities in Beacon Hill. After a day of sightseeing via their complimentary bikes, guests can unwind with a cocktail in hand at the in-house coastal Italian restaurant, Peregrine.
Where To Relax
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53 River St., 781.710.0450, ellieesthetics.com
Treat yourself to the ultimate glow up at Ellie Esthetics, where lashes, spray tans, makeup, hair and more ensure every client leaves their studio glowing. The relaxing, sun-filled space overlooks Charles Street, and is the perfect spot for a birthday and pre-bachelorette glam parties. Rent the space out for a group of friends and enjoy an unforgettable beauty sesh.
28 Charles St., townhousebeautybar.com
Indulge in a day-long experience at Townhouse Beauty bar where their team—filled with dedicated stylists and an esthetician—are committed to helping customers feel and look their best. Choose between hydrafacials, eyelash extensions, hair gloss and more.
103 Charles St., Second floor, le-svelte-spa.business.site
After a night out, take to Le Svelte Spa and try one of their modern restorative services. Whether you choose their miracle relaxing massage or their customized glass skin facial, prepare yourself for an unmatched feeling of revitalization.
Where To Shop
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71 Charles St., bhbooks.com
Beware: as you step into Beacon Hill Books & Cafe, it may be impossible to leave. With a sea of bookshelves surrounding a meticulously carved fireplace and an intimate cafe with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, this quaint store is the perfect place to relax on a snowy Boston day.
65 Charles St., credobeauty.com
Formerly Follain, Credo Beauty vows to make sure every product is examined for safety before putting it on their shelves. Clients of this clean beauty boutique can rest easy knowing their skincare is free of ingredients that lead to health and environmental issues.
60 Charles St., flatofthehill.com
With almost 25 years in the area, Flat of the Hill is a Beacon Hills staple. Reap the benefits of shopping small by treating yourself with their jaw-dropping gifts including jewelry, pillows, soaps and more—it doesn’t get any better than this.
119 Charles St., Frenchitalian.com
With roots in both France and Italy, founder Aimee Lombardi pays homage to her heritage and ancestors—including those who invented knitting machines—with her designer boutique. Shop luxury apparel, shoes and accessories from all over the world without leaving Beacon Hill.
76 Charles St., matsu-boston.com
Guided by her touchstones—beauty, balance, spirit and joy—co-owner Dava Muramatsu reopened MATSU, an apparel and home decor boutique. Inside the evergreen walls, carefully crafted pieces, including cashmere knits and unique jackets, are sure to catch your eye.
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
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97 Mt Vernon St., 1928beaconhill.com
Once you step through the doors of 1928, be prepared to teleport into the roaring 20s. With an antique-filled interior, two uniquely decorated dining areas and prohibition-era cocktails, this Beacon Hills staple is a one-of-a-kind experience.
25 Charles St., beaconhillhotel.com
Located inside the newly-reopened Beacon Hill Hotel, this bistro provides wines and spirits from around the world. Prepare for an evening of cocktails including their Spice & Thyme with notes of pineapple, pomegranate, honey, lime and thyme, paired with delectable bites: Think tuna tartare, branzino and risotto porcini.
Where To Hit The Town
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11 Beacon St., carrienationcocktailclub.com
Imagine unwinding after work in a soft leather chair under dim lights with a Southern Mint Tea in hand. This dream can be realized at Carrie Nation, a historic, 1920s-themed speakeasy in Beacon Hill. If the tassel lampshades, pool tables and red velvet curtains don’t transport you to the roaring 20s, the cocktails surely will, with sips like the Old-Fashioned with Redemption Rye, demerara and angostura bitters, and the Vesper with Hendricks, Ketel One vodka and lillet blanc. If you want a few bites to complement your sips, consider the fig and prosciutto bruschetta or classic truffle parmesan fries with garlic aioli.
6b Beacon St., roxannesboston.com
With a seasonal drink menu, Roxanne’s will quench your thirst any time of year. As the days get shorter and colder, revel in Athletic Run Wild IPA, full of hoppy goodness. If you’d rather have a cocktail, the bar mixes light and playful options like the Naked and Instafamous, made with tequila, green chartreuse and aperol, or the For The Girls, made with Reyka vodka, peach liqueur, muddles raspberries, pineapple and rose petals.
Cultural Experiences
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55 Mt. Vernon St., nicholshousemuseum.org
Beacon Hill is filled with history, from its cobblestone streets to centuries-old brownstones. Step into one of the neighborhood’s oldest houses—once home to the Nichols family—for an educational tour highlighting women’s history, decorative arts and life in the late 19th century.
75 Charles St., sloanemerrillgallery.com
A fresh take on traditional art galleries, Sloane Merrill Gallery was founded to showcase living artists working with oil and bronze in the Boston area. This Charles Street gallery provides a transportive experience to allow each artist's personal approach to shine through.
Hidden Gem
The Grotto Restaurant
37 Bowdoin St., grottorestaurant.com
Peek past this contemporary Italian eatery’s red velvet curtains to find a cozy, intimate dining experience. Once inside the dimly-lit spot, bites like black truffle garlic soup, house-made ricotta ravioli and tangy pannacotta are sure to delight. Just be sure to pair your meal with a bottle from their extensive wine list.
Photography by: Vanessa Sezini/Unsplash
