Copley Square Tours and Activities

Copley Square
Copley Square
Copley Square
Copley Square
Copley Square


Explore some of Boston’s finest buildings, educational and arts institutions, and shopping, or simply find a patch of grass and relax.

Head to the heart of Boston’s upscale Back Bay neighborhood to Copley Square. This small green space surrounded by architectural treasures, some of which date back more than a century, is the perfect place to take a break. In the warmer months, mingle with local families and office workers cooling off by the impressive Copley Square Fountain. Or, time your visit with the bi-weekly farmers’ market, which draws hundreds of foodies.

Originally called Arts Square, the park was renamed in 1883 after the painter John Singleton Copley. The area’s must-see buildings include the Old South Church built in 1873 and Trinity Church built in 1877. Trinity Church is renowned for its Romanesque Revival architecture. Look for the unique exterior staircase on the Boylston Street side of the church and the extensive murals inside.  

The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel stands on the former site of the Museum of Fine Arts. Step inside this Beaux Arts-styled gem and marvel at the gilded entrance hall known as Peacock Alley. Be sure to check out Boston Public Library, the first free-lending library in America. Built in 1895, this Italian Renaissance-style beauty features fabulous murals, vaulted ceilings, and a peaceful courtyard and fountain.  

A newer addition to Copley Square is the imposing John Hancock Tower. Strikingly modern, the contemporary architecture of the tower sits in stark contrast to its surroundings. This is the tallest building in Boston at 60 stories, and offers some spectacular views. (For another bird’s-eye view of Boston, head instead to Prudential Tower at 800 Boylston Street.)

In nearby Copley Place, it’s easy to spend a few hours browsing the more than 70 stores in Boston’s most popular upscale mall. Copley Square is also the finishing point for the famous Boston Marathon, held annually on Patriots’ Day, the third Monday in April.

Copley Square is located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, and there’s a major subway stop there. Parking can be hard to find, so it’s best to come by subway or bus.

Plan a trip to see Copley Square

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Best Lodging Options Near Copley Square

Hilton Boston Park Plaza

Hilton Boston Park Plaza

4 out of 5
50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

4 out of 5
47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
The Revolution Hotel

The Revolution Hotel

3.5 out of 5
40 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
The Revolution Hotel
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel

The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, a Marriott Hotel
citizenM Boston Back Bay

citizenM Boston Back Bay

4 out of 5
408 Newbury street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston Back Bay
Boston Marriott Copley Place

Boston Marriott Copley Place

4 out of 5
110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Boston Marriott Copley Place
The Godfrey Hotel Boston

The Godfrey Hotel Boston

4 out of 5
505 Washington Street, Boston, MA
The Godfrey Hotel Boston
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
39 Dalton St, Boston, MA
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel
citizenM Boston North Station

citizenM Boston North Station

4 out of 5
80-120 Causeway Street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston North Station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Copley Square

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Copley Square, where you can enjoy a variety of activities including theatre performances and sporting events. Don't miss the renowned Symphony Hall, and consider joining a Boston food tour to savour local delights. For those looking for budget-friendly options, free tours of the area are also available, showcasing the rich history and culture of this iconic location.

Shopping

Copley Square offers a vibrant shopping experience. Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Boston Public Market are both only 1.6km away, featuring diverse shops and local goods. If you're up for a drive, the Boston Design Center, 3.2km away, showcases unique designs and home decor.

Recreation

Experience live performances at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, only a mile from Copley Square, immersing you in vibrant entertainment. For sports enthusiasts, Agganis Arena, located two miles away, offers thrilling events. For a serene escape, visit Larz Anderson Park, four miles away, perfect for relaxation and wellness.

Adventure

The Irish Heritage Trail, a scenic hiking trail located 1.6km from Copley Square, offers outdoor adventure vibes as you explore Boston's rich history. For water sports, the Courageous Sailing Center, 3.2km away, delivers thrilling experiences on the water. For motor racing enthusiasts, F1 Boston, 14.5km distant, provides an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Copley Square is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at the Charles Playhouse, only 805m away, or immerse yourself in the wonders of the Charles Hayden Planetarium, 1.6km away. For a romantic evening, catch a performance at the Wilbur Theatre, just 966m away.

Find the best attractions near Copley Square

Copley Square in Boston is a vibrant hub featuring historic colleges, urban parks, and event venues, making it a great destination for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore the rich history and architecture of the area while enjoying outdoor spaces and various events. Don't miss the chance to soak in the local atmosphere and discover the unique attractions that Copley Square has to offer.

  • Fenway Park: Experience the rich history and electrifying atmosphere of Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox. This iconic stadium, located 1.6km from Copley Square, offers a unique blend of sports culture and tradition, making it a must-visit for any sports enthusiast.
  • TD Garden: Just 1.6km away, TD Garden serves as a premier venue for concerts and sporting events. With its bustling business vibe, this arena is the heartbeat of Boston's entertainment scene, hosting everything from NHL games to world-class performances.
  • Boston Common: Located 966m from Copley Square, Boston Common is the perfect urban park for families. Enjoy lush greenery, walking paths, and recreational activities amidst the vibrant city atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing day outdoors.

Best time to go to Copley Square

Visitor numbers around Copley Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Copley Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Copley Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Copley Square falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January30.0°F (-1.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Copley Square

When visiting Copley Square in Boston, consider taking advantage of free attractions like Boston Common, Harvard University, and Boston University. To save on accommodations, plan your trip between December and February, when prices are lower, and choose to stay from Sunday to Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare room rates and find package deals that combine flights and hotels for additional savings. Sorting options from lowest to highest price can help you discover the best deals for your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Copley Square are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Copley Square is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Copley Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Copley Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.