Things to Do Near Copley Square Boston
Copley Square
Named to honor the famed Boston artist John Singleton Copley, this Back Bay neighborhood is well known for its history and iconic architectural structures. Here, you can spend the day enjoying its charms in the way of various cafes, historical points of interest and upscale shops. There is also much to do, see and explore just footsteps away. Here’s a guide to some of the top things to do near Copley Square.
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Interesting Facts
- Copley Square is named after a painter John Singleton Copley which was prior known as the Art Square.
- Copley Square is home to the Old South Church (New Old South Church or Third Church) which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
- According to L.C. Norton the heavy main entrance doors of Trinity Church were the first to be fitted with a quiet and effective means to resist slamming.
- The tallest building in the Boston, called “The John Hancock Tower” which was named for “John Hancock Insurance Company” and completed in 1976 is located in Copley Square.
THINGS TO DO NEARBY
Trinity Church
Boston’s Trinity Church was founded in 1733 and was originally located in downtown Boston. After the Great Boston Fire of 1872, the church complex moved to its current location and construction was completed in 1877. The impressive church was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson and is the first instance of the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Trinity Church is a Boston landmark and a cultural center for the city.
Boston Public Library
As the oldest large free-lending library in America, the Boston Public Library was designed as a “palace for the people.” The McKim building includes a children’s room, the first in the country, and a sculpture garden with an arcaded gallery surrounding it. When facing the Copley Square side, the library façade resembles a 16th century Italian palace. Bates Hall is the library’s magnificent reading room, named after the library’s original benefactor Joshua Bates.
South End Neighborhood
South End Neighborhood is the place to go to visit The Boston Center for the Arts, a non-profit performing and visual arts complex, Sam Adams Brewery and a variety of restaurants.
Boston Public Garden
As the first public botanical garden in the country, Boston Public Garden is a source of pride for the city and dates back centuries. Here, you can view a multitude of beautiful plants, monuments and fountains. The famous Swan Boats are also here and have been providing family entertainment for more than a century.
Cheers
Even if you’re not old enough to remember the beloved hit TV show, Cheers is an iconic Boston treasure and definitely worth a visit while you’re in the Copley Square neighborhood. The pub that inspired the well-loved sitcom, Cheers was founded in 1969. This cozy, neighborhood favorite is where folks gather for a cold beer and delicious, casual eats like potato skins, Buffalo wings, burgers, sandwiches and more. If you are a fan of the series, you’ll be delighted to see where the producers got their inspiration and with the numerous menu items named for the show’s characters.
Boston Pops Symphony Hall
America’s premier concert hall, Boston Pops Symphony Hall is a definite must-see while you’re close by. Even if you’re not able to secure tickets for one of their performances, the hall offers free tours led by experienced Boston Symphony association members who are happy to share the fascinating history of the orchestra with you. Hear stories about the musicians, conductors and more. These behind-the-scenes tours are a great way to witness the beauty and elegance of the hall and learn about its rich and interesting past.
Frog Pond
No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something happening at Frog Pond in Boston Common, just steps from Copley Square. Here you can enjoy delicious eats at the café, enjoy the splash area in the spring and summer, ice skating in the winter, and the children’s carousel. There are also family friendly events happening all year long.
Boston Common
A visit to Copley Square, or Boston for that matter, is not complete without spending some time at Boston Common. America’s oldest public park, the Common is known for its 50 acres of natural beauty and as a central gathering place where people throughout its centuries of history have come to enjoy a variety of activities and events.
Massachusetts State House
Located just a short walk away from Copley Square, the Massachusetts State House is the state capitol and the house of government. The exquisite building dates back to the late 1700s and is a National Historic Landmark. One of its most renown features is its dome, which is topped with a gilded wooden pine cone. In its early days, the dome was recovered by copper by Paul Revere, who was the first American to roll copper into sheets for commercial use.
