At a Glance

Located in the heart of Boston's northeastern peninsula, Downtown has served as Boston's hub since the 1700s. Home to City Hall, numerous corporate headquarters, condos and apartments, and some of Boston’s most beloved tourist attractions—including the historic Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall—Downtown is always bustling. 

Housing options in downtown are varied, ranging from historic apartment buildings to modern glass towers. Theaters, restaurants, cafes, and 5.5 miles of dynamic waterfront are always within easy walking distance. The Rose Kennedy Greenway, Dewey Square, and Boston Common offer substantial green space and places of respite amidst the activity. In the summer, City Hall Plaza buzzes with concerts and festivals. 

Downtown Crossing is a major retail area, offering a range of apparel stores, national retailers, bakeries, and both fast casual and fine restaurants to suit every taste. The debut of Boston’s first Business Improvement District in 2011 has brought more than a decade of block parties, markets, and other events to historic Washington and Summer Street areas. Numerous hotels serve both tourists and business travelers. Historic theaters, including the Opera House, Modern, and Paramount, host a variety of productions along the southern end of Washington Street. Suffolk University, Emerson College, and Urban College are also major tenants of Downtown. 

Want to learn about and share your ideas on planning and development in your neighborhood? Email our Community Engagement team at PlanningEngagement@boston.gov to learn about upcoming engagement opportunities. For information about planning context, zoning, or Planning Department processes, please contact [email protected].