17 Best Shopping in Boston, Massachusetts

Inside the Prudential Center this large branch of the popular bookseller chain carries a diverse selection of hardcovers and paperbacks, American and international magazines, music, and small gifts, like soap and candles.

Tucked inside Copley Place, Boston's denizens scope the lofty, two-story space to load up on cutting-edge lines like Comme des Garçons and Nina Ricci. Men and kid needs are covered too, as well as your yen for beauty products and funky home goods.

Founded in 1818, Brooks still carries in its nationwide shops the classically modern styles that made it famous—old faithfuls for men such as navy blazers, summertime seersucker, and crisp oxford shirts and similar styles for women and kids (4–16 years). Its Newbury Street store offers the hipper Fleece collection with both a bright affordable line and a high-end designer line aimed to appeal to less conservative shoppers. There's another location at 75 State Street.

Sneaker collectors love having what other people can't find and this store features exclusives by Nike, New Balance, Vans, Adidas, and others. Fanatics line up around the block when a limited-edition shoe debuts.

Major discounts on high-quality (and big-name) shoes for men and women draw savvy Boston shoppers to this branch of the chain DSW, also known as Designer Shoe Warehouse. Everything from Nike to Prada can be found at varying discounts—sometimes up to 90% off.

Many male and female clubgoers have at least one pair of these oh-so-hip shoes in their closets, perhaps because of the company's claim that their Angel soles repel all kinds of nasty liquids "and Satan."

Founded in 1907, this national men's chain has crisp suits, dress shirts, and leather shoes for the conservatively well-dressed male everywhere. And gents, should you need a tuxedo at the last minute, rest assured: the store rents them.

Trendsetters go wild for Kate's colorful and classically whimsical dresses, as well as her handbags, shoes, PJs, accessories, and travel and cosmetics cases.

Somewhat overstuffed with merchandise for men, women, children, and infants, this Boston branch of the popular national chain stocks classic clothing by such designers as Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, along with accessories, cosmetics, and jewelry.

Known for its personalized service, Marathon gives advice for choosing the perfect shoe, whether you're a beginning walker or a serious sprinter. With numerous branches, including one in Boston (671 Boylston Street) and another in Brookline (1638 Beacon Street), this flagship store sees many a marathoner stopping in to buy shoes before the Boston race each spring.

Cute dresses, playful skirts, and form-fitting tops make up the selection here. The Cambridge location is a little larger and easier to navigate, but Brookline houses the original.

Set in the dynamic SOWA (South of Washington Street) district, this 10,000-square-foot showroom dishes forth an exotic visual feast: cabinets, tables, chairs, and lamps from Thailand, India, China, and Indonesia, along with contemporary and antique Oriental rugs and silver and gem jewelry. The undecided can ponder what to buy over a breakfast sandwich or lunch salad in the store's café.

At its Back Bay location, the flashy Texas-based retailer jokingly referred to by some as "Needless Markup" has three levels of swank designers and a jaw-dropping shoe section, as well as cosmetics and housewares.

The clothing and accessories at this posh national department store run from the traditional to the flamboyant, making this Prudential Center location an excellent place to find that one-of-a-kind outfit that will set you apart from the crowd in a tasteful, elegant way. The store also carries an impressive collection of shoes and cosmetics and conveniently stays open late during the week.

If you're hunting for exotic game meats, you've come to the right place. Savenor's food market, once Julia Child's favorite butcher, carries buffalo rump, alligator tail, even iguana. You'll find plenty of tamer choices, too, as well as outstanding cheeses, breads, and treats such as foie gras and smoked salmon. Another location operates in Cambridge.

This industrial-looking shop has some of the finest modern furniture in town. Collections from Italian lines like Flexform and Poliform are set up in roomlike designs on the floor to give shoppers an accurate visual of their future interior design.

Fine service complements the finest in gems and precious metals—as well as high-end leathergoods and fragrances—in this Copley Place store of the elegant jewelry chain. There is a branch on 5 Newbury Street.