Skywalk Observatory
Skywalk Observatory
4.5
Observation Decks & Towers
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The area
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Neighborhood: Back Bay
Wander around this quintessential neighborhood in the heart of Boston for high-end shops, restaurants, and the feeling of city bustle. Its most identifiable skyscrapers, the Prudential Center and John Hancock Tower, are highlights of the city skyline. Visit Newbury street to explore unique and trendy boutiques – as well as every other kind of store imaginable – all housed in beautiful brownstone buildings. In nice weather, restaurant patio seating is packed with Bostonians and tourists alike soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the food. Commonwealth Ave offers a beautiful stroll down residential tree-lined streets. Keep walking towards the Charles River and enjoy a beautiful view by the water. In warmer months, people run and bike on paths running along the esplanade, and sail and kayak on the Charles River. Boylston street, also full of shops, bars, and restaurants, is the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Head towards Copley Square and check out the Boston Public Library, which is particularly beautiful from the Dartmouth street entrance.
How to get there
- Prudential • 3 min walk
- Copley • 5 min walk
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2,492 within 3 miles
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596 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
1,307 reviews
Excellent
650
Very good
448
Average
161
Poor
32
Terrible
16
Fiona F
Petts Wood, UK91 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
I don’t think this would have been on our radar if it hadn’t been for the CityPass. I went about an hour before sunset on a weekday and it was quite quiet and so we got some good views. Simple concept. The included audio guide is essential to get any real value out of the visit. However I would have liked some more skyline pictures or staff to point out things to help pick out key buildings to have made this a five star.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve R
Temecula, CA2,149 contributions
Feb 2020
The Skywalk Observatory is one of the better observatories that you will visit. Very spacious, lots of windows and a true 360 degree views. It is quite pricey for what you get though. I could see paying $10-$15 for this but $21 seems excessive.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katie S
Andover, UK78 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
I would recommend visiting the observatory at the start of your visit to Boston. We went here on our last day and it was so interesting to see where everything was in the city. I think if we went on our first day we may of planned our days a little better.
It was great to wonder round and listen to the history of the city and hear more about the landmarks.
It was great to wonder round and listen to the history of the city and hear more about the landmarks.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
photoguywisconsin
Oshkosh, WI1,002 contributions
Dec 2019
This place isn't photographer friendly. They won't allow anyone to bring in a tripod or monopod for photography. When asked, they couldn't provide a coherent reason for their exclucsion. I typically use a tripod or monopod ( has only one leg) to take better quality photos, especially at night. Considering the admission price (something like $20 for an adult) I had hoped they would at the very least allow me to take quality photos. This exclusion felt especially ludicrous considering there were very few other guests present.
could see why they might limit
could see why they might limit
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lynnr69
Northallerton, UK50 contributions
Feb 2020
Loved our visit here, definitely worth the entrance fee. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the audio device you carry around explains both the history and views as you look out over the city and surrounding areas. We had a beautiful sunny morning when we visited so could really see for miles. My daughter asked if she could use her UK student card for discount and this was easily accepted. Lots of information on how Boston was built with immigrants from all over the world, and continues this tradition now. Very poignant in today's climate.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rolshchikov-Dmitry
Moscow, Russia481 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
As far as I know, this is the highest publicly-accessible observation deck in Boston. It provides great views of the city. The are a lot of informative materials. The staff is friendly. The deck isn’t crowded. Even though the deck’s lights are dimmed after sunset, it’s not easy to take photos due to reflections, but it’s an issue for most of the observation decks, not just this one. If you have troubles taking photos, just watch, enjoy and remember :)
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Life’s2Short
East Longmeadow, MA13 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Great views 360 degrees around the whole tower, lots of educational displays and short movies about history of boston, etc. It’s all indoor, which makes it nice year-round, but for me to give the 5th star it would need the addition of an outdoor section (even if it was a small one) to get the full raw experience of being up that high and fully soaking in the city view. Good activity for an hour or two, worth it.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Newyorkfan40
Walsall, UK318 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This was an interesting and informative tourist thing to do while in Boston, gave a lot of information regarding the immigration of many different cultures back in the day while being able to look out over Boston.
The most difficult part was trying to actually find the place. As we are from the UK unless we had already arrived somewhere and sorted the wifi then we only had basic Google maps and it kept walking us back and forth along the street with the building registered as in the street behind with no way of getting to that street, no where does it tell you to walk into the shopping centre and you will eventually find a sign for the Skywalk
The most difficult part was trying to actually find the place. As we are from the UK unless we had already arrived somewhere and sorted the wifi then we only had basic Google maps and it kept walking us back and forth along the street with the building registered as in the street behind with no way of getting to that street, no where does it tell you to walk into the shopping centre and you will eventually find a sign for the Skywalk
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
solo traveler
Glasgow, UK79 contributions
Dec 2019
I went to see this as it was one of my options on my Go Boston card, It wasn't anything to exciting if I'm honest and even the staff looked like they didn't want to work there. I was let in but wasn't given a headset or any audio to tell me what I was looking at. Basically I just looked out the windows and took some pictures.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason B
Marlborough, UK29 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
First real outing of the New Year in Boston. Great way to see 360 degrees of the city from up high. A beautiful clear winter sky made it such an amazing trip - great value too since it was included in the price of our Go Boston cards. The hostess greeted us so positively and helpfully upon arrival at the viewing floor.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi, I’m wondering if the top is reopen, are you able to go outside? Are u able to open the windows? Thanks.
Curiosity714093
8 contributions
What is the entrance fee cost?
Newyorkfan40
Walsall, UK318 contributions
Hi it's around $20 each
SeaShells1
Cumberland, RI10 contributions
Where exactly do you purchase tickets directly for this attraction?
Is it a kiosk or somewhere else?
Piotr H.
Lodz, Poland3,983 contributions
Upstairs there is an office. I bought directly after going with the elevator to 52nd floor. There was no queue. It was about 20-30 usd. Do not remember exactly
Navigator10989915920
1 contribution
How long does it take to go through the observatory?
sperez730
San Antonio, TX23 contributions
About 30 - 45 minutes and that was at a "lingering" pace. I will note that it was not crowded at all.
gothicgoddess37
3 contributions
I am afraid of heights. Is elevator quick to top?
TVHOST
Myrtle Beach, SC895 contributions
Just go with someone who will chat with you the entire time.
Pretty quick anyway!
Can you see stars at night? Or is the area too bright?
Dee
New York City, New York168 contributions
You can see everything at night. It’s amazing