View Boston is the newest observation deck in the city. Whether you are a tourist or a Boston local, you may be wondering — is View Boston worth the visit? At the time of this writing, standard admission is set at $34.99. With other tall buildings in Boston, should you purchase tickets for View Boston?
I was skeptical about buying tickets to View Boston. A few weeks back, I took a trip to NYC and visited Summit One at the Vanderbilt building. Summit One is not only an observation deck, but also an immersive experience (check out my vlog featuring it here) with ticket prices starting at $42. I loved Summit One (despite the cost), so I was hesitant to visit View Boston (and pay, yet again, to stand atop another, potentially lesser, tall thing).
View Boston is no Summit One — but, my—it is pretty cool to see. Here’s what you need to know.
Buying Tickets
- At the time of this writing, you can save $5 when buying tickets online — so be sure to take advantage of that. When a friend and I were planning to go, we were only willing to go on a sunny day. Luckily, there did not seem to be a risk of low-ticket availability (we went on a weekday morning). Accordingly, we did not buy our tickets until two or so days in advance to make sure the weather was clear.
- If you just want to see the picture-perfect views — go for a Standard ticket. The Standard ticket allows you access to the observation deck and indoor attractions (will get to the latter below). It does not allow you to skip the line. I would note that when my friend and I visited View Boston — there was zero line to speak though.
What Will I see at View Boston
You will see a true 360º degree view of Boston and out to the surrounding areas. On a sunny day, to the east, you will see the Boston Logan airport, the islands in the harbor, to the north, MIT and Harvard University, to the west, the Emerald Necklace’s ponds and parks, and to the south, um — real Boston?
You should know that there is more than one level to the observation decks. The website states that there are three levels — though, I can only distinctly remember two… (maybe the third was less interesting?).
Inside View Boston
- 52nd Floor. When you step off the elevator, you will find yourself on the highest observation deck. This one is fully enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass. The views of the city are interrupted only by the mullions dividing the large window panes. I spent the bulk of my time here. Even though I have lived in Boston for years, I was still truly in awe of all that there is to see from the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center.
- 51st Floor. Not only is there an indoor deck, but an outdoor one too! And — it was a sight to see. We went on a summer’s day and the sun was hot; so, admittedly, we did not spend too much time on the 51st floor’s outdoor deck. The views are, of course, the same, however the novelty is that there is a bar here, so if you would like a (pricey) drink with a view — this level is for you.
In addition of the observation decks, there are some other cool indoor attractions at View Boston.
I visited View Boston in September 2023 — check out some highlights from my visit in the above video.
There’s a 3D model of the city. The visuals in the room give the illusion of motion across the cityscape in the changing light (pictured below).
There are also screens and posters that highlight some of Boston’s gems, like the symphony, Fenway Park, TD Garden and the like. These exhibits would likely be of greater interest to kids and tourists (and the enthusiastic, precocious local assuredly).
There is a bar, called Stratus, which offers indoor & outdoor seating, as well as a restaurant called The Beacon. Both are pricey (what else would one expect?), but they are both well-hyped on the website (so, hopefully they are also nice).
Finally, there is a gift shop, which as far as gift shops go — this one has some neat stuff!
So, is View Boston worth a visit?
Yes — with caveats. If the ticket is within your budget, I would say, yes — see View Boston. However, try to get tickets for a clear day and for a less-busy time (if your schedule allows). For example, weekday mornings would probably be less crowded than a Saturday afternoon. Additionally, because I am writing this post during View Boston’s first season, I can’t say yet what the experience would be like in the winter. Will they close the outdoor deck? Will the windows be frosted in the winter? (…curious to know).
For tourists and locals alike, View Boston can be a fun (photo-worthy) experience. I went on a gorgeous summer day, but I would be interested in returning in the autumn to see the leaves change color and even perhaps one clear evening to view the sun as it sets.
There’s much to see — so, if you were considering visiting, do it!