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How to Visit View Boston

Updated: October 11, 2023

This post is a guide to View Boston, the new observatory atop the Prudential Tower, Boston's second-tallest building.

We provide tips on how to get tickets ahead of time, what to expect from your visit, and how to get there.


VIEW BOSTON TICKETS

View Boston is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Last entry is at 9 pm.

There are three types of tickets: Standard, Combination and All-inclusive. 

For Standard and Combination tickets you must choose a time slot on the date you want to visit.

Only the All-inclusive ticket allows you to enter at any time on your selected date.

The Combination ticket and the All-inclusive ticket include a Priority Lane for entry, security and exit.

The Combination ticket includes an $8 credit toward the gift shop and the All-inclusive ticket includes a $12 credit toward the gift shop or a beverage at the bar/bistro.

Standard Ticket

  • $34.99/Adults | $32.99/Seniors (65+) | $28.99/Children (age 6-12)
  • Children 5 and under are FREE
  • Must use at the time stamped on the ticket

Combination Ticket

  • $44.99/Adults | $42.99/Seniors (65+) | $38.99/Children (age 6-12)
  • Children 5 and under are FREE
  • Priority Lane for Entry, Security, and Exit
  • $8 voucher for gift store or Stratus Bar and Bistro

All-inclusive Ticket

  • $54.99/Adults | $52.99/Seniors (65+) | $48.99/Children (age 6-12)
  • Children 5 and under are FREE
  • Priority Lane for Entry, Security, and Exit
  • Flexible Arrival - arrive anytime during operating hours
  • $12 voucher for gift store or beverage at Stratus Lounge
  • Viewfinder Map Keepsake

More information and to book tickets.


DISCOUNTS ON TICKETS

View Boston is included on both major tourist passes, Go City Boston and Boston CityPASS.

This is a great way to save money on a Standard ticket, especially if you plan on seeing other attractions while visiting Boston.

Tourist attraction discount passes work by bundling together several popular tourist attractions and tours into one discounted price.

Read more about Boston tourist attraction discount passes.


HOW TO GET HERE

View Boston is located in the Prudential Tower (also called simply the Pru) at 800 Boylston Street.

The Nearest MTBA Station is Prudential Station (Green Line E Tram) (map).

Read our post on how to use the Boston T (subway)

Where is the Prudential Center Boston

The entrance to View Boston is inside the Prudential Center Mall just past the Madewell store and across from Vineyard Vines.

Once in the lobby, you have to check in with security, so make sure you have a photo ID with you.


WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR VISIT

View Boston is a three-floor observatory at the top of the Prudential Tower. At 729 feet (222 m) tall, this skyscraper is Boston's second tallest building.

View Boston opened in the Summer of 2023 and offers the highest viewpoint in the city.

It's a worthy replacement for Skywalk Observatory and Top of the Hub restaurant which closed in 2020.

View Boston occupies the 50th, 51st, and 52nd floors of the Pru Tower.

First, you’ll take the elevators to the 52nd floor for panoramic views of the city. 

The elevated platform within allows for an even better view. You can use the “Virtual Viewers” digital kiosks to learn about Boston’s neighborhoods and landmarks.

You can use the kiosks to build an itinerary of attractions to check out while in Boston.

Next, you’ll head down to the 51st floor to the Cloud Terrace, the wrap-around 360-degree open-air roof deck. 

View Boston

Also on the 51st Floor is Stratus, an indoor/outdoor cocktail bar serving drinks and small plates.

The final stop is the 50th floor where there is a immersive theater with a 270-degree screen.

There's also a fantastic 3D model of the city with projection-mapping that offers a 'street-level' exploration of some of Boston’s neighborhoods and iconic attractions.

Both the Stratus Lounge and the Beacon Bistro are on this floor, but they cannot be accessed separately. Only visitors to View Boston can dine here.

To dine at the bistro, you can buy a package that includes admission to View Boston, and one of three levels of meal options. Read more here.

Those looking for a unique nighttime experience might want to consider one of these packages.

For more activities after dark, read our post covering things to do at night in Boston.


ALTERNATIVES TO VIEW BOSTON OBSERVATORY

There are observation decks and locations with a great view of the city of Boston, and all of the following options are entirely free to visit.

If you’re looking for even more great things to do without paying a dime, make sure to check our post covering free things to do in Boston.


Bunker Hill Monument

Located at 43 Monument Square, Charlestown, this 221-foot (67m) tall granite obelisk was built between the years 1827 and 1843 to commemorate the historic Battle of Bunker Hill.

The monument has no elevator and one must climb a narrow, winding staircase made up of 294 stairs to reach the top.

While the climb is a great way to get exercise, it can be a bit strenuous and is not recommended for anyone with heart trouble or breathing issues.

When finally reaching the top of the Monument, there is a small window where one can gaze out and get a decent view of the city.

This isn’t the best view, as the window at the top is small, but a good place to visit for history buffs or anyone interested in learning about America’s war for Independence.

Operated by the National Parks Service, the monument guides are happy to answer questions and give insight into the events that took place during that battle.

The Bunker Hill Monument is free and open year-round.

For more information call: 617-242-5641. Located on Boston’s Freedom Trail, the nearest MBTA Stop is North Station on the Orange and Green Line.


Marriott Customs House Tower

Another option is the Marriott Customs House Tower. Although the building is a bit shorter than the Skywalk Observatory, it may be situated in a better location.

Sitting on Boston’s scenic waterfront, it stands at 492 feet (150m) and provides wonderful views of Boston and the Boston Harbor.

The Custom House Tower was Boston’s tallest building from 1915 when it opened until 1965 when it was dwarfed by the Prudential Tower.

The iconic four-faced clock is a landmark in Boston’s skyline, and on the top ledge lives a family of Peregrine Falcons.

They are one of the fastest birds on the planet and can reach speeds of 200 miles per hour while hunting other birds.

You can view these birds in their nest through the Falcon Cam on the Observation Floor.

The Marriott Custom House is located at 3 McKinley Sq. Boston, MA 02109. For observation times and more information call (617) 310-6300.

The nearest MBTA Stop is the Aquarium Stop on the Blue Line.


Independence Wharf

A short jaunt from the Marriott Custom House and located at 470 Atlantic Avenue, is Independence Wharf. This office building also has great views of Boston Harbor.

Located on the building's 14th floor, the observation deck provides visitors with a single bench and binoculars that do not need to be fed with quarters.

Independence Wharf is accessible through the Harborwalk which is a walkway running along Boston Harbor.

You will need to be buzzed into the building by security and an ID is required to enter.

For more information call (617) 737-0974. The nearest MBTA Stop is the Aquarium Stop on the Blue Line.


The Judson B. Coit Observatory

The Judson B. Coit Observatory is located at 725 Commonwealth Ave. on the roof of Boston University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

This observatory, which is free and open to the public every Wednesday night, provides a great view of Boston and the stars above.

On Wednesday nights, they invite guests to gaze through the telescope located in the Observatory while mapping the stars with the help of astronomy buffs.

For more information call: (617) 353-2625. The nearest MBTA Stop is Boston University Central Station on the Green Line B Train.

For more information call: (617) 353-2625. The nearest MBTA Stop is Boston University Central Station on the Green Line B Train.


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About The Author

Brian Burgess

I was born in Cambridge and have been living in the Boston area all my life. I am a graduate of Boston's Emerson College with a degree in communications with a journalism/history focus. I have been leading tours for Free Tours By Foot Boston since it was started in the city of Boston in 2012, and enjoy sharing my knowledge of Boston's rich history with not only the guests on my tours, but with everyone I meet. <a href="https://freetoursbyfoot.com/contributors/brian-burgess/" Read More...
Updated: October 11th, 2023
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