Every major metropolitan area has its hub and for downtown Boston, it’s Downtown Crossing. This retail district has struggled for years trying to reinvent its image while major retailers—like the iconic Filene’s Basement and Barnes & Nobles—have closed its doors. However, there are still major selling points to this shopping mecca. For example, all of the city’s T stops intersect at Downtown Crossing(except the blue line, nearby at Gov't Center). And the area is mostly closed to automobiles which allows for swarms of pedestrian traffic. Despite suburban competition and persistent vacancies, the area boasts some great retail options including Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Macy's, H&M and a stellar Food Court.

Downtown Crossing was originally a residential district for the leaders of colonial Boston where they had easy access to the waterfront for trade and the Boston Common for recreation. Their seat of government was the Old State House at the head of State. The Great Spring, the main fresh water source for the area is also the source of Spring Lane's name. The grid structure of Downtown Crossing's streets date back to the 1600s. Many of the walkways between the area’s main drag, Washington Street, and Tremont were once cow paths that led to the Common. By the mid-1800s, the once agrarian area around Washington Street became more commercialized after the great fire of 1872 destroyed more than 500 buildings and nearly demolished the 65-acre area. Boston’s elite rebuilt the district and it has been Boston’s primary retail area for many years.

• Bromfield Street

• Washington Street

• Winter Street