Looking for a glimpse of the Boston skyline? We've put together this collection of nearly 30 spots with stellar views of the city's defining features, from hills and rooftops to restaurants and towers, stretching around the city and as far as Hingham.

Did we leave out your favorite view? Leave the details and a photo if you have one in the comments.





Map Key:



Yellow: Buildings

The view from a window seat of a plane flying out of Logan might give you a true bird's-eye view, but tops of buildings are second best, and closer to home.

The points in yellow highlight structures that offer great views of the city. There's the well-known Skywalk Observatory at the Prudential Center, and the more hidden places like the roof of the Tisch Library at Tufts University in Medford.

Green: Nature

Green pins mark natural landmarks and parks that are open to the public and offer great views and an escape to quieter surroundings.

A simple activity like climbing to the top of Peters Hill at the Arnold Arboretum is an accomplishment, and your efforts will be rewarded by a great view of the city. And rumor has it the sledding there is a blast. Many of the parks on our map, like Prospect Hill in Somerville, have towers to commemorate events dating back to the American Revolution.

Blue: Restaurants

If you’re looking for a meal, a drink and a dazzling view, look for the points on the map in blue. Some of Boston’s finest restaurants offer spectacular views of the city.

Legal Harborside, which opened in 2011 the as the flagship property of the Legal Sea Foods restaurant chain, offers three floors of a dining experience with view.

Orange: Bridges

Whether you’re walking across Mass Ave's Harvard Bridge or taking the Red Line over the Longfellow, don't miss the scenes that help you remember why this city is home.