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Now that the weather is consistently warm (well, almost — this is still New England), you can finally make plans to wander around the city.

With that in mind, we asked Boston.com readers about their favorite spots to relax and take in views of the city skyline, and put together a list of the most suggested places.

Boston Harbor

Skyline scene of Boston on May 2, 2018. —Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff

City views tend to look more beautiful set against a body of water, and the Boston skyline is no different. It comes as no surprise, then, that our readers chose various locations along the Boston Harbor as some of the greatest for soaking in the skyline.


“The absolute best place to view the Boston skyline is the top of the drumlin nearest Castle Island on Spectacle Island. I believe it’s the highest vantage point in Boston Harbor…. If you go to the other drumlin you have spectacular views of Quincy Bay, Hull Gut, and basically all of the Brewsters.” – Kevin Maher

“The end of the Boston Harbor Sailing Club’s mooring field is as good as any place. Nice place to see Fourth fireworks.” – James Smith

“Legal Harborside’s rooftop lounge, with a delicious lobster roll in hand.” – Eric D. Brown

“From the Harbor riding home to Hull on the ferry!” – Tammy Best

Top of the Hub

The Boston skyline from the Top of the Hub. —Wiqan Ang for The Boston Globe

The readers that named the 52nd floor of the Prudential as a favorite spot didn’t provide a reason why — it’s apparently self-explanatory.

“From the Top of the Hub looking east toward downtown.” – Brian McKenna

“Top of the Hub restaurant.” – Nancy Rice

Piers Park

The United States Navy flying team, known as the “Blue Angels,” is pictured as they fly over Boston, as seen from Piers Park in East Boston. —Globe Staff Photo/Jim Davis

If you really want to make your city gazing from East Boston’s Piers Park worthwhile, the Piers Park Sailing Center offers sailing lessons and season sailing passes.

“Easy….Piers Park East Boston.” – Patrick J. Fay

“Piers Park in East Boston!” – Steph Salsman

Charles River

The Boston skyline reflects off of an icy Charles River. —Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff

Respondents continually said there’s nothing like looking to the land from the water. So rent a kayak, hop on a Duck Boat, or make friends with a boat owner. All are great options for spending some time on the river — and soaking up views from the Charles.


“From the Charles River on a kayak just before the Mass Ave. bridge.” – Brian McKenna

“On the Charles by MIT.” – Bill Came

“On the Red Line approaching Charles/MGH.” – Raven A. Coakley

Logan Airport

The view from the water transportation dock at Logan Airport. —Tanya Skypeck

If being at the airport is not your favorite thing, you’re not alone. But, on the recommendation of our readers, keep your eyes peeled for that top-notch city view from your gate, nearby, or the sky.

“I just love flying into Logan!!” – Mary Ann Shaw Bisher

“Moakley Courthouse or the Hyatt at Logan airport!?” – Noyster Chanthaseng

“Unquestionably, my favorite spot is by the water transportation dock at Logan Airport. Majestic buildings reflecting in shimmering water, the inner harbor full of sailboats on a summer’s afternoon, and airplanes! It’s the best of everything. There’s a lengthy walking path along the water (part of the Harborwalk), plenty of benches, unobstructed skyline views, and a certain quiet and peace. Take the designated shuttle bus from any Logan terminal, or better yet hire a water taxi from Long Wharf for the 10-minute ride across the harbor.” – Tanya Skypeck

Memorial Drive

Memorial Drive. —Dani Marini

Running along the Charles River, Memorial Drive is just shy of four miles long and stretches from West to East Cambridge. Look out the window of your car for a great view of the city (as long as you’re not the person driving!).

“1 Memorial Drive, Cambridge!” – Dani Marini

“Memorial Drive [is] hands down winner.” – Jim Reilly

“So many views — I love the skyline from Memorial Drive.” – Christine Houston

Mass. Ave. Bridge

Passersby make their way across the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge as the sun sets. —Keith Bedford/Globe Staff

If you’re headed into Boston proper from Cambridge, look up!


“Walking across the Mass. Ave. bridge at night❤️” – Tina Lampropoulos

“Mass. Ave. bridge over the Pike!” – Walter Earle Schneider

The honorable mentions



Even without many votes, these locations are worthy of a mention — readers sent the pictures to prove it.

Museum of Science

The view from the Museum of Science. —Jim Hurley

“Museum of Science, Boston is my favorite.” – Jim Hurley

“Out the back of the Museum of Science lobby at sunset.” – Jon A Witkin

Fenway Park

State Street Pavilion Club Section 2 at Fenway Park. —Ben Ghosh

“State Street Pavilion Club Section 2. Pure Boston. The Sox, the skyline, the sunshine.” – Ben Ghosh

Belle Isle Marsh in Revere

Belle Isle Marsh in Revere. —Joe Parzel

“The contrast of Boston’s skyline against this wildlife preservation is something special that I hope is protected forever.” – Joe Parzel

Deer Island

The Boston skyline from Deer Island. —Melissa Sciorra

“What’s awesome about Deer Island is the benches that are dedicated in memory of family, friends, and loved ones. Many are decorated with sentimental objects, and the views of Boston and the airport are breathtaking. Watching the planes come in with a sunset and skyline in the background is a great way to take a step back from the city and put things into perspective.” – Melissa Sciorra

Nut Island

The Boston skyline from Nut Island. —Lee Toma

“Nut Island is one of my favorite spots with a nice view of the skyline.” – Lee Toma

Some comments have been lightly edited for spelling and grammar.

Editor’s note: After publication, we edited a response so as to not lead readers to believe there are alligators in the Belle Isle Marsh.