Downtown Crossing is Boston’s historic pedestrian shopping district, centered on the intersection of Washington Street with Winter and Summer Streets. The area around that crossing is closed to most vehicle traffic, letting shoppers wander freely past department stores, retail shops, restaurants, souvenir sellers, and street vendors. It sits just east of Boston Common and west of the Financial District, threading together several of downtown’s busiest corridors.
The district takes its name from this central crossing and has long been one of the city’s main commercial hubs, anchored historically by major department stores. At its heart is the MBTA’s Downtown Crossing station, an underground transfer point served by the Red and Orange Lines and a busy bus interchange. With its pedestrian streets, food options, and proximity to Boston Common, the Granary Burying Ground, and the Theater District, it is an easy and central base for exploring downtown on foot.
Good to know
- A largely pedestrian-only shopping district closed to most vehicle traffic
- Centered on the Washington/Winter/Summer Street intersection
- Downtown Crossing station is a Red Line/Orange Line transfer point and major bus hub
- Walkable to Boston Common, the Granary Burying Ground, and the Theater District
Getting there
- Address: Washington Street at Summer and Winter Streets, Boston, MA 02108
- Neighborhood: Downtown
- Nearest T: Downtown Crossing (Red Line and Orange Line); Park Street (Red/Green) is one block away