View Boston
About
View Boston occupies the top three floors of the Prudential Tower in Back Bay and bills itself as the city's only observation deck with 360-degree views both indoors and outdoors. The 52nd floor is a glassed-in panorama; one floor down, the Cloud Terrace is an open-air roof deck that runs all the way around the building, with Stratus, the bar, set on it.
It works best as a first-day orientation, which is how View Boston pitches itself: see the city laid out from above, then use the exhibits a floor below to build a plan for the rest of the trip. The entrance is inside the Prudential Center next to Center Court, and the Green Line E branch has a Prudential stop that exits straight into the building, so there is no need to drive. The attraction itself suggests sunset for skyline views.
Three floors, three kinds of view
Once your ticket is scanned, escalators lead down through security to the elevators for floor 52, and staircases and elevators link the three levels from there. The Cloud Terrace on 51 adds local art installations and plenty of photo spots to the open-air deck. The attraction describes itself as fully accessible, and restrooms are on every level.
The exhibits on floor 50
Boston 365 is a 3D model of the city that runs through its celebrations and seasons across a year. Open Doors is a 270-degree immersive theater with a street-level tour of several neighborhoods and a behind-the-scenes look at attractions including Fenway Park. At the Explore Boston exhibit and the ViewPrint system, you scan any of more than 350 things to do into a personal itinerary to take with you.
Before you go
There is no re-entry once a ticket is scanned, no bag check and no lockers, and luggage is not allowed, so leave suitcases at the hotel. The site recommends public transit over driving; the Prudential Center garage is paid. Plan on about an hour to 90 minutes.
Stratus rooftop bar
Stratus sits on the 51st-floor Cloud Terrace and calls itself New England's highest rooftop bar. It serves seasonal handcrafted cocktails, with a fall list that includes Autumn on the Common and Charlestown Chai, and is open to ticket holders in the afternoon and evening on a first-come basis. The Sips & Sights ticket bundles admission with one drink.
Sources: View Boston, the experience, plan your visit, tickets, FAQ, Stratus. Checked September 30, 2026.
Contact Information
Boston, 02199
Photo: Irina Monk via Google
View Boston
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About View Boston
Quick answer: View Boston is an observation deck at 800 Boylston Street, Floor 52, Boston, MA 02199. The 360-degree observation deck on the top three floors of the Prudential Tower in Back Bay, with an open-air terrace and the Stratus rooftop bar.
Last updated
View Boston occupies the top three floors of the Prudential Tower in Back Bay and bills itself as the city's only observation deck with 360-degree views both indoors and outdoors. The 52nd floor is a glassed-in panorama; one floor down, the Cloud Terrace is an open-air roof deck that runs all the way around the building, with Stratus, the bar, set on it.
It works best as a first-day orientation, which is how View Boston pitches itself: see the city laid out from above, then use the exhibits a floor below to build a plan for the rest of the trip. The entrance is inside the Prudential Center next to Center Court, and the Green Line E branch has a Prudential stop that exits straight into the building, so there is no need to drive. The attraction itself suggests sunset for skyline views.
Three floors, three kinds of view
Once your ticket is scanned, escalators lead down through security to the elevators for floor 52, and staircases and elevators link the three levels from there. The Cloud Terrace on 51 adds local art installations and plenty of photo spots to the open-air deck. The attraction describes itself as fully accessible, and restrooms are on every level.
The exhibits on floor 50
Boston 365 is a 3D model of the city that runs through its celebrations and seasons across a year. Open Doors is a 270-degree immersive theater with a street-level tour of several neighborhoods and a behind-the-scenes look at attractions including Fenway Park. At the Explore Boston exhibit and the ViewPrint system, you scan any of more than 350 things to do into a personal itinerary to take with you.
Before you go
There is no re-entry once a ticket is scanned, no bag check and no lockers, and luggage is not allowed, so leave suitcases at the hotel. The site recommends public transit over driving; the Prudential Center garage is paid. Plan on about an hour to 90 minutes.
Stratus rooftop bar
Stratus sits on the 51st-floor Cloud Terrace and calls itself New England's highest rooftop bar. It serves seasonal handcrafted cocktails, with a fall list that includes Autumn on the Common and Charlestown Chai, and is open to ticket holders in the afternoon and evening on a first-come basis. The Sips & Sights ticket bundles admission with one drink.
Sources: View Boston, the experience, plan your visit, tickets, FAQ, Stratus. Checked September 30, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Things to do
Book a Boston experience
- Freedom Trail walking tourSmall-group guided walk, about 2.5 hours
- Duck boat tourCity sights by road, then a Charles River cruise
- Whale watching cruiseHalf-day trip from Long Wharf to Stellwagen Bank
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