John Hancock Tower
John Hancock Tower
4
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsObservation Decks & Towers
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
This striking I.M. Pei edifice, famous for its beauty and infamous for falling glass panes, is Boston's tallest building. After terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the popular 60th-floor observatory was permanently closed due to security concerns.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Back Bay
Wander around this quintessential neighborhood in the heart of Boston for high-end shops, restaurants, and the feeling of city bustle. Its most identifiable skyscrapers, the Prudential Center and John Hancock Tower, are highlights of the city skyline. Visit Newbury street to explore unique and trendy boutiques – as well as every other kind of store imaginable – all housed in beautiful brownstone buildings. In nice weather, restaurant patio seating is packed with Bostonians and tourists alike soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the food. Commonwealth Ave offers a beautiful stroll down residential tree-lined streets. Keep walking towards the Charles River and enjoy a beautiful view by the water. In warmer months, people run and bike on paths running along the esplanade, and sail and kayak on the Charles River. Boylston street, also full of shops, bars, and restaurants, is the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Head towards Copley Square and check out the Boston Public Library, which is particularly beautiful from the Dartmouth street entrance.
How to get there
- Back Bay • 3 min walk
- East Berkeley St • 3 min walk
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604 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
105 reviews
Excellent
48
Very good
33
Average
18
Poor
2
Terrible
4
David-Kevin B
Washington DC, DC404 contributions
Oct. 2021
Although it has been rechristened with the lackluster moniker, 200 Clarendon Street, the minimalist building, characterized by windows of blue glass, will always be The John Hancock Tower. The building, designed by the world-renowned firm of I. M. Pei & Partners, achieved that rare feat of becoming instantly iconic and singularly defined Boston's skyline. Depending on the weather, season of the year and time of day, the building itself disappears against bright blue skies while simultaneously reflecting the buildings and neighbourhoods surrounding her base.
Written February 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,415 contributions
Nov. 2020
This mid-century skyscraper has long been the tallest building in this part of town and thus a landmark, but frankly, the style is boring and uninteresting and thus you will not want to visit.
Written May 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,415 contributions
Jan. 2020
This huge skyscraper certainly sticks out on the skyline as there is nothing quite as high nearby. Does not have a lot of character and has never been given much love by the locals. You can see it from all over.
Written June 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tobibetnolan
Williams Bay, WI26 contributions
Feb. 2020 • Friends
The elevator to the 95th floor is quick. The staff is nice, great view, great place to get a drink. Must get a pic in the ladies bathroom
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorry04
Cambridge, MA338 contributions
Oct. 2019
Largest skyscraper in the Boston but no observation deck. Good point for direction but not much else you can do at this tower. Some posters seem to be confusing this Hancock tower in Boston with the Chicago one which does have an observation deck for tourists.
Written October 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian J
Long Island, NY965 contributions
Aug. 2019 • Couples
we had a few extra hours on a Sunday and decided to go. the views were terrific! we did the"tilt" and while it was very exciting, it was incredibly quick.
Written August 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeeVale
9 contributions
Jul. 2019
While the view is absolutely amazing and the audio tour very informative and interesting, along with the other interactive parts of the exhibit (game show & dramatic actors video), the cost is quite high. I paid around $72 for entry for 4 people. I don't understand why it's so expensive. There were 2 employees at the ticket booth taking payment & handing out the audio devices, but other than that, it is all self-guided.
Written July 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael C
Chester, UK16 contributions
Jun. 2019
Although the drinks are expensive it's worth a visit and avoid the cost of the observation deck. You might have to queue, so go after lunch and before early evening.
Written July 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
manson2017
Manila, Philippines4 contributions
Oct. 2018
The view in John Hancock Tower is magnificent. My husband & I enjoyed the delicious food in the penthouse restaurant. The waiters were all accommodating & kind. My husband & I had a great time watching the sunset & the sea bay area. Its truly a romantic place for couples.
Written April 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lolly’s Look
New York City, NY12,818 contributions
Mar. 2019 • Couples
The John Hancock Tower is a sleek and shiny 60-story, 790-foot skyscraper in Boston. You can see it across the sky line.
Written March 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tbruno
Ocala, FL17 contributions
Does the John Hancock building still have the revolutionary war exhibit?
J, L
Troy, NY63 contributions
Is this review on the right page?
it was my impression that BOSTON'S JOHN HANCOCK was 60 floors not 96?
gemtraveller30
Walton-On-Thames, UK179 contributions
It's 60 floors.
mikanni
Saint Paul, MN126 contributions
It seems as if there are lots of recent reviews- but some of them mention Chicago?? I thought the Hancock Tower in Boston was closed to the public. Are people confusing it with the tower in Chicago or is it re-opened?
Sylvia P
Orange County ca55 contributions
No I'm on about the Hancock building in Chicago, and the 95th floor. In Chicago it;s the Hancock building guess in Boston they call it the Tower, hope this answers your question
Warren47
Rhode Island65 contributions
Everything I read indicates the Boston John Hancock building's observation deck and exhibits have been closed since 911 but you have a recent review. Has it reopened? Are you sure it was John .Hancock and not Prudentual? I'd like to take out if state guests up if it's reopened.
Thanks, Warren in RI
J, L
Troy, NY63 contributions
It is my understanding that most of the reviews were left by people who Don't read the page before Commenting/Reviewing. They probably just saw a link that said John Hancock and assumed it was Chicago. This page though the page is for the tower in Boston, which has been closed since 9/11 and is only an office building now closed to the general public.
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Claim your listingJOHN HANCOCK TOWER - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about John Hancock Tower
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience John Hancock Tower:
- Walking Tour: Downtown Freedom Trail plus Beacon Hill to Copley Square/Back Bay (From C$61.70)
- Guided Walking Tour of Copley Square to Downtown Boston Freedom Trail (From C$61.70)
- Boston City View Bicycle Tour by Urban AdvenTours (From C$93.24)
- Boston Private City Tour (From C$684.19)
- New York To Boston and Harvard in One Day (From C$178.24)
- Hotels near John Hancock Tower:
- (0.11 km) Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
- (0.09 km) 140 Clarendon
- (0.22 km) Hotel AKA Back Bay
- (0.22 km) The Westin Copley Place, Boston
- (0.09 km) Raffles Boston
- Restaurants near John Hancock Tower:
- (0.05 km) Dig
- (0.16 km) Sorellina
- (0.15 km) Flour Bakery + Cafe
- (0.14 km) OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
- (0.15 km) Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse