Contributed by Lindsay Shugerman, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Summers can be beautiful in the Boston area… just right for going from shop to shop on a lazy weekend shopping trip.


Spring and autumn are good too. But when winter comes, and that cold wind comes off the Atlantic…or off the Charles River, you need an indoor mall for your shopping fix.

So where are the best malls in and around Boston? Here’s our top ten list of the Boston area’s best indoor, winter-ready malls.

10. Burlington Mall

If you’re looking for an exciting, upscale mall, check out the Burlington Mall. The mall is home to fashion-favorites Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor and Macy’s, plus over 180 specialty shops including leading children’s shop Hanna Andersson. Hungry? Check out the newly renovated Food Court, or dine at Legal Sea Foods, Rainforest Cafe, Uno Chicago Grill or The Cheesecake Factory.

9. CambridgeSide Galleria

With its beautiful waterfront location in Cambridge, this mall is perfect for in-town shopping. Select from over 120 shops, including Apple, Best Buy, bebe, Godiva chocolate and more. Dining is simple at the Waterfront Food Festival or one of the full service restaurants on site.

8. Liberty Tree Mall

Liberty Tree Mall is a great choice for one stop shopping. With stores like A.C.Moore and Michaels for crafts, Best Buy and Staples for electronics, Home Depot, Kohl’s, Nordstrom Rack, Off Broadway and Old Navy for fashions and dozens of other choices, you’re sure to find almost everything you need under one roof.

7. Northshore Mall

This Peabody Mall includes retail giants Nordstrom, Macy’s, JC Penney, and Sears, plus over 120 other shops like Pottery Barn, Lush and Things Remembered, a large food court and seven full-service restaurants all in one beautiful, newly renovated location.

6. Copley Place

Located in the historic Back Bay, Copley Place bring luxury shopping to the mall. Shop in the 70 plus top-name retailers, including Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, Christian Dior, Barneys New York, Louis Vuitton, Armani, and so many more. Shoppers driving in from the surrounding areas will appreciate the over 1000 parking spaces, and travelers will love the convenience of two adjoining hotels.

5. South Shore Plaza

If you’re in the Braintree area, be sure to check out the South Shore Plaza. This mall includes large retailers Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Sears and Target, plus over 180 other shops and services like Coach, Juicy Couture, The LEGO Store and Lucky Brand. There’s also a tasty food court and a selection of popular full service restaurants including one of my favorites, California Pizza Kitchen.

4. The Shops at Prudential Center

Head to Back Bay for a mall that brings you friendly service and the stores you want. Select from leading clothing stores like Lacoste, Ann Taylor and Loft, specialty stores like Barnes and Noble and Tevana, plus department stores Lord and Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue. Add in restaurants and you have a perfect in-town mall for all seasons.

3. The Mall at Rockingham Park

No, this mall is technically not in Boston. In fact, it’s not even in Massachusetts! But the tax free shopping available in New Hampshire makes it well worth the short drive to Salem, NH. With more than 140 specialty shops, three major department stores and tasty choices for lunch or dinner, you’re certain to find exactly what you want and need at Rockingham Park.

2. Mall at Chestnut Hill

Shop at the only Bloomingdale’s in New England, then take your time as you browse over 60 specialty shops, including Kate Spade, Apple and Banana Republic. As a plus, this mall is often host to traveling art exhibits. Add in the wide selections in casual and walk up dining, and you have the right shopping mall for winter or any season.

1. Faneuil Hall Marketplace

With 49 owner operated shops, 15 full service restaurants and 35 food stalls, Faneuil Hall is one of the most unique and exciting shopping malls in the Boston area. Add in the historic buildings with the beauty of Boston all around, and you have what can only be considered the number one shopping experience in the region.