The Finish Line of The Boston Marathon

Boston's most popular spot each spring is the stretch of Boylston Street, between Exeter and Dartmouth streets, where weary marathon runners take their final steps. Tens of thousands congregate here each Patriot's Day to eat, drink, and cheer on the thousands of runners (and Elvises) that pass through. In the center of Boston's premier shopping and three blocks away from the public gardens, the finish line's location offers more than the chance to view feats of athleticism. Here is how to enjoy the finish line on any other day of the year without sacrificing yourself to a crowd five people deep.

Take brunch at Atlantic Fish, an upscale nautical-themed Boston seafood restaurant designed to look like the interior of a ship. Start with a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice ($9.95) or an oyster shooter with pepper vodka, tabasco, and an oyster garnish ($7.50). Then move on to the signature eggs benedict with potatoes and your choice of Canadian bacon ($10), smoked salmon with caviar ($13), crab cakes ($13), or filet mignon ($14). Or opt for the fresh Catch of the Day. Locals say the fish tastes as though they caught it themselves, hours ago. Outdoor seating is available April through October. (761 Boylston Street; 617-267-4000; Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11. p.m.)

Across the street, feast your eyes on the museum-quality art and architecture of the Boston Public Library, even if you don't have time to browse the stacks. Founded in 1848 as the first major free city library in the United States, the BPL seems to be imbued with spirits past. From Sargent Hall, covered with more than fifteen murals by Boston legend John Singer Sargent, to the Bates Reading Room, a vaulted space over 100 years old and two-thirds the length of a football field, the library is an historic experience. After touring, head to the inner courtyard, modeled after that of the Palazzo della Chancelleria in Rome, for a post-brunch siesta. Free tours are given Sunday at 2 p.m., Monday at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. (700 Boylston Street; 617-536-5400; www.bpl.org)

Pay a visit to Boston's ugly Prudential Tower at 800 Boylston Street, just west of the BPL. The 52-story relic of the 1960s urban renewal craze is a now a beloved addition to the Back Bay skyline. Ride the elevator to the Skywalk on the fiftieth-floor for a 360-degree aerial view of the city from 700 feet above ground. (617-859-0648; daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; $7) The Top of the Hub restaurant two floors up will spare you the admission fee but you will make up for it with a $42 native lobster dinner served with heavy silverware on crisp linens. During the day, choose a table overlooking the Christian Science complex to the west. At night, a table on the north side will provide a spectacular view of the Charles River. (617-536-1775; lunch served Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., dinner 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.)