Lived in Boston for 28 years and visit once a month now. I wouldn't use my time shopping down where Macy's is, the Downtown Crossing area. It used to be great but it is nothing special now. Also, since I continue to work closely with the Boston Police, I can tell you that safety is a major concern in Downtown Crossing, too. It is still fine during the day, but after the sun goes down you are better off taking a cab than walking through there. It has, unfortunately, become one of the more dangerous sections of Boston at night.