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Surprise: shopping brings more people to Boston than does its historic sites. No surprise for you? Then take a gander at these options for material pleasure ...

Surveys say that shopping brings more tourism to Boston than its historic sites. If that's the case for you, here's a list of hot spots to make history turning your greenbacks into glittering goods.

Harvard Square
The area surrounding Harvard University is brimming with activity at all hours. With casual eateries (Mr. & Mrs. Bartley's burgers), chocolate shops (Burdick), independent film houses (Brattle Street Theatre) and chain and independent clothing shops (The Gap/Jasmine Sola), a day in this neighborhood is like a master class in shopping. Cambridge.

Charles Street
From nifty kitchen items and antiques to couture clothiers and toys, Charles Street's shops are presented with old-world, brick-and-gas lamp charm. One of several Boston shopping areas known by their street names, there's something for everyone on this street, the pearl of Beacon Hill. Boston.

The Mall at Chestnut Hill
Not all malls are created equal. This small collection of high-end stores has only three restaurants, no food court and attracts a tony crowd. Great for foul-weather days, Chestnut Hill is home to the only Bloomingdale's in New England. And, of course, if you must have one of jeweler Shreve, Crump and Low's famous, ceramic "gurgling cod" pitchers, this is the place to get it. 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill. (617) 965-3037

Haymarket
Haymarket Square attracts tourists wanting a peek at Boston's oldest and largest outdoor market that sells produce at stands and meat, cheese and fish in matchbox-sized stores along the market's path. Savvy locals head out Friday for the pick of the fresh stocks and Sunday morning for waning prices. Visitors to nearby Faneuil Hall can buy snacks for an al fresco lunch before returning to the shopping trail. Located at the Haymarket stop on the subway system, Boston.

Newbury Street
If Charles Street is eclectic, Newbury is electric. It's the place to be seen while strolling from one recognizable designer's name to another on eight blocks of shopping goodness. Of note: The only Marc Jacobs in New England; Boston's favorite ice cream joint, J.P. Licks; and deluxe thrift store "Second Time Around," featuring castoffs from the Armani, Chanel and Burberry's of the world (no doubt purchased up the street). Boston.

Boston Design Center
BDC is so serious you need a membership (or an appointment with an interior decorator) to get in. But the collection of 78 showrooms in a building on Boston's waterfront houses the city's (and some of the world's) most elaborate collection of fabric, floor and wall covering, kitchen and bath items and everything in between. Look for BDC "Treasure Hunts" in April when the general public is invited to buy samples. Lucky us ... One Design Center Place, Boston. (617) 338-5062.

Restoration Resources
If you're out to score large sections of period houses, Boston has the place for you. For antique fireplaces, sinks, lighting fixtures, cabinets, doors, window walls and more, South End's Restoration Resources is a place for restorers, antiquers and "window shoppers" to match history and architecture. 31 Thayer St., Boston. (617) 542-3033.

Restaurants to Fill Out the Day

Kane's Donuts
There comes a time in any shopper's day when they crave a drink and a sweet. This throwback to donut shops of old, Kane's Donuts in Saugus is a mere 12 miles from downtown and makes the perfect way station for day trippers to or from Boston. Check out the honey-dipped donuts and the famed Bismarks. Open 52 years and counting. (Deal) 120 Lincoln Ave., Saugus.

Sorellina
Italians are famed for food as well as dress. Sorellina is a swank way to end any shopping day. In its black-and-white dining room you're served fresh, authentic Italian cuisine with unbeatable, attentive service. Go with an appetite. (Luxury) 1 Huntington Ave., Boston. (617) 412-4600.

Stella
Whether summer or winter, patio or dining room, this sleek Mediterranean cafe is one of the most reliable restaurants in Boston's South End. Enjoy a selection from an inventive martini list. Make a dinner out of appies like lemony arancini (rice balls) or thin-as-paper-crusted pizza; or pick a tasty entree. (Reasonable) 1525 Washington St., Boston.

Hotels to Complete the Night

The Charles Hotel
Located in the heart of Harvard Square, the Charles is a modern hotel space with the attention-to-detail of a B&B. In-room Bose radios make everything sound sweeter while the bedding and Eggs Benedict via room service will reinvigorate the sleepiest shopper. (Luxury) 1 Bennett St., Cambridge. (617) 864-1200.

The Lenox Hotel
Located near Newbury Street and other shopping locations in Boston, this centuries-old hotel is one of the Historic Hotels of America. In the heart of Boston, walking-distance from public transportation and event sites. And its City Bar is a great place to wind down. (Reasonable) 61 Exeter St., Boston. (617) 536-5300.