Boston is a city that loves books. Ranking 14th in the country for top booklovers in 2024, there is a bookstore for every reader, and every street gives you the chance to quietly sip coffee and read. From historic shops to cozy cafes, there will be a store for you whether you’re hunting for the latest bestseller or searching for a rare find. Stop by these bookshops for a chance to explore the city, find a new favorite or rediscover an old classic.
Brookline Booksmith
Location: Coolidge Corner at 279 Harvard St.
This local independently-owned bookshop is known for its curated selection and welcoming atmosphere. Staff picks and events often highlight unique voices and up-and-coming authors. In addition to a wide selection of new releases and a basement full of used books, the store features a massive amount of trinkets, puzzles, notebooks and fun kitchenware. This is an excellent place to browse for a book or pick up a gift for your friends.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe
Location: Newbury Street at 338 Newbury St.
Part bookstore, part cafe, Trident has been a Boston staple for over 40 years. Its wide variety of titles range from quick beach reads to classics to children’s books, making it the perfect place to grab a book and a bite to eat with a friend before a shopping spree on Newbury Street. And don’t forget to snag a photo of the beautiful book staircase or grab a tote bag from a local artist on your way out.
Brattle Book Shop
Location: Downtown at 9 West St.
Brattle Book Shop is the perfect place for a treasure hunt. At over 200 years old, this store features used books that range from one-of-a-kind first editions to affordable finds. Brattle is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Many books, particularly those located outside the front doors, range in price from $3 to $5, which makes it one of the most inexpensive options in Boston.
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe
Location: Beacon Hill at 71 Charles St.
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is one of Boston’s most beautiful bookshops, combining a warm and cozy atmosphere with carefully curated titles. On the lower level, stop and grab something delicious to eat before heading up the stairs to browse the books and admire the beautiful building. On your way out, be sure to grab a print from the mini print vending machine.
Harvard Book Store
Location: Harvard Square at 1256 Massachusetts Ave.
The Harvard Book store is beloved for its wide variety of classic titles, new releases and hidden gems and a full calendar of author events. Stop by this Cambridge landmark to browse the shelves, ask the staff for a recommendation or flip through something unexpected before heading out with your next great read. This bookstore is as much a community gathering place as it is a destination for book lovers.
Frugal Bookstore
Location: Roxbury at 57 Warren St.
Frugal Bookstore is Boston’s only Black-owned independent bookstore and is a welcoming spot that celebrates community and the power of stories. Support this local treasure, wandering through shelves full of titles by diverse authors, children’s books and popular favorites — the ideal place to discover something new. This is the perfect place to stop in to browse, chat with the friendly staff and leave with a carefully-chosen book.
Commonwealth Books
Location: Downtown Crossing at 9 Spring Lane
Tucked away in Downtown Crossing, Commonwealth Books is a cozy haven for anyone who loves getting lost in stacks of old and rare titles. The shop is filled with used books, art prints and vintage finds, making it the kind of place where you never know what you’ll stumble upon. Whether browsing the aisles for a gift or digging for a classic title, this bookstore is a perfect stop for readers exploring the city.
Whether you’re a lifelong Bostonian or just moved here for school, Boston’s bookstores offer more than just shelves of pages — they provide a sense of community, highlighting different sides of the city. From the charm of Beacon Hill to the bustle of Downtown Crossing, there’s always a corner of the city waiting to be explored and a good book waiting to be discovered.
