If you’re heading to Boston any time soon, you’re going to have the time of your life. Boston is one of my favorite places in the US. It’s full of history, amazing food, and such a strong sense of community that it’ll sweep you off your feet. Just don’t go during the winter—it can be brutal.
Every time I visit a new city, I make it a point to stop by at least one independent bookstore. You can learn so much about a place from its local businesses, and they’re way more fun to support. I’ve hit a bunch in Boston now, so I’ve narrowed down the list below to my favorites! If you’re searching for the best independent bookstores in Boston, you really can’t go wrong with any of these. Each one has its own personality, and together they make for the perfect literary day exploring the city.
Beacon Hill Books + Cafe. We’re starting out strong. This is my absolute favorite bookstore in Boston. Tucked away in a brownstone in—you guessed it—Beacon Hill, this shop is so incredibly charming that you won’t want to leave. It’s multi-story with a cafe underneath, so you can browse while you wait for your table, or refuel after some heavy-duty book shopping. The cafe has great indoor and outdoor seating, as well as way better food than you would expect from a bookstore cafe. My lunches there have been some of my favorite meals in Boston, actually. The only downside is that the shop and cafe are both pretty small and wildly popular, so things can get pretty crowded. I promise, though, it’s worth it.
Trident Booksellers + Cafe. Trident is on Newbury Street, so it’s extra convenient to pop in if you’re already out and about. With a selection that rivals Barnes & Noble, they have every book you could possibly want. One of my favorite parts of this bookstore actually is the merch. I bought a sweatshirt from Trident a few years ago, and I wear it all the time. They have great gifts for the book lover in your life, whether you want to get them an actual book or something book-related. Their cafe has an extensive menu and is open all day. Trident also hosts a lot of events if you want to get a bit more involved in the book community or just have some fun trying something new!
I AM Books. This store is located in the North End of Boston, and you can tell: it perfectly fits the atmosphere of the neighborhood. They have a wide array of books, but their main focus is on books by Italian and Italian-American authors—it’s the North End, after all. They also feature a lot of local authors, which we love in a local bookstore, and everyone on staff is super friendly. After you browse, pop over to Mike’s, Modern, or Bova’s for some cannolis (just make sure you have cash on hand!)
More Than Words Bookstore. If you really want to support local, More Than Words is the place to go. They’re a nonprofit, youth-run bookstore dedicated to creating paid job opportunities for young adults through the sale of donated books and goods. With new and used books to choose from, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. They also have a mobile bookstore if you happen to come across it!
Honorable mention: If you’re looking for used books, there are several other great options around Boston. These are simply the bookstores I’ve found myself returning to again and again.
Plan Your Day
If I had a free afternoon in Boston, here’s what I’d do for the perfect day:
- Grab breakfast or lunch at Beacon Hill Books & Cafe.
- Wander through Beacon Hill.
- Browse Newbury Street and stop at Trident.
- Finish the afternoon in the North End with I AM Books and a cannoli.
Boston is one of those cities where you could spend an entire weekend wandering from one bookstore to the next and still leave with places on your list for next time. These just happen to be the ones I keep coming back to. If you find another favorite while you’re there, let me know—I always need an excuse to plan another trip.
If you go to any of these, let me know which is your favorite!
Reminder: Everyone has their own tastes and opinions! Respectfully disagree all you want. Be mean about it, and I’ll assume your favorite character would’ve been disappointed in you. Life’s too short to argue over fictional people.
Looking for more literary travel inspiration? Check out my other bookstore guides and bookish travel recommendations.
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