Boston is home to a vibrant student and academic population, so it’s no surprise that the city has some homey independent bookstores like the gorgeous Beacon Hill Books & Cafe. Whether you’re shopping for the latest bestsellers, secondhand novels, gifts, or just want to support your local booksellers, these 10 independent bookstores offer plenty of enriching books on their shelves.
1. Brattle Book Shop
Located near Boston Common, Brattle Book Shop is one of America’s oldest and largest used book shops. The Brattle has two full floors of used books, a third floor dedicated entirely to rare and antique books, and an outdoor sale lot.
Find it at 9 West St., Boston, MA.
2. Commonwealth Books
Commonwealth Books is located at the corner of Washington and Spring Lane (the oldest street in Boston!) in Downtown Crossing. With over forty thousand books available, from medieval manuscripts to modern mysteries, you’ll have no problem finding a title that piques your interest.
Find it at 9 Spring Lane, Boston, MA.
3. Trident Booksellers & Cafe
Trident is a great spot to hit for shopping or brunch on Newbury Street. With a great selection of new and used books in addition to its expansive cafe, it’s a must-visit when you’re in the area.
Find it at 338 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115.
4. Frugal Bookstore
Roxbury is home to Boston’s only Black-owned bookstore, Frugal Bookstore. With book selections ranging from sci-fi to educational nonfiction, it’s a great business to support when you shop locally.
Find it at 57 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA 02119.
5. Brookline Booksmith
Brookline Booksmith has been providing new and used books to the Brookline community since 1961— in fact, it’s turning 60 this year! In addition to the latest titles, they have a Used Book Cellar, renowned remainder selection, and extensive children’s books and cookware sections.
Find it at 279 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446
6. Harvard Book Store
The Harvard Book Store is Harvard Square’s landmark indie bookstore that’s been open ever since 1932. With a great selection of new, used, and remaindered books, plus an award-winning event series with acclaimed authors, the Harvard Book Store provides Cambridge with a plethora of knowledge.
Find it at 1256 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
7. Grolier Poetry Shop
Grolier Poetry Shop is the oldest poetry book store in the United States, open for 94 years and counting. Featuring recent poetry releases and multiple poetry reading event nights, it’s a must-visit for those fond of poetry.
Find it at 6 Plympton St, Cambridge, MA 02138
8. Porter Square Books
Porter Square Books in Cambridge has that charm and personality you can only get at a local indie bookshop. With a cafe, reading program, author events, and a kind and helpful staff, Porter Square will make you feel right at home.
Find it at 25 White St, Cambridge, MA.
9. Beacon Hill Books & Cafe
This new bookstore has everything you need to spend the whole day here! An enchanting five floors, a scrumptious cafe, a cute outdoor terrace, lots of plush seating and plenty of reading corners. You’ll never want to leave!
Find it at 73 Charles St. Boston, MA.
10. GrubStreet
Arrive at the bright yellow entrance of GrubStreet and you’ll be welcomed to another charming Boston bookstore, overlooking the Boston Harbor completed with a coffee shop, Travel Mug Cafe. This shop does more than highlight talented writers, it also inspires new storytellers with its creative writing center and podcast studio.
50 Liberty Dr Ste 500, Boston, MA 02210.
11. Parkside Bookshop
The newest bookshop to the Boston scene, Parkside Bookshop brings a quaint shopping experience to the South End. The women-owned independent bookshop features endless shelves of every genre you could imagine.
260 Shawmut Ave. Boston, MA 02118.
These Boston bookstores offer a serene escape and opportunity to connect with fellow neighborhood bookworms!