Notes from the Shelf

Best Boston Bookstores to Visit on Your Next Trip

Looking for the best bookstores to explore in Boston? Whether you’re into indie fiction, rare finds, or just want to cozy up with a latte and a good book, Boston has a bookstore for you. Here’s a guide based on my recent trip!

I went to Boston for vacation over Memorial Day and of course had to check out the bookstore scene. Here are some of the best independent bookstores in Boston that every book lover should explore. Boston was surprisingly walkable; the map looks bigger than it really is so that was nice to mostly be able to wander and stumble upon shops. Still, depending on where you’re staying, you might want to grab a rideshare or public transport to some of these bookstores.

Quick Look:

Trident Booksellers – Café, bar, and huge book selection
Commonwealth Books – Used and antique books in a hidden alley
I AM Books – Italian-American authors and artistic prints
Porter Square Books – Creative writing hub with strong community vibes
Beacon Hill Books and Café – More café than bookstore
Brattle Bookshop – Historic used bookstore

Trident Booksellers & Cafe

📍338 Newbury Street
https://tridentbookscafe.com/

Trident Booksellers is one of the most iconic bookstores in Back Bay Boston, located right on bustling Newbury Street. Known for its cozy café and massive book selection, it’s a must-stop for any book lover exploring the Back Bay neighborhood.

There were far more books here than I expected. There’s also a nice café area upstairs and a bar downstairs as well as outdoor seating. I could see hanging out here for quite a bit, just sipping coffee or getting lunch and browsing all the books. There were also lots of clearance items upstairs.

If you do go to this one, also check out the Boston Public Library! It’s only a 10-minute walk from Trident Booksellers. It was huge and very cool inside with some different art installations to explore. There’s also a café and a public radio show area, so you can relax a bit there with a drink or snack and listen to them talk. When I was there, they were interviewing the mayor.

Commonwealth Books

📍Downtown Crossing – 9 Spring Lane
https://commonwealthbooks.blackwidowpress.com/

Commonwealth Books is a hidden gem tucked down an alley in Downtown Crossing, one of Boston’s busiest shopping and office districts. It’s one of the best used bookstores in downtown Boston, offering everything from antique titles to vintage maps and prints.

It was a little hard to find, but it was a cool little place. There’s also a small sign that points toward it from the main street. They had all used books and some rare/antique books as well. They also had an impressive collection of old maps and art prints.

I AM Books

📍124 Salem Street
https://iambooksboston.com/

I AM Books is located in the heart of Boston’s historic North End, just steps from the Freedom Trail and famous Italian eateries. It’s a unique independent bookstore in North End Boston, with a focus on Italian and Italian-American literature, art prints, and culture. It’s a great stop if you’re already exploring Hanover Street or the Paul Revere House.

They had the garage doors open with book displays for the summer, so it was a very cute storefront. They had some bargain books but it was mostly new books. There was fiction, nonfiction, and some children’s books. There were also lots of fun art prints like types of nigiri and different coffees, etc.

Porter Square Books- Boston Edition

📍50 Liberty Drive
https://portersquarebooks.com/porter-square-books-boston-edition

Located in the Seaport District, Porter Square Books – Boston Edition blends literary charm with community connection. This is one of the best independent bookstores in Boston’s Seaport area. The store is a perfect detour if you’re walking along the Harborwalk or visiting the Institute of Contemporary Art nearby.

They host a creative writing program, so there was a section for local authors from that program. There was also a machine with local artist photo prints for $1.25, but I think this is just for the summer. There were lots of bookish items and mostly new books. They also had a community puzzle out and have an area to do readings and events as well as a small cafe. This bookstore was the most community-focused from the ones I explored.

Honorable Mentions

There were a few I wanted to check out but either they were closed for the holiday, or I didn’t have enough time with the other sightseeing I was doing, so here they are here as honorable mentions.

Beacon Hill Books and Café
📍71 Charles Street
https://www.bhbooks.com/

This was close to my hotel in the picturesque Beacon Hill neighborhood, but it seems like it was more of a café than a bookstore. Each day I would think I’d make it there, but I was too tired from seeing everything else, and since the photos make it seem like a café more so than a bookstore, I wasn’t as interested to push myself to get there. If you’re walking through Charles Street or near the Boston Common, this is a scenic stop.

Brattle Book Shop
📍9 West Street
https://www.brattlebookshop.com/

Brattle Bookshop is a legendary used bookstore in downtown Boston, known for its outdoor book lot and rare finds. Located just around the corner from Boston Common, it’s one of the oldest and most iconic bookstores in the city. It’s a perfect pairing with a visit to Commonwealth Books, just a block or two away. I really wanted to check it out, but unfortunately, it was closed for the holiday.

Plan Your Trip

Click on the map below to go to my Google Maps Boston Bookstore list to help plan your trip!

Tips for Exploring Boston Bookstores

• Check store hours—some shops close early or close for holidays.
• Bring a tote bag—many stores don’t use plastic bags, or if they do there will be a fee, so make sure you have a tote or backpack to put all your books and bookish goodies in!
• Many stores have cafés—plan for coffee breaks or a snack.

Have a favorite Boston bookstore I missed? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for more places to explore!

Check out my other Bookstore Reviews:
Seattle
Libertyville, IL
Grayslake, IL
Crystal Lake, IL
Springfield, IL

Love what you’re reading here? Support the blog and fuel my next cozy reading session by buying me a coffee.