Whether you're new to reading via #BookTok, a certified bookworm or shopping for a thoughtful gift, Bookstores are a great opportunity to shop local and support creatives. Boston has no shortage of independently owned Bookstores, which should come as no surprise with its expansive and bustling academic scene. We've taken it upon ourselves to visit and compile this list of the best unique bookstores in Boston to visit!

 

Our Top Picks:

Trident Booksellers & Café

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338 Newbury Street, Boston

Trident Booksellers & Café has been a staple in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood since 1984. Offering various genres of literature, book recommendations, an event series and a café that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner – this Newbury Street location is the perfect place to catch up with friends, grab brunch, or browse their wide selection of books, magazines and gifts. 

 

Brattle Book Shop

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9 West Street, Boston

Boston’s most photographed bookstore is also one of America’s oldest and largest used book shops. Brattle Book Shop has been selling used books since 1825 and has been in the hands of the Gloss Family since 1949. Located Downtown, the bookstore offers hundreds of thousands of books spanning both genres and decades. Check out their two floors of general used books, a third floor of rare and antiquarian books and their Instagrammable outside sale lot.

 

Posman Books

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127 Newbury St, Boston

Located on Newbury Street, Posman Books is a family-owned business run by lifelong book lovers. They offer thoughtfully curated recommendations, books, gifts, stationery, toys and more. Trust us when we say that you’re bound to leave with a few things you didn’t know you needed. 

 

Beacon Hill Books & Café

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71 Charles Street, Boston

Beacon Hill Books & Café is a newly opened bookstore in Boston’s iconic Beacon Hill neighborhood. The shop pairs a curated selection of reads with a warm atmosphere, including a locally sourced café set to offer tea, wine, and small bites. 

 

Commonwealth Books

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9 Spring Lane, Boston

Located Downtown, Commonwealth Books is a unique and intimate used bookstore that is a must-visit for all book and history lovers. Along with its expansive book collection with an emphasis on the arts, architecture, history, literature, philosophy and religion, the bookstore also offers a large selection of antique prints and maps. This is definitely our go-to if you're searching for that hard-to-find book or print!

 

Brookline Booksmith

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279 Harvard Street, Brookline

Family-owned and locally operated since 1961, Brookline Booksmith offers a huge collection of both new and used books. The shop also has an expansive selection of gifts, stationery, events, snacks and beverages.

 

Harvard Book Store

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1256 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

Harvard Book Store has been a locally owned and independently run Cambridge landmark since 1932. Located right next to Harvard Yard, the bookstore carries new, used and remaindered books. Make sure to check out their curated reading lists or host author events during your next visit!

 

Raven Used Books

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23 Church Street, Cambridge

Located in Harvard Square, Raven Used Books offers over 1,000 new (used) books every week, with discounts from 50% to 80% off. Specializing in scholarly and literary books, you will find everything from Philosophy, social theory, art and architecture, music, history, classical studies and more.  

 

Frugal Bookstore

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57 Warren Street, Roxbury 

Frugal Bookstore has created a community of book lovers in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood. The only black-owned bookstore in Boston, Frugal has shelves filled with new releases, young adult novels, biographies and so much more. With a passion for promoting literacy in teens and adults, the store is also well known for its expansive collection of children’s books. 

 

Museum of Fine Arts

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