There's no better way to find hidden and unexpected gems than by exploring a neighborhood's vintage, antique, and thrift stores. Whether you're searching for vintage clothing, records, unique china, or something else, Boston has the perfect spot to check out. Here's our list of the top stores to visit in Boston for a nostalgic shopping experience!
Beacon Hill
Stroll through this half-square-mile neighborhood, and you'll find elegant townhouses, narrow brick-lined streets, and some of the city's most unique vintage and antique stores.
Stop into Vico Style, a 70s-themed store on Charles Street that, as they put it, helps you "be sustainably bougie on a budget" for a curated selection of tops, handbags, and accessories. Afterward, continue down Charles Street to Vintage Taste for upscale finds from top designer brands.
On the hunt for something unique for your home? Check out Elegant Findings Antiques, a destination renowned for its collection of antique porcelain, crystal stemware, furniture, and decorative accessories. Or head down the street to Upstairs Downstairs Home, where you can find art, antiques, home decor, and one-of-a-kind gifts. A stop to explore the antiques and art at Fabled Antiques is also a must.
Cambridge & Somerville
Well-known as a hub for higher education, healthcare, and tech startups, Cambridge is also a top spot for vintage, antique, and thrift shopping.
Visit Cambridge Antique Market, a favorite among locals and tourists, to browse five floors of reasonably priced furniture, decor, collectibles, and more from over 150 dealers.
Head to the heart of Kendall Square, where you'll find the Garment District, a thrifters paradise filled to the brim with over 40,000 items. Make sure to stop by on Saturdays for "By the Pound," where you can score unique finds for just $2 a pound!
While in Cambridge, you can’t miss thrifting in Harvard Square. Check out spots like The Attic Vintage, Friends & Family, or Found for a variety of hand-picked pre-owned clothing, shoes, and accessories. Then, visit We Thieves, a women-owned and operated small business offering everything from vintage clothing to home decor.
Other stores in Cambridge that deserve a spot on your vintage shopping bucket list include Raspberry Beret in Porter Square and Retrospect and Great Eastern Trading Company in Central Square.
Located next to Cambridge, just two miles northwest of Boston, is Somerville. While in the neighborhood, check out High Energy Vintage, a vintage clothing and accessories store selling items from as far back as the 1940s. Head over to Somerville's Bow Market and browse Blue Bandana Relics for curated menswear, industrial antiques, and Americana. And don’t miss out on Bow Market's bi-annual Curated Vintage Market every spring and fall!
Jamaica Plain & Roslindale
You'll have to get off the beaten path to uncover some of Boston's best thrift and vintage stores. Head to Jamaica Plain for Diversity Consignment, a community-oriented consignment shop featuring curated men's, women’s, and unisex clothing. Or take a trip to 40 South Street Vintage for vintage fashion finds from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Wander over to Boston's Roslindale neighborhood to check out The Thrift Shop of Boston, a non-profit organization established in 1926 that donates proceeds to The Home for Little Wanderers. Make sure to check out the Thrift Shop'swebsite for weekly deals like 50% off all books, half-price children’s clothing, and senior discounts. Or head to Urban Renewals, on American Legion Highway to find hidden gems on every rack.
Allston, Brighton & Brookline
Heavily influenced by their population of students and young professionals, Boston's Allston and Brighton neighborhoods and neighboring Brookline are top destinations for vintage finds. Make your way to Lower Allston, where you'll discover Vivant Vintage, a quaint shop offering affordable secondhand apparel, local artist-made products, and jewelry. Stop by Groovy Thrifty for unique upcycled pieces and then head to the basement of The Vintage Underground, near Paradise Rock Club, to shop for band t-shirts, leather jackets, rare LPs, CDs, and more.
From Allston, head over to Brookline to visit Buffalo Exchange, followed by a stop at Thrifty Threads, a volunteer-run thrift store supporting United Parish that sells clothing, housewares, and vintage items.
Back Bay & South End
Located in the heart of Boston, the Back Bay and South End neighborhoods are filled with hidden gems.
Head to the South End and visit the SoWa Vintage Market. Part of the SoWa Arts + Design District, this weekly market is a top destination for everything from furniture, jewelry, clothing, antiques, woodwork and more. Plan your visit around SoWa Sundays in the warmer months or SoWa First Friday, taking place on the first Friday of every month when artists, galleries, shops, and showrooms open their doors to the public.
Then head to Boston’s iconic Newbury Street, where you can check out Brodney Antiques and Jewelry, one of the city’smost prestigious antique shops for paintings, rare antiques, fine jewelry, and estate finds. Or check out one of the many Covet locations, a women-founded secondhand consignment store curating an accessible shopping experience, or Castanet, a neighborhood gem reflecting the style and unique taste in the Back Bay area. And don’t miss out on a Boston tradition in Rick Walker’s, a go-to source for over 85 years, specializing in classic western wear, cowboy boots, original concert t-shirts, and antique Native American Jewelry.