More Than Just Books: My Favorite Bookstores in Boston
A tour around unique Boston Bookstores and why each one is worth a visit.
People who love visiting bookstores know that it isn’t just about the books but also the environment. Personally, bookstores remind me that there are so many different worlds out there and so much to learn. I love picking up a book and feeling how floppy it is (if you know you know) and imagining myself as someone who has enough time to read all the books on my reading list. If I wasn’t in it for the experience I could just order books for delivery (never Amazon when I can help it, support local!). But this would rob me of the treasured experience of going to a bookstore, sometimes for a particular book and sometimes to find my next read, and inevitably walking out with photos of book covers I want to add to my reading list or SEVERAL books I hadn’t planned on buying.
Finding cool bookstores in Boston was the first thing on my to-do list when I moved here last semester. And I figured I’m not alone in my (slight) obsession, so why not share what I’ve found? Below, you’ll find five bookstores. These aren’t my ‘top 5’ and aren’t in any sort of ranking. Instead, each of these unique places serves a different purpose for me depending on how I’m feeling.
The All-in-One Bookstore: Brookline Booksmith
Brookline was the first bookstore I went to when I moved here and so it holds a special place in my heart. BUT it’s also the place I go for any book-themed tchotchkes I want to buy as gifts (totally not for myself 50% of the time 👀).
Brookline Booksmith has a huge selection of great books, but you’ll also find art, cards, gifts, and so much more. It’s located at the center of Coolidge Corner so it’s easily accessible by the Green Line, Bluebikes, or by walking. This area also has lots of local restaurants and cafes.
A Bookstore From a Romance Movie: Beacon Hill Books and Cafe
Containing four stories filled with books Beacon Hill Books and Cafe is a new edition to Boston. The bookstore and cafe opened in October of 2022 and has since found itself on many Boston travel guides. Walking through the bookstore you’ll be captivated by the decor and feel like you’re the main character in a romance novel being turned into a movie. I’ll go to Beacon Hill when I want to feel a bit fancier and really romanticize book-buying.
There’s also a really cute and very instagram-able restaurant on the bottom floor, but forewarning: the lines on the weekend are LONG and you could wait over 45 minutes for a table for two, so make sure to make a reservation. If I’m in the area I’ll always stop into Beacon Hill and just admire the gorgeous decor and books on display.
A Carousel of Book Events: Harvard Book Store
If you’re like me, then you thought a business called ‘Harvard Book Store’ would be the campus bookstore that sells Harvard sweaters and textbooks for class. If you are like me, you’d be incredibly wrong and missing out on an amazing shop.
Harvard Book Store has been a Cambridge landmark since 1932 and is right across the street from Harvard Yard. In addition to the insane variety of books they carry, they have multiple events a week where they bring in authors to discuss their books. Some of these events are free and some cost money. If the event costs money then it always includes the author’s book as a souvenir, so that’s a plus. They also host a few book release events when a book is particularly anticipated so make sure to check out their website for upcoming events!
Ballin’ on a Budget: Brattle Book Shop 
Sometimes reality hits and I remember I make a student salary in BOSTON and probably shouldn’t be buying a book for $27. Brattle Book Shop is my first stop for the biggest selection of used books I have ever seen. AND when I went early in the fall, they had racks and racks of books in the alley beside the store too.
One thing I will mention, if you aren’t on a budget and are instead flush with cash, Brattle Book Shop also carries rare first editions. Now, I’ve never seen one so I don’t know if they’re hiding in the stacks of discount books or set aside in a more expensive area. All I know is they exist and I’m too broke to find out where.
Eat, Read, Repeat: Trident Booksellers & Cafe 
Last but certainly not least, my favorite place in the city. Nothing makes me more cozy than ordering a latte while I book-shop and then sitting down in the cafe to enjoy both. When I inevitably get hungry they have a huge menu to order from and not one of the dishes has disappointed. Sometimes I’ll bring my computer to feel productive and join many of the other cafe residents in the grind.
Don’t forget to go up the stairs to the second floor of the book store, it took me an embarrassing number of visits to discover this section. In addition to the stacks of books and extra restaurant seating, this floor is where the event space is. Trident hosts trivia, slam poetry, writing sessions, movie nights, and many other community based events. You won’t see as many author talks as at the Harvard Book Store but there is no shortage of fun events. Make sure to follow them on Instagram to find out about the events.
Whether in the enchanting views of Beacon Hill Books, the exceptional curation of Brookline Booksmith, or the comfort of dining while shopping at Trident, Boston’s bookstores hold a special place in my heart. I hope that you’ll check out some of the places on this list, and join me in saying that bookstores are more than just stores for books.
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