Ten Bookish Places to Visit in BOSTON 📖🍂

Hello there :) This is a guide to my top 10 bookish things to do in the Boston area— from libraries to museums, art galleries to bookshops, I hope this compilation is helpful for any bibliophile looking to do some exploring! A full list of the locations is included below:

0:47
Harvard Independent Book Store — 1256 Massachusetts Ave
• I like this bookshop because it’s operated independently from Harvard and has an enormous selection of used and new books, everything from contemporary bestsellers to super niche nonfiction. This shop is within walking distance of Harvard Campus and the Harvard Co-op (another giant bookstore that also features lots of Harvard merch) if you’re trying to have an Elle Woods moment.

1:19
Boston Athenaeum — 10½ Beacon St
• The Boston Athenaeum describes itself as a “member-supported library, museum, and cultural center.” A day pass is $40 and gives you access to all of the rooms and allows you to come and go as you please throughout the day. It’s one of the most stunning spots in the city and definitely worth the day pass splurge.

2:55
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe — 71 Charles St
• Beacon Street in Boston is like an Americana dupe of Diagon Alley; this shop and a walking crawl of the street would be at the top of my recommendations for a friend hoping to do a little window shopping. This is an adorable multi-floor bookshop with a basement restaurant that serves three meals a day. An ideal Instagramable destination!

4:00
The Gibson House Museum — 137 Beacon St
• This Victorian townhouse museum is an absolute hidden gem. It’s where they filmed parts of Little Women, and I found it to be a perfect dupe for Grimmauld Place! Curated and donated to the public by a gay author, the house is a slice of queer history that houses three generations of Gibson family members and dozens of servants between 1859 and 1954. The Gibson House Museum is open to the public year-round by guided tour. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for children.

5:08
Trident Booksellers & Cafe — 338 Newbury St
• I loved this bookstore cafe so much that I went back twice. They’ve got two floors of restaurant space and an enormous selection of new books, including a hefty YA and fantasy section. I had their eggs Benedict and loved the portion sizes.

5:45
Brookline Booksmith — 279 Harvard St
• I almost skipped this bookstore, and I’m so glad I decided not to. The location is adorable (the building is tucked behind a little campy Tudor-style suburban castle) and parking is super easy at the Trader Joe’s nearby. They had a large selection and I nabbed a couple of fantasy titles.

6:47
Boston Public Library — 700 Boylston St
• This library is a popular destination for a reason. The marble staircases and the architectural details are absolutely stunning. I’d recommend spending a few hours here doing some remote work or reading a book to take in the space.

8:30
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — 25 Evans Way
• For a medieval art experience tucked into the heart of the city, you’ll want to visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The central garden plaza is gorgeous, and you can spend a few hours exploring the concentration of furniture and artwork that Isabella collected throughout her lifetime.

9:44
Boston College — 140 Commonwealth Ave
• My jaw dropped when I walked into the Bapst Library at Boston College. This campus is like a slice of Hogwarts come to life— I could spend hours taking in the gorgeous hallways, libraries, and reading rooms open to the public. Thought it is worth checking out their website to get specific on the visiting recommendations for each building, I’d definitely recommend poking around campus if you’re passing through the area.

10:49
The Fairy Shop — 272 Newbury St
• You know I had to include something specifically for Harry Potter lovers! I stumbled onto this little gem while strolling Newbury Street and fell in love with their small collection of wizard-related merchandise. I snagged some Slytherin socks and a full-sized replica of the Marauder’s Map. If you’re a Potterhead in Boston, please check out this lovely small shop!

Please leave a comment if you have anything helpful to add or recommendations for future videos. This is one of my first long-form videos and so while I’m learning, I appreciate your grace and every bit of feedback!

xoxo & don’t let the muggles get you down,
Sasha