15 Independent Bookstores Around Boston 

Boston has a reputation as a smart city and that’s evidenced in the many incredible local bookstores around the city. Amazon can’t compete with the cozy nooks, dedicated and knowledgeable staff, and robust events calendars at these local businesses. Pick one and find your next read waiting on the shelves. by Celina Colby <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/beacon-hill-books-cafe-boston-395569" target="_blank">Beacon Hill Books &amp; Cafe</a> (pictured) ☕️🍷 Where: Beacon Hill Info: Boston’s newest (and perhaps prettiest) bookstore just opened in Beacon Hill and it’s causing a literary stir. Book lovers are waiting in line to get into the highly anticipated shop and cafe in the historic Boston neighborhood.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/parkside-bookshop-south-end-boston-1005147" target="_blank">Parkside Bookshop</a> Where: South End Info: This charming neighborhood bookshop in the South End isn’t just a paradise for readers, it’s also dog friendly so your furry best friend can peruse the shelves with you. They’re also open 9am-9pm every single day for any last-minute book buying needs. <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/hummingbird-books-women-owned-independent-bookstore-chestnut-hill-chestnut-hill-415524" target="_blank">Hummingbird Books</a> Where: Chestnut Hill Info: This charming bookstore and community hub is one of the newest on the Greater Boston scene. Browse for books, join a writing class, bring the kids for story time, and so much more at this charming shop. <a href="https://www.harvard.com/" target="_blank">Harvard Bookstore</a> Where: Harvard Square Info: Despite the name, this shop isn’t run by the famous university. Harvard Bookstore is an independent shop with a robust calendar of events focusing on author talks and panel discussions, plus new and used books for sale.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.brooklinebooksmith.com/" target="_blank">Brookline Booksmith</a> Where: Coolidge Corner Info: Okay, so technically this is in Brookline not Boston, but it’s one of the most beloved bookstores in the surrounding area. The newly expanded store offers a huge selection of new books, discounted copies, and used books as well as unique gifts.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/trident-booksellers-cafe-back-bay-boston-412219" target="_blank">Trident</a> ☕️🍷 Where: Back Bay Info: Part bookstore, part cafe, and part meetup space, Trident has become known for their delicious all-day menu and robust events calendar. Peruse the latest book selection, have a coffee or a glass of wine, and attend a <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/20-trivia-nights-in-boston-for-every-day-of-the-week-boston-371544" target="_blank">Trivia Night</a> or <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/skip-the-small-talk-at-trident-books-lgbtqia-speed-friending--11/381492" target="_blank">Skip the Small Talk</a> gathering.&nbsp; Pro Tip: you can also order a surprise book to go if you get takeout!&nbsp; <a href="https://www.allshewrotebooks.com/" target="_blank">All She Wrote Books</a> Where: Somerville Info: All She Wrote Books highlights all the writers that are typically neglected in big chain bookstores: female, POC, and queer authors. The owner Christina has selected an incredible array of books across all genres and is on site most days to give recommendations.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.portersquarebooks.com/" target="_blank">Porter Square Books</a> Where: Cambridge and Seaport Info: This beloved shop now has two locations, one in Cambridge and one in Boston, each one offering a great selection of books. The staff here are true booklovers, they all put together bundles of books they personally recommend in different genres.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.brattlebookshop.com/" target="_blank">Brattle Book Shop</a> Where: Downtown Info: One of Boston’s most charming and historic bookstores, Brattle offers two floors of general used books and a third floor of rare and Antiquarian books. They also put out carts of books in the outdoor space next to the store for open-air discount browsing year round. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CommonwealthBooksBoston/" target="_blank">Commonwealth Books</a> Where: Downtown Info: Tucked into an alley in Downtown Crossing, Commonwealth Books is the winding used bookstore of your literary dreams. You’ll find a huge selection of volumes, as well as rare books, maps, and even retro comic book editions.&nbsp; <a href="https://mtwyouth.org/" target="_blank">More Than Words</a> Where: South End Info: As if you needed more motivation to buy books, you can now do it for a cause. More Than Words is a nonprofit organization that provides real life job training and personal empowerment to young people in difficult situations. The store is completely run by youth workers and offers a great selection of new condition used books and local gifts.&nbsp; <a href="https://frugalbookstore.net/" target="_blank">Frugal Books</a> Where: Roxbury Info: Boston’s only Black owned bookstore showcases an extensive array of diverse books for readers of all ages. It’s a particularly good spot to grab children’s books and YA novels by authors of color.&nbsp; <a href="https://papercutsjp.com/" target="_blank">Papercuts Bookshop</a> Where: Jamaica Plain Info: This female owned indie bookstore stocks a great collection of new books and gifts. If you’re looking for activist literature this is the spot. Right now they have a curated selection of books relating to abortion rights, in response to that political battle.&nbsp; <a href="http://ravencambridge.com/" target="_blank">Raven Used Books</a> Where: Harvard Square Info: Raven stocks more than 15,000 used books at any given time. Even more impressive, they turn over a third of that collection every month. Here you’ll find current popular titles alongside rare, niche finds.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/tres-gatos-tapas-restaurant-wine-bar-book-music-store-jamaica-plain-boston-404570" target="_blank">Tres Gatos Book and Record Shop</a> ☕️🍷 Where: Jamaica Plain Info: If you want to pair your books with a cocktail (and who doesn’t), head to Tres Gatos in JP. The front is a killer tapas restaurant and the back is a small but mighty book and record store with a diverse selection of titles.&nbsp; -- Photo by Sarah Winchester

Boston

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

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15 Independent Bookstores Around Boston

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