Brattle Bookshop Boston
Antique and bargain books
Want a bound copy of all of 1917's issues of Punch? A Maine seafood cookbook? To browse through dozens of carts of old books priced at $ 1, $ 3, or $ 5, that you didn't know you needed but can't leave without? Stop at Brattle, Boston's best second-hand bookshop, on the scene since 1825.
Though its core business is in antiquarian books (their experts appear on Antique's Roadshow), Brattle is a magnet for all kinds of bookish people looking for their next read, or looking to divest themselves of an old read. In fact, so many local book reviewers get rid of unwanted advance copies at Brattle that there are shelves that hold nothing but reviewers' copies, many with the press releases still tucked inside the front cover.
For my money, though, the best browsing is on the carts, in dry weather, even in winter, positioned outside in the parking lot adjacent to the building. Because the books are classified only by price - I've found art books next to literary biographies next to forgotten nonfiction - budget some time to look around. If this is too overwhelming, inside the shelves are organized by topic, and there's an especially strong local history section - I'm slowly building up a collection of books on Cambridge sourced mainly at the Brattle. Good selection of fiction and art as well.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Boston guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Boston
Eat At Jumbo's – Go vegan, eat burgers
"Eat at Jumbo's" in Boston is a warm/cozy little vegan/veggie paradise! The menu is huge and everything I've tried to date just exceptional...
By
Kristian
Beck
Rick Walker’s – Unexpected cowboy style on Newbury
"Rick Walker’s" is like a portal into another world. It's my go to sources in Boston for Western shirts, vintage Levis, secondhand belts & cowboy hats.
By
Zac
Cardwell
Christina's Ice Cream – Save room for dessert
"Christina's Ice Cream" is a post-dinner of mid-afternoon must in Boston. There are 50 flavors of ice cream. I like the chocolate and ginger molasses.
By
Zac
Cardwell
Bobby From Boston – Vintage menswear
"Bobby From Boston" is a vintage menswear shop offering a range of leather jackets, new old stock blue jeans, vests and many more that a gentleman needs...
By
Zac
Cardwell
Boston Athenaeum – A charming independent library
The "Boston Athenaeum" is an independent library praised for its architecture, history and collection. Reading by the windows on a sunny day? My bliss.
By
Supriya
Manot
Black Ink – Essentials you didn’t know you needed
"Black Ink" Boston is the place to shop when you want a special gift (for yourself or someone else!), but don't know exactly what you want...
By
Zac
Cardwell
Veggie Crust – A slice of nice
"Veggie Crust" in Boston is definitely not just another pizza joint; first off it's 100% vegetarian. They even have falafel pizza, and it's actually good!
By
Kristian
Beck
Rose Kennedy Greenway – Elevated highway to park
"Rose Kennedy Greenway" in Boston was a work in progress for many years. Now it's dotted with sculptures, fountains, food trucks... a true destination!
By
Zac
Cardwell
Flat Black – Australian style coffee
"Flat Black" in Boston makes Australian-style espresso. These guys roast their own beans in Dorchester and make the best carving designs into the milk!
By
Cris
Concepcion
Charles River Dam – The Musical Locks
"Charles River Dam" in Boston, with the Musical Locks, is a great place to cross on my bike the water that separates Boston and Cambridge...
By
Cris
Concepcion
Sound Bites – A kinder, gentler breakfast tyrant
"Sound Bites" in Boston has a reputation. I also have a personal, touching story that has made me really like this breakfast cafe. I'll share it with you.
By