9 Spots Every Bookish Boston Traveler Should Visit

Founded in 1848, the Boston Public Library is the second-largest public library in the United States, and it's a grand, historical must-visit destination for book-lovers for the art and architecture as well as the impressive book collection.

You'll also want to grab a bite to eat at the Map Room Café in the Boston Public Library — such a cool spot.

My personal favorite bookstore was Trident Booksellers & Cafe. Mostly new books with a small used book section, this store also has a cafe on both floors and a cute gift section. It's also located on a good little shopping strip.

Raven Used Books in Cambridge is clearly a college-town bookstore, chock-full of used academic books. As Raven's website explains, the store's "scholarly sections are dominated by university presses and are in very clean condition. Most books are priced 50 percent to 80 percent off the cover price." It's a very clean, orderly used bookstore — and I love the faux ravens peering down at you on the bookshelves.

Despite being locally owned and independently run (since 1932), the Harvard Book Store in Cambridge is the most Barnes & Noble-esque of the bunch. It's huge; features Harvard clothing, gifts, and other nonbook items; and has a great selection of used books downstairs.

Revolution Books in Cambridge was actually closed when I tried to visit, but if you're looking for "books for the progressive, radical, and revolutionary intellectual life in Harvard Square," this is a place you should check out!

Rodney's Book Store in Cambridge feels like a mix between a used bookstore and a swap meet. It touts rare, used, and out-of-print books in addition to printing high-quality posters. The selection of modern releases wasn't great, but if you're looking for an older book (or to print a poster) and you like feeling like you've found a diamond in the rough, you've come to the right spot.

Founded in 1825, Brattle Book Shop claims to be one of America's oldest and largest used book shops. The first thing you'll see is a huge selection of used books on sale in the alley beside the shop, and, of course, the giant pencil on the storefront. Inside, there are two floors of used books and a third floor with rare books — first editions, collectibles, and fine leather bindings. There are posters on the walls showing the prices some of these rare books were sold for.

Commonwealth Books & Old Prints is a warm and comfortable used bookstore located in downtown Boston. With the relaxing music, comfy chairs, and a real, live cat roaming about, it's the kind of place where you want to hang out. The shop also features a large collection of old and rare books.

Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenaeum is one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States and it's the ultimate bibliophile destination. Unfortunately, you need to be a member (or know a member) to access most of the rooms and floors, but there is a section of the ground floor open to the public with several reading areas — complete with comfy red leather chairs and reading lights — for you to grab a book and relax in. It's a stunning hidden gem filled with art and books; I highly recommend it.