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Massachusetts (MA)
Boston
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Boston Public Library
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Boston Public Library

See all things to do
See all things to do
Boston Public Library
4.5
4,099 reviews
#3 of 453 things to do in Boston
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries
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9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The main branch of the Boston Public Library opened in 1852 as the first free, publicly-funded municipal library in America. The library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses over 20 million items. Enjoy a free tour of the building to learn about its history and marvel at the treasured artworks and architecture that spans three centuries. After that, sit back for a cup of tea in one the library’s tea lounges. When you're done, go shopping or check out the restaurants in Back Bay, the busy district where the library is located. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Back Bay
Wander around this quintessential neighborhood in the heart of Boston for high-end shops, restaurants, and the feeling of city bustle. Its most identifiable skyscrapers, the Prudential Center and John Hancock Tower, are highlights of the city skyline. Visit Newbury street to explore unique and trendy boutiques – as well as every other kind of store imaginable – all housed in beautiful brownstone buildings. In nice weather, restaurant patio seating is packed with Bostonians and tourists alike soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the food. Commonwealth Ave offers a beautiful stroll down residential tree-lined streets. Keep walking towards the Charles River and enjoy a beautiful view by the water. In warmer months, people run and bike on paths running along the esplanade, and sail and kayak on the Charles River. Boylston street, also full of shops, bars, and restaurants, is the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Head towards Copley Square and check out the Boston Public Library, which is particularly beautiful from the Dartmouth street entrance.
How to get there
  • Copley • 1 min walk
  • Back Bay • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,634 within 5 kms
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Attractions
597 within 10 kms
Norman B. Leventhal Map Center
6
33 mSpeciality Museums • Art Museums
Back Bay
640
75 mNeighbourhoods
Old South Church in Boston
251
87 mHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Copley Square
837
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Trinity Church
1,030
0.2 kmArchitectural Buildings • Religious Sites
Newbury Street
2,507
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Boston Marathon Survivor Memorial
7
92 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
John Singleton Copley Statue
15
0.2 kmMonuments & Statues
The Guild of Boston Artists
1
0.1 kmArt Galleries
Society of Arts and Crafts
6
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See what other travellers are saying
  • GoalieMarty
    Ottawa, Canada205 contributions
    Gorgeous building
    The building housing the Boston Public Library (BPL) is simply gorgeous. We took the free guided tour which was extremely interesting and informative. Our guide was a very classy lady who made us appreciate the architecture and the history of the building and the library. Our tour started at 11 AM, lasted about 75 minutes and I highly recommend it. If we wouldn't have been on that tour, we wouldn't have been able to appreciate BPL in its full splendour. In my opinion, this is a must see/do activity when in Boston.
    Visited December 2019
    Written 1 January 2020
  • Sundaram R
    Chennai District, India58 contributions
    Boston public library a modern one with great book collections
    It was a fantastic experience to visit a modern library in great style 2 days back.it is in the heart of the city ,with Copley square at stone's throw.it is strongly suggested to take advantage of free guided tours lasting approx 1 hour,to admire the artitectural glory of this building. The books available here cover A to Z.you can go through the various language books of the world.WiFi is available.one can browse and read books old and new of one's choice. After spending a considerable time one can enjoy a fabulous coffee in Newsfeed coffee For information of book lovers - it is learnt that a regular member can lend for short time a good number of books for reading.
    Visited January 2020
    Written 4 January 2020
  • Wanderlust777
    Lutherville, Maryland1,171 contributions
    A wonderful free tour helps you appreciate the building and its artwork
    Time your visit to the library to take advantage of the free art and architecture tour of the building offered daily. Our guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. Not only did we learn about the history of the building and the strong personalities involved in its constructruction, but we also received a great introduction to the three mural cycles inside. The tour lasts an hour, but you should also set aside some additional time to explore the newer annex and to visit the fascinating exhibit in the Map Room, which shows how maps were used to visualize and communicate US economic and demographic data in the 19th century.
    Visited February 2020
    Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,099 reviews
Excellent
3,003
Very good
988
Average
94
Poor
13
Terrible
4
Christine Z
Barbados116 contributions
Don’t miss it !
Sep 2023 • Family
Absolutely gorgeous, and not a peep. Beautiful architecture and stunning from main study hall to court yard and tea room.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bogdan2005
Bucharest, Romania449 contributions
Amazing building
Aug 2023 • Friends
The Boston Library is definetely a must-see. An amazing beautifully building with incredible arhitecture and design. It is free entry and you could enjoy it for at least an hour.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allison K
30 contributions
The most beautiful library filled with history
Aug 2023 • Couples
Wow, a breathtaking library with so much history and attention to detail.
It's completely free and they give free guided tours, but we didn't do the tour. We walked around and on each floor there was literature explaining the murals and history of the building. The courtyard is stunning. This library is truly a special place.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CraftBeers
Plano, TX26,779 contributions
Well this was cool and unexpected
Jun 2023
My adult daughter did some homework before our visit and said she wanted to see the public library. I was highly skeptical. I was even more reluctant when Uber dropped us in front of a generic modern day library you find in every city in America. We were all sort of befuddled on why this was a five star visit.

We did a quick google searched and learned the old library was way on the other side of the building. We started cutting through a beautiful courtyard where we stumbled upon a gorgeous tea room. Then we found what everyone raves about. The marble stairs, wall murals, and carved statues. The Bates Room was spectacular. You've seen this room in millions of movies. Take the time to go to each room. Be sure to go upstairs to the top level.

I 100% recommend visiting here. It's free to enter and the architecture is incredible.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
363cymru123
Cardiff, UK129 contributions
Awesome building!
Aug 2023
The Public Library is impressive from outside but boy wait until you step inside, it is VERY impressive. Free to enter and you can pick up free wi fi while inside. The courtyard is fabulous, lots of table and chairs around the edge in the cooling shade. Its a very popular place to chill out during the summer. You can book in for a very nice afternoon tea in the tea rooms here, we didn't have time for that but they seemed very popular.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kentontroyer
Fredericksburg, OH36 contributions
Stop in and walk around
Jul 2023 • Family
Enjoyed just walking through and taking in the art and architecture of the place. No entrance fee, it is a public place. There are people studying and it is necessary to remain quiet in certain places.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,153 contributions
Leave time and bring a book to read in the beautiful, serene courtyard (or the wondrous reading room) and take the tour.
Jul 2023 • Family
There are really two libraries. All of the following in pointed out in the free tours. The first, the original building that was the first public library in the country, is much more like a museum with noteworthy works of art scattered throughout. Also, the famous photo of the reading room is even more impressive in person. (if it is cold, do your reading here, an option to the outdoor courtyard). The recent expansion and renovation which can use another entrance or via the original building, certainly is more modern but still feels comfortable and works well in tandem with the old.
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather H
5 contributions
Very enjoyable!
Jul 2023 • Family
When I said to my teens and husband “Let’s go visit the library!” They thought I was crazy, until they walked through the doors and saw the beautiful artwork, architecture, and ambiance. We had a wonderful time exploring the different areas of the library!
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi H
Orlando, Florida, United States40 contributions
One of my favorite places in the entire world!
Jul 2023
Years ago, my Art History professor included a slide of the courtyard of the Boston Public Library in his discussion and I thought to myself, someday, I am going there. I remembered that when I was planning my first trip to Boston in the early 1990's and casually added it to my list of things to do.

Little did I know that it would become the first thing on my list to do upon my return.

I am only sorry to say that it has taken me so long to return. I fell in love with this building then and I still am awestruck by the classic architecture, breathtaking murals and of course, the lion sculptures (Kind of a sentimental family thing, I inherited my great grandparent's lion which I climbed on as a kid, although mine is well loved and no longer as beautiful.)

Only thing that could top this visual feast for the eyes, would be to include a really great glass of chardonnay and Andrea Bocelli's music and having the museum all to myself. Other than that, it's perfect in every way.

Since I was last here, they have added a quaint bar (which actually seemed romantic to me and I wished my husband was with me) and a tea room. You need reservations which I did not have. Book this before you leave home, you do not want to miss out like I did. If I would have known this existed, I would have made reservations for both, not necessarily on the same day. I have no idea of prices of anything but that would not concern me as I would just be happy to be there.

It was a rainy afternoon when we visited which had followed close to 100 degree temperatures and the library was crowded with tourist like me who had cameras in hand to take photos of everything, to be able to remember our experiences. You know when you take photos of the Grand Canyon and then look at them and are disappointed, well that is how my photos turned out. They do not compare in the least to seeing this library in person.

Do not miss the Sargent gallery. My personal favorite is the Prophets, it's certainly not the most impressive but still it's my favorite. I stopped by the Bookstore which is incredibly small and purchased some notecards. Big mistake in not purchasing more than one of each mural, so buy more, you will be happy when you get home and at one dollar a piece, they are a bargain.

The quirky book socks are also a bargain at three dollars and my son had to have a pair. Even my son, loved this place and I was grateful that he did not complain as I dragged him all over the library.

Enjoy your time, do not rush and if you have the entire day to spend there, then I envy you.
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kayenne
London, UK226 contributions
What a stunning building
Jul 2023
What a stunning building! Full of beautiful art and nooks and crannies. We went later in the day and it wasn't at all busy. The Italianate Courtyard is just lovely.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Boston Public Library - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library is open:
  • Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Mon - Thu 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Fri - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Boston Public Library tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Boston Public Library tours on Tripadvisor