Boston Public Library: Hours, Address, Boston Public Library Reviews: 4.5/5
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library
4.5
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
On the National Register of Historic Places, the library opened in 1852 as the first free, publicly-supported municipal library in America.
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
2,996 within 5 kms

Sorellina
831
52 m₹₹₹₹ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Atlantic Fish Co
4,860
0.2 km₹₹₹₹ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly

sweetgreen
221
60 m₹ • American • Fast food • Healthy

Thinking Cup
299
0.4 km₹ • Quick Bites • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

Saltie Girl
382
0.2 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Seafood • Gluten Free Options

La Voile
685
0.4 km₹₹₹₹ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly

Flour Bakery & Cafe
655
0.4 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • Bakeries • American • Cafe

The Friendly Toast
778
0.4 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
753
0.1 km₹₹ - ₹₹₹ • American • Bar • Soups

Abe & Louie's
1,904
0.3 km₹₹₹₹ • Steakhouse • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
569 within 10 kms

Norman B. Leventhal Map Center
5
33 mSpeciality Museums • Art Museums

Back Bay
629
75 mNeighbourhoods

Old South Church
247
87 mHistoric Sites • Religious Sites

Copley Square
830
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Trinity Church
1,019
0.2 kmArchitectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Newbury Street
2,483
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Boston Marathon Survivor Memorial
6
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
0.2 kmArt Galleries
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
4,016 reviews
Excellent
2,937
Very good
971
Average
95
Poor
13
Terrible
4
LM S
105 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
Truly awesome art, architecture & paintings. The John Singer Sargent mural cycle is a masterwork, installed between 1895 & 1919. So much more. Admission free
Written 17 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DJH35
Jacksonville, FL168 contributions
May 2022
Did not have this on our list but we were viewing the Trinity church and were told to go in to see the murals painted by Stuart. There was definitely some beautiful artwork in the library. Not a must see but worth a stop if you are near by.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Denise S
3 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
While many people may think a ‘library is just a library’, that thought does not apply to the Boston Public library!! In Boston, you should include time to go inside and take in all the beauty, art (including murals, statues, etc) and architecture and history of this building! A brochure (free) at the main entrance is available and provides a guide to your self-paced tour of the highlights of this building - so you can explore at your leisure.
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ElizabethTAH
Mount Joy, PA7 contributions
May 2022
Absolutely stunning building. Breathtaking architecture, murals, etc. Pictures don't do it justice. Give yourself at least an hour to take it all in.
Written 14 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
drichrx
Brooklyn, NY1,213 contributions
Apr 2022
The old building of the library is very interesting and worth visiting (free). There was a very good free exhibit on maps of ecological issues in the Boston area. Worthwhile if in the area
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DocSkier
Mid Coast Maine, ME470 contributions
Apr 2022
Very good coffee. Salads and the clam chowder were tasty. Staff is pleasant. Depending on your politics, you may or may not be thrilled with live NPR delivered at table side. After a morning of library research, a pleasant lunch.
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Madeleine L
Boston, MA35 contributions
Mar 2022
This is a beautiful, historic building to walk around and enjoy. Please respect the peace and quiet inside.
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hilary T
Arlington, VA144 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Absolutely love this library! It is part functional library and part museum. Bates Hall is awe inspiring and comfortable at the same time. The Sargent murals were amazing and worth the climb up the beautiful staircases. Love the history and story behind the library. Staff are patient and friendly. Take the time to stop in.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Leah B
2 contributions
Feb 2022
The Sargent Murals were fascinating. The BPL staff were super helpful and friendly. It would be nice to have had a little more background/historical info about the murals and the artist. But overall, a great experience.
Written 14 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Randie A
199 contributions
I would like to know more about the tea. How do you book this? Is it every day or just on weekends. How much is the cost? Anything else you would like to add?
jamaplus
Worcester, MA81 contributions
We went on a Sunday afternoon at 1pm. It seemed that many people arrived for the 1pm seating. The cost was about $48.00 per person. The dining room was beautiful. I am not sure what other days are offered. The tea included scones, pastries and tea sandwiches. Each of us received a pot of tea of our choice. Cocktails are also served. The Map room was a smaller bar area. Very nice experience.
RwEdin_07
Edinburgh, UK32 contributions
Does it cost anything to visit the library? Thanks.
Hussam S
Cairo, Egypt439 contributions
No, It's Free Admission but Check the working Hours putting in the glass of outer Gate, Change from day to day,
Notice: 1- I think, This information is applying for all Public Library in USA.
2- I saw this question only now.
pamelado
Thomasville, NC1 contribution
I'm planning on coming to Boston for the day, Monday October 1st, is there parking? I'd arrive about 11 am
Chip Campbell
Washington DC, DC26 contributions
Plan on Parking in a Garage.
Are you able to access the wife if you are just visiting?
Grimmo29
45 contributions
Wendy L,
That is a very funny typo! I guess it depends on the wife 🤣
Vicki M
Greenville, Tx7 contributions
Booking a tour vs walking in and exploring on your own?
Rob H
Milton Keynes, UK77 contributions
I agree with the general consensus. It's so easy to make your own way round, see it all and use the info available to enrich your visit. I'm sure the tours add, but the flexibility of going wherever and whenever you want added for me.
If you are coming to tour the library, how long do you recommend?
Troonie1
Drouin South, Australia706 contributions
Would give it one hour plus. The courtyard is fantastic and you can sit and enjoy, the maps section could easily take another 30 minutes and there are apparently a number of displays. Plus a coffee shop, so the end point could be many hours
Hayley1607
Kent, UK118 contributions
Some pictures are showing tea, is there a cafe / restaurant there?
LanSluderBelize
Asheville, NC782 contributions
Also, in the same complex (different entrance door) is the WGBH public radio station coffee shop and café.
Mitchell M
St. Pete Beach, FL38 contributions
how do i get there using public transport
morsequay
Lincoln, UK172 contributions
We walked via the Boston Common and called for a beer at the bar where "Cheers" was filmed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boston Public Library
- Boston Public Library is open:
- Sun - Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Mon - Thu 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Fri - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- 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 14 Boston Public Library tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Boston Public Library:
- Guided Walking Tour of Copley Square to Downtown Boston Freedom Trail (From ₹ 3,472.49)
- Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with 15 Stops (From ₹ 3,889.19)
- Boston Private City Tour (From ₹ 41,339.61)
- Walking Tour: Downtown Freedom Trail plus Beacon Hill to Copley Square/Back Bay (From ₹ 3,472.49)
- Boston City View Bicycle Tour by Urban AdvenTours (From ₹ 5,247.32)
- Hotels near Boston Public Library:
- (0.12 km) The Lenox Hotel
- (0.10 km) Courtyard by Marriott Boston Copley Square
- (0.14 km) Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston
- (0.13 km) Copley Square Hotel
- (0.09 km) The Westin Copley Place, Boston
- Restaurants near Boston Public Library:
- (0.04 km) Say Pao de Queijo
- (0.05 km) Sorellina
- (0.06 km) The Courtyard Tea Room
- (0.06 km) sweetgreen
- (0.11 km) OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
- Attractions near Boston Public Library:
- (0.03 km) Norman B. Leventhal Map Center
- (0.04 km) RunBoston
- (0.11 km) Haunted Boston Ghost Tours
- (0.07 km) Back Bay
- (0.11 km) 1 If by Land Walking Tours