You’ve probably come to Boston to see the famous Freedom Trail or check out the New England Aquarium. But have you considered going off the path to check out some lesser-known places in Boston? We’ve compiled a list of some of the top favorite places people love to go off the beaten path of Boston.
Brattle Book Shop
Book lovers will adore this three-story bookshop. It’s one of the oldest used bookshops in Boston featuring two floors of used books and a third floor of rare and antique books. This family-owned shop is home to too many magazines and books to count, and prices start at only $1!
Boston Athenaeum Skin Book
The Boston Athenaeum is an interesting an essential place to check out, and that’s why we’ve added it to our list. It’s one of the oldest and independent libraries in the United States. The first floor is open and free to the public. In this library, a locked room holds a very interesting book. It’s a memoir by James Allen, who went by the alias George Walton. Allen was an extreme criminal who came into contact at the young age of fifteen with a master thief. After that, Allen’s life was dedicated to criminal activity. Before he passed away, Allen told his prison warden to write his life down, and thus this book was created. He then asked that his skin be the bindings for the book. Today, it rests in the Boston Athenaeum hidden from the public eye.
Mapparium
The Mapparium is located in the Mary Baker Eddy Library. This is a huge globe of the world, going three stories tall! It’s very fascinating and beautiful to check out. There is a presentation while you’re there, titled A World of Ideas, that provides music and lights to describe how ideas have changed the world.
Bodega
This shoe and sportswear store is hidden in a place known to few people. Getting to the Bodega store would not easily be seen to the common eye (unless you regularly look closely at drink machines). Inside an unassuming convenience store, you will find a Snapple machine. This Snapple machine isn’t an ordinary drink machine, but it’s actually a secret door! Behind this door is the Bodega, home to a variety of pristine shoes and sportswear. Even if you aren’t interested in sportswear or shoes, this unique place is definitely one to see off the beaten path of Boston!
Caffe Vittoria and Other Restaurants
There are many great restaurants and coffee shops in Boston, especially off the beaten path. A coffee shop known for its vintage style is called Caffe Vittoria. This shop opened in 1979, and since then has served many happy customers. Their entire aesthetic is vintage, from coffee machines and coffee cups to posters.
There are many other restaurants in Boston such as Carmelina’s. Though it’s not well-known, many customers who eat there rave about their experience. This restaurant offers many Italian dishes, such as carbonara. Another great dining option is The Salty Pig, which is known for its pork-focused options. Many customers have said that the atmosphere of The Salty Pig, as well as its food, is excellent. This would be a great place to have some pizza.
If you’re interested in Boston bus tours, be sure to book with us! We offer guided historic bus tours and private bus tours for Boston. Check out our website for more information.