Markets and independent shops in Boston

72 markets, bookshops, record shops and makers in Boston.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 72.

BuySouth Boston
American Provisions
Farm to table grocer, selling only very high quality ingredients. Local and handcrafted preferred. Known for their cheese, meat and charcuterie plates. They also stock a wide selection of beer and wine for pairings.
Mon-Fri 9AM-8PM, Sat Sun 9AM-6PMMarket price, sandwiches $10
BuyCharlestown
Artist Group of Charlestown
The AGC was started in 2002 and has become a staple of the Charlestown art scene ever since. There are many different types of art offered in this gallery. In addition to the group selling its own art, artists from the community who aren't members can display their art. Anything from watercolor paintings to sculptures to photography is on sale at the exhibits. In the spring and summer there is an outdoor festival held at City Square.
BuyEast Boston
Atlantic Works Gallery
The art scene in East Boston has exploded over the years with the redevelopment of the East Boston Artists Group's Atlantic Works Art Gallery. Here you can drop in, view art at the dozens of studios artists keep in the historic building and, of course, purchase something for your wall.
Sat Sun 1PM-5PM
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Bacco's Wine & Cheese
Feeling French today? Then this is the perfect place to pick up a few quality comestibles before heading over to the park for your picnic. If you'll be imbibing, make sure to pick up a few unlabeled opaque cups to drink from. The laws here are not quite as tolerant as you'll find across the pond.
Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun noon-6PM
BuySouth Boston
Baltic Deli & Cafe
Freshly baked goods, smoked meats, and a variety of imported items for sale. Patrons from around the metro area shop here to find extremely authentic Polish and eastern European delicacies. Owned by the same family that runs Cafe Polonia across the street. The very same pierogies can be found for sale here, sealed in hand labeled freezer bags. Gets a bit crowded on Sundays after church.
Mon Tue 9AM-8PM, Wed-Fri 8:30AM-8PM, Sat 8AM-8PM, Sun 8AM-4PM
BuyFenway-Kenmore
Barnes & Noble
Take a moment to browse this once prominent national chain. It defies the odds and remains open, mainly because BU owns it and requires students to purchase schoolbooks here. Additionally, the famous Citgo sign sits atop this 6 story building.
Mon-Fri 9AM-9PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun noon-5PM
BuyJamaica Plain-Mission Hill
Bikes Not Bombs
Shop for a new bike, or pick up some spare parts for your current one. You could even volunteer at this charitable organization that helps get bikes to both local youths and people in developing nations.
Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat 10AM-6PMfree
BuyDowntown
Blank Label
Custom fitted bespoke menswear. Suits, jackets, vests, trenchcoats, you name it.
Mon-Sat 9AM-7PMDress shirts from $95
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Bodega
Fun skater/streetwear shop with an enormous sneaker selection. The entrance is old hat by now, but still fun. Walk into what appears to be a simple bodega and investigate the vending machine. Operated by the "cashier", it soon swings open to reveal a little hallway and the real store beyond.
Mon-Wed 11AM-6PM, Thu-Sat 11AM-8PM, Sun noon-6PM
BuySouth End
Boomerangs
Secondhand / thrift store with proceeds going to fight AIDS. This one has some pretty fancy stuff owing to its location.
Sat Sun Tue Wed 11AM-6PM, Thu Fri 11AM-7PM
BuyDowntown
Boston Public Market
This year-round market features vendors of high quality goods and comestibles from across New England. It's a great place, but with this location and quality be prepared to pay a little extra. Some of the stalls here sell a fantastic assortment of old fashioned Yankee craftsmanship. American Stonecraft is an artisanal producer of dishes, coasters, food slates and such. All made from stones pulled from farm fields in the region. A producer of fine wood products, Peterman's Boards and Bowls are made from fallen or discarded timber. While Hopsters Alley features a selection of New England beer, wine and spirits. This store is run by a brewery of the same name, and offers growler fills here as well. Explore the rest of the Market for more local and organic produce, artisanal tea shops, noodle houses, chocolatiers, bakers, cheesemongers and butchers.
Mon-Sat 8AM-8PM, Sun 10AM-8PM
BuyDowntown
Brattle Book Shop
Three floor used and rare book store with an outdoor bargain area set up in a neighboring alley. Brattle Book Shop was founded in 1825 and is one of the oldest book shops in the country.
Mon-Sat 9AM-5:30PM
BuyDowntown
Commonwealth Books
Fantastic bookstore downtown selling antique, rare, used, and new tomes. Particular emphasis on subjects like: the arts, architecture, history, literature, philosophy, and religion. You can also find other exclusive treasures here, like old maps, engravings, and manuscripts. Even just walking down this street and looking around is an experience.
Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-5PM
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Copley Place
A very upscale and luxurious mall. It seems even odd to call it a mall, but hey, that's the format they've chosen. Most things here are not affordable to mortal humans, check out Tiffany & Co. as a prime example. Hawking some of the finest jewelry in the city, this is a great spot to window shop. Entering the store is basically walking into a bank vault, get a load of those doors! Across the mall Moncler, an apparel and outerwear store, offers several sweatshirt styles from around $1000. Alternatively, grab yourself a pair of designer Jimmy Choo shoes from $600-1800, or pop into Rigby & Peller for something a little more intimate but just as expensive. If you head up to the second floor you may have a better shot; with more traditional retailers like Gap, J. Crew, and Banana Republic selling clothing for the rest of us. Ongoing renovations should wrap up by the end of 2017, but the stores remain open, through you may notice a few empty spaces.
Mon-Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun noon-6PM
BuyFenway-Kenmore
Dana-Farber Gift Shop
Buy a mug or sweater for yourself, or do one better and buy toys, jewelry, or books for patients in residence. Lots of little pick-me-ups too, like magazines, toiletries, candy and drinks.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM
BuyJamaica Plain-Mission Hill
Fire Opal
Clothing, home decor, jewelry and more. One other location in Brookline.
Mon-Wed Fri 11AM-6PM, Thu 11AM-8PM, Sat 10AM-6PM, Sun noon-5PM
BuySouth End
Gifted
More affordable knick-knacks and decor crafted by area artists. Locally owned.
Mon-Wed 10AM-7PM, Thu-Sat 10AM-8PM, Sun 11AM-6PM
BuyCharlestown
Harvard Art and Frame
If you decide to buy a photograph at the ACG, this is the place to go to get it framed and matted. Besides framing art, it sells antique prints and paintings.
Mon 10AM-5PM, T Wed 10AM-6PM, Thu 10AM-7PM, Fri10AM-5PM, Sat noon-4PM
BuyNorth End
Hilton's Tent City
Today they do most of their sales online, but don't miss this great old shop in the West End. Four stories of outdoor gear, for camping, backpacking, and more uses. Plus a bargain basement!
Mon 10AM-7PM, Tue-Fri 9AM-7PM, Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun noon-6PM
BuyAllston-Brighton
Jack Young Co
Any truck/semi/car supplies you could ever need (as long as you know what to ask for). Great for truckers and travelers, right off the interstate. For less complicated auto-related purchases, visit AutoZone up the street.
Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM, Sat 8AM-noon
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Johnny Cupcakes
Founded by Johnny Earle who got his start allegedly selling t-shirts out of his car while working at Newbury Comics. Quite popular, there are now a few stores nationally. The brand generally sells apparel emblazoned with iconic symbols that have been replaced by cupcakes. Like their logo, a skull and crossbones with a cupcake swapped for the skull.
Mon-Sat 11AM-8PM, Sun 11AM-7PM
BuyDowntown
Joseph Gann Jewelers
Classy jewelry, watches, crystal, and other high end items. A relative "newcomer" on the scene, this place offers a better selection than the storied E.B. Horn just down the street.
Mon-Wed 9AM-6PM, Thu 9AM-7PM, Fri 9AM-4PM, Sat 9:30AM-5PM
BuyDowntown
Kenmore Army & Navy Stores
Fulfill all your surplus military needs at this branch of the Army/Navy store. You'll find the usual run of pants, shirts, uniforms, boots and outerwear. What really makes this place special is the odder items, like flame retardant jumpsuits (including face mask!), army rations, various nettings, and empty ammo canisters.
Mon-Sat 9:30AM-7PM, Sun noon-6PM
BuyDorchester
Lambert's Rainbow Fruit
High quality selection of fruits, veggies, meats and sundries. Big salad bar and to go hot bar as well. Seasonal plants available out front, and don't miss the tasty ice cream next door! Great old school New England feeling "Superette".
7AM–9PM daily
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Leica Store and Gallery
Boston Park Plaza
Not everyone has a few thousand dollars burning a hole in your pocket to throw at a new camera. But if you appreciate photography or industrial design a little window shopping here is time well spent.
Mon-Sat 10AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-6PM
BuySouth End
M. Flynn Jewelry
A range of artisanal and designer jewelry from artists with various aesthetics.
Tue-Fri 11AM-6PM Sat 11AM-5PM
BuySouth Boston
Market Stalls
Boston Design Center
The Boston Design Center is at the center of Boston's glossy new Innovation District. Similar to Merchandise Mart in Chicago, picture a variety of cavernous showrooms focused on every imaginable design discipline. For visitors, make sure to check out the Market Stalls area on the second floor. This eclectic 10,000 square foot marketplace features furniture, lighting, and art from the 17th to 20th centuries. Plan a little extra time for your visit, as there may be an event going on featuring prominent architects, chefs, interior or furniture designers.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PMFree to look
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Marshall's
Headquartered in nearby Framingham, this branch offers off-price department store clothing. If it fits it's a bargain, basically the same concept (and company) as T.J. Maxx.
Mon-Sat 9AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-8PM
BuyDowntown
Ministry of Supply HQ
Headquarters of an upscale menswear shop in the Leather District.
Mon-Fri 11AM-6PMDress shirts from $95
BuySouth End
More Than Words Bookstore
Thousands of books line the walls of this bright, inviting space. A non-profit run by at risk youth and their mentors, training teens in business and professional skills.
Tue-Fri 10:30AM-7PM, Sat Sun 10:30AM-4PM
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Muji
If you're visiting from Japan or China, you'd hardly bat an eye at yet another Muji store. But this spot is one of a handful of locations to open stateside, offering their signature "no-style" style. Kind of like a cross between Ikea, the Container Store, and Uniqlo.
Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-8PM
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Newbury Comics
This location is Newbury Comics' flagship store, and where it all started. It used to sell tons of music alongside it's t-shirts and posters, but has changed with the times to sell more of the comic and music related ephemera customers crave.
Mon-Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 11AM-8PM
BuyFenway-Kenmore
Official Red Sox Team Store
T-shirts and hats run about $30. Peruse the array of other novelty items, ranging from pennants to baseball cards to bobble head dolls. Other more expensive items are also for sale, such as game jerseys and sweatshirts. These guys don't run the tours of Fenway Park, but they do start in the store.
9AM-5PM daily
BuySouth End
Polly Latham Antiques
Expensive antique shop focusing on Asian and early American ceramics.
Sat Tue 11AM-5PM, Wed 10AM-5PM
BuyDowntown
Primark
Come to America to buy cheap clothes from an Irish retailer who sells products made in Mauritius and Bangladesh! In all seriousness, these fast fashions are cheap. Like eerily cheap. You'll get a great deal, but don't expect these clothes to last for years.
Mon-Sat 8AM-9:30PM
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Prudential Center
The more downmarket of the two malls here, (although that's not saying much) and clearly the larger, the shops at the Pru are always changing. Popular boutiques like Shinola offer plenty of stylish "lifestyle" oriented clothing and objects. Or head next door to Sephora for all the beauty products and fragrances to get your body and mind aligned. One of the best places to look without buying is the new Tesla showroom on the ground floor of the Boylston street side. Between the technology, design, or just the cars themselves, it's likely something will catch your eye. There are of course plenty of additional clothing retailers in residence: Express, Lacoste, and Polo to mention just a few. Right alongside them are even more shops with shoes, jewelry, and accessories like Aldo, Swarovski, and Kate Spade.
Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 11AM-7PM
BuyAllston-Brighton
Re:Generation Tattoo
Safe, clean, professional tattoo parlor. Used to host punk shows three or four times a month.
Tue-Sat 1PM-9PM, Sun Mon 1PM-8PM
BuyBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Rick Walker's
Long running (since 1932) purveyor of vintage western style. Get your cowboys hats and boots right here. Both kinds of music are played in the store, country and western.
Noon-7:30PM daily
BuyAllston-Brighton
Ritual Arts
Offers exotic gifts for women, magic supplies, and other new age stuff.
Mon-Fri 11AM-7PM, Sat 11AM-6PM, Sun noon-6PM
BuyJamaica Plain-Mission Hill
Salmagundi
Hat store that also stocks a lovely assortment of accessories, some of which are locally made. Very friendly and helpful staff make this a fun destination in its own right.
Tue-Thu 10AM-6PM, Fri noon-8PM, Sat 11AM-8PM, Sun 11AM-6PM

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Boston (CC BY-SA 4.0).