BPL
This is the headquarters of the Boston Public Library (BPL). This branch is defined by its two buildings, the original McKim building from 1895, and the newer Boylston building, opened in 1972. They were built to similar scale and use similar materials, but the ornamentation–or lack thereof–clearly separates them. The Boylston building completed extensive renovations summer of 2016; featuring a new cafe, radio station, and other amenities for the people of Boston. Don't miss the beautifully quiet interior courtyard, a place to spend a solitary moment reflecting in the heart of the city.
Mon-Thu 9AM-9PM, Fri Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun 1-5PM·Free
An independent geographic research and education center including an exhibition gallery that features changing thematic exhibitions, a public learning center with research books, and a reading room for rare map research. It is ranked among the top ten in the United States its collection of over 250,000 geographic objects, the significance of its historic (pre-1900) material, its advanced digitization program, and exceptional educational programs to advance geographic literacy among students in grades K to 12.
Free
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
Quite easy to visit 364 days of the year, this is the endpoint for one of the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world. The Boston Marathon has been held every year since 1897, making it the world's oldest. On race day, streets are barricaded and lined with bleacher seating, and first aid tents spring up like mushrooms in Copley Square. If you like, pay your respects to the victims of the ghastly 2013 terrorist attacks here, but there is no permanent memorial at this site.
24 hours daily·Free