1. Mckim Courtyard – Boston Public Library
The Mckim Courtyard nestled inside the Boston Public Library is a wonderful place to read and study. Of course it is also crowded much of the time. However that is easily compensated by the fact its beautiful and on one side is the entire BPL library at your disposal and on the other is a lovely little cafe. The BPL wifi is accessible in the courtyard. There are tables in the shade under the arches and many places to sit on the steps.
2. Rowes Wharf
There are many places to sit at Rowes Wharf and all along the Harbor Walk, all providing lovely views of the harbor as well as planes descending into Logan Airport.
3. Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Gardens, not to be confused with nearby Boston Commons, has a gorgeous pond (home of the famous swan boats) as well as many lovely flowers and weeping willows. There are many benches or bring a blanket and sit under the trees.
4. Christian Science Plaza
The large reflecting pool of the Christian Science Plaza is a lovely place to read. Benches are not as numerous as in other places of the city but the steps of church are also a good place to sit. Many of the entrances facing the pool are not used so one can park themselves on the steps.
5. John Joseph Moakley Courthouse
Across the water from Rowes Wharf and the Harbor Walk is the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse. It likewise has a beautiful view of the harbor as well as many benches. Right nearby is the The Daily Catch, a lovely seafood place with outdoor seating.
6. Copley Square
Although busier than the inner courtyard, Copley Square outside of the Mckim Building also provides a nice place to read. There are benches around the green square which has the BPL on one end and Trinity Church on the other. There is also a fountain where one can dangle their feet in while reading on a hot day. However there are always splashing children around, so don’t take a book you don’t want a few stray drops of water on!
7. Emerald Necklace
If a quieter reading place is wanted there are many portions of the Emerald Necklace (Boston’s chain of green spaces) that are more secluded. The above portion resides between Riverway and Longwood in the Back Bay area and has several benches interspersed throughout.
8. Boston Commons
For those who prefer more activity around them or some people watching, Boston Commons has both. Many times there are also musical performances taking place that can provide some nice background music.
9. Post Office Square
A lovely part of the Emerald Necklace, the Post Office Square also houses a sweet little cafe.
10. Harvard Medical Campus
Harvard Medical School has a lovely quad that has benches and tables. Beware of the stray frisbees however.
All pictures property of Jessica Bennett. Please ask for permission to use.
I have had to abandon some of these spots due to loud cell phone users who have destroyed outdoor reading in most places around Boston, including the library courtyard.
In a book named Invisible Eden about the late Christa Worthington, it notes that she used to read out loud whenever a cell phone user sat near her. I commend the practice to others as it’s worth a try in order to retake the outdoors for all from the cell phone loudmouths.
Finally, just a friendly reminder: there is no such place in Boston as the “Boston Commons.” The correct name is Boston Common.
And don’t forget about the new Reading Room at the Brewer Fountain Plaza in the Boston Common – you don’t even have to bring your own book!