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Boston Common vs Boston Athenaeum

Both are highly recommended by reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, Boston Athenaeum ranks marginally better than Boston Common. Boston Athenaeum ranks #11 in Boston with recommendations from 9 publications including Michelin Guide, Condé Nast Traveler and Fodor's.

Boston Common
Boston Common
8 / 10
Tremont, Beacon, Charles, Park & Boylston Streets, Boston, MA 02108
From $0 /night
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"The Boston Common has served many purposes over the years, including as a campground for British troops during the Revolutionary War and as green grass for cattle grazing until 1830." Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"Nothing is more central to Boston than the Common, the oldest public park in the United States and undoubtedly the largest and most famous of the town commons." Full review
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
1 Star
"The Public Garden is quiet and contained, the adjacent Commons is open and bustling." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"A green, 50-acre oasis in the heart of downtown Boston, the Common is the oldest park in the United States (first laid out as a pasture for cattle grazing in 1634)." Full review
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"A beautiful spot to walk in all seasons, during the winter, the Frog Pond has a magical skating rink that will delight both young and old." Full review
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Boston Athenaeum
Boston Athenaeum
8 / 10
10 Beacon St., Boston, MA
From $0 /night
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"An old and distinguished private library, having hosted the likes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne." Full review
Time Out Time Out
"The Boston Athenæum published America's first literary magazine and acquired an extensive library of books and works of art." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"This magnificent private library is tucked away behind red leather–bound doors with more than 600,000 volumes of gilt-lettered books and rare manuscripts." Full review
Not For Tourists Not For Tourists
"Old books, including one true crime account bound in the author's skin."
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
1 Star
"The Boston Athenaeum is one of the nation's oldest private lending libraries." Full review
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