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Boston Public Library vs Boston Athenaeum
Boston Public Library and Boston Athenaeum are both recommended by those who travel for a living. Overall, Boston Public Library ranks slightly higher than Boston Athenaeum. Boston Public Library scores 92 with accolades from 14 publications including On the Grid, Concierge and Michelin Guide.
Boston Public Library
Concierge
Lonely Planet
Time Out
Fodor's
Not For Tourists
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700 Boylston St., At Copley Sq., Boston, MA 02116
From $0 /night
Concierge
"The Boston Public Library is a destination in itself, and not just for bookworms."
Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"Dating from 1852, the esteemed Boston Public Library lends credence to Boston’s reputation as the ‘Athens of America.’."
Full review
Time Out
"The original structure, designed by Charles McKim and completed in 1895, is now the research library, while an extension opened in 1972 to function as a general library."
Full review
Fodor's
"This venerable institution is a handsome temple to literature and a valuable research library."
Full review
Not For Tourists
"People need at least one place where they can be their most effective, motivated and focused. Sometimes it's their home, a coffee shop, the back corner of a bookstore, a random park..."
Boston Athenaeum
Lonely Planet
Time Out
Condé Nast Traveler
Not For Tourists
Michelin Guide
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10 Beacon St., Boston, MA
From $0 /night
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
"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
"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
"Old books, including one true crime account bound in the author's skin."
Michelin Guide
1 Star
"The Boston Athenaeum is one of the nation's oldest private lending libraries."
Full review
