10 of the Most Instagram-Worthy Spots in Boston
If you’re headed to beautiful Boston, Massachusetts, you’ll soon find an extremely walkable city with photogenic sights galore. From the cobblestoned streets of Beacon Hill to one of my favorite libraries in the world, there is no shortage of scenes to fill up your Instagram feed. While this list is by no means exhaustive, these 10 spots will certainly get you started!
1. Acorn Street
If this isn’t the most picturesque street in Boston, then I don’t know what is. Located in the beautiful Beacon Hill neighborhood, you’ll get the feeling that you’ve stepped into a time machine. The cobblestoned street runs through beautiful brick homes with polished, black shutters. There’s also gorgeous street lamps, and an old American flag, without which the scene would not be complete. *Pro Tip: get your camera low to the ground to capture the colorful cobblestones.
2. Brattle Book Shop
One of America’s oldest antique bookshops, Brattle Book Shop is a unique gem in Downtown Crossing, near Boston Common. There you’ll find two floors of used books, a third with rare and antiquarian ones, and an outdoor space where they hold their sales. It is the latter that makes for a great photo opportunity. See for yourself!
3. Boston Public Library
BPL is one of my favorite libraries in the whole world. Completely free to enter, there are 3 areas that I’d recommend for photos.
Bates Hall: The most iconic space in the library, Bates Hall will give you some real Hogwarts vibes. The oak tables, green reading lanterns, and ornate, curved ceiling make one hell of a photo.
Grand Staircase: This incredible marble staircase takes my breath away every time. Two gorgeous lion sculptures sit at the top, surrounded by incredible mural work.
Courtyard: Designed after a Roman palazzo, this courtyard is a peaceful refuge in the middle of a busy city. Beautiful arches and a fountain at the center make this space a fantastic spot for a photo.
4. Trinity Church
If you walk out of the Boston Public Library’s front entrance, you’ll be staring right at Copley Square, and most importantly, Trinity Church. An architectural stunner, it makes for a beautiful photo, especially with the shiny blue John Hancock Tower in the frame, juxtaposing old with new.
5. Boston Public Gardens
Take a stroll through the Boston Public Gardens and you’re sure to find a photo opp or ten! My favorite spot is on the side of the pond that looks back at the buildings in the Back Bay, including the Prudential Building.
6. Boston Harbor
One of my favorite spots in the city, this spot makes for a great photo during the day, and arguably even better at night! The large chain that’s there to prevent you from taking a tumble into the harbor looks great in the foreground with the sparkling lights of the city skyline behind it.
7. Christian Science Center & Reflecting Pool
Another great Back Bay location, the Christian Science Center with its rectangular reflecting pool is well worth a visit. I’ll admit, my property management job gave me an unfair advantage and I shot this from the top of 177 Huntington Avenue, but this spot is gorgeous from the ground as well. Play with the pool reflections, especially at night, and you’ll get some great shots.
8. Paramount Theater
The vertical sign of this Downtown Crossing theater makes for a great shot, especially at night. Located on Washington Street, the sign comes courtesy of the original owners- Paramount Pictures.
9. Christopher Columbus Park
This North End park sits alongside the water, and is a great spot to snap a few pics. The pergola is picturesque any time of year- if it’s not covered in greenery, it’s decked out with beautiful lights in the holiday season.
10. Old State House
This historic building built in 1713 occupies an unusual spot at the intersection of Washington and State Streets amidst modern office buildings in Boston’s financial district.
Have any top photo spots that I missed? Feel free to leave them in the comments!