New York City is home to some of the best bookstores in the world. These cozy spaces are perfect for bookworms to spend the day exploring their collection of literary masterpieces.
When you enter Rizzoli on Broadway, it feels like entering an Italian palazzo. The chandeliers, marble floors, and rich wood bookshelves are a feast for the eyes.
1. The Strand
If you’re a bibliophile then you’ll love this iconic NYC bookstore. It’s a destination in and of itself and the place to visit for every book lover. This massive shop is home to 18 miles of books spread across its four floors. From the latest releases to ancient books locked behind glass, this store has it all. If you’re not sure where to start, ask one of the expert staff to help you find what you’re looking for. They’re almost like tour guides, judging by their deft ability to locate even the most obscure titles.
In the heart of ‘Book Row’ (a group of 40-plus booksellers that once occupied the block), The Strand is now the only remaining one of its kind in downtown Manhattan. It’s known for its vast selection and has been featured in countless movies and TV shows including ‘Julia & Julia’, ‘Remember Me’, and ‘Gilmore Girls’.
You’ll also want to check out Bluestockings, an intersectional feminist and queer bookshop located in Bushwick. The store was closed for months in 2021 but reopened as a fully worker-owned space in March of 2022 and is a great place to peruse the shelves. They’re also famous for their excellent collection of LGBTQ+ stories and translated poetry – something that can be hard to come by in the city.
Another popular bookstore in the city is McNally Jackson Books. This independent Manhattan location is a book-lover’s paradise with a beautiful interior and an extensive array of events and readings. They also host a weekly comics night, and have a wide variety of graphic novels. They also have a number of different subscription options that allow you to receive new releases each month.
2. Book Culture
In addition to stocking an impressive array of books, Book Culture hosts literary events across their four locations. The original store in Morningside Heights offers academic lectures and the Columbus Avenue location hosts events like author debuts, new release parties and book clubs. There’s also a reading group dedicated to Science Fiction and a book club focused on work written by queer authors. You can find a full calendar of events on the Book Culture website.
The bookstore chain was originally founded in 1997 under the name Labyrinth Books by Chris Doeblin and Cliff Simms. It was originally a textbook and used bookstore for students at Columbia University. When they rebranded in 2007 to Book Culture, Doeblin and Simms opened two Manhattan outposts at addresses that once housed bookstores—including the one at 112th Street in Morningside Heights and the Columbus Avenue location on the Upper West Side. The bookstore now has three locations in Manhattan and a fourth in Long Island City.
While Book Culture caters to students, they’re also a great resource for New Yorkers and travelers. Their adorable local bookstores carry an extensive collection of travel literature and feature an entire wall devoted to New York City guides. There’s even a section with books recommended by staff members. Plus, you’ll find everything from Ruth Bader Ginsburg tote bags to S’well water bottles.
In-person book buybacks (ten or fewer books) are held Tuesday-Saturday from 12-4pm and the stores strongly encourage customers to sell used books online before visiting for an evaluation. This helps them manage the number of people in the shop and it also speeds up the purchasing process for those who need their books quickly.
3. Molasses Books
The last surviving relic of “Book Row” in the old Brooklyn, this classic bookstore is known for its Old-World style with mahogony shelves towering high full of books. It’s also known for its curated collections of fiction and nonfiction and as one of the best places in NYC to buy textbooks for college students.
This intersectional feminist bookshop has become a landmark in Bushwick’s literary scene and offers a welcoming space to spend time reading, drinking coffee, and meeting fellow bibliophiles. They host events, workshops and have a wide selection of second hand books for sale, all the while working to make their bookstore a more inclusive and sustainable business.
In the heart of Columbia Street Waterfront District, Molasses Books is a great place to trade in your used books or find new ones to read while sipping on a cup of filter coffee. This is one of the most comfortable and relaxed used bookstores NYC has to offer, perfect for a quick afternoon break or an entire day escaping work.
The staff at this independent bookstore is super friendly and knowledgeable, especially when it comes to all things Studio Ghibli! You’ll also find a good selection of manga and Japanese-language titles here as well as an extensive collection of books about Japan, the arts, and culture.
Located in the Rockaway Beach neighborhood of Queens, Avoid the Day is named after the text conversation between founders Jianna and Jason that corrected “Have a good day!” to “Avoid the day.” This bookstore serves as both a community hub with a carefully curated collection of books and a place for the public to escape from the stress of everyday life while reading, drinking, or taking advantage of the beach-front space. They also host a number of community-minded events, including their Books Through Bars volunteer collective that brings books to incarcerated people in the area.
4. Argosy Bookstore
The oldest independent bookstore in the city, Argosy is a book lover’s dream. Louis Cohen opened it in 1925 and picked the name, partly because it began with “A” so it would be listed early in telephone directories. It has been in the same family for three generations and specializes in modern first editions, antique prints, art, old maps and autographs. It also has a vast collection of rare Bibles and manuscripts. The store feels as if it were taken from an Indiana Jones movie, and the staff are well trained to help you find what you’re looking for.
Another great option is Namaste Bookshop, a spiritual and metaphysical bookshop. The store has a wide selection of books and spiritual products as well as a healing center. It is located near Union Square and offers a variety of events on a weekly basis.
A must-see is the bookselling documentary The Booksellers, which was directed and edited by D. W. Young and is narrated by Parker Posey. It explores the world of antiquarian and rare book dealers and features three sisters, Judith Lowry, Naomi Hample, and Adina Cohen, who run the Argosy Bookstore. The film is available on Netflix and other streaming services.
If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual bookstores in NYC, visit Forbidden Planet. This is a toy, game, and comics shop with an extensive collection of books as well. The store is located in the heart of Union Square and has a large calendar of events throughout the week. The walls and floor displays are packed with books, movies, toys, games, and more. The place is a must-see for any book and comics lover.
5. Turn the Page Again
As one of the most literary cities in the world, NYC is full of incredible bookstores. From classics to new releases, these bookshops stock an impressive selection that will leave you with a lifetime of memories. Whether you’re looking to buy a great gift for yourself or someone else, these stores will have you covered.
The Strand Bookstore is one of the most iconic bookstores in NYC, and it’s a must-visit for any bibliophile. This massive store has 18 miles of books and is a true haven for readers. Another must-visit is McNally Jackson Books, which has two locations in Manhattan and is known for its huge selection of books and events.
For something more intimate, head to Book Culture, a favorite among Columbia students and locals alike. This bookstore offers a curated collection of new and used books, and is known for its unique events and author readings.
A Brooklyn local favourite, Book Culture also has a small but beautiful collection of rare and out-of-print books that make for the perfect gift. If you’re feeling inspired, the store is also home to a number of rotating exhibits and workshops that give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the art and craft of writing.
Located in Bayside, Queens, Turn the Page Again is a magical used bookstore that’s more than just your average shop. This not-for-profit used bookstore operates as a social enterprise and employs individuals with a primary mental health diagnosis to help them adjust to the workforce.
Named after a Gertrude Stein quote, this red-brick corner bookstore is as whimsical as it is serious. The shelves have little to no order, but the staff say that it’s part of the fun. Besides having a great selection of literary classics, this bookshop is also popular with students thanks to its extensive collection of used textbooks.
