“You see, bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places.”
—Jen Campbell
It’s fall in New York City, which makes me think of the film You’ve Got Mail, and the “Shop Around the Corner.” While Meg Ryan’s character’s bookshop may not exist in real life, there are many bookstores in NYC that are just as quaint.
As much as I love the New York Public and Brooklyn Public Libraries, sometimes I want the satisfaction of keeping a favorite book for myself. When this happens, I like to patronize my local independent bookshops. (However, sometimes I end up walking out with more books than I went in there for…)
Like most businesses in the city, the bookstores of New York City vary in size, products, and quirks. However, each has its own bit of magic and a way of welcoming a bibliophile “home.”
Whether you’re looking for romance, mystery, or memoirs, here are ten of the best bookstores in NYC to browse.
10 of the Best Bookstores in NYC
The Strand Book Store
828 Broadway (Union Square, Manhattan)
Perhaps the most famous of the independent bookshops in NYC is the Strand Book Store. As their logo says, they have 18 miles of books that include used, new, and rare.
The Strand was opened in 1927 by Ben Brass, who named the store after the London street where many book publishers were located. Over the last (almost) one hundred years, the Strand has become a New York icon for literary lovers.
You can peruse the outdoor bargain shelves to find used books for as little as $2. Once you step inside, there are four floors of books to discover, with the rare book room being on the top floor. The Strand has everything from fiction to fashion.
If you find yourself with an armful of books (which is easily done), bag them up in one of the quintessential Strand tote bags.
Pay attention to the free bookmark they give you at the Strand! You may see a familiar face…watch my story here.
The Ripped Bodice
218 5th Ave. (Park Slope, Brooklyn)
If you like romance, romantasy, or books with a bit of spice, this is the perfect bookstore in NYC for you. The Ripped Bodice specializes in all of the above. (In fact, the LA location was the first romance bookstore to open in the Northern Hemisphere.)
You can find the New York location’s bright pink storefront in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood. Inside feels like it was made for those of us who loved princesses and unicorns as kids. Book pages cover the walls, and there’s a ladder to make you feel like Belle. (Iykyk.)
Books are categorized by contemporary, fantasy, mystery, queer, and erotic fiction. If that makes you blush, fear not! They also have some gorgeous copies of classics like Pride & Prejudice. You can also “go on a blind date” with a book and purchase one that is pre-gift wrapped so all you read is a brief description. Talk about not judging a book by its cover!
The Ripped Bodice is proudly women and queer-owned and seeks to support similarly-owned independent businesses. In addition to books, they carry candles, stickers, and other gifts.
Sweet Pickle Books
47 Orchard St. (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
One of the most unique bookstores in NYC would have to be Sweet Pickle Books. Who would have thought that pickles and books go together?
Sweet Pickle Books actually pays homage to the Lower East Side’s pickling traditions. Historically, the area was home to many Eastern European immigrants, particularly Jewish immigrants, who were able to sell their pickled vegetables.
At Sweet Pickle Books, you can donate at least five used books in exchange for a jar of pickles. (However, if you don’t have anything to donate, the pickles are available for purchase.)
The bookshop harkens to days gone by in more ways than just the pickles. The shop is small, but is full of all kinds of used books, vinyl records, store merch, and even VHS tapes.
Books Are Magic
225 Smith St. (Cobble Hill, Brooklyn)
If you’re reading this post, then you know that books are a type of magic, but it’s nice to have bookstores in NYC that agree. Books Are Magic has a wide variety of books, including a creative children’s room that’s just as big as the grown-up section.
One of my favorite things about this NYC bookstore is the hand-written recommendations by staff. It gives the shop a welcoming feeling, as if a friend is handing me a book saying, “You should read this!”
Books Are Magic is a popular spot to host book signings and readings highlighting diverse voices and backgrounds.
Looking to dive into your new book? Head a few blocks over to Black Mountain Wine House. It’s one of my favorite cozy bars in NYC for book lovers.
The Mysterious Book Shop
58 Warren St. (Tribeca, Manhattan)
Another of the more unique New York bookstores is The Mysterious Book Shop. Though the name sounds mysterious indeed, it’s actually self-explanatory. The Mysterious Book Shop only stocks mystery books!
This beautiful shop has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves full of mysteries of all kinds. They have everything from classic mystery series, like Sherlock Holmes and works by Agatha Christie, to brand new mystery novels. They also have a true crime section for those who are into true crime podcasts.
I told my mom the next time she visits I have to take her here, since she enjoys books by Louise Penny and Tana French.
The Mysterious Book Shop feels like it belongs in a British mansion, rather than a bookstore in NYC. There is a comfy leather couch, and yes, more Belle-esque ladders.
Three Lives & Company
154 W 10th St. (West Village, Manhattan)
Tucked in a corner of the West Village is a tiny bookshop called Three Lives & Company. It has been a staple amongst NYC bookstores since the 1960s, and rightfully so.
I like that Three Lives & Company has a slightly different selection than many of its counterparts. Being so small, they have to pay a lot of attention to what is stocked and displayed. While they do stock current bestsellers, I’ve definitely seen books on display there that I hadn’t seen elsewhere.
Three Lives & Company pays homage to its neighborhood, with a nice collection of West Village and New York City-specific works. Plus, as a travel blogger I also enjoy their sizable travel section.
Greenlight Bookstore
686 Fulton St. (Fort Greene, Brooklyn)
When I first moved to Brooklyn, I was delighted to find Greenlight Bookstore. Of all the bookstores in NYC that I’ve been to, I think Greenlight is one of the best at fostering a sense of community amongst its patrons. The space is warm, inviting, and well-organized.
While small, Greenlight manages to pack a big punch with its wide selection of books. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Greenlight curates its collections to meet the needs and interests of Brooklyn residents, who span many races and cultures. I love checking out the children’s section when shopping for friends, because I know I’ll find new, fresh stories.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can always place an order with the knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Greenlight also hosts community events such as signings, book groups, lectures, and chats.
Book Club Bar
197 E 3rd St. (East Village, Manhattan)
Another of my favorite cozy book bars/shops in NYC is Book Club Bar. Part book store, part coffeeshop, and part bar, this place has everything you need for a comfy afternoon.
You can sit at the bar and enjoy your beverage of choice while cracking open a new book, or you can take a seat in one of the cozy armchairs. (If you want a spot near the fireplace though, get there early!) Laptops are allowed until 6 pm, when the vibe becomes more communal.
I really enjoy the sense of humor at Book Club. The staff book recommendations are always fun, and the cocktail menu has punny homages to famous works, such as “Murder on the Orient Espresso Martini” and “Cider House Mules.”
Book Culture LIC
26-09 Jackson Ave. (Long Island City, Queens)
Imagine an old, lofty warehouse, but filled with books…that’s Book Culture LIC! Amidst the new high rise buildings popping up in the Long Island City neighborhood, you’ll find an independent bookstore tucked into one of the remaining brick buildings.
The Queens location opened in 2017 and was the third Book Culture to open in New York (the others being in Manhattan). Like its Manhattan counterparts, Book Culture is cozy, well-stocked, and well-organized. Whether you’re looking for fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, or graphic novels, Book Culture has them all. Plus, they have fun gifts like stationery, stickers, ceramics, and accessories.
You can find the children’s section downstairs, where Book Culture hosts storytimes for kids on the weekends.
Honorable Mentions
It was hard to narrow down my favorites, but here are some other fantastic bookstores in NYC:
- The Drama Book Shop: A New York icon amongst actors and performers, it is full of scripts, plays, and scores. When the original Drama Book Shop location was going under, it was relocated thanks, in part, to Lin Manuel Miranda.
- Albertine: One of the fanciest bookshops in New York City, this store is located in a mansion on the Upper East Side and has books in both English and French.
- The Fountain Bookshop: A new, independent bookshop (and ice cream soda shop) in Washington Heights.
I hope you enjoyed reading about some of the best bookstores in NYC, and that you feel inspired to give them a visit.
Interested in visiting these bookstores during your next trip to New York? Save this post for later!
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