Best Bookstores in New York

Best Bookstores on the Upper West Side

Westsider Rare & Used Books Inc.

Ironically, this hidden gem of NYC is filled floor to ceiling with hidden gem books! Their prices range from as low as a dollar to over a hundred dollars for some of their most rare and used titles. The charm of the place comes from how cozy and small it is… It even has that wonderful old book and leather smell that many new shops are missing nowadays. Sure, you sometimes have to squeeze your way around other readers, but it adds to the glory of the discovery! In a city where Mom & Pop shops are disappearing all over, this one stands out as a neighborhood treasure to many of the locals.

Shakespeare & Co.

This iconic Manhattan bookstore has been a staple of the Upper West Side for more than three decades! Since it’s adjacent to the Hunter College Campus, there’s a youthful energy and spirit to the place that appeals to both teens and those in their twenties. Even their cafe drinks are themed with Shakespeare plays, up-and-coming music artists, and iconic bestsellers! I’d suggest checking out some of their unique staff selections! The titles are hilarious and their choices are always amazing. Pro-Tip: If it’s packed with nowhere to read or work, purchase your book(s) and have a nice reading day at Black Press Coffee just down the street.

Best Bookstores on the Upper East Side

The Corner Bookstore

Settled on the corner of Madison Ave. and 93rd St., this iconic bookstore was opened in 1978 by a lovely couple who dreamed of something cozy and charming. They restored the former glory of its 1920s fixtures and decided that– no matter what– it would be the neighborhood’s corner bookstore! While this shop is tiny, it is mighty and the staff typically stocks their store with what appeals most to their local community.

Albertine

The Albertine is as whimsical as it is cultural! With their hand-painted mural of constellations and their wide selection of French titles, you will be both mystified and delighted. Their mission is to make French literature available to American audiences from coast to coast through purely French publications and translations of lesser-known French Authors. There is a little something for everyone so rest your feet and immerse yourself in all the new books. We highly recommend checking it out on the way to the MET or while you’re on a stroll near Central Park!

Logos Bookstore

For fans of the Netflix show "You", you will recognize the exterior was filmed to portray Mooney's bookstore! The interior was filmed in a different location but it is still a sight to behold! Ironically enough, they mainly carry religious literature but there is a lot of variation and children’s titles available. Not to mention a nice selection of used books that are very budget-friendly at 2-5 dollars a piece! In its very convenient location near Central Park, it is worth the quick visit to say hello to the store cats, buy a new book, and spend the afternoon reading there.

Best Bookstores in Midtown Manhattan

Argosy Book Store

There are six stories worth of old and rare books to discover here and even more at their warehouse in Brooklyn. From antiquarian and out-of-print books to maps to autographs and prints, there is an incredibly wide variety of history available for every kind of interest. The store itself for founded in 1925 and has gone through three generations of family ownership. Their staff is beyond well-equipped to answer any question you may have and explain why an item is as precious as it is, so do not be afraid to approach them at any point. Great to pair with a trip to the Polo Bar for an amazing evening dinner.

Drama Book Shop

Over the past 100 years, the Drama Book Shop has moved to three different locations and is the city’s best source for theatrical works, with over 8,000 plays regularly in stock. Some of Broadway’s greatest have spent time in the store, being inspired by the literature it carries and meeting with like-minded individuals who share the same dream. One such dreamer was Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton, who asked the previous owner if he and a few friends could purchase the store to take on the honor of running it in its new current location. The spiral stacks of books that decorate the interior and the small cafe inside await a new generation of dreamers, especially with its convenient location near Times Square.

Best Bookstores in Lower Manhattan

Books of Wonder

Remember the Shop Around the Corner Bookstore from You’ve Got Mail? This was one of the bookshops that inspired it and was nearly where the movie was filmed too! Mainly consisting of Children's and Young Adult books, the original Books of Wonder was opened in 1980 and was to be devoted primarily to antique children’s books and (eventually) new children’s books as well. In 2004, they moved to their current location to expand and host more author events! They have always been known for their comforting and colorful environment, so we highly recommend bringing along a little one to enjoy while you soak up all the nostalgia.

Strand Bookstore

One of the best hidden gem bookstores in the entire city, this not-so-secret local hotspot carries over 2.5 million used, new, and rare books. It is the only remaining bookstore of New York's legendary Book Row and has been passed down from generation to generation since 1927. They pride themselves on their wide selection as well as their knowledgeable staff who are prepared at all times to offer a worthy recommendation. Even better, not only can you pick up a used title for cheap, but keep the cycle going by donating or selling some of your own! Pro-Tip: Before or after your trip, be sure to treat yourself to some fresh ice cream inspired by the rich tradition of Italian gelato at Caffè Panna!

McNally Jackson Books

This independent bookstore is still relatively new to the city and really stepping up the game when it comes to having a wide selection of new literature. There are other locations available, but this one, in particular, has a certain charm to it that makes it stand out with its decor of books hanging from the ceiling and displays of the cover of the books to really highlight all the staff’s choices. Signed copies are also abundant here, so it’s very possible to find one from a current favorite author. Overall, it’s cozy, not too overly crowded or loud, and there is a ton to explore.

Book Club Bar

Get ready for a new kind of reading spot! This independent bookstore features top-notch cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, and the latest and greatest in reading. It has that cozy living room feeling associated with the best book clubs and with locally roasted coffee, it is the perfect place to get a feeling for East Village living! Keep in this bar is made for reading, so laptops are only allowed at certain hours of the day before it’s technology off and getting to business with like-minded people. If you’re looking to keep the party going, you can even head over to PUBLIC Hotel and enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view from their ROOF experience!

Best Bookstores in Brooklyn

The Center For Fiction

This is the only nonprofit literary organization in the U.S. solely dedicated to celebrating the creation and enjoyment of fiction and to put it simply– The Center for Fiction is a reader and writer’s paradise. Their mission is simple and has lasted over 200 years: to encourage people to read, to promote the value of fiction, and to support and celebrate its creation. It features a library, bookstore, writer’s studio, lounge & outdoor terrace, cafe & bar, and multiple event spaces to host various reading and writing workshops. It is the perfect place to learn something new about an incredibly important art form and sit in the peace and quiet of their carefully crafted spaces to read your latest book.

Greenlight Bookstore

There are a ton of fun neighborhood events constantly happening at Greenlight! From storytimes to workshops to Q&A sessions with both indie and bestselling authors, there is bound to be some special event going on that will give you a taste of the community in the area. They pride themselves on the ability to bring people together in a welcoming space to express ideas and meet with like-minded people! It was their intention to highlight lesser-known authors as an independent bookstore as well as provide multiple avenues for everyone to read and support a small business. If you are looking for a kind neighborhood bookstore with great attention to detail, this is the place for you.

Books Are Magic

Known for their kind and helpful staff, Books Are Magic’s message is simple: they believe that books are indeed magic, and that literature is one of the best ways to create empathy, transportation, and transformation. Their shop feels like something out of a storybook! It’s warm, comforting, colorful, and absolutely delightful the second you step inside. They carry an array of books and their staff’s special selections are always unique and maybe a bit hilarious. It is their hope to create an affordable and fun bookstore where everyone is welcome.

The Ripped Bodice

This independent bookstore carries one genre and one genre only– romance. Pink and beautiful on the outside, covered with love notes on the inside, they are dedicated to every kind of love and the readers that need it. They have a wide selection of lbgtq+ novels and try to represent every kind of person in the books they put on their shelves. There is even a nice selection of rare and used romance books available at all times via their website and the shop itself! Positivity and acceptance are key here– sweet sticky notes from their customers cover their bathroom walls to spread positivity and make every single person feel beautiful when they look in the mirror. Pro-Tip: don’t forget to check out their merch before you leave too! All of it is well-known in the book community to be as iconic as it is cute.