The Best Book Stores in New York City
There are few places I love more than an indie bookstore. I truly believe they are magical places filled with every hope, dream, and positive thought in the world. Pre-COVID, I would spend my days off bookshop hopping fueled by iced coffee, croissants, and a love of reading. I actually had to put buy limits on myself because my TBR pile is basically my whole apartment but I have A PROBLEM AND I AM OKAY WITH IT. So since putting a limit on myself, I thought I would fuel my desire to fill my tote bag with paperbacks by highlighting some of my favorite Manhattan bookstores.
One of the most extensive book collections in the city! Strand is truly an institution and landmark in the city and offers classics, new releases, and used books. Strand might be the only place in the world you can pick up a book on crystals, a Reese's Book Club Pick, and a pre-loved Hemingway with a Michelle Obama tote bag. The book carts in Times Square, Central Park, and the Bryant Park are a little more streamlined and give you the best of the best if you are not into the hunt.
This is a bookshop I stumbled upon by accident, and I am so glad I did! They have the cutest coffee shops and offer a diverse but curated selection of books in every category imaginable! I would recommend you visit the Prince St location first, as they have the widest selection. They have works from all over the world, so you would have to try to not find an interesting read here.
Shakespeare and Co. was my college's bookstore, and though I only bought books there once, I spent so much time browsing the shelves and working in the cafe, that it still became a pivotal part of my college experience. It does get a little crowded and it's a little cramped, but it is still magical .
I am not the biggest fan of mysteries, but there is something cozy and exciting about stepping into this shop. They offer new, classic, and used mystery books and adorable memorabilia. Everyone who works there is so nice, and very eager to help you navigate their huge selection. They also have a super cool true crime section, which is where you can find me on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Not only is this an amazing bookstore, you can find amazing gifts, children's books, and events! Plus you can shop used books online which makes the hunt a little easier, though it is a little bit more expensive for this curated catalog. This bookstore definitely has a more homey feel to it and has a wonderful mix of bestsellers and niche interests like geographical history, graphic novels, and YA. They also offer textbooks if you're in the market for those.
I love this little bookstore! A cozy Upper East Side staple, stocked with children's, bestsellers, poetry, and classics that just bring happiness to everyone. They are also very involved in the Carnegie Hill community, hosting early Christmas Eve parties, children's events, and readings. It's just amazing to walk into a place and instantly feel the strong sense of community.
There is nothing like a cute, cramped little used bookshop! You can pick up Bestsellers, Reese Witherspoon Book Club Picks, vintage copies, and your next off-beat favorite in a budget and environmentally friendly option! I always try to buy used books, because I just love something with a story. Westsider is literally one of the most magical places in New York and worth carving out some time for.
All of these bookstores are struggling, please consider stopping by if you are in NYC, shopping online for holiday gifts, or ordering a gift card online to use on your next NYC trip!
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