I’ve always been someone who could lose hours in a good bookstore. There’s something about the smell of books, the quiet rustle of pages, and discovering your next favorite read on an unexpected shelf that makes me feel instantly at home. When I lived in New York, I made it my mission to visit as many independent bookstores as I could find, from the legendary Strand to tiny tucked-away gems in Brooklyn.
What surprised me most wasn’t just the variety, but how each bookstore had its own personality. Some felt like stepping into a Parisian library, others like your friend’s overstuffed reading nook. Whether you’re hunting for a specific title, need a rainy day escape, or just want to experience some of NYC’s most charming literary spaces, these 12 bookstores are worth your time.
Here’s my personal guide to the best bookstores in New York City, based on countless afternoon visits and way too many books purchased.
Shakespeare & Co.
Located on the Upper East Side across from Hunter College, Shakespeare & Co. has no connection to the famous Paris bookstore despite sharing the name. What makes this spot special is their print-on-demand service. If they don’t have the book you want in stock, they can print and bind it for you while you grab coffee from their café. I waited maybe 20 minutes for a rare poetry collection once, and watching the process was surprisingly satisfying.
The store doubles as Hunter College’s official bookstore, so you’ll find a mix of students with textbooks and neighborhood regulars browsing fiction. It’s spacious enough to browse comfortably, and I found their staff recommendations to be genuinely thoughtful.
Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan
Best For: Print-on-demand books, grabbing coffee while you browse
Website: shakeandco.com
Albertine
If I had to pick one favorite bookstore in all of New York, it would be Albertine. This French bookstore sits across from Central Park in one of the most stunning interiors I’ve seen anywhere. The space is housed in the Cultural Services building of the French Embassy, and the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by soaring ceilings, ornate details, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Albertine specializes in French and English books, with a focus on literature, art, and philosophy. Even if you’re not fluent in French, there’s a strong English collection worth exploring. I spent an afternoon here reading by the windows overlooking Fifth Avenue, and it felt like I’d been transported to a private library in a Parisian mansion. The space is quiet, elegant, and perfect for anyone who appreciates architecture as much as literature.
Location: Upper East Side, near the Met Museum
Best For: Beautiful interiors, French literature, quiet reading
Website: albertine.com
The Strand
You can’t talk about bookstores in NYC without mentioning the Strand. This place is a New York institution. It’s been around for over 90 years and is the last survivor of “Book Row,” which once had nearly 50 bookstores lining Fourth Avenue. Now the Strand stands alone near Union Square, with its famous “eighteen miles of books” slogan.
The original location is massive, with new, used, and rare books spread across multiple floors. I always leave with more than I planned because the used book section has incredible finds at great prices. There’s also a smaller location on the Upper West Side if you prefer a quieter experience.
It can get crowded, especially on weekends, but it’s worth dealing with the foot traffic to experience one of the city’s true literary landmarks. I’d recommend going on a weekday morning if you want to browse without bumping into people.
Location: Union Square and Upper West Side, Manhattan
Best For: Used and rare books, literary history, tote bags
Website: strandbooks.com
McNally Jackson Books
McNally Jackson has become one of my go-to spots in downtown Manhattan. The original Nolita location opened in 2004, and since then they’ve expanded to South Street Seaport, Williamsburg, and Downtown Brooklyn. What I love about McNally Jackson is how they organize their international literature section by country, which makes browsing feel like a mini world tour.
The Nolita store has a café where I’ve spent many mornings working with coffee and a book. The vibe is relaxed but well-curated, and their staff picks are always spot-on. They also host regular author events if you’re interested in readings.
Location: Nolita, Williamsburg, South Street Seaport, Downtown Brooklyn
Best For: International literature, café seating, author events
Website: mcnallyjackson.com
Corner Bookstore
Corner Bookstore is exactly what it sounds like: a small neighborhood bookshop on the corner of Madison Avenue and 93rd Street. It’s been there since 1978, and walking in feels like visiting a well-loved local spot rather than a tourist destination.
The space is tiny but packed with carefully selected titles. I found the staff incredibly helpful when I was searching for a specific novel, and they had it in stock despite the limited square footage. If you’re in the Upper East Side and want a quick, personal bookstore experience, this is the spot.
Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan
Best For: Neighborhood charm, personalized service
Website: cornerbookstorenyc.com
Three Lives & Company
Tucked away on Waverly Place in Greenwich Village, Three Lives & Company has been a Village staple since 1968. The interior is cozy in the best way, with creaky wooden floors and shelves crammed into every nook. Despite its small size, the selection is impressive.
I love this bookstore for its old-world Greenwich Village feel. It reminds me of what the neighborhood must have been like decades ago when writers and artists filled the cafés and apartments. It’s quiet, unpretentious, and perfect for a slow afternoon of browsing.
Location: Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Best For: Classic Village atmosphere, literary fiction
Website: threelives.com
Rizzoli Bookstore
If you’re into art, design, fashion, or photography, Rizzoli is where you need to go. This Italian-owned bookstore near the Flatiron Building specializes in stunning coffee table books. The interior matches the books: black-and-white tiled floors, dark wood shelves, painted walls, and chandeliers give it an elegant, Old World feel.
I’ve bought several coffee table books here as gifts, and the selection is unmatched. Whether you’re looking for architecture books, fashion retrospectives, or food photography, Rizzoli has it. It’s also just a beautiful space to walk through, even if you’re not buying.
Location: Flatiron District, Manhattan
Best For: Coffee table books, art and design, elegant interiors
Website: rizzolibookstore.com
Book Culture
Located in Morningside Heights near Columbia University, Book Culture actually has two locations within two blocks of each other. The 112th Street location is larger and spans two floors, with textbooks upstairs for Columbia students and general books downstairs. The 114th Street location is smaller and newer.
Since both are so close, I’d recommend visiting both if you’re in the area. The vibe is academic but welcoming, and I found their philosophy and social sciences sections particularly strong, likely because of the Columbia connection.
Location: Morningside Heights, Manhattan
Best For: Academic books, university neighborhood feel
Website: bookculture.com
Molasses Books
Molasses Books in Brooklyn is part used bookstore, part bar and café. The atmosphere feels like a cross between an old art gallery and a Parisian café, with great music and an eclectic book selection. I stopped in one evening and ended up staying for hours, chatting with strangers over drinks.
It’s the kind of place where you come for a book and stay for the vibe. If you’re in Brooklyn and want something a little different from a traditional bookstore experience, this is it.
Location: Bushwick, Brooklyn
Best For: Used books, drinks, conversations with locals
Website: facebook.com/MolassesBooks
Housing Works Bookstore
Housing Works is a bookstore with purpose. All books are donated, and 100% of profits go toward HIV/AIDS and homelessness programs. Located downtown, it’s a great place to browse when you don’t have a specific title in mind.
I’ve found some unexpected gems here, from vintage paperbacks to art books. Knowing that your purchase supports a good cause makes it even better. The selection changes constantly since it’s all donated, so every visit feels different.
Location: Soho, Manhattan
Best For: Used books, supporting a good cause, bargain hunting
Website: housingworks.org/locations/bookstore-cafe
Argosy Book Store
Argosy is the oldest independent bookstore in New York City, housed in a six-story building on the Upper East Side. It specializes in old, out-of-print, and rare books, along with vintage manuscripts and maps. Walking in feels like stepping into another era.
The manually-operated elevator is an experience in itself, and I’d recommend taking it just for the novelty. If you’re looking for rare editions or antique books, this is the place. Even if you’re not buying, browsing the collection is fascinating.
Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan
Best For: Rare books, vintage maps, antique elevator
Website: argosybooks.com
Kitchen Arts & Letters
Kitchen Arts & Letters on Lexington Avenue specializes in cookbooks, and their selection is incredible. They have books covering cuisines and cooking techniques from all over the world, and the staff knows their inventory inside and out.
If you’re a foodie or love collecting recipe books, this is a must-visit. I picked up a regional Italian cookbook here that I couldn’t find anywhere else. The store is small but packed with culinary treasures.
Location: Upper East Side, Manhattan
Best For: Cookbooks, food culture, culinary expertise
Website: kitchenartsandletters.com
Conclusion
New York’s independent bookstores are some of the city’s best-kept secrets. From the grandeur of Albertine to the neighborhood charm of Corner Bookstore, each one offers something different. I found that the best way to experience them is to pick a neighborhood and visit a few in one afternoon, then grab coffee or lunch nearby.
Whether you’re a New York local or visiting for a weekend, these bookstores give you a quieter, more intimate side of the city. Plus, there’s something special about bringing home a book from a place that’s been serving readers for decades.
Ready to plan your NYC trip? Check out Travel with Zee’s New York City travel guides for more neighborhood recommendations and insider tips.
What is the most famous bookstore in NYC?
The Strand is NYC’s most famous bookstore. Located near Union Square, it’s been operating for over 90 years and is the last survivor of the city’s historic “Book Row.” The store is known for its “eighteen miles of books” and massive selection of new, used, and rare titles.
Where is the prettiest bookstore in New York City?
Albertine, located on the Upper East Side, is the most beautiful bookstore in NYC. It’s housed in the French Embassy’s Cultural Services building with soaring ceilings, ornate architectural details, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves overlooking Fifth Avenue.
Are there any bookstores in Brooklyn worth visiting?
Yes, Molasses Books in Bushwick is excellent. It’s a used bookstore combined with a bar and café, offering a unique atmosphere. McNally Jackson also has locations in Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn that are worth checking out.
Which NYC bookstore is best for rare and antique books?
Argosy Book Store on the Upper East Side specializes in rare, out-of-print books, vintage manuscripts, and antique maps. It’s the oldest independent bookstore in New York City, housed in a six-story building with a manually-operated elevator.
