New York is one of the world’s great literary cities. Writers, publishers, poets and readers have long been drawn to the city. And there’s always something happening, from author readings and book launches to literary festivals and events. Of course, New York has an extraordinary collection of bookshops. So, if you’re a reader visiting New York, consider yourself lucky: you’re in literary heaven. But, the big question is, where are the best book shops in New York City?
Beyond the big-name booksellers, the city is packed with independent and specialist shops. From stores devoted to cookbooks, art and design to those specialising in mysteries, rare books, French literature and contemporary fiction. Some are literary institutions in their own right; others are small neighbourhood nooks where you can stumble across an unexpected gem. Both types often involve great recommendations from a knowledgeable bookseller.
Best Book shops in New York
Three Lives & Co.
Perhaps the quintessential New York bookshop, Three Lives & Company has been a Greenwich Village institution since 1978. Today, it occupies its familiar corner at Waverly Place and West 10th Street. Creaky wooden floors, and walls and walls of carefully chosen books create an irresistibly cosy atmosphere.
The staff are famously knowledgeable and enthusiastic. If you’re looking for something new to read, don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation. With a curated selection and a distinctly literary atmosphere, Three Lives is the kind of bookshop where you can easily lose an hour or two and find many reads to buy!
While exploring the best book shops in New York, why not discover more of the city with a guided walking tour? Choose from the secrets of Grand Central Terminal to the masterpieces of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Explore with a local guide and discover a different side of the city beyond the pages of your favourite books.
The Center for Fiction
Opened in 2019 in Downtown Brooklyn, the Center for Fiction is a handsome, light-filled home for readers and writers. The book store has floor-to-ceiling shelves packed with fiction and nonfiction, while the building also houses a café, bar and spaces for literary events and workshops.
The Center hosts a programme of author talks, readings and other literary events throughout the year, so check the calendar before you visit. You might just find one of your favourite writers on the schedule. This is somewhere you can easily spend more time than just browsing the books.
Books Are Magic
Co-owned by bestselling writer Emma Straub and her husband, Michael Fusco-Straub, Books Are Magic has become a beloved Brooklyn bookshop. Come for the fantastic “Books Are Magic” mural on the outside wall. Stay to browse the thousands of books inside.
The original store opened in 2017 at 225 Smith Street in Cobble Hill. And a second location opened on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights in 2022. Both stores host regular author readings, talks and other literary events, so check out what´s on in advance.
Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks
Are you a chef, a serious home cook, or simply fascinated by old cookbooks? Point yourself towards 28 East Second Street in the East Village and seek out Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks. Bonnie founded the business in 1997, and today her cosy shop is packed with thousands of cookbooks and culinary treasures.
Her speciality is rare, vintage and out-of-print cookbooks, including first editions and books that are increasingly difficult to find. Some date back more than a century. You’ll also find old menus, recipe cards, kitchen memorabilia and other food-related treasures. This makes this much more than a place to pick up a cookbook.
Insider Tip: Hours vary from week to week, so check ahead before making the trip. She also welcomes visitors by appointment.
The Strand
You really can’t talk about the best bookshops in NYC without mentioning The Strand. It was founded in 1927 on Manhattan’s famous Book Row. And this legendary bookstore has been at the corner of Broadway and East 12th Street since 1957.
Today, The Strand is one of the country’s most famous independent bookshops, with its famous “18 Miles of Books” spread across three floors. You’ll find new, used and rare books covering just about every subject imaginable. They offer all sorts of services, including Books by the foot library and design service. Plus, you can now get your hands on Strand-branded merchandise. A tote bag or T-shirt makes a particularly good New York souvenir.
Sweet Pickle Books
Located on the Lower East Side, Sweet Pickle Books is one of the quirkiest bookshops in New York. Founded by Leigh Altshuler in 2020, the shop sells mostly used books alongside its signature jars of pickles, and pickle related merch!
You can trade in five used books for a jar of pickles on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. An idea which pays tribute to the Lower East Side’s long history as a centre of New York’s pickle trade. There’s now even a second shop next door, Rare, Fine, & Fancy, specialising in rare and collectible books.
Book Club
Combining books and booze: that is the concept at Book Club Bar. Opened in 2019, this cosy East Village book shop, coffee shop and bar lets you browse a carefully curated selection of books while enjoying a coffee, beer, wine or cocktail. With its relaxed, living-room feel, it’s an ideal place to pick up a book and settle in for a while. And there’s now a second location in Bushwick, so you have another excuse to combine reading with drinking.
Argosy Books
This family-run bookshop on East 59th Street is a book-lover’s gem. Founded in 1925, Argosy has been in its current Midtown location, 116 East 59th Street, since 1964. It now fills a seven-floor townhouse with rare, antiquarian and out-of-print books, along with maps, prints and other literary treasures.
Argosy specialises in Americana, modern first editions, autographs, art and antique maps, among other subjects. So if you’re hunting for a first-edition Hemingway or Steinbeck, this is definitely a place to browse.
The basement alone contains more than 50,000 inexpensive out-of-print books, while the fifth floor houses the first-edition and history departments.
CARA Bookstore
Tucked inside the Center for Art, Research and Alliances in the West Village, CARA’s bookstore is a treasure trove for readers interested in ideas, activism and alternative perspectives. Its shelves cover everything from feminist and queer thought to critical theory, ecology, Indigenous perspectives and decolonial writing. It’s a thoughtful, beautifully curated place to discover books you probably won’t find in the average Manhattan bookstore.
FAQs – Best Book Shops in New York
What are the typical opening hours for book shops in New York?
Most independent bookshops in New York are open seven days a week, although opening and closing times vary. Many open around 10am or 11am and stay open into the early evening. Smaller specialist shops may have shorter or irregular hours, so it’s always worth checking the store’s website before visiting.
Do New York book shops host author events and book signings?
Yes. Many independent bookshops regularly host author talks, readings, launches and book signings. Some events are free, while others require advance registration or a ticket. If there’s a particular author you’d like to see, book early for popular events.
Can I buy signed books from New York bookshops?
Absolutely. Many New York bookshops stock signed editions and copies signed by visiting authors, while some also hold special signing events. If you’re looking for a signed copy of a particular book, contact the shop before visiting, as availability can change quickly. Joining a shop’s mailing list is also a good way to hear about new releases, author events and signed-book opportunities.
From rare, out-of-print books, to pickles or a pint, you can see why these unique stores have earned their spot on our list of the best book shops in New York.
As an extra bonus, from Greenwich Village to the Lower East Side, most of these shops will coincide with one of our New York City Walking Tours. Not only can you get a fantastic tour of the city, with expert local guides, but you’ll be able to bring home a nice book as a momento!
