Our Favorite Bookstores in NYC

For all you book lovers, there’s probably nothing better than finding an awesome place where you can get lost in between aisles filled with endless amounts of books. NYC is filled with bookstores and some specifically cater to an audience.

In this article, we’ll provide you with our favorite bookstores in NYC and which ones are worthwhile to spend time in.

The Strand Bookstore

The Strand Bookstore in NYC

The Strand is one of the more popular bookstores in NYC. It’s been around for a while now (90+ years). It’s located near Union Square and it’s really hard to miss with its red awning. The bookstore carries new and used literature and covers a wide range of genres such as comics to science fiction. (Address: 828 Broadway)

Mercer Street Books & Records

What a great store: Mercer Street Books & Records has been around for 30 years and still hasn’t changed. Greenwich Village is a neighborhood where many creative people live. This includes book authors, which Mercer Street Books & Records has supported from the beginning. Here you can find new and used books from a wide variety of genres and even vinyl LPs. (Address: 206 Mercer Street)

Kinokuniya at Bryant Park

Kinokuniya bookstore is a unique NYC bookstore located right across from Byrant Park on 6th Ave. There are two floors with the basement level being a little more compact than the first floor. Here you can find anything that’s related to Japanese culture. There’s one in San Francisco which opened up in the late ’60s and the one in NYC opened up in the early ’80s. (Address: 1073 6th Ave)

McNally Jackson

It’s a bookstore and a cafe as well. Located in SoHo, this store provides bookworms with some hard-to-find and rare titles. People flock here to go through the colorful aisles or sit down and pretty much relax at the cafe. People come here to shop in SoHo. Shopping for books is no different. McNally Jackson bookstore has been around since 2004 and has added two new locations in Downtown Manhattan and in Williamsburg. (Address: 52 Prince St, SoHo)

The Mysterious Bookshop

For the crime, suspense, and thrill-seekers this bookshop in New York City is stocked up with books from these genres. You can find new, used and rare titles. The store opened in the late ’70s. In 2005, the store moved from its original location on 56th Street and is now located in Tribeca on 58 Warren Street. (Address: 58 Warren Street)

192 Books

Bookstore front in NYC

This Manhattan bookstore is located in Chelsea which is near The High Line. The store offers titles from history to art as well as children’s books. Events and signings are held here once in a while. (Address: 192 10th Ave)

Astoria Bookshop

Astoria in Queens is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is located right next to LIC. If you’re ever in the area, make sure to check the Astoria Bookshop. It’s an intimate setting and offers a range of fiction to nonfiction titles. It’s located between Broadway and 30th Ave Station. (Address: 31-29 31st St, Astoria)

Books Are Magic

This bookstore is located in Cobble Hill in Brooklyn. It opened up in 2017 and they host tons of events that are always great to attend. Make sure to come by here and experience the magical atmosphere. (Address: 225 Smith St, Brooklyn)

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

Steffen

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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