New York City’s Best Bookstores: A Guide to Iconic, Independent and Cozy Spots for Book Lovers

• The Strand Bookstore: An NYC institution, The Strand boasts “18 miles of books” with an incredible selection of new, used and rare books. Located near Union Square, it’s ideal for both casual readers and serious collectors. Don’t miss their impressive, rare books room on the third floor!

• Housing Works Bookstore Cafe: This volunteer-run bookstore in Soho supports Housing Works, a nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness and AIDS. With its cozy atmosphere and regular literary events, Housing Works is a gem. Enjoy coffee in their café or attend one of their frequent readings or trivia nights, all while supporting a great cause.

• McNally Jackson: Known for its thoughtfully curated selection of fiction, non-fiction and art books, McNally Jackson’s flagship location in Nolita is a true community space for book lovers. With a built-in café and a selection that spans global authors, it’s a haven for both tourists and locals.

• Books Are Magic: Owned by novelist Emma Straub, Books Are Magic in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, has quickly become a beloved neighborhood bookstore. Known for its eye-catching mural, friendly staff and robust events calendar, it’s a cozy spot to discover emerging authors and indie titles.

• Rizzoli Bookstore: A beautiful and elegant bookstore in NoMad, Rizzoli is a treat for fans of art, photography and fashion books. With its classic chandeliers, arched ceilings and Italian origins, Rizzoli combines NYC’s sophistication with a European flair, making it an ideal stop for art and design lovers.

• The Ripped Bodice: NYC’s only bookstore dedicated exclusively to romance novels. The Ripped Bodice recently opened a location in Brooklyn after their popular Los Angeles store. With a diverse selection of romance subgenres and a colorful, whimsical vibe, it’s a perfect stop for fans of all things love and laughter.

• The Mysterious Bookshop: A Lower Manhattan favorite, this store specializes in crime, mystery and thriller novels. The shop also offers a subscription club where fans can receive monthly mysteries. It’s a paradise for mystery lovers and offers signed copies of some of the genre’s best.

• Greenlight Bookstore: This Brooklyn staple has two locations in Fort Greene and Prospect Lefferts Gardens. Known for its community-focused events, knowledgeable staff and diverse selection, Greenlight champions indie publishing and is loved for its warm, inclusive vibe.

• Bluestockings Cooperative: Located on the Lower East Side, Bluestockings is a feminist and queer-oriented bookstore and activist center. Offering books on social justice, feminism and LGBTQ+ topics, it’s a unique space where books and activism come together. Their community events and zine selection make it an important cultural hub in the city.

• Three Lives & Company: Nestled in the heart of the West Village, this cozy bookstore has an intimate atmosphere and a beautifully curated selection of books. Known for its literary ambiance and the personalized recommendations from staff, it’s a beloved spot for New Yorkers looking for their next read.

Day trips:

• Sleepy Hollow: Just an hour from NYC by train, Sleepy Hollow is famous for Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The town is filled with historical sites and autumnal beauty, ideal for literary day trips.

• The Morgan Library & Museum: Located in Manhattan, the Morgan Library is home to rare manuscripts, historical artifacts and rotating literary exhibitions. It’s a must-visit for any serious book lover.

• The Cloisters: Located in Upper Manhattan, the Cloisters Museum and Gardens offer a medieval escape within the city. With scenic gardens, unique architecture and rare manuscripts, it’s a peaceful and inspiring day trip for book lovers.

• Cafe Kitsuné: This chic café near Rizzoli in NoMad serves coffee and pastries with a French Japanese flair, making it a lovely spot to relax with your new books.

• Bien Cuit: Near Greenlight Bookstore in Fort Greene, this artisanal bakery is a great stop for pastries and breads to enjoy alongside your new book.

• Veselka & KGB Bar: A 24-hour Ukrainian diner in the East Village, Veselka is known for its pierogi, borscht and classic comfort food. Located not far from Bluestockings, it’s a great spot for late-night eats. After, check-out KGB Bar, located in the East Village, this former Ukrainian social club became a literary bar in the 1990s and is known for its readings and book launches. It’s a beloved venue for up-and-coming writers and remains a supportive space for NYC’s literary community.

• Kopitiam: A Malaysian café on the Lower East Side, Kopitiam serves up traditional Southeast Asian snacks and coffee. It’s a great place for something unique and flavorful after browsing books at Bluestockings or McNally Jackson.

• Bar Pisellino: Located in the West Village near Three Lives & Company, this Italian-inspired café serves coffee, cocktails and pastries. It’s a great spot to sit with a new read and a drink in a chic, old-world setting.

• Russ & Daughters Café: A Lower East Side institution since 1914, Russ & Daughters is known for its smoked fish, bagels and classic New York deli fare. It's a great spot near Bluestockings Cooperative for a quintessential NYC meal.

• Dr. Clark: For something different, try Dr. Clark, a cozy Hokkaido-inspired restaurant in Chinatown known for its Japanese comfort food and laid-back vibe. It's near The Mysterious Bookshop and Housing Works Bookstore, so it’s ideal for a post-bookstore dining experience.

• White Horse Tavern: Located in the West Village, this iconic bar was a favorite haunt of Dylan Thomas, who famously drank his last whisky here before passing away. Jack Kerouac was also known to frequent White Horse, adding to its beat-era legacy.

• Pete’s Tavern: The longest continuously operating bar in NYC. Pete’s Tavern in Gramercy is where O. Henry reportedly wrote "The Gift of the Magi". Known for its old-school ambiance, it’s a historic spot for grabbing a drink and stepping into a bit of NYC literary history.

• The Dead Poet: Situated on the Upper West Side, this bar celebrates writers with its dark, moody decor and cocktails named after famous authors. Founded by an English teacher, The Dead Poet is a cozy spot that pays homage to legends like Poe, Hemingway and Joyce.