New York City’s Best Bookstores: A Guide to Iconic, Independent and Cozy Spots for Book Lovers
Curated By
Amanda Reffsin
Curator’s statement
New York City has long been a haven for book lovers, writers and dreamers. With its eclectic mix of iconic, independent and specialty bookstores, NYC offers endless opportunities to discover a new favorite novel or rare find. This guide captures some of the city’s must-visit bookstores, each with its unique charm, community spirit and history. From cozy spots where you can sip coffee with a new book to sprawling literary havens, New York’s bookstores are as diverse and vibrant as the city itself.
The Fora Difference
Book with Amanda to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in New York City
Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection
Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection, located in the heart of New York City, is a literary-inspired boutique hotel. With themed rooms, a rooftop terrace overlooking the city and a commitment to the joy of reading.
The Bowery Hotel
Classic New York hotel with utmost service and a feeling of yesteryear at the hotel lounge.
The Standard High Line
Rising high above the High Line, the Standard has become one of New York's new iconic hotels with its joyful vibe, rooftop and sleek design.
Fora Perks
- ★
Food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check in/check out whenever possible.
The Ludlow Hotel
Trendy hotel with warmly-decorated rooms in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Fora Perks
- ★
VIP welcome & amenity.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
1 Hotels brings its eco-minded ethos to this waterfront perch in Brooklyn Heights with killer views of the Bridge, East River and Manhattan skyline.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Amanda to book your trip.
Things to do in New York City
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.
Places to eat & drink in New York City
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.
Travel Advisor
Amanda Reffsin
Get in touch with Amanda
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Amanda within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to New York City. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A 5-Day Foodie's Guide to New Orleans