New York City, a metropolis pulsating with creative energy, has long served as a fertile ground for literary giants. Names like Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Dorothy Parker, Truman Capote, Toni Morrison, and Edmund White resonate deeply within the city’s cultural fabric. Beyond nurturing writers, NYC also stands as a global hub for renowned publishing houses. It should come as no surprise, then, that the city boasts a vibrant and diverse collection of bookstores – destinations that beckon book lovers from all corners of the world, including flagship locations of some of these very publishing houses.
From the familiar embrace of Barnes & Noble to the hidden treasures found within the shelves of secondhand shops, and the unique charm of independent neighborhood favorites like WORD in Brooklyn and the Astoria Bookshop in Queens, these establishments offer more than just books. They are cultural touchstones, each with its own distinct personality. Many specialize in niche genres and publications, catering to specific passions and interests. Photography, art, design, comics, graphic novels, LGBTQ+ literature, BIPOC voices, mysteries, feminist works, eclectic self-published zines, and rare tomes all find a home within these literary havens.
The allure of these bookstores extends beyond the printed page. They frequently host author signings, engaging panel discussions, captivating spoken word performances, and welcoming community mixers. Many even feature in-house cafes, providing a cozy setting for readers to linger and savor their literary discoveries. To explore some of the best places for reading, let’s check the list below.
Here are twelve of the most captivating bookstores that New York City has to offer, each a unique portal into the world of words:
1. Strand Bookstore
The Strand Bookstore is a true institution. Founded in 1927, this sprawling, independent, family-owned bookstore stands as the largest in NYC. It proudly proclaims to house "18 miles of books." In this Strand Bookstore, much like Powell’s in Portland, Oregon, the shelves are stocked with a captivating mix of new and used books. Treasures abound for those willing to delve into the stacks, with many out-of-print and bargain-priced titles awaiting discovery. An entire floor is dedicated to rare, antiquarian, and first editions, a haven for collectors and those seeking literary artifacts. The store’s appeal extends beyond books, with an extensive selection of Strand-branded T-shirts and merchandise, allowing visitors to proudly display their love for this iconic bookstore. In July 2020, the Strand Bookstore expanded its reach, opening a second, boutique-sized location on the Upper West Side’s Columbus Avenue, adding even more miles of books to its already impressive inventory and further solidifying its place as a must-visit destination for book lovers.
- Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Phone: +1 212-473-1452
2. Forbidden Planet
Located just a few doors down from the Strand, Forbidden Planet is a haven for fans of science fiction, horror, and comic books. This is the first and only USA location of the famed London store. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021, the store offers an impressive selection of graphic novels, new and recent comic books and publications, action figures, T-shirts, DVDs/Blu-rays, and ephemera, including self-published, hard-to-find zines. For those seeking even more comic book goodness, Midtown Comics has three Manhattan locations, while Desert Island Comics in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers a particularly curated selection, including underground comics.
- Address: 832 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Phone: +1 212-473-1576
3. Dashwood Books
Since 2005, Dashwood Books has been a must-visit destination for photography fans and photographers. This basement-level NoHo shop is dedicated to contemporary photography books from around the world, including titles published under its own imprint, ranging from freshly released works to extremely hard-to-find, out-of-print tomes. Dashwood frequently hosts signings by emerging photographers and curated the Gucci Wooster Bookshop, located within the Gucci store in Soho, offering a selection of fashion-centric and vintage books.
- Address: 33 Bond St, New York, NY 10012-2495, USA
- Phone: +1 212-387-8520
4. Rizzoli Bookstore
Established in 1964, the fashionable and upscale Rizzoli Bookstore has occupied several locations over the decades. After breaking the hearts of many book lovers with the closure of its six-story 57th street townhouse in 2014, Rizzoli reopened in July 2015 with a stunning flagship store in NoMad, complete with a dedicated children’s section. The bookstore also publishes gorgeous art, photography, fashion, cuisine, decor, architecture, and other visually stunning tomes.
- Address: 1133 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, USA
- Phone: +1 212-759-2424
5. McNally Jackson
With an egalitarian approach to its selection, McNally Jackson, a spinoff of a Canadian indie bookstore chain, stocks something for everyone. The buzzy two-level Nolita store on Prince Street is ideal for browsing all genres, including its own "McNally Editions" line of paperbacks. The store also features a small curated selection of international niche magazines and a great gift card selection. Other McNally Jackson locations include the Seaport, Downtown Brooklyn, and Williamsburg.
- Address: 134 Prince St, New York, NY 10012-3309, USA
- Phone: +1 212-274-1160
6. Printed Matter, Inc.
Celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2021, Printed Matter, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves as a retail space and gallery for all types of art books and publications, especially self-published and obscure works. Signings and receptions are frequent, and Printed Matter presents the annual international Art Book Fair at MoMA PS1. Bungee Space, a Beijing import that opened in the Lower East Side during Summer 2021, is another excellent space dedicated to similar publications, with a particularly rich selection from Mainland China.
- Address: 231 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA
- Phone: +1 212-925-0325
7. powerHouse Books
Located in Brooklyn’s DUMBO district, powerHouse Books is a warehouse-style flagship store for this fine art, photography, pop culture, and celebrity-centric book publisher. Besides its own releases, powerHouse stocks an array of progressive literature, biographies, graphic novels, and children’s books. The store also offers gift items and artwork, such as signed framed prints by cartoonist Adrian Tomine.
- Address: 32 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
- Phone: +1 212-604-9074
8. Bureau of General Services—Queer Division (BGSQD)
The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division (BGSQD) is one of only a few dozen LGBTQ bookstores in the world. Founded as a crowdfunded pop-up shop in 2012, it occupies a spacious room on the second floor of NYC’s LGBT Community Center in the West Village. The BGSQD stocks a deep selection of LGBTQ+-interest fiction, nonfiction, art, graphic novels, international magazines, self-published zines, and art, with a robust calendar of events, guests, screenings, and exhibitions. Bluestockings Cooperative, a queer, trans, and sex worker-run feminist bookstore on the Lower East Side, also stocks LGBTQ+ works.
- Address: The LGBT Community Center, 208 W 13th St #210, New York, NY 10011-7702, USA
- Phone: +1 646-457-0859
9. Argosy Book Store
The Argosy Book Store is a near century-old destination for first edition and antiquarian book hunters. This bookstore is often seen in movies and TV shows, including the Netflix docuseries "Pretend It’s a City." Besides rare books, the Argosy’s collection includes vintage maps, prints, posters, and autographs. The Argosy also offers binding and restoration services for old tomes.
- Address: 116 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022, USA
- Phone: +1 212-753-4455
10. Sister’s Uptown Bookstore
Sister’s Uptown Bookstore opened in Washington Heights in 2000, founded by Janifer P. Wilson and daughter Kori N. Wilson to bring vitality to the local community and offer educational, emotional, and spiritual support. The store is dedicated to written and spoken word works by and relevant to African Americans and other talented authors. Other BIPOC-owned indie bookstores include Word Up, Revolution Books, and Cafe con Libros.
- Address: 1942 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Phone: +1 212-862-3680
11. The Mysterious Bookshop
The Mysterious Bookshop, first opened in 1979, is the country’s oldest mystery specialist bookstore. Owner Otto Penzler’s passion for the genre has led him to write, edit, and publish books. One exclusive offering is its Bibliomystery series of short stories, available in various editions and price points.
- Address: 58 Warren St, New York, NY 10007, USA
- Phone: +1 212-587-1011
12. Bookmarc
Located on Bleecker Street, Bookmarc is designer Marc Jacobs’ curated bookstore, focusing on arts, movies, music, design, and fashion. The store offers a selection of coffee table tomes, the "33 1/3" series on classic albums, and non-book merchandise, including work by Marc Jacobs himself.
- Address: 400 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014, USA
- Phone: +1 212-620-4021
These twelve bookstores represent just a small fraction of the literary treasures that New York City has to offer. Each establishment provides a unique and enriching experience, inviting visitors to explore the world of words and discover new passions. Whether you are a seasoned bookworm or a casual reader, a visit to these 12 Can’t-Miss Bookstores in New York City is sure to leave you inspired and captivated.
