Charming New York City bookstores you will fall in love in
Welcome to the wonderful world of New York City bookstores! From cozy reading corners to lively spots buzzing with culture, the Big Apple has some amazing places for book lovers. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the top spots to check out. And if you’re thinking about moving to the city, consider using Best Movers NYC to make your transition smooth and hassle-free.
Manhattan should be your first stop
If you ask best movers Manhattan where you can find some popular New York City bookstores, they’ll tell you to start your adventure in Manhattan. Here, you will find some of the Big Apple’s most unique bookstores, including:
- McNally Jackson: Popular chain of bookstores across Manhattan, selling a variety of books for all tastes. It comes with a cozy cafe serving up delicious coffee and pastries, so you can even enjoy coffee while you read.
- The Strand: Located in the heart of Manhattan, The Strand is a huge bookstore with millions of books. You can find everything here, from old classics to new favorites.
- The Corner Bookstore: Charming place on the Upper East Side, The Corner Bookstore has a friendly vibe and a nice selection of books, including classics and children’s books.
- Housing Works Bookstore: As part of the Housing Works nonprofit organization, it’s dedicated to fighting homelessness and AIDS through advocacy and support services. Inside, you’ll find shelves filled with donated books, ranging from fiction and non-fiction to art and history. Every purchase you make supports Housing Works’ mission!
- Rizzoli Bookstore: Rizzoli Bookstore is set in historic St. James Building. So, with its grand architecture and elegant interiors, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the mind! Inside, you’ll find books about art, design, fashion, and more, perfect for anyone who loves creativity.
Union Square bookstores are all about wellness and your favorite movies
As you settle into your new home in Union Square, it’s important to find a place where you can relax. According to Union Square movers, one such place is certainly the Namaste Bookshop. With its peaceful ambiance and selection of books on wellness, it’ll be the perfect escape from the bustling city streets. Moreover, here you can also learn about meditation, yoga, or astrology and buy healing crystals. Meanwhile, if you like comic books and cool stuff like action figures, make sure to check out the Forbidden Planet. Inside, you’ll find tons of comic books, graphic novels, and cool toys from your favorite movies and TV shows.
On the Lower East Side, you’ll find the best children’s books and meaningful discussion
Bluestockings Cooperative, located in the bustling heart of NYC, is more than just a bookstore—it’s a community hub where people come together to talk about important stuff. Inside, you’ll find books about all sorts of things, like women’s rights, LGBTQ+ issues, racial justice, and the environment. Therefore, it’s a cool spot where you can meet others who care about making the world a better place and learn new things at events like talks, workshops, and film screenings. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just curious about social justice issues, Bluestockings Cooperative welcomes everyone and invites you to join the conversation. While you’re there, use this oportunity for some thrift shopping in one of New York’s vintage shops locals love.
If it’s less serios topics you’re after, explore another popular Lower East Side bookstore, Sweet Pickle Books. This cute store is just just for kids, so here you’ll find plenty of colorful books perfect for young readers. It’s a fun place to explore with your family, with cozy reading nooks and friendly staff who are always ready to help you find the perfect book. Whether you’re looking for a bedtime story to read together or searching for a new favorite book, Sweet Pickle Books is a magical destination where imaginations come to life.
Midtown is a perfect destination for finding books about foreign cultures and far away places
Chartwell Booksellers is a cozy spot in NYC that feels like stepping into an old English library. This place is full of books about Winston Churchill and British history, as well as some classic novels. Whether you’re a history buff, an Anglophile, or simply love a good book, Chartwell Booksellers offers a unique and enchanting experience to its viitors. As such, it’s no wonder why is it so popular among Midtown movers clients!
Just a distance from Chartwell Bookselers, there’s Kinokuniya, a popular Japanese bookstore that’s bursting with color and culture. Inside, you’ll find shelves filled with manga, Japanese novels, and all sorts of cool stationery. It’s like stepping into Japan itself! No matter whether you’re a manga fan or just curious about Japanese culture, Kinokuniya is a fun place to explore. Plus, it’s got cozy spots to sit and read, and the staff are always happy to help you find something new.
While you’re at Midtown, don’t forget to visit the Argosy Book Store, a place where history comes alive. It’s packed with old and rare books, some dating back hundreds of years. From centuries-old manuscripts to first editions of beloved classics, Argosy Book Store offers you a chance to hold a piece of history in your hands. As you browse the aisles, you’ll discover hidden gems and literary treasures that are sure to impress you.
East Village is for vintage book lovers
Tucked away in the bustling streets of the East Village, Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks is a haven for culinary aficionados. Step inside and you’re transported to a bygone era, with shelves lined with vintage cookbooks spanning decades of culinary history. From classic recipes passed down through generations to obscure titles that offer a glimpse into old-time kitchens, every book here tells a story. Besides, plenty of these cookbooks you can’t find anyone but here, as they are out of print!
Printed Matter St Marks is another colorful playground for art lovers and bookworms in East Village. When you step inside, you’ll see shelves filled with all kinds of books and magazines that you won’t find anywhere else. You can spend hours flipping through the pages of cool art books to funky zines, discovering new artists and ideas. Plus, the staff are really friendly and always happy to help you find something special. Finally, end your book search in the Book Club Bar. As soon as you walk in, you’ll feel like you’re among friends, with shelves packed full of books and a warm, inviting atmosphere. You can sip on your favorite drink while you read, or maybe even join one of their book club meetings!
Other corners of Manhattan worth exploring in search of a good book
If you’re moving to Tribeca with Tribeca movers soon, you might wish to relax from the moving stress with some quality reading time. Luckily, in the heart of this neighborhood, you’ll find The Mysterious Bookshop, a place full of exciting stories waiting to be discovered. It’s all about mystery and suspense here, with shelves packed with books about crime and detective work. Therefore, if you like classic mysteries or modern thrillers, this bookstore has something for you. Moreover, the staff are friendly and know a lot about the books they sell, so you can count on their expert recommendations!
Washington Heights might be another neighborhood worth coming to if you’re looking for something unique to read. Not only is it famous for affordable housing options in Big Apple, Washington Heights is also home to several New York City bookstores you might love. One such place is the Sister’s Uptown Bookstore, which welcomes everyone with open arms. It’s a cozy place where you can find lots of different books, especially ones that celebrate African-American culture. As such, they have everything from exciting stories to books that make you think. Sister’s Uptown Bookstore also hosts events where you can meet authors and talk about books with other people from the neighborhood. So, whether you live nearby or are just visiting, Sister’s Uptown Bookstore is a special spot that’s sure to make you smile and maybe even find your new favorite book.
For book lovers, there are so many shops in Brooklyn to choose from!
A cornerstone of the Brooklyn literary scene, Greenlight Bookstore is a popular independent bookstore with two locations in the borough. According to best movers Brooklyn who helped move so many people to the area, Greenlight Bookstore has become a cultural hub for Brooklynites of all stripes. From author readings and book launches to children’s storytimes and book clubs, there’s always something exciting happening at Greenlight. Plus, with its cozy ambiance and knowledgeable staff, it’s the perfect place to discover your next great read and connect with fellow book lovers.
Another place with a long history in Brooklyn is the Community Bookstore. Here, avid readers find inspiration for the past 40 years. From literary classics to contemporary bestsellers, Community Bookstore offers something for every reader’s taste. Besides that, the bookstore also prides itself on its commitment to supporting local authors and independent publishers. Meanwhile, for a touch of fantasy make sure to visit bookstore with an interesting name – Books Are Magic. Founded by author Emma Straub, the bookstore has quickly become a must-see fixture of the local literary scene. With its bright and airy space, colorful bookshelves, and cozy reading nooks, Books Are Magic truly lives up to its name!
Popular New York City bookstores that come with a twist!
Cafe con Libros is not your average Brooklyn bookstore. Rather, it’s a community space dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and people of color. With its carefully curated selection of books by and about women of color, Cafe con Libros makes their voices to be heard. The bookstore also hosts a variety of events, including author readings, book clubs, and social justice discussions. This helps create a space for meaningful dialogue and discussion about human rights. Plus, with its cozy cafe serving up delicious coffee and pastries, it’s the perfect place to curl up with a good book!
Meanwhile, if you love books in foreign languages, make sure to pay a visit to Albertine. As the only French bookstore in New York City, Albertine offers a great selection of books in both French and English. Of course, it also hosts regular events like author readings, book discussions, and film screenings. So, it’s no surprise that Albertine is famous as a cultural hub for Francophiles and book lovers alike. On top of that, this cozy bookstore is located just within the historic Payne Whitney Mansion!
And if it’s romance novels you’re looking for, The Ripped Bodice is one of the New York City bookstores you’ll spend hours in! With cozy ambiance and shelves full of tales of love and passion, it’s a paradise for anyone who enjoys a good romance novel. The bookstore prides itself on its diverse selection, catering to a wide range of tastes within the romance genre. So, whether you’re into historical romances, contemporary love stories, or paranormal adventures, here you’ll find your next favorite book!
Bronx bookstores might give you a unique reading experience
Although Bronx might not be the first place on your mind when you think of inspiring bookstores, best movers in Bronx can tell you it’s far from the truth! Once you get here, your first stop should be The Lit. Bar, located in the South Bronx. The Lit. Bar offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, complete with warm lighting and comfortable seating. What sets it apart is its unique concept of combining a bookstore with a wine bar, providing patrons with the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail while browsing the shelves. This bookstore also regularly hosts book signings, author readings, and community events, so you can even meet new people here. Similarly, Bronx River Books hosts a range of events, including author talks and book clubs, enriching the local community’s cultural landscape.
Younger readers will love Boogie Down Books, which specializes in children’s and young adult literature. However, the bookstore goes beyond selling books, as it also offers educational workshops, storytelling sessions, and book clubs for its members. Moreover, Boogie Down Books actively collaborates with schools, libraries, and community organizations to promote literacy and empower young readers.
Other popular bookstores in Bronx
If you love exploring both new and used books, Bronx Bound Books will be the right place for you! With its great book selection, peaceful ambiance and knowledgeable staff, this bookstore will give you shopping experience you need. Meanwhile, if you prefer the convenience of a larger bookstore chain, Barnes & Noble at Bay Plaza has you covered. The bookstore not only has an extensive selection of books, but it also provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for customers to browse, read, and relax. On top of that, it even has an an onsite café serving coffee and light refreshments. So, you can grab a coffee and settle in for a reading session at the café!