What better way to dive into New York's cosmopolitan culture than to explore its bookstores? Delve into our researched list of the city's finest hardcover and paperback hubs.
Guaranteed to satisfy all readers' curiosities, our guide will help you find must-reads and rare editions alike. From widely recognized institutions to specialized hidden gems, here are our picks for 10 of the best bookstores in New York City.
Assouline
768 Fifth Ave., The Park Plaza Hotel / Website
Located in what is considered to be one of the city's finest hotels, the Assouline bookstore invites all passersby to enter its warm ambiance. Shelves, tables and windows display their myriad books, all carefully selected and arranged next to the occasional stylish statue. From art books to biographies, their catalog is well-stocked and varied.
Argosy Book Store
116 E 59th Street / Website
Take refuge from New York's activity and enter Argusi Book Store's classic interior. This Midtown gem is easy on the eyes with plenty of smooth wooden library shelves and staircases from another time. The archive also boasts of literary treasures from another time, ranging from obscure history books to ornate maps.
Rizzoli Bookstore
1133 Broadway / Website
Old-fashioned and elegant, this lovely bookstore offers an extensive selection of today's latest publications as well as 'must-haves' from different specialized fields. These include but are not limited to literature, geography, architecture and the culinary arts.
The Strand
828 Broadway / Website
No list of New York's best bookstores would be complete without a mention of this popular establishment. Boasting of 18 miles of books, the Strand is home to all sorts of genres. Come browse the sprawling collection of rare novels and music records, which can be found both brand-new or secondhand for a bargain.
McNally Jackson
52 Prince Street / Website
Shop to your heart's content at this Nolita-based institution. People spend hours buried in their wide-ranging catalog of literary works, moving pictures and crafty stationary.
INSIDER TIP Don't hesitate to ask the friendly staff for their recommendations.
Taschen
100 Greene Street / Website
Founded in 1980, this groovy book shop's interior design is reminiscent of pop-art with a contemporary twist. Immerse yourself in their up-to-date artsy offerings and worldly travel guides.
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Iconic Magazines
188 Mulberry Street / Website
As the name suggests, this store exclusively carries international magazines. Come admire limited editions and unique copies of your favorite fashion, design, and photography titles.
Dashwood Books
33 Bond Street A / Website
Dashwood Books is an intimate space dedicated entirely to specialized photography books.
Mast Books
72 Ave. A / Website
Well-lit and decorated in a minimalist fashion, Mast Books places an emphasis on its multifold inventory of books. This book store is well-known for its huge arrangement of used and uncommon books.
Bookbook
266 Bleecker Street / Website
Join young readers at this hip and colorful location located in the heart of Greenwich Village. This up and coming book shop is full of diverse hardcovers and less common texts and tomes.
Photography by: Image Source
