Best Bookstores in NYC
McNally Jackson Books on Prince Street. Image contributed by Emma Rygiel.
Four bookstores in New York City that are worth a visit.
Readers are leaders- and if not that, they are old souls with a love for the smell of freshly printed paper, the look of an artistic cover, and the stories told inside. As trendy coffee shops have come into the mainstream, so have hole-in-the-wall bookstores. Especially in urban settings, the traditional bookstore is still alive, even with the presence e-readers and two-day shipping giant, Amazon. People still live for the physical aspect of reading a book and these stores provide the epitome of that experience with a comforting, old-school setting sure to transport you.
Next time you visit the big apple, here are a few bookstores you should stop by.
McNally Jackson Books
An independent bookstore in the heart of Nolita, McNally Jackson is a must. In a prime location, this bookstore is a great option to pop in after you’re done shopping down Broadway. McNally Jackson was founded in 2004 and offers new, used, and rare books.
The Strand
A cult classic for book lovers, and a landmark in itself, the Strand Bookstore should be near the top of your bucket-list of bookstores. Known for its “18 miles of books” and plethora of sale books for $1, $5, and $10, outside, the Strand has every book you could imagine. Although it can be crowded on the weekends and right after work hours, it’s worth it. Located on Broadway and 12th Street, the Strand is one NYC bookstore you can’t miss.
Three Lives & Company
Nestled in the West Village is Three Lives & Company, an independent bookstore full of character and color. If you want a more low-key bookstore than the Strand, this should be your first stop. Three Lives & Company does a great job at curating the sections, offering a variety of books. You are sure to find an interesting, timely, and unique read, alongside the classics and NY Times Bestsellers here.
Marlowe & Co.
A rare bookstore, located by Union Square Park, Marlowe & Co. provides a unique offering. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, a coffee table book, or something different to sink your eyes into, this bookstore is for you. Marlowe & Co. takes you back and is a hidden gem in the city that never sleeps.
