15+ Best Bookstores in NYC That Are Worth the Hype

Julie Anne L.
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In a city where rent climbs faster than the 6 train at rush hour, the fact that independent bookstores still thrive feels almost rebellious. The best bookstores in NYC aren’t just shelves and cash registers—they’re community hubs, neighborhood storytellers, and the kind of places where you’ll “just browse” and leave with three new reads.

You might duck into one in the West Village after a coffee run, or stumble on another near a quiet stretch of the Brooklyn waterfront. Each one has its own rhythm, and if you know where to look, you’ll find spots that feel like they’ve been waiting for you all along.

Top Bookstores in NYC That Are Worth the Hype

Dear Friend Books

Best Bookstores in NYC
Photo via @dearfriendbooks / Instagram

Located in Bed-Stuy, this charming spot pairs vintage books and new magazines with a wine bar. You can sip on a natural wine or special tea while browsing their collection. With a lovely backyard space, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a good read.

Greenlight Bookstore

This cozy independent bookstore in Brooklyn offers books across every genre, from literary fiction to kids’ stories. It’s a neighborhood favorite that also hosts reading events and storytime for kids. A great place to browse and catch a local event.

Albertine

Best Bookstores in NYC
Photo via @albertinebooks / Instagram

Located inside the historic Payne Whitney mansion, Albertine is the go-to spot for anyone interested in French and English books. With over 14,000 titles from 30 French-speaking countries, it’s an intellectual hub for both casual readers and those passionate about French-American cultural exchange.

Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore

Best Bookstores in NYC
Photo via @bluestockingsnyc / Instagram

Bluestockings is more than just a bookstore. It’s a worker-owned space focused on feminist and abolitionist principles. Located in the Lower East Side, it’s a hub for activism, mutual aid, and community-building, offering a welcoming space for all.

Books Are Magic

This independently owned bookstore in Brooklyn offers a fantastic selection of hard-to-find books. It also hosts author readings, making it a vibrant spot for book lovers in the area. Expect an interesting range of titles and events to enjoy.

Housing Works Bookstore

Best Bookstores in NYC
Photo via @sonia_reading / Instagram

Known for being more than just a bookstore, Housing Works in Soho is a non-profit offering books, gifts, and a curated collection of thrift items. You can shop, grab a coffee or wine, and even attend special events. Plus, it’s a great spot for donating gently used items.

The Ripped Bodice

Best Bookstores in NYC
Photo via @stephonashelf / Instagram

This woman and queer-owned bookstore is dedicated to celebrating romance novels. Located in Los Angeles, it has a vast selection of romance fiction, along with gifts supporting independent and woman-owned businesses.

Troubled Sleep

Best Bookstores in NYC
Photo via @troubledsleepbooks / Instagram

Located in Brooklyn, Troubled Sleep specializes in literary fiction and has both new and used books. Founded in 2022, it’s quickly become a local favorite. It’s the perfect spot to grab a book and relax in their welcoming space.

Unnameable Books

Best Bookstores in NYC
Photo via @unnameablebooks / Instagram

If you’re into indie graphic novels or rare finds, Unnameable Books in Prospect Heights is a must-visit. This independent bookstore is packed with a variety of genres and offers frequent events, making it a dynamic part of the community.

WORD

@exploregreenpoint and @wordbookstores/Instagram

WORD, a women-led independent bookstore, is a cultural hub in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. With a curated selection of books for all ages, they host events like book clubs, author readings, and even craft workshops. It’s a community-focused space that celebrates the power of books and stories.

Strand Book Store

Photo via @mads.chester / Instagram

Strand is an iconic NYC landmark, home to a staggering 18 miles of books. Specializing in everything from rare books to new releases, it’s a book lover’s paradise. The massive three-floor space is a must-see, and its rare books section is perfect for collectors.

Powerhouse Arena

Photo via @powerhousearena / Instagram

Located in Dumbo, the POWERHOUSE Arena isn’t just a bookstore. It’s a performance space, event venue, and gallery all in one. With a carefully curated selection of books, this space is ideal for those looking to combine a book browse with a cultural experience.

McNally Jackson Books

Photo via @mcnallyjackson / Instagram

With five locations in NYC, McNally Jackson is a staple for book lovers. It offers an extensive range of bestsellers, hard-to-find books, and author events. The in-store café adds a cozy touch, making it a great place to linger and enjoy a coffee while you read.

Community Bookstore

Photo via @ _natashawilliams_ / Instagram

In Park Slope, Brooklyn, Community Bookstore is a neighborhood gem. With a curated selection for both adults and kids, it’s a peaceful place to find your next read. Don’t forget to check out their garden and meet the resident turtle.

 Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks

If cookbooks are your thing, Bonnie Slotnick Cookbooks in the East Village is the place to be. Specializing in rare and out-of-print cookbooks, it’s a treasure trove for culinary enthusiasts. It’s a small shop, but its selection is exceptional, with volumes dating back to the 18th century.

Astoria Bookshop

Photo via @astoriabookshop / Instagram

Astoria Bookshop is a queer woman-owned bookstore in Western Queens. Known for its wide range of books and intimate space, it’s a welcoming place for all readers. If you’re in the mood for fiction or nonfiction, this spot has something for everyone.

Each of these bookstores brings something different to the table, whether it’s a focus on community, niche genres, or simply a great place to enjoy a quiet moment with a book. From Brooklyn to Queens, there’s always a bookstore nearby worth checking out.

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