5 bookstores to visit in New York!
Hello, bookworms! If you landed on this article, it’s probably because you are very much into reading – so much that when visiting a new city you need to make a few stops to get your fill. New Yorkers are avid readers and it’s easy to prove my point: it only takes a stroll to catch a glimpse of some readers in parks, subway cars and even in odd places, like burlesque bars. No wonder why you can always find a bookshop to get lost inside!
Whether you are coming to NYC for a short or long period, you should find some time to step into one of these five book wonderlands:
By Mariana (@thisismarianaguido) – http://www.marianaguido.com
1. McNally Jackson
It’s a cozy independent bookshop with two branches – one in SoHo (Manhattan) and the other in Williamsburg (Brooklyn). There’s a third one coming at the JFK airport soon. So there’s no excuse not to visit! Spare some time to explore every corner, read the staff’s reviews (somewhat useful and entertaining) and take pictures of these very instagramable locations.
Extra tip: The café inside! Grab a latte or a bagel while turning the first pages of your just-purchased titles!
@mcnallyjackson
2. Books Are Magic
Gotta love an independent bookstore! Open for business everyday, this spot can be found in Brooklyn. It might be the environment or maybe the awesome staff but, just like books, this place is also pure magic! I love how you can find many books signed by their authors. Also, in case you’re a parent and bringing your little ones to NYC, there’s a cute area for kids! They have cool events going on all year so always check their calendar, I’m sure you’ll find something that might be worth attending!
Extra tip: Since you’ve already crossed the East River, visit my next recommendation and cross two items off your list.
Location: 225 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
@booksaremagicbk
3. Strand Books
Save a few hours when you stop by this traditional New York spot. The chances of you losing track of time are high! So many shelves, so many floors. In fact, over 18 miles of books are in store (literally and figuratively) for you! It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with Strand: they offer new and used titles, lower prices than e-books and awesome stationery’s items. Additionally, in front of the store there are some stalls with great bargains. The main branch is located in Union Square, but there is a number of other units in the city.
Extra tip: Some serious merch shopping and Ben’s cookies nearby!
Main location: 828 Broadway (& 12th Street), New York, NY 10003
@strandbookstore
4. Argosy Book Store
This is almost a hidden gem, but of very much importance. A six-floor building with a long list of old and rare books. This family-owned business is the oldest independent bookseller based right in the heart of the Big Apple.
Extra tip: Central Park is incredibly close – just a few steps away!
@argosybookstore
5. SoHo News International
I may be cheating here, but I need to confess: this is a newsstand. I promise it’s worth your time though! It’s a tiny establishment with a wide selection of newspapers, magazines and literary journals. It’s a go-to place for fashion aficionados since they have a variety of glossy high-end brochures. The staff is friendly and very cautious with their selling goods: the periodicals usually come protected with a plastic cover, in order to avoid any damage.
Extra tip: McNally Jackson, mentioned above, is within walking distance!
Location: 186 Prince St, New York, NY
By Mariana (@thisismarianaguido) – http://www.marianaguido.com
