Top 5: Bookstores in N.Y.C.

Independent bookstores are a dime a dozen in New York City, and with a wealth of unique storefronts and book-lined shelves, the city is a bookworm’s paradise.

Rizzoli Bookstore

Established in 1965, Rizzoli Bookstore officially became a landmark in NYC upon moving to its 57th Street location — an elegant six-story townhouse. Rizzoli has since opened a new location at 1133 Broadway in the city’s NoMad district. The celebrated storefront specializes in foreign literature, European magazines and illustrated subjects from architecture, interior design, fashion, art, film and photography.

Strand Bookstore

The Strand Bookstore on 12th Street between Fourth and Broadway has been a longstanding independent bookstore in the community offering new, used and rare finds. Boasting 18 miles of books, the Strand has been a New York favorite since 1927. This beloved bookstore even has a kiosk offering books outside Central Park for readers on the go.

Bluestockings

For the activist bookworm, check out Bluestockings on the Lower East Side. This volunteer-run bookshop offers thousands of books on everything from mainstream fiction and nonfiction to feminist studies, climate and environmental education, gender studies and global capitalism. Enjoy organic, vegan cuisine and fair trade coffee at the café while perusing rows of unique books, gifts and alternative items.

The Corner Bookstore

Located in landmark neighborhood Carnegie Hill, The Corner Bookstore has been a local favorite since it opened in 1978. The Corner Bookstore may seem like a quaint nook of a store, but stocks everything from history, biographies, travel, cookbooks, poetry, adult fiction and nonfiction with a special interest in its children’s book selection.

Argosy Book Store

Discover rare and old books amid a classic library setting at Argosy Book Store. Founded in 1925, this Midtown location boasts six stories of out-of-print titles and Americana from first-edition novels to art, antique maps and photography. Search through the unique space’s numerous shelves Monday through Friday.