Books and Stationery

What You Need to Know About Bookstores in New York

• If you love books and understand English, take advantage of your stay in New York to step into a bookstore. Like everywhere else, the number of bookstores has significantly decreased in New York in recent years, dropping from nearly 400 addresses in Manhattan to less than 80. But bookstores are still there, including many independents!
• Main advantage of New York: you will discover a very diverse offering, with highly specialized bookstores, particularly in comics, art history, religious literature, and even detective novels. Here are the addresses you need to know.

The 7 Best Bookstores in New York

1. Barnes & Noble

   Barnes & Noble is the largest American bookseller. The chain is obviously present in New York with many addresses. The most famous address overlooks Union Square Park.

   Address: 565 5th Avenue, between 45th Street and 46th Street, and 33 East 17th Street, between Park Avenue and Broadway.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: Grand Central or 14 St-Union Sq.

2. Crime Pays

   Located in the heart of the Greenwich Village neighborhood, Crime Pays is an independent bookstore specializing in crime novels and other mystery novels. By the way, what does “Crime Pays” mean? Simply: crime pays! Get ready to shiver…

   Address: 44 Greenwich Avenue, at the corner of Charles Street.

   Neighborhood: Greenwich Village.

   Metro: 14 St.

3. Forbidden Planet

   This New York bookstore specializes in comics and manga. A must for fans of the genre! You will also find a wide selection of figurines and collectible statuettes.

   Address: 832 Broadway/12th Street

   Neighborhood: East Village.

   Metro: 14 St-Union Sq.

4. Midtown Comics

   If you’re a comic book fan, this is the place for you! The 3 Midtown Comics stores offer a wide selection of comics and derivative products, including statuettes, DVDs and t-shirts. Meet Spider-Man, Captain America, Superman and all the heroes of Marvel.

   Address: 200 West 40th Street/7th Avenue, 459 Lexington Avenue/45th Street and 64 Fulton Street/Gold Street.

   Neighborhood: Midtown.

   Metro: 42 St/Times Sq or Grand Central.

5. Rizzoli New York

   This beautiful bookstore offers a wide selection of references, from art to photography, history, design, fashion or sports. Rizzoli has been an independent bookstore since 1963!

   Address: 1133 Broadway/26th Street.

   Neighborhood: Flatiron District.

   Metro: 28 St.

6. Strand Bookstore

   Strand Bookstore is the best-known independent bookstore in New York. It must be said that the store is the largest used bookstore in the world! The shelves stretch for more than 13 km and the bookstore displays 2.5 million books. Score to beat!

   Address: 828 Broadway/12th Street.

   Neighborhood: Greenwich Village.

   Metro: 14 St.

7. The Mysterious Bookshop

   Crime, suspense, espionage… The Mysterious Bookshop is a bookstore in New York to visit absolutely if you are a fan of crime novels. The store also offers original editions and rare books.

   Address: 58 Warren Street.

   Neighborhood: Financial District.

   Metro: Chambers St.