The best bookshops in NYC in 2026 are the Strand near Union Square, famous for its '18 miles of books', McNally Jackson in SoHo, the beautiful Rizzoli Bookstore in NoMad and Albertine, a French bookshop in a Fifth Avenue mansion. Book Culture by Columbia and Barnes & Noble's Union Square flagship complete the list.
'18 miles of books' — new, used and rare — since 1927.
The Strand has been selling books since 1927 and its Broadway shop near Union Square holds a vast stock of new, used and rare books across several floors, with a rare book room on the third floor.
The bargain carts outside are a browser's paradise.
Good to know: Strand tote bags make a classic New York souvenir.
828 Broadway, New York, NY
A beloved independent with a superbly curated selection.
McNally Jackson is one of New York's leading independent bookshops, with a carefully chosen selection, strong fiction and international literature, and frequent author events.
It has locations in SoHo, Seaport, Williamsburg and elsewhere.
Good to know: Check the events calendar for readings.
134 Prince St, New York, NY
Arguably the most beautiful bookshop in New York.
Rizzoli, on Broadway in NoMad, has soaring ceilings, chandeliers and wallpaper by Fornasetti, and specializes in art, design, fashion and photography books.
It is a gorgeous place to browse.
Good to know: Great for coffee-table books as gifts.
1133 Broadway, New York, NY
A French bookshop beneath a painted starry ceiling in a Fifth Avenue mansion.
Albertine, in the Payne Whitney mansion on Fifth Avenue opposite Central Park, sells books in French and English, and its upstairs reading room has a ceiling painted with stars and constellations.
It is run by the cultural services of the French Embassy.
Good to know: Look up — the painted ceiling upstairs is the highlight.
972 5th Ave, New York, NY
The academic-leaning independent near Columbia University.
Book Culture is an independent bookshop near Columbia University with a deep academic and literary selection, plus a family-friendly store on Broadway on the Upper West Side.
It is a favorite of students and professors.
Good to know: Its Broadway store has a big children's section.
A four-floor flagship in a landmark building on Union Square.
Barnes & Noble's Union Square store, in a 19th-century landmark building on the north side of the square, has four floors of books and is one of the chain's best-known locations, with regular author events.
It is a reliable stop for any title.
Good to know: Combine it with the Union Square Greenmarket.
33 E 17th St, New York, NY
The Strand, founded in 1927, whose slogan claims '18 miles of books' of new, used and rare titles. Its $1–2 outdoor carts are a New York tradition.