The literary scene in New York City is constantly popping and constantly changing, so it’s only fitting that we follow up our list of the city’s hottest book cafés with a guide for all the Big Apple’s best literary spots.
Library Hotel
While New York City has quite a few hotels that could be considered literary, it has only one true book hotel. Built for bibliophiles, each room in this hotel is designed around a specific topic and organized according to the Dewey Decimal System, including a mini library around the chosen topic.
The hotel also has a bunch of literary-themed spaces, like the writer’s den, the poetry garden, and a reading room that serves tea and coffee 24 hours a day.
Address: 299 Madison Aveneue, E 41st St, New York, NY 10017, United States
Opening hours:
- Check-in time: 3:00 PM
- Check-out time: 1:00 PM
New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building)
Including the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on this list is pretty much a no-brainer. Not only is it one of the most iconic and recognizable spots in New York, it has drop-dead gorgeous architecture both inside and out. From the lion statues standing as sentinels in front of Grecian-style pillars to the elaborate fresco on the Rose Room’s ceiling, the level of detail and artistry put into this library is downright impressive.
As a bonus, this library even has an attached bookstore and café (the Library Shop & Café) for those who want to buy books instead of just looking at them.
Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday: 10AM - 6PM
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 10AM - 8PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 10AM - 6PM
- Sunday: 1PM - 5PM
The Morgan Library & Museum
What once began as a man’s private collection of rare books and art has since become a famous museum, research library, and cultural center.
The main building is a masterpiece of early 1900s American Renaissance architecture, completed in 1906 and open to the public since 1924. In the years since, new buildings have been added, blending historic and modern spaces. Aside from the luxuriant interior of the library, it holds exhibitions, a café, and a garden.
Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 10:30AM - 5PM
- Friday: 10:30AM - 7PM
The Mall and Literary Walk in Central Park
This one’s a bit more unique, as it’s not a bookstore or library like most of the spots on this list. Instead, it’s in the mall—a 1,500-foot-long walkway within Central Park lined with elm trees. The Literary Walk is in the southern section, featuring statues of famous writers like William Shakespeare, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and others.
The Mall as a whole is a popular venue for performers and artists, so there’s a good chance you’ll get a taste of local art culture set in the beauty of nature.
Address: The Mall, New York, NY 10022, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 6AM - 1AM
Albertine
Seated inside the Cultural Services of the French Embassy is a gorgeous, celestial-themed bookstore called Albertine. Containing over 14,000 titles in French and English, it’s designed to promote intellectual exchange across cultures.
One of the first things you’ll notice upon walking in is its gorgeous interior design with luxuriant wooden furniture and a hand-painted zodiac ceiling. On top of its book collection, Albertine hosts a variety of events, like debates, discussions, and readings.
Address: 972 5th Ave, New York, NY 10075, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday: 10AM - 6PM
- Wednesday: Closed
Rizzoli Bookstore
Would it be in bad taste to say that Rizzoli Bookstore has a lot of rizz? Because it’s true. This is one of the most beautiful bookshops in New York, which is quite fitting considering that its collection specializes in books on every visual art you can think of: architecture, paintings, fashion, design, and more. It also features a decent array of international magazines.
Rizzoli can be found in the NoMad neighborhood and is a great place to get lost in a decadently elegant interior, complete with chandeliers and oak paneling.
Address: 1133 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11AM - 8PM
- Sunday: 11AM - 7PM
Strand Book Store
Possibly one of the most famous independent bookstores in the Big Apple, Strand Book Store has been around since 1927. Its bright red canopy proclaiming “18 Miles of Books” makes it easily recognizable. The store sells volumes of all sorts, both old and new.
Its collection of books is definitely impressive, numbering over 2.5 million across multiple floors, along with unique gifts and bookish merchandise. Family-owned for generations, the staff is known for knowing their stuff, welcoming literature lovers everywhere.
Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10AM - 9PM
Jefferson Market Library
This National Historic Landmark was originally a District Courthouse back in the 1870s, which is honestly kind of a surprise since it’s hardly the sort of dry, Grecian style one might expect. Instead, the architecture is full Victorian Gothic, complete with a clock tower and an expansive room with enormous stained glass windows.
After undergoing recent renovations to upgrade the tech while preserving the historic architecture, the Jefferson Market Library shines brighter than ever, with its distinctive red brick and sandstone trim.
Address: 425 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10AM - 8PM
- Friday & Saturday: 10AM - 5PM
- Sunday: 1PM - 5PM
Three Lives & Company
Where Jefferson Market Library is grand and impressive—even intimidating—Three Lives & Company is cozy and old-fashioned. This neighborhood staple offers a carefully curated selection of literary fiction, travel guides, and literary magazines, and was even recognized by the Greenwich Village Historical Society in 1991.
Though small, the shop is inviting and never feels cramped. It’s homey and relaxing—a favorite haven for book lovers in Manhattan’s West Village.
Address: 154 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 7PM
- Sunday: 12PM - 7PM
Housing Works Bookstore
This nonprofit bookstore and café is located in SoHo and is dedicated to fighting against homelessness and AIDS. Founded in 1996, it operates almost entirely with donated books and volunteer staff, with 100% of profits going towards its charitable causes.
The interior is spacious with a vintage, almost grand vibe in the wooden shelves and elegantly curved staircases. Events are frequent and far-reaching, ranging from book launches and storytelling to music performances and community gatherings. It also has a café that serves coffee, wine, and food.
Address: 126 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11AM - 7PM
- Sunday: 11AM - 5PM
Book Club Bar
Book Club Bar shakes things up by combining a bookstore with a full-service coffee and cocktail bar. The interior has a down-to-earth, almost grungy vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can relax and kick up your feet with a good book (plus a tasty drink).
Speaking of drinks, one of this book bar’s fun features is that a good chunk of the cocktail names are inspired by literature, like Picture of Dorian Earl Grey and One Flew Over the Cucumber’s Nest. You can also expect regular nighttime events, including live music, author interviews, and poetry readings.
Address: 197 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Sunday: 9AM - 12AM
- Thursday to Saturday: 9AM - 1AM
Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore
Located in the Lower East Side, Bluestockings Cooperative Bookstore is a radical, worker-owned bookstore and café. What began in 1999 as a feminist bookstore has since evolved into an inclusive LGBTQ+ and sex worker-run space focused on various progressive and radical causes. And, as you might expect of a bookstore, its titles on offer reflect that mission.
Aside from its 6,000-strong collection of books on political topics, the store also sells magazines and merchandise like shirts and stickers.
Address: 116 Suffolk St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 12PM - 7PM
Poets House
Founded in 1985 and moved to a new location in 2009, Poets House is a national poetry library and literary center in New York City. It houses over 80,000 volumes of poetry, including nearly all U.S. poetry published since 1990, along with many rare editions.
The interior is white and spacious, offering a refreshing and clean atmosphere well suited to soaking up verse and lyrical compositions. It also regularly hosts different poetry-related events and workshops.
Address: 10 River Ter., New York, NY 10282, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday & Sunday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 11AM - 7PM
- Saturday: 11AM - 6PM
McNally Jackson Books (Seaport)
McNally Jackson Books is a famous independent bookstore chain known for being both chic and unique. No two McNally Jacksons are the same, each has its own flair and design, yet all maintain a broad collection of curated books no matter where you go.
Its Seaport location is especially nice, both for its natural, spacious design on the second floor and ground-level café. Aside from the generous arrangement of cozy armchairs upstairs, you can also find a delightful children’s section sure to encourage any young reader.
Address: 4 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10AM - 9PM
Books Are Magic
This independent bookstore sits in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill neighborhood. Author-owned (specifically by bestselling author Emma Straub and her husband) and as lively and colorful as its eye-catching logo, this store is the place to go for books and literary events alike, including storytimes for children, author readings, and discussion panels.
Known for its friendly staff and unique touches like an art print machine, it’s a beloved community hub. It even has a second location on Montague Street, for those interested in a spot closer to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Address: 225 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10AM - 6PM
Brooklyn Public Library (Central)
The central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library (styled as Bklyn Public Library) is one that can easily stun visitors with its imposing facade. The front entrance is made up of decorated windows reaching several floors up, flanked by two massive columns adorned with gilded literary figures.
The interior is no less impressive, with sweeping modern designs housing extensive collections of both physical and digital materials. It has a wide variety of public programs, services, and events, making it a cultural and educational hub for locals.
Address: 10 Grand Army Plz, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9AM - 8PM
- Friday & Saturday: 9AM - 6PM
- Sunday: 1PM - 5PM
