Incredible Bookstores Hidden Across NYC

There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a good book and getting lost in another world. Whether you love fantasy, crime, or even a bit of non-fiction, there’s no end of incredible books to keep you entertained. Of course, where there are books, there are bookstores, and some of these definitely deserve more attention than others.

While many people might choose to read on their phones and tablets nowadays, there’s something special about holding a physical book in your hands. The same goes for visiting a bookstore and actually browsing the shelves to find the next title that will have you on the edge of your seat. Luckily for you, if you ever find yourself in the Big Apple, there are some incredible bookstores hidden across NYC that will make your trip worthwhile.

Strand is NYC’s largest independent bookstore, with miles upon miles of books

When a store claims to contain 18 miles worth of books, we simply can’t overlook it. Thankfully, if you visit Strand at 828 Broadway, you won’t actually have to walk for 18 miles to see all the titles on offer. The place is still pretty big, though, and is reportedly the largest independent bookstore in NYC. Among the collection here is a mixture of new and second-hand books, some of which are now out-of-print. There’s an entire floor focused on first editions and other rarities, making it ideal for any collectors out there. Even if you’re just a casual reader, though, there’s bound to be something that will catch your eye here.

Forbidden Planet meets the needs of those more interested in sci-fi and comic books

Anyone who’s hopped over the pond and visited London may well have heard of Forbidden Planet before. The British store and the one in New York City are connected, which is great news if you were a fan of the overseas equivalent. The perfect place for those more interested in genres like sci-fi and horror, it’s worth checking out if you’re in the mood for comic books and graphic novels. It also offers a ton of other merchandise along with the many books available, some of which may be on the rarer side. What’s more, it’s located at 832 Broadway, meaning it’s only a few doors down from Strand. You could make an entire afternoon out of visiting these two places.

Dashwood Books caters to those who prefer their books to have photos

Books come in many different forms, some of which place more emphasis on pictures than writing. That includes photography collections, which is something that another of NYC’s amazing bookstores specializes in. Situated in Noho, Dashwood Books has been an absolute must for photography fans for nearly two decades now. As with these other places, you can expect to find a nice mixture of books on display, some of which are of the rarer variety. The store also reportedly has regular signings, with a spotlight placed on a lot of emerging talent. So, if you’re in the market for someone new to follow, it’s worth keeping your eye on Dashwood Books.

BGSQD has everything that LGBTQ people and allies could want from a bookstore

If it’s LGBTQ literature that you’re after, New York City has you covered. There are only a few dozen stores in the world that specialize in these books, and BGSQD is one of them. It started as a crowdfunded pop-up shop a decade ago and now has a place in the West Village’s LGBT Community Center. Offering a rich selection of fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, magazines, and art, it’s a wonderful place for members of the community and allies to celebrate LGBTQ creativity. Plus, the venue never seems to be short of events, from guest speakers to screenings and exhibitions. So, if you want to get a deeper understanding of LGBTQ expression and the people behind it, this place is worth checking out.

powerHouse Books offers an eclectic mixture of books for all readers

It’s safe to say that powerHouse Books has quite an eclectic range of books on display. This DUMBO district store stocks all sorts, from fine art and photography to progressive literature and graphic novels. You can even find children’s books here, making this the perfect place to pay some attention, whatever your interests. The store even publishes its own collections, too, such as the 2021 release ‘The Stolen Daughters of Chibok.’ As if all that wasn’t enough, there’s even artwork that you can buy, with some of the available pieces apparently created by highly acclaimed artists.

A huge part of what makes books great is the joy of reading them. However, it’s important not to overlook how much a person can also get out of visiting a bookstore and picking out said books in person. Visiting each of the places we’ve mentioned is an experience, especially with everything they offer on top of their products. So, we can’t recommend checking out these incredible NYC bookstores enough.