Idlewild is awesome for learning languages. My class there was amazing. I especially like my German teacher, David Koch. The management of Idlewild is incredibly accommodating. They should be a pillar of their community. Please consider taking a language class there, if not ehe just buy books there! read more

There is NOT a book store here. They have lots of photos on yelp from over the years - but they have moved premises and changed a lot. No books. read more

As a beginner I found the teacher competent and the environment friendly. However the format of going round the table one at a time for a large class was cumbersome and did not allow us to speak much at all. I suppose if you listen to other students it is helpful. Felt more like lectures and not a lot of hands on opportunity. Also not much explanation of Italian grammar prior to launching into more complex language. I gave feedback to the school and no one responded. read more

Don't pay attention to reviews before 2023; everything has changed here since they changed during the pandemic. Now they don't provide their phone numbers, names/titles of administrative staff and they say they will reply to emails but they won't respond to you if you have a complaint or want your money refunded or want to talk with someone. They keep changing locations. On one occasion, I went to the Hudson Street storefront and there was no one there but a class (no admin). The teacher could not provide a number and gave out inaccurate info. He asked me to leave a number saying someone would reach out but no one did. When I questioned why no one had reached out by phone (via a written email), I was met with silence. A seriously shady operation. You would be better off doing a search on language classes in New York and going with some other operation where they are not afraid of identifying themselves and are accountable. Idlewild also used to be a bookstore but they, apparently, got rid of the books; a failed business model. read more

This place is absolutely lovely! Although small, there is a wide selection of books, mainly travel guides, maps, and directories. They also offer language classes. I went in and flipped through a travel map of Japan: I planned a trip to Tokyo in June. Super helpful and cute. Full of important tips! read more

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I took the beginner Spanish class with Lalo earlier this Spring. Lalo was great -- energetic, enthusiastic, and entertaining -- and really worked to help us learn. It's fast-paced but fun, and I learned more than I expected to. We've signed up for Advanced Beginner Spanish in Manhattan starting in May, and we're hoping it's as good as the class we had with Lalo. read more

Stumbled across this bookstore after buying wine from bottlerocket. I was intrigued by the really cool lighting and decor of the store. I walked up the steps and there was no one in the store. The cashier was quiet and it was literally like a private bookstore. I love to travel but Idlewood has the be all end all collection of travel books. It definitely made me want to brush up on my language skills...but I ended up buying a totally unrelated book: One thousand New York buildings (it's pretty much an encyclopedia of every building in NYC) which is going to be so useful. I mean how many times do I pass buildings and not remember their names. Anyway, I would definitely go back to this place next time I'm on vacation! read more

Idlewild - Language Schools Near Me - New York, New York

If you want to learn a new language, study a different culture, or hell, even buy a children's book in another language, this is the spot that you definitely need to hit up. For fun, I decided that I wanted to learn French. I have a few tools here and there, but what I *really* needed was a workbook that would challenge me and allow me to write out (rather than choose) vocab and grammar. This was the only place that I managed to find just that. They even have classes in the evenings and on Saturdays! I'm definitely interested in checking that out, too. read more

Idlewild - Casual browsing. - Language Schools Near Me - New York, New York

Lectures, and lit, and lounge - oh my! This local bookstore has brains, heart, and courage and definitely reminds you that you're not in Kansas anymore. In toto: - Hesse next to the Germany section - Babar for the babes - Frequent flyer book program (and no card...saving the trees for the great books) - Periodic lit parties for the jet-setters - Staff that know off-hand when the next shipment will arrive and what the great Oz will have in his balloon. Plan a trip here so you can plan your own travels and read about the travels of others....Clearly, a book store for the right and left side of your brain...corpus callosum be damned (you'll find Dante in the Italian section) - read more

Idlewild - Outside Advertisement Board - Language Schools Near Me - New York, New York

The Portuguese Class Professor, Gilberto Klein, is absolutely fantastic: he doesn't rush through the lessons to ensure you absorb as much knowledge as possible. He takes his time, and really cares about your learning experience. I feel he not only gives you the pieces to create whole sentences on your own, but also teaches you convenient phrases for usage in common conversations. You'll learn important lessons each week. Don't feel intimidated by diving into this language for the first time. Professor Klein will be an excellent guide. read more

I took the Italian intermediate class. TLDR: if you just want to focus on speaking this is the class for you. Tip: You don't need to buy the book as the instructor gives you a packet of everything in it. The teacher was a fun/nice guy but I was looking for more structure in a language class. The class was mostly just talking in Italian. We did go over things like the imperfect, ne, volerci/metterci, but I felt that we spent too much time talking and not enough learning the new material. I'd say the breakdown was something like: reading homework assignments out loud for 20 mins, speaking for 110 mins and asking each other questions, learning the new material for 30 mins. I learn through asking a lot of questions and felt I got shut down often. I know there is a time restraint but I was there to learn not just talk the whole time. I would ask what certain words were during the class and he told me to please use google translate. He was encouraging though when you would speak and created a sense of ease even if you felt you sounded like a dummy. I think speaking the language really helps you learn, but when it's the entirety of the class you miss out. It was definitely a fun class and good group of people, overall it was just not my style of teaching. read more

From a different era, and not really in a good way: It's kind of a neat idea to organize books geographically rather than by author, genre, quality, or any other sensible metric. And obviously if you want a foreign travel book this might be a sensible place to come (although I'm not sure how much bigger their selection is than, say, the Union Square Barnes & Noble). But the fundamental proof of a good bookstore is in whether it has a decent stock of books-- or indeed, any books that I actually want to buy. No such luck, here. I thought they might at least have a reasonable selection of Vargas Llosa novels, but they didn't even manage that. So I browsed for a few polite minutes and shuffled down the street to a real bookstore. read more

I have been taking Idlewild's French film class on Zoom for quite a few semesters. Thanks to Vincent, the professor, the classes have always been a delightful experience. The class is entirely in French, but Vincent is fluent in English and can translate when necessary. He gives corrections to improve our fluency and he's wonderful at guiding analyses of the films. read more

I gasped, "You have Tintin! En français!!!" Tintin holds a very dear spot in my heart as I associated with him and just about anything else that's Belgian with a special period of my life where I ventured out, explored, and got bit by the travel bug that left me with a never-ending symptom of wanderlust. Idlewild is the reification of the inner sanctums of my soul. In one corner there is a whole section devoted to French novels, as in novels written in French, not translated works. Another section had other foreign novels. I picked up a wonderful little book with German short stories printed on the left hand side and the translated English version on the right hand side. Perfect for learning German because I don't have to put down the book and look up every 5th word. For the child in me, bookcases and tables devoted to children books and the classic children cartoons, such as Tintin (in French too!). It's a smaller selection than Book of Wonders, but no less carefully curated. But what makes Idlewild stand out is their enormous devoted to everything travel. Travel guides, travel essays, memoires, novels about travels, all there begging me to open the covers and caress the pages. Boutique shopping for travelers. They specialize in the hard-to-find, smaller runs that larger bookstore rarely carry because they won't generate enough of a profit. As I gazed lustfully at the rows and rows of books that beckoned and promised adventure, I felt that familiar growing urge within me to go out and see the world. All my desires, hopes, dreams, and expressions of who I am encapsulated by the walls of Idlewild. . . read more

I took 2 Spanish classes (Beginner and Advanced Beginner) here after reading about Idlewild in NY Magazine's "Best of New York" issue. I like that: 1. The class size here is relatively small (classes start at around 15, but usually get smaller as the weeks go on). 2. It takes place in a cozy room in the back surrounded by books and closed off by a large curtain for privacy when the class starts. 3. I really appreciate the emphasis on conversing in the language. I studied French in school for many years, and I always felt that the lack of emphasis on actually speaking really held back my progress. I feel like I learned a lot in a short amount of time--in fact, recently, I Skype messaged with a native speaker to practice my Spanish (and help her with her English) and she was shocked to learn I had only been taking Spanish for a few months. Of course, you have to study on your own time to get the most out of your class, and I find reinforcing learning through other modes (podcasts, etc.) is most helpful. 4. People are actually having fun learning--the vibe is very relaxed and stress-free, and I usually end up laughing and having a good time. The last class of Beginning Spanish, we even celebrated the final class with red wine. Highly recommended! read more

Gorgeous, just gorgeous!! Located on a second floor on 19th St. this crisp small bookstore still smells of new, and has trumpeted it's coming with careful and responsible selections all orbiting (pun intended) around the theme of cultural diversity and traveling. My idleness indeed went wild upon entering the store and browsing the racks! Arranged by countries, we can find reference books, dictionaries, guides and of course, literature, from these places in their respective languages; a fact that it's underpinned by the huge Globe of the Earth right next to the counter, which you can even see from the street. I was surprised to find appealing selections of choice quality; and I came across a book from Guy de Maupassant that I didn't even know existed (considering that his bibliography is so short). Even though I went there to browse, I ended up buying a book of prose selections by Mallarme, which again, was too appealing to pass. I truly recommend this bookstore if you are planning a trip somewhere and wish to submerge yourself in all the intricacies of the culture prior to your trip. An added bonus is that they have a warehouse in Jersey that houses thousand of titles which you can order and pick up at the store in 2 days. Sweet. read more

I'm so used to going to bookstores that sell a range of genres, that going to Idlewild, a bookstore that specializes in travel and language books, was very refreshing. With the sharing of Buzzfeed's mostly inaccurate, but amusing "Which City Should You Actually Live In" questionnaire to the inches of snow the sky has been dumping down on us, I think we've all been thinking of taking a vacation. Idlewild seems like the place to gather materials for just that. Idlewild, named after NY's international airport before it was renamed JFK, fills a cozy, quiet space of a second floor with bookcases that line the zig-zagged walls, and plenty of light from the large windows. There's also a smaller room in the back with a giant chandelier and chairs. Travel guides, maps, and language books fill the shelves, tables are dotted with globes, and sections are clearly marked by country. In addition to travel guides and language books for each country, novels written in the original language (mostly for the European countries) as well as novels translated into English by authors from that country are also included. Bonus: -There is a wonderful children's section with some books even written in French and Spanish here. -French, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic classes are available. -There's a book club. Likelihood of another visit: Very likely. I really want to look at the US road trip travel guides more closely the next time I'm here. Also, I should ask if the globes are for sale. read more

Former name of JFK Airport. Beautiful dichotomy; the imagery of being both idle and wild speaks to me. Language lessons, even though I'll probably never take one. Books about travel -- two of my interests housed under one roof. Intimate, but bursting at the seams with exactly what I need (at the moment: novels written about, in dedication to, and/or set in New York.) Prompts wanderlust, but this bookstore can also cure the insatiable feeling if you can't get away. Just a few reasons I really, really dig Idlewild. read more

Spanish for Beginners I just wrapped up the Spanish for Beginners course via Zoom with Professor Lalo. I throughly enjoyed the format and learning Spanish. Professor Lalo was entertaining as well informative regarding proper verb usage, pronunciation, and learning basic words and phrases. I plan on taking the next course. read more

I'm going to Morocco and Tunisia for a contemporary art thing at the end of September. Not too terribly familiar with Africa, at least other than what George Clooney tells us, I turned to the internets. This is what I pulled up after typing Tunis into WikiTravel, under the Eat category: "Most hotels include breakfast, and some include dinner. Count yourself lucky if you find a dish that does not include canned tuna!" Wow. Clearly I was going to have to search elsewhere, definitely a bookstore that specializes in travel. Idlewild Books. I came, I saw, I purchased. And now I'm confident that my vacation will not be limited to a hotel that includes breakfast and possibly dinner. The tuna part I'm okay with. read more

I took the introductory Spanish class with Lalo, the teacher, and had a great time. Although I wish I had been able to attend the class in person, Lalo made the best of Zoom, and our class had a very fun and productive time together. Highly recommended. read more

A well-curated bookstore organized regionally, rather than by genre? Yes, please! It's just such a great concept. Say I'm going to Italy: I can pick up a travel guide, a phrasebook, a collection of travel essays, and a novel set in Italy--all from the same shelf! And even though I'm not traveling anytime soon, it's such fun to browse and discover new gems. They have a fantastic selection of NYR books, as well as some very cool children's books. The discounted section always includes well-priced, gorgeous coffee table books. In keeping with their international theme, they also have a pretty cool selection of globes for sale. The owners are wonderful, and I've been to a few really interesting book signings, launches, and parties here. Absolutely worth a visit--and many return visits, too. It's the kind of place that cultivates loyalty. (Do note that they have the popular standards and go-to basics here, too, and they're happy to order things. It's not just a niche shop. So, if you're looking for a store to patronize when you pick up your next Stieg Larsson novel or what-have-you, check out Idlewild. The bonus is that they, unlike many other, bigger stores, will probably be able to introduce you to other European mystery writers, too!) read more

I needed a book on Liberia and knew that Barnes & Noble wasn't the place to go. No problem, Idlewild has Graham Greene's "Journey Without Maps," the first travel book written by the famed English author which documents his trip across Liberia in the early part of the 20th century. Guidebooks are great -- my shelves are lined with them -- but nothing can top a great work of travel literature. I'm thinking of books like "Songlines" by Bruce Chatwin, "The Old Patagonian Express" by Paul Theroux and "The Malay Archipelago" by Alfred Russell Wallace (my personal fave). All the giants are represented here at Idlewild, my new favorite store in NYC. This place reminds me of World Wide Travel & Maps in Seattle, where I once worked (and truth be told was the only place I ever got fired!) and found inspiration. Named after the former name for JFK Airport, Idlewild is also decorated with original windows and furniture from the old air strip. It's a comfy place to sit and check out some new books. The loft space is downright cool. If you're planning on taking a journey, this is really a spot you should check out before you go. read more

The latest (and most welcome!) addition to New York's independent bookstore scene. After Coliseum closed, I was afraid the indie vendors were being chased out of NY but Idlewild has put those fears to rest (for now). It also has the virtue of being New York's only travel and international literature bookstore *insert cheers here*! As others have said, it specializes in goods and books for globetrotters, jetsetters, and the internationally curious. Books are organized by country, and include travel guides, social science books, and literature written in or about the country. The selection for literature is well curated, and it's really fun to browse their other, supposedly travel-related merchandise, including flasks (2oz so it's safe for the plane), neck pillows, and these awesome grey t-shirts: "I Feel Relatively Neutral About New York". The space is bright, airy and cozy at the same time, with lots of wood and a vaguely Mediterranean feel to it (must be all the white and blue), + a wall of windows which never hurts. A really charming space, especially for the area. On a nearly weekly basis, Idlewild also hosts special events, including book launches, book readings/signings, lectures, panels, and talks, often with free wine/snacks. Sign up for their mailing list on their website to get in the know: http://www.idlewildbooks.com Another GREAT thing about idlewild is its proximity to the Flatiron Lounge (down the block!!). Book launch/browse in the evening after work, then treat yourself with a fine speakeasy cocktail just steps away. Deliciousness all around. read more

Good independent bookstores are rare; good independent travel bookstores even rarer which is why you should detour over to Idlewild and explore their tempting offerings. What sets idlewild apart from what you'll find at Barnes and Noble is the way they've grouped together both guidebooks with geographically relevant fiction and non-fiction offerings. Looking for a guidebook to Vietnam? You'll also find Graham Greene's 'The Quiet American' on the shelf below. Not a guide book per se, but the kind of insightful literary offering that enhances a journey. The idea of matching literary with practical works is nothing new. Daunt Books in London - one of the best English language travel bookstores in the world - has been doing it for a century. What Idlewild gains in aesthetic - and it is a very attractive store - it loses in depth. There is a lot here and a lot to recommend about it but some shelves seems a bit too sparse for my tastes. The store is in it's first year and I'm sure the future will hold great things. An international newsstand of hard to find travel magazines and select international newspapers would enhance the current offerings. read more

Looking to learn another language, then make a beeline to Idlewild. Just signed up for a second class. Love that it's practical and conversational. Instead of learning phrases like "the horse is yellow", I've learned how to ask for directions and order food at a restaurant (I was in a beginner Spanish class). I love that the classes are intimate and there's just about the space. It's not intimidating--no desks here or PPT presentations here. read more

I love Idlewild book store particularly because of the children's books here. Yes, we adults do need children's books for ourselves, at least for the soul. You may say this place is for the best traveling books with insider tips; the most sophisticated novels from different cultures; or the most handy pocket language books for your next exotic adventure... But look at what they highlight in the store ---- they put the Children's books on the table and shelf right cross the door! So whenever I stepped in, those books instantly greeted me and cheered me up. Le petit prince, the tintin series, harry potter, the Smurfs, le petit Nicolas... and many others... I love this store. I love that they kindly put some chairs in the back room and make it so comfortable, peaceful, and inspiring like my favorite reading place back in kindergarten. It is one of my secret gardens in the city to get myself relaxed and recharged. The only thing not so exciting to me in this store was the very simply illustrated Tintin postcards which cost $2 each. Well, it's still inspiring though -- I had to go back home to find out my lost color pencils to make my own cards. read more

Simple Concept .. Amazing Result It's very refresh to find a bookstore that thinks outside the box. I came here with high expectations, and they exceed my expectations. I love the atmosphere, it's quiet and initiate, which makes a good bookstore. within 10 seconds. I found what I was looking for. +++ Cute sitting areas for you to relax and read!!! I'm glad I found this place!! read more

The Spanish language class, which takes place inside the book store, is really fun and the teacher,  Eduardo, is patient and makes the lessons relevant and interesting!  For me, this was a refresher from high school spanish classes and for my boyfriend,  it was a first time intro to spanish. We both found the beginner level appropriate and it will definitly help us with an upcoming trip to South America. The students were all diverse in age and background and had differing reasons for studying spansih (vacation, work, a hobby,  etc). These classes could also be a good way to meet new people if one was looking for that. Make sure you take the class with Eduardo. .. he is funny and nice but makes sure the lessons are understood. read more

I don't have too much interest in guidebooks, though if I ever do I know where I'll be coming. What I really love about Idlewild is the organization. I'm a big fan of Czech, Polish, and Russian literature, but many available translations, particularly Czech and Polish, can be absolutely dreadful. For this reason I don't really like shopping online, but I hadn't been able to find any bookstore with a reliable selection. When I came into Idlewild and found almost an entire wall covered with Slavic literature, I had to pinch myself. Even though I had just come in to browse, I left with four books, one ordered to pick up (which arrived very quickly) and a few I knew i would be coming back to get. The staff is incredibly helpful, very friendly, and knowledgeable. Larger bookstores might have more selection, but not nearly so much quality control or helpful organization. For readers like myself with a specific area interest, you will be relieved to find that instead of running around a few floors looking for a book that probably won't be in stock, you'll be standing in front of one or two bookcases that have exactly what want, something of interest or, most likely, both! read more

Ok, I have a foreign travel book fetish. Well it was slaked this evening, when I walked in here for the first time, and the friendly faced employee answered my immediate question of "I'm looking for a book on Brazil", by taking me two feet further, and pointing me to the books with 40 point typeface on the spine that read "Brazil". Not with attitude, but a feeling of genuine helpfulness. I like that. This place has a "romper roomish", kindergarten kind of feel to it, but in a "grown up" sort of way. Looks like some nice space in the back for book talks, etc. so I'll need to come back and check that out. Overall a friendly place with a wide assortment of travel related books. (others too, but seems focused on international travel) read more

It's like somebody looked deep inside of my soul, took everything I love, and put it together to create this bookstore. I love travel more than anything. I am a huge bookworm. And I love New York City. My husband found this store listed on Yelp and I'm so glad he did, or else we never would have happened upon it. A small bookstore dedicated entirely to travel books - guidebooks, travel non-fiction, travel fiction, travel kids books, maps. Beautiful hardwood floors. The music and back and forth of a private Spanish class taking place behind a closed curtain. And to my surprise when I arrived at the cash register, 20% off all travel guides! My only wish is that I could transport Idlewild Books back to my home town. Or, better yet, transport myself closer to Idlewild Books. read more

My friend is about to leave on a trip for Vietnam and Nepal so Idlewild Books came to mind when I needed to buy a bon voyage gift. Everyone on Yelp has been raving about the place so it was a perfect excuse to check out the place. I went inside and it was lovely. Everything was so easy to find. I bought some maps and guide books for my friend - it was the perfect gift for someone traveling. A nice place to go to for gifts. I loved it! read more

I love to read. I love to travel. Combine the two and what do you get? Idlewild Books. I am traveling to Chile with my sister next year and wanted some decent literature on the country. Sure, Barnes and Noble would have a bunch of books on this country, but why be sucked into the megastore when I can support the local bookstore that is specifically designed around travel. As if I didn't have the desire already to visit every continent, this bookstore clearly feeds my addiction to learn more and more about the greatest places to visit on earth. This is a must-visit spot if you plan on traveling anywhere in the world. Absolutely love this bookstore. I will definitely be back when researching my next adventure. read more

My favorite book store in the city for the following reasons: Never crowded. Lovely windows. Asterix comics. Place to sit to read said Asterix comics. Meticulously curated novels. Oh, and I want my living room to be an exact replica of Idlewild. read more

My loverboy and I are planning a trip across Patagonia, and thought we might start by browsing some travel guides at Barnes & Noble. BIG MISTAKE. No options, outdated, crowded. Enter Idlewild. Books are organized by language (english, spanish, french, german) on one side of the room, and by country on the other. Inviting reading spaces fill up either end of the store. As I scanned the shelves for Argentina, I noticed that not only are there maps and guidebooks from multiple publishers, but novels and memoirs relating to travel in a variety of countries are also scattered throughout the assortment. What a wonderful way to add personality to the all-too-standardized travel guides line-up! I thoroughly enjoyed my hours spent browsing Idlewild. It is THE bookstore for finding travel inspiration of all kinds. read more

I love this bookstore. They not only have all the fabulous characteristics the other yelpers have stated but also have a great sale section. I love this bookstore. read more

I am an aspiring travel writer, so this place is a little piece of heaven off 5th ave. Idlewild books, which comes from the original name of JFK Airport, has everything you need for travel literature. From the 50 states to Latin America, Europe, Asia and all points in between. If you don't see it, ask the owners and they will try and order it for you. The store has great decor and is just so cozy looking. You want to grab a book, sit back and hang out here for awhile. I was here for a tripwolf presentation, and the owner was nice enough to allow the owners of the site to do a 60 minute speech about new venture. It made for a great atmosphere. Then when you are done carousing the books, take your new find to the nearby wine bar or coffee shop next to this great gem in Union Square. Finally a cool bookstore opens in this busy shopping area, take that Barnes and Noble! read more

This is a super cute travel bookstore. While perusing the selection at Idlewild, I found the perfect book to prepare my little brother for our upcoming trip to Tokyo. The Cool Japan Guide is a comic book with tons of detail on how to prepare for a trip to Japan, how to ride the trains, how to ask questions, and how to survive while eating at conbinis. My little brother is more of a comic/manga guy than an actual book with more text kind of guy, so this was perfect! While I was perusing, they had a Spanish class going on in the back, too! This bookstore is a cute little space, and I often find myself in here if I'm killing time in the West Village. read more

This world needs more specialty independent bookstores. Idlewild specializes in "travel books," in the most all-encompassing sense: they do an excellent job of curating both the essential tour guides and other types of literature (fiction, essays, history) about the country you're (dreaming about) visiting. Since they cover *almost* every country in the world, at least all the ones that people generally visit, there aren't that many books per country. Some are more heavily represented than others, of course, but don't expect to find whole shelves on just one country, even if that country is France or Italy or Japan. Sometimes I come in expecting to find more than I actually do, but if you peruse carefully enough, you're bound to discover a less conventional tour guide or interesting novel set in your destination country. They used to be in Union Square, but recently moved to West Village. This new location is much newer / cleaner-looking, although the books themselves seem to be more or less the same collection. The space itself is fairly small. Have heard great things about their language courses. read more