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    Strand Bookstore

    4.4 (1.8k reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Strand Bookstore Photos

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    Carol Y.

    I will keep this short and sweet. In an age where book stores are dying off, Strand is a part of NYC history. Almost 100 years old, massive, a great coffee shop, and excellent merchandise. New, used, and rare. Go support your local, independent bookstore!

    On the ground level.
    Craig W.

    This is a very cool bookstore that is about 98 years old, if my math checks out. It is also three stories high although most of the adult fiction and other popular titles are on the ground level. I liked how they mixed in used and new books together. You can check the condition and price of the books and decide if you prefer the new or used copies. I found the used books to be generally in great condition and very fairly priced. The top floor has rare books and looks and feels like a large study in a rich person's mansion straight out of a movie. The prices of the rare books are not for the faint of heart or lightness of wallet. The bottom floor can get a bit crowded and overwhelming with all the books and people but I have almost always found booklovers to be a very polite crowd. For booklovers, the Strand is a must visit.

    Signage
    Christine L.

    Was looking for Archie comics and tried Strand. It was pretty busy since it was the holidays. There was a small line at the customer service counter. Staff helped me check, but the book was not found in the shelf. There is vast array of books ranging from different genres, a decent children's section, manga and even cute merch. Prices are decent and some sections can be found that have lower priced books. Love the location and selection.

    Robert S.

    The Strand carries over 2.5 million used, new, and rare books, covering topics as far-ranging as occult to philosophy to finance. The store also offers an ever-changing array of literary gifts and goods from Moleskines to coffee mugs, and everything in-between...from a Shakespeare insult mug to the wildly popular Strand onesie. I peeked at some of the NYC books and the selection was very good. They have several floors to explore. The restrooms are located on the second floor.

    The Brooklyn Roasting Company
    Kate Y.

    Oh dear Strand, It's so lovely to see you - it's been 5 years since I last visited. And now you have a cafe! You have kept your promise on your huge selection of books, and cool selection of stationary. What brings me the most joy? Perusing your tried and true selection of classics. Thank you. Yours truly.

    Authors' signatures
    Vicki M.

    What a fun stop on our girls "book tour" day in the New York City. They claim there is 18 miles of books on four floors and I believe it. There were a couple racks of used books outside for under $10. The children's section on the 2nd floor was awesome. The 3rd floor houses rare books and this is where events are held. Autograph Alley in the stairwell from the 2nd floor to the 3rd has authors' signatures. Prices were as expected. In addition to all the genres of books you would expect there are unique gift items. There is an elevator in addition to the stairs. They are celebrating 98 years!

    The stairwell with author signatures.
    Susan K.

    This is a fun bookstore that offers more than just new and used books. They have lots of fun gift options (fun socks, tea towels, bags, reading paraphernalia, etc). There are three floors. I loved browsing in the kids section. They had a table of kids' books that are on the banned list. Thankfully, the Strand keeps those books in their inventory for all!! There are restrooms on the second floor (including a family bathroom). They offer an elevator. There were racks of used books outside the front door for $3-$7. What a bargain. I bought a couple things and there were several cashiers so the line moved quickly!

    A cool hallway full of author signatures!
    Stacy L.

    A must see for book lovers! So many books, so much to choose from! From rare vintage books to new releases they have something for everyone.

    READ BANNED BOOKS!
    Mynika C.

    Huge bookstore, lots of history. Chaotic if you're into that. That's my opinion. The Strand is located on Broadway. I was itching to make my way here while visiting NYC for a conference. Do I love books? Yes. Do I love bookstores? Yes. Honestly, am I obsessed? Double yes. The Strand is filled with it all books, mugs, pencil/pen pouches, pens, bookmarks, shirts, stickers, gifts, socks, postcards, Knick knacks, and I mentioned books already yeah? There are several floors (maybe 3?) There are stairs to take you to and from and there are elevators. There are also books on sale lining the exterior of the bookstore. For me, The Strand left much to be desired. I love a bookstore, and I can openly say that I'm into more quaint and cozy. That is not this. I left with a few new free bookmarks, a new magnet, and my lovely purchased some magnets and a postcard. It's a staple so check it out if you're in NYC and you need a gift or a just a new pickup. I recall the cashiers not being friendly but whatever.

    Emily H.

    Oh, the Strand!!! This was at the top of my NYC to-visit list ... which somehow became a trip of me going to as many bookstores as I could get to. Anyway, I'm not complaining. And my visit would not have been complete without coming here! There is so much to see and peruse. This store isn't kidding about 18 miles of books to see. I loved taking in the fun collections of new releases, chart toppers and "blind date with a book" on the first floor. I kept finding so many that I hadn't heard of, and yet I only had so much room in my suitcase! Along with oh so many books, the Strand stocks so many great things that booklovers would also cherish, like book-themed stickers, bags, pens, toys, board games and more. On other floors I found used versions of books that I've been wanting to get for a while. And it makes me feel even happier knowing I bought these books from a locally-owned icon and not a little site that rhymes with "Shmamazon." The top floor should also not be missed! It contains rare and autographed books, as well as some chairs to sit if you want to rest a sec after walking those 18 miles. *Whew!* The stairway up to the top floor also is full of author signatures -- worth a look! The staff was friendly and so helpful. I wish I could have bought so much more. I will be back each time I visit NYC!

    Fancypants X.

    The Strand makes me grateful to still have a bustling place to browse physical books given the popularity of devices like Kindle, & Amazon, itself. Upon realizing I didn't already have a review up after my most recent visit, I vowed to pen a love letter to the bookstore that holds some of my fondest memories in New York. The iconic Strand has Main Character Energy, so much so, that it's been featured in quintessential NYC shows "Gossip Girl," "Sex & the City," & more recently, Netflix's "Dash & Lily." This representation definitely influenced my love for this place in my formative years when I first started visiting NYC. Their massive book selection is something you don't often find in bookstores these days. The vintage & rare are dusty & have that old-book smell, the hardbacks are satisfying to hold, & the new releases are plentiful. Their "Blind Date with a Book" table is a fun idea if you're open to finding new reads or authors based on a one-sentence description of the book, alone. Crowded, but for good reason; the Strand is one of the last of its kind -- a gathering place for bibliophiles who don't want to pay through the nose to add to their collection.

    Author Rainn Wilson
    Kate S.

    It's fun, it's so full of new ideas and books it's like a toy shop for reader. Their visiting author's upstairs is like being in a secret lair with some of the greatest writers. Go. PS-- some of the under 30 staff come off like a bit irritated and bothered. I make a joke of it, book snobbery. They could tone down the book righteousness but what am I gonna do but laugh?

    Melonie V.

    Love this bookstore! It has an amazing selection of books and novels to choose from, covering every genre you can think of. The layout is spacious, with multiple floors to explore, each offering something new and interesting. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it easy to spend hours browsing. Prices are fair, and you can always find something that feels like a great deal. Overall, it's one of those places you'll want to come back to again and again

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    4 months ago

    Love this place! Great selection of books, gifts and cute tote bags. A must when you're in NY.

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    Really huge bookstore with many good options at reasonable prices. You can find any kind of book here.

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    Page 1 of 46

    Strand Bookstore Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Strand Bookstore

    Are there always a long line to go inside due to COVID?

    No line at all🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

    Does the strand offer alcohol at their events?

    No - although I don't know if that applies to private events (i.e., weddings held in the Rare Book Room).

    Is there available side street parking in the vicinity?

    Yes, although sometimes difficult to find obviously as this is close to Union Square, you should find metered street parking options about a block or two south of Strand. It is easier to find parking on Sunday late afternoons in my experience.… Read more

    Is there a space to sit somewhere or use a laptop?

    Nope! Not a single chair in the whole place! It's for looking at books only, if you want to sit with a laptop you'll have to go to Starbucks or the library or the coffee shop next door. I found it very strange

    What's the average price of a book here?

    Strands has prices for everyone. Books can start as low as $ 1 if they are outside for sale. They also have sell rare books too!

    Do they sell manga or comics?

    Yes they do!!

    Where's the children's section?

    upstairs from the main floor, to the left at the top of the central stairs

    Do they sell used old magazines ? I need old issues to make cut outs.

    Indeed they do. But selection is limited and quality isn't the best.

    Do they sell cassette tapes?

    No, I've been through the store and have never seen any cassette tapes. But you can call them to verify.

    I'm downsizing greatly and need to sell MANY of the HIstory Books I have.....can I sell all I have at STRAND? All book are in perfect condition.

    Yes ma'am -not sure what kind of price you'll get though and last I checked they only do it certain days

    Can you sell records here?

    are you still closed on wednsdays and are you buying books today?

    View All 13 Questions

    Review Highlights - Strand Bookstore

    Everything is incredibly low priced, well stocked and is any book lover's (or even just book liker's) DREAM.

    Mentioned in 54 reviews

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    Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Grand entry ~ 2.19.24

    Barnes & Noble Booksellers

    3.3(182 reviews)
    1.7 miMidtown East
    $$

    I went there yesterday to look at many books, and all of the employees were as wonderful as…read morepreviously; incredibly friendly and helpful. However; the reason why I'm writing this update is because there are some changes at the store. Firstly; the large "Information Desk" at the rear of the first floor is no longer there. Instead, there's a small one on the right side of that floor (and it's almost hidden). Secondly; the huge first floor display of beautiful photo books of NYC and environs is now much smaller (although it seemed like there were more of them on the lower level than previously). There's also another change; the restrooms are now only accessible with a code, and a code can only be obtained via a receipt - so if you don't buy anything, you can't use the restroom (I ordered some books online later, since I didn't want to lug them home from the store). Further; employees don't have access to a bathroom code (obviously they have some other way to access the restrooms). I was there for a few hours - and if it wasn't for the fact that I had a dental appointment nearby afterwards, it would have been problematic. Having said that, I do realize that the restroom situation is an issue; at the Union Square store in particular, there used to be a big problem with homeless people and undoubtedly a corporate decision was made. I'm still keeping a five-star rating because of the employees and because the store has a great selection.

    I wished I had a Barnes & Noble where I live in Queens, I stopped by this location after my dentist…read moreappointment on the same block. It feels so nostalgic and I'm so glad to see it's around. I used to spend hours in here during high school / college years admiring all the book covers and all the pretty sections for journals and such. I used to frequent the large Union Sq location until it closed. I'm guilty of being a primarily ebook and audio book consumer but nothing beats the feeling of holding one in your hand, flipping the pages and writing that book smell! This location is well kept and organized. I actually came in looking to buy a hard copy of Wuthering Heights but ended up leaving with 4 books total! Old habits die hard but I was glued to their stationary and journey section, everything's so pretty! However I do think those items are pretty overpriced, $20-22 for a small journal. All these years I still can't bring myself to spend that on a blank journal...no matter how pretty the covers are. But hey they make good eye candy. Cashiers are chill, friendly. I'll be back! Can't wait for a chance to visit again.

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    Barnes & Noble Booksellers
    Barnes & Noble Booksellers
    Barnes & Noble Booksellers - Cafe

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    Cafe

    Bookoff - New York

    Bookoff - New York

    3.9(460 reviews)
    1.7 miMidtown West
    $

    Really cool bookstore to hang out around. Tons of figurines, video games, toys, pokemon cards, and…read moreof course books. Great $1 book section. Tons of big name authors there!

    Buying and Selling at Book Off What a cool store. So much to…read moresee. Unfortunately, it is lousy to sell at and expensive to buy at. First, Selling. I brought in three statue items unopened in the original packaging. I checked on ebay for what the items sold for (not asking price but sold price) and it added up to about $600, I lugged the items over there and had to leave them there because they wouldn't get to them right away. The people/kids working there were very nice. I went to have lunch and got the text to return, and they are offering $150. So I picked up the items and turned down the offer. Again, they were very nice, it's just I wasn't willing to accept 25% of the value. I figured at worst it would be 50%. But I am better off getting closer to the actual price on ebay. Now, Buying. Lots of very expensive and exiting things to get, and I didn't have time to price check things so much, but my son is into the Nintendo switch and i spotted a used Marvel VS Capcom game he might like. It was $34.95. But just in case, I pulled up Amazon and looked the game up. A brand new one costs $21.79. So it would have been a terrible idea for me to buy it there. I guess if you are leaving work and need a quick gift, you might stop in and pay too much for an item. If you are in real trouble and don't have time to wait for an Ebay sale, you might consider selling your collectables for 25% the value, this place might come in handy.

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    Bookoff - New York - Books

    Books

    Bookoff - New York
    Bookoff - New York - Section by section of pure organization

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    Section by section of pure organization

    McNally Jackson - Children's section

    McNally Jackson

    4.5(19 reviews)
    1.9 miMidtown West
    $$

    This was another bookstore that my wife and I came across randomly during our travels. If you are…read moreunaware of McNally Jackson they are an independent bookstore with 5 locations in New York. My wife and I enjoyed our time browsing here. It's a multi-level store that is separated like most bookstores into genres as expected. They had lots of newer books but still plenty of classics as well. My wife even happened to come across a book she has been looking for and wanting to read for a long while so big win there. Staff were friendly and we did not have a long wait to buy the book, no line. Prices felt quite standard for a book store. This was a fantastic independent book store and one definitely worth visiting for book lovers or those seeking gifts for a book lover in their life.

    I stopped by this McNally Jackson location when I was in the area a couple of weeks ago. McNally…read moreJackson operates five stores in the city, in addition to three stationary stores (Goods for the Study), and it's been around since 2004. The store isn't huge, but it's incredibly well-stocked and, being on the street level of a Rockefeller Center building, gets incredible light through their windows. The staff were friendly and I had practically picked out a book while window shopping (their inventory is incredible). Since 2021, McNally Jackson is also a publisher, publishing a paperback reprint series devoted to "hidden gems." I had to pick up one of their titles. Great shop for bibliophiles.

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    McNally Jackson - Inside

    Inside

    McNally Jackson - Inside

    Inside

    McNally Jackson

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    B & B Rare Books

    B & B Rare Books

    5.0(3 reviews)
    1.0 miMurray Hill, Midtown East
    $$

    On an annual trip to NYC, I decided I would visit bookstores and take in all I could. B&B was right…read moreby my hotel, and I was delighted to find a comfortable room full of baseball memorabilia and a great variety. They specialize in 19th and 20th century English and American literature, which means you're going to see a lot of titles you're familiar with. I stopped in late in their day, so I wasn't surprised to be the only one there, but the team gave me space, answered very basic questions I had, and - gasp - LET ME TOUCH THE BOOKS. This is far from a stuffy environment, and when I finally convince my partner that I need that very expensive piece that has F. Scott Fitzgerald's music for Princeton, I know exactly where I'll go.

    5 minutes before B&B books was closing, I buzzed the room located on the third floor to see if they…read morewould let me in "just to look." Well, 45 minutes later, I was still oohing and awing at the marvelous selection of first edition books they have to offer. This is the largest selection (aside from corporate-owned Bauman's) of rare books I've seen that include the dust jacket- a collectors actual dream. It's the biggest breath of fresh air to find a rare book store owned by a woman, and to be treated like a human being. I normally get side-eyed from rare bookstore owners and some of the conversations I've had sound like: "May I see the Portrait of a Lady in the case?" "All of these books are at least $100.00 and up." ".....I know." "Do you have any Wilde?" "The book about the woman hiking alone? That's too new to be in our shop, Barnes & Noble would have it." "I'm talking about the 1800s poet." "Oh." I take it personally because while I look like a millennial who doesn't know what she's talking about, I treasure my rare books like they're my children. Sunday stayed AN EXTRA HOUR at her store while I looked and answered all of my questions that I had, never making me feel rushed or unwelcome. After selecting a first edition Fitzgerald, she wrapped it in bubble wrap for my travels back home and gave me an updated book with all of the rare book sellers in the country.

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    B & B Rare Books
    B & B Rare Books
    B & B Rare Books

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    Strand Bookstore - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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