The USA is a nation of stories, each state its own chapter. From its incredible history to the diverse cultures found across the 50 states, there’s truly nowhere else in the world like it. As you might expect from a country of this scale, there’s no shortage of bookstores, but some rise above the rest for their remarkable beauty. These are the ones we think stand out the most.
Albertine Books
The Big Apple has an endless array of bookshops, but Albertine Books is one that should not be missed. It’s recognized as the ninth most beautiful bookstore in the world by the 1000 Libraries community and is the only shop in the city that sells books in both English and French, boasting a vast collection of over 14,000 titles spanning both classical and contemporary themes.
From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that great care went into the design, overseen by Jacques Garcia. One of the standout features is the ceiling, a work of art featuring stars and planets that replicate a scene from space.
Address: 972 5th Ave, New York, NY 10075, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday and Tuesday, and Thursday to Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
– Wednesday: Closed
The Last Bookstore
As the largest bookstore in California, The Last Bookstore was ranked as the tenth most beautiful bookstore in the world and stocks both new and used titles for readers to enjoy. It has earned recognition as one of the most photographed bookstores in the world, thanks to its distinctive features, like hidden spaces with immersive book art installations and texts suspended from the ceiling.
On the upper level, visitors can find a cozy café alongside some boutiques selling lots of artsy items.
Address: 453 S Spring St Ground Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 11AM – 8PM
Arundel Books
Arundel Books in Seattle began as a fine press publisher, but has since become one of the most popular independent bookstores in the city. Its eclectic selection continues to grow, covering a wide range of topics including fiction, fantasy, and history.
Though the building is old, it has been beautifully maintained, enhanced by ornate pillars and elegant arches that immediately catch everybody’s attention.
Address: 322 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 7PM
Rizzoli Bookstore
One cannot visit New York without stopping by Rizzoli Bookstore. Regarded as one of the nation’s finest booksellers, it has built a strong reputation for its exceptional catalog of illustrated volumes and foreign-language titles.
Rizzoli’s true appeal lies in its décor, which includes grand Diocletian windows and lavish chandeliers, all housed within a historic townhouse.
Address: 1133 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 11AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 7PM
Lost Books, Plants & Vinyl
Hidden amidst the peaks of Montrose in Los Angeles, Lost Books, Plants & Vinyl is a bookstore with a nature-inspired twist. Lush greenery wraps around the shelves, inviting visitors to wander along plant-lined paths in search of literature.
Lost Books, Plants & Vinyl’s inventory is made up of both new and used books, along with vinyl records.
Address: 2233 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, CA 91020, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Thursday: 10AM – 6PM
– Friday and Saturday: 10AM – 9PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 7PM
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
Since opening in 1953, bibliophiles from all walks of life have flocked to City Lights Booksellers & Publishers to share their love for the written word. Spanning three floors, City Lights treats visitors to many new releases and paperbacks from a handful of major publishing houses.
City Lights embodies the classic bookshop experience, with well-maintained shelves and clearly signposted sections. Despite the many topics on offer, some visitors have singled out the history section as a highlight.
Address: 261 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 10PM
Armadillo’s Pillow
Armadillo’s Pillow is a bookstore for a particular kind of reader, someone who doesn’t mind wandering through a space where things aren’t that organized. Piles of books lean against the shelves, adding to the shop’s quirky charm. It may feel overwhelming at first, but the staff will be on hand to help you out whenever you need assistance.
If you’re in the market for out-of-print books, Armadillo’s Pillow delivers, along with a nice mix of vintage records and photographs.
Address: 6753 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626, United States
Opening hours:
– Sunday to Friday: 12PM – 8PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 8PM
Powell’s City of Books
Established in 1971, Powell’s City of Books is known across Portland for its extensive repository of literature. Housed in a four-story building, it ranks among the largest independent bookstores in the world.
There are lots of sections to discover while you’re here, from a dedicated children’s corner to a café where you can refuel. Powell’s City of Books also has a rare book room for those seeking more specialized titles. Just keep in mind that Powell’s is a tourist attraction in its own right, so it can get quite busy on weekends.
Address: 1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 9PM
Three Lives & Company
A must-visit in New York City’s Greenwich Village, Three Lives & Company is a small yet inviting bookshop, with shelves lining the walls from floor to ceiling and low display tables filled with thoughtfully featured titles.
Three Lives & Company has an abundance of travel books, and many works focused on New York itself, which is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of the city while visiting.
Address: 154 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 7PM
– Sunday: 12PM – 7PM
Bart’s Books
Did you know that Ojai, California, is home to the world’s largest outdoor bookstore? Bart’s Books is almost entirely outside, allowing visitors to look around while enjoying the fresh air, made possible by California’s dry climate, which experiences very little rainfall.
In total, Bart’s Books has around 130,000 titles, ranging from pre-owned and brand-new books to rare out-of-print finds.
Address: 302 W Matilija St, Ojai, CA 93023, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
Strand Bookstore
The sheer size of Strand Bookstore is enough to entice any reader. This neighborhood favorite in New York boasts around 2.5 million titles, along with quirky gifts such as branded mugs and tote bags, making it a joy to explore, especially with a coffee in hand from the on-site Brooklyn Roasting Company.
Out front, visitors will immediately notice the rows of low-cost books, where it’s often possible to pick up great titles for just a few dollars.
Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 9PM
Elliott Bay Book Company
The independently owned Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle’s Capitol Hill is a cherished store among literary enthusiasts. The space itself is easy on the eye, defined by wooden beams and a spacious interior where warm lighting falls across more than 150,000 titles.
Elliott Bay Book Company regularly hosts author readings and events, welcoming writers from all backgrounds, from emerging voices to established names.
Address: 1521 10th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 10PM
McNally Jackson Books SoHo
McNally Jackson is a well-known name in New York, with five locations across the city. Among them is the Soho store, which many would agree is the best in both the quality of its written material and its design. Black bookcases are arranged throughout the space, creating a balance between modern style and classic charm.
If you have a theme in mind but are unsure which book to choose, each genre has a dedicated display table showcasing staff-recommended titles.
Address: 134 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 9PM
Parnassus Books
Parnassus Books is one of Nashville’s busiest independent bookstores. Founded by novelist Ann Patchett in 2011, it attracts many visitors who come specifically to purchase Patchett’s books, each of which is personally signed when sold in-store.
Parnassus stocks all the classic categories, fiction, nonfiction, and more, along with a dedicated section highlighting local authors.
Address: 3900 Hillsboro Pike #14, Nashville, TN 37215, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
Books & Books
For decades, Books & Books has been Miami’s go-to destination for texts related to photography, architecture, and art. The store has a distinctly laid-back atmosphere, with ample seating both indoors and outdoors that embraces the relaxed Florida vibe.
On select nights, Books & Books hosts live music, alongside a regular lineup of author events, which are regularly listed on their website.
Address: 265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 11PM
– Sunday: 9AM – 10PM
