The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to experience New York City’s festive spirit than by exploring its most beautiful bookstores.
Whether you’re searching for a meaningful gift, enjoying a quiet winter stroll, or simply escaping the city’s bustle for a moment, these literary havens capture the magic of the season.
Rizzoli Bookstore
Walking into Rizzoli feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting. From the austere black columns to the intricate, almost angelic wallpaper stretching above the dark wooden shelves, there’s a reason why they claim to be the most beautiful bookstore in New York City. Its aesthetic bent is also appropriate, as its collection primarily focuses on the visual arts, including art, architectural design, and photography. You can also expect to find a variety of international titles, such as European magazines and newspapers.
Its curated collection makes it an ideal stop for Christmas shopping, with plenty of unique and beautifully designed books to choose from. The calm setting also offers a pleasant pause from the city’s holiday rush.
Address: 1133 Broadway, New York, NY 10010, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 11AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 7PM
Albertine
You don’t need to be a 19th-century astronomer to appreciate Albertine’s interior decor – though it might help. Filled with leather seating, classic wooden paneling, and a ceiling painted like the night sky, complete with an astrological solar system, this bookstore is a delight for anyone who loves stars and the night sky. Albertine is also notable for having a huge collection of French-language books. English-only speakers don’t have to worry, though; aside from the beautiful decor, there is plenty of English literature as well.
It is also crowned as the ninth most beautiful bookstore in the world by the 1000 Libraries community, a fitting recognition for its stunning design and atmosphere. The store is in the same building as the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, and you’ll know it immediately by the painstakingly sculpted marble lobby upon entering. Whether you’re buying a gift or simply soaking up the ambiance, this one is a must-visit.
Address: 972 5th Ave, New York, NY 10075, United States
Opening hours:
– Thursday to Tuesday: 10AM – 6PM
– Wednesday: Closed
McNally Jackson Books Seaport
McNally Jackson Books has five stores open across the Big Apple, each with its own unique style that makes them both inviting and aesthetically appealing. Some feature aged archways, others showcase playful art installations like books suspended from the ceiling, and the children’s sections often include imaginative displays such as a cardboard castle. Their shelves carry a rich mix of fiction, nonfiction, and art books.
The Seaport location is one of a kind, easily recognized by its bright blue façade that stands out along the historic streets. It’s a cozy spot for holiday shopping or a quiet winter browse, with fiction organized by country of origin to inspire readers to explore stories from around the world.
Address: 4 Fulton St, New York, NY 10038, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 9PM
The Drama Book Shop
One of the first things that will catch your eye as you walk into the Drama Book Shop is its gravity-defying art display of books spiraling across the store. This shop is dedicated to all things theater and film, with scripts, plays, and cinema-related books. It was famously bought by award-winning songwriter and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda and his partners in 2020, so you know this place has a true lover of theater behind it.
If you’re shopping for a drama lover, it’s a great place to find a one-of-a-kind gift. The Drama Book Shop also has an in-store café for anyone looking to supplement their reading with a bite and a sip of aromatic coffee.
Address: 266 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018, United States
Opening hours:
Store Hours
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 7PM
– Sunday: 12PM – 7PM
Cafe Hours
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 6PM
– Sunday: 12PM – 6PM
Greenlight Bookstore
Greenlight Bookstore is a general independent bookstore in Brooklyn, known not just as a bookseller, but as a center for various literary events such as book signings and readings, as well as discussions on current social issues. If you’re stopping by to pick up a few gifts, it’s worth staying a little longer to catch one of their engaging author events or talks.
The main location on Fulton Street in Fort Greene opened in 2009 and features a central white shelf that brightens its open, airy interior. With its welcoming atmosphere and strong literary spirit, Greenlight is a must-visit for readers exploring Brooklyn during the holidays.
Address: 686 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 10PM
Book Culture on Broadway
Situated in the heart of the neighborhood, Book Culture opened its second location, Book Culture on Broadway, in the fall of 2009. It serves as both a gathering place and a classic local bookstore.
Its shelves are filled with new and timeless fiction and nonfiction, along with mysteries, cookbooks, graphic novels, home and craft titles, and travel guides, making it a perfect place to look for a thoughtful gift, with something for every kind of reader. Downstairs, the Children’s Reading Room offers a whimsical space with books, toys, puzzles, and art supplies, creating a cozy spot for kids and families to explore and unwind.
Address: 2915 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, United States
Opening hours:
Store Hours
– Monday to Saturday: 10:00AM – 9:00PM
– Sunday: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Children’s Room Hours
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 7PM
Bauman Rare Books
Bauman Rare Books is a picture of classical elegance, showcasing an extraordinary collection of rare and old books — some dating as far back as the 15th century. Its ever-changing selection of more than 4,000 works includes landmark editions, historical documents, and notable autographs across a wide range of subjects.
Whether you’re an experienced collector or simply searching for a distinctive gift, the knowledgeable staff can help you find something truly special. It’s also a refined destination for holiday shopping, perfect for anyone who appreciates history, craftsmanship, and the timeless beauty of books.
Address: 485 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 6PM
– Sunday: Closed
Argosy Book Store
This shop is old school to the bone. Packed with vintage maps, pictures, prints, and books, Argosy is a veritable treasure trove of rare, out-of-print snapshots of history. Opened in the 1930s, this nearly century-old bookstore has a distinctive style that feels especially inviting during the holiday season, when its nostalgic charm stands out even more.
It’s almost masked by the rows of books and picture frames, but you can see it if you look closely at the intricate ceiling molds, the careful curation of lesser-known but solid literature, and the reading room that looks like it could have been modeled after a 19th-century explorer’s tent.
Address: 116 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 11AM – 6PM
– Sunday: Closed
The Corner Bookstore
While not as glitz and glam as some of the other shops on this list, the Corner Bookstore has a simple, subtle elegance. Its charm attracts a fair share of customers – not with looks, but with a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
It has a fantastic array of books, curated for high quality. Though small, this independent store hosts various book signings that make for an intimate but pleasant stay, and it’s a lovely stop for holiday shopping, especially if you’re looking for a meaningful Christmas gift in a cozy neighborhood setting.
Address: 1313 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128, United States
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 6PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 5PM
The Center for Fiction
The Center of Fiction isn’t just your average bookstore. The front of the house features a shop and café with floor-to-ceiling windows and an enormous bookcase. But behind the scenes (or in this case, upstairs) is a huge members-only space, complete with a working space, a no-tech reading room, and an outdoor patio.
Whether you’re a member or simply stopping by, it’s a chic stop in downtown Brooklyn to pick up a new read or enjoy a cup of coffee. Around Christmas, the store becomes especially photogenic with its creative book tree — a stacked arrangement of green hardcovers crowned with a golden star. It’s a festive touch that perfectly matches the space’s warm, literary charm.
Address: 15 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States
Opening hours:
Bookstore and Café & Bar (Open to the public)
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 8PM
Library and Members Floor (Open to all members of The Center for Fiction)
– Monday: 11AM – 8PM
– Tuesday to Sunday: 11AM- 6PM
Writers Studio (Open to Writers Studio members)
– Monday to Sunday: 8AM – 10PM
