City Lights is one of my favorite bookstores in San Francisco. There's something about wandering through it that makes me feel like a kid again. With every twist and turn, another staircase or room appears, filled with books and entirely new worlds to discover. It always brings me back to the days I spent with my grandmother at our old library. We would sit together on the stairs and read to each other, completely content to spend hours surrounded by books. I think that's part of why City Lights feels so special to me--it brings back that same sense of curiosity, comfort, and excitement I felt with her. I rarely come here looking for one specific thing. The fun is wandering the shelves until a cover, title, or completely unexpected book catches my attention. Somehow I always leave with another story I can't wait to disappear into. There are bookstores you go to simply to buy a book, and then there are bookstores you experience. City Lights is the latter. It's a little piece of San Francisco that I hope never changes. read more

One of the neatest bookstores in the US. The Poetry room upstairs is wonderful. So much fun history here to learn about. And this bookstores has some amazing staff book recommendations with little tags on the bookshelf telling you why they loved that book so much; found some great new finds that way. Dont forget to get your books stamped with their bookstores stamp on the way out! read more

An amazing bookstore and so glad I asked chatGPT to give me some ideas for a stroll around SF near Union Square. Well, ok, this place isnt close to Union Sq, about a mile away, but it was a perfect delicious end destination for a post dinner stroll! I like bookstores and I like eclectic, unique ones. I'll go to Barnes & Noble if I had no other choice, but my favorite bookstores are independent ones and ones where they carry very unique books you can't find elsewhere. This bookstore made my inner little nerdy self so happy. I immediately got lost up front looking at very recent publication by Ai Weiwei. I then wandered onto the main floor and found an entire section of Asian works, which you will not find at B&N. I also found books from Norwegian writers too which I had never seen before, which thrilled me. I then made my way up to their attic floor which is dedicated to poetry and seems I just missed Allen Ginsberg's Howl centennial celebration. Ugh! I then came back down and then proceeded to their basement section and again I was quite pleasantly surprised by the depth and breadth of Asian themed books they had. They had plenty of the Chinese classics in English and found so many different versions of Journey to the West, I was completely overwhelmed. And then, saw an entire section on Africa and I had to fight hard to not pick up a copy of a book titled Prison Letters, which is a collection of Mandela's letters while imprisoned. I ultimately settled on two books by Ai Weiwei as he has continued to inspire me to be proud, to not conform, to be brave, to speak up, to be authentically and unapologetically me, to honor my ancestry and to push boundaries and to fight for what matters. And it just so happens too that my Chinese give name is also Weiwei. I loved coming to this bookstore and it will definitely be on rotation for me when I am in SF again. read more

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Every time, I'm in SF and I'm looking for my next good book. City Lights is my go-to. From the organized displays to the dedicated poetry upstairs floor and curated alternative and children's books downstairs, there is something for everyone at City Lights. This is one of the few independent bookstores around. I love their vast selection of fiction and horror. I also love exploring their space and browsing their zine collection. As for value, this place is top notch and the staff recs are unbelievably good, it's almost too hard to leave with just one book. Highly recommend checking this historic bookstore if you haven't experienced the wonder already. read more

I'm a long time resident of San Francisco - over 40 years. City Lights has been my go to for a book shopping experience that is elevated to artistic expression. I always take visitors when I am showing them the best of our town. And whenever I go, it's my rule to buy a book. No matter what. I was in yesterday with friends from Mexico, and bought an incredible collection by a Poet named Laura KASISCHKI. The staff is friendly, efficient, and extremely knowledgeable. The vibe in that place is priceless. read more

I visited the City Lights bookstore up in San Francisco on my recent visit there. This bookstore harkens back to the Beat poetry movement of the 1960s. And when you walk in, you immediately get that sense of the power of words, the power of literature, and how they impact the community. Located right around the corner from Chinatown, we stop by when we were walking on Columbus Avenue. I had forgotten it was there, so it was great to visit this bookstore again. Hope to come again soon. read more

City Lights - Signage at the front - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Located in North Beach, near where the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off lets you off, I loved the authentic book lovers vibe throughout the three-level store. The wood floors, stairs, and all the shelves helpfully marked with the different genres. They had so many different cultures and topics way beyond a Barnes & Noble. It was truly a treasure-trove of knowledge and seemingly anything you might want to explore or learn about. read more

Decently sized bookstore located in North Beach with a great section of books. I could get lost in here easily read more

City Lights - bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

nothing wrong with the bookstore, but they need to reconsider who they hire. the worker at the front was extremely snide and not transparent about charging us. they gave us weird looks when we first came in and spoke to us in a demeaning tone when we asked where we could find a particular book. when we were checking out they then offered to give us a bag which we politely declined, as we only bought one book. he offered again and we said no, to which he then said he'll just give it us for all our "stuff" (2 small takeout boxes). we said sure why not since he was implying to give it for free -- only to see him then proceed to charge us for the bag -- without telling us of the charge. this is ridiculous! it was clear we did not want a bag. why pressure us to get a bag, then tell us youd give us a bag, but then secretly charge us? incredibly poor service. i don't care that you can view the charge on screen -- its the fact that they did not even bother to tell us they were charging us for it and we were clear we did not want it. last thing, he looked at our boxes and made a snide comment about how he 'didn't know if the grease was leaking out' of the boxes after handing us the bag. incredibly unprofessional and not needed. felt like he was insinuating we were making a mess. left the store feeling like crap because of this interaction. felt like we made a mistake supporting this business we came in on a friday night. he was wearing glasses btw. super fucking rude. read more

Cute little bookstore. Lots of genres available upstairs and downstairs. Usually one of each book so get it while you can. Alittle pricey for me personally but I'd still feel better supporting a book store like this over Amazon. All books are brand new. Also they offer the cutest planners, I highly recommend you pick one up before the new year starts! read more

City Lights - 2026 Planner - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

This has been my favorite bookstore. It hasn't changed and shouldn't change. That's what makes it the best because truly a bookstore has sections that cater to people's reading needs. It's in North Beach. It's got three floors, but still crowded with local books. It's not an airport bookstore. It's not a Barnes and Noble. Don't expect that. If you don't see what you're looking for, find another book and buy it. Spend the day reading. I love, love, love City Lights and have since the high school. read more

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What a gem! I had the opportunity to check out City Lights Booksellers during my visit to San Francisco recently. Considering that the independent bookstore is starting to become a thing of the past - it's bookstores like City Lights - that is definitely worth a visit if you're a bibliophile. Considering it's relatively small footprint - at the corner of two busy streets in Chinatown SF - they really do make use of the space here. Books and gifts are packed to the brim here - on multiple floors - up and down scary stairways. I actually stopped by twice over the past few months - my first time was during a rain storm - the floor was slippery, and I was too nervous to navigate the stairway from their entry room down to where the majority of their books were. Things were more dry, the floor more stable the second time I stopped by - and I found even more treasures on the ground floor/basement. The helpful clerk also informed me of another stairway - less scary than the first one - that takes you up to the Poetry room (with additional seating as well). Prices were fair considering this is probably one of the last few independent bookstores that you can still walk into, pick up a book and browse - before deciding to buy. You can't replace that feeling or experience on Amazon - although the prices are probably better there. There is also a section of titles of books that City Lights publishes in their own in-house production studio. While I didn't pick up any books (due to very light luggage) - I did buy a souvenir cloth tote bag with the City Lights logo. On a side note - if you're utilizing Waymo to get around - one of the six pre-determined Chinatown stops is actually one block over from City Lights, on Kearny Street. Overall - a nice stop - and a place I plan to visit again the next time I'm visiting San Francisco. read more

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I like to slide inside this bookstore anytime I am in the border of Chinatown and North Beach in San Francisco. There are lots of books which are not usually at most book stores .You will find a more alternative POV when it comes to book titles at City Light Books. I enjoy browsing and reading different titles at this classic San Francisco bookstore. You can also find a whole floor dedicated to the Beat Poets ( Beatniks) which has some interesting book titles. You can also spend lots of time just looking at all the good books available in all three levels of this place. Come to City Lights to light up your mind to the path of knowledge you embark as your mind sparks Enjoy reading a book at City Lights Bookstore one of San Francisco's Official Historical Landmarks read more

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We have been going to this wonderful independent bookstore for years! We come by here every time we make our way into the city. With three levels of books ranging from new fiction, nonfiction, cultural studies, world history, politics, and books specializing in the Beat Generation, there is something for everyone. On our most recent visit, my daughter found a Mike Davis historical book about Los Angeles in the sixties (she wrote a thesis about the sixties in NY so was thrilled to find this one) and my husband found a book by Robin Kelley, a professor that my daughter is acquainted with, about Thelonious Monk. Great purchases! Founded in 1953 and becoming widely known following the obscenity trial after publishing Allen Ginsberg's Howl and Other Poems, City Lights was unsurprisingly designated an official landmark by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2001. If you've never been here, check it out the next time you are in San Francisco! If you are a fan of books, we highly recommend it! read more

City Lights - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

I decided to stop by this bookstore after work on my way home. Can't believe I grew up in the Bay Area and have never set foot inside until today. I wasn't looking for a specific book, but I wanted to see their selection. They have a wide variety to choose from, which is every book lovers dream. They have three floors total; second/ground floor, poetry room on the second floor and more books downstairs (non-fiction and autobiographies). Such a cute and cozy bookstore that is very well organized. I felt like I got transported into another world right when I walked in. I love the smell of books, and I know that I can easily get lost reading here. They have a few seats available too. I do recommend stopping by if you are ever in North Beach. read more

City Lights - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Best book store in America! I could spend a whole afternoon hanging out here - rocking in the poets chair upstairs and perusing the staff picks. Wish I lived closer. read more

Really cute small bookstore. I prefer larger selections with more of a romance variety so this wasn't one of my absolute favorite stores, but for the shop being so small you can't expect that. The experience and history was worth stopping in! read more

This book store is special. Rare books are hard to find but here you surely can find it. You can almost find a book to take home with you. There's such great selection of books. If you can't find your books, just ask and someone will point you to the right direction. I love this antique bookstores! The building is beautiful and the book space is uniquely arranged. Take advantage of the bookstore and browse through it. You will appreciate the book collection here! Great value! Great buy! It's super convenient too! read more

City Lights - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Selection. Respect for Native American and Black History sections downstairs. Cool look. Great customers. read more

This is by far one of my favorite bookstores in the city. I've been to this place countless times. Bought books several times. Being an activist, an individual who loves history, cultures and humanity, I highly appreciate how preserved, organized and diverse City Lights is. Well, my simple and one review of this bookstore won't give justice as this place is always and forever worth visiting and browsing. For those of you who aren't much aware, City Lights has three floors and banned books. City Lights Bookstore is a publishing company too with diverse and wide selections. read more

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City Lights is iconic. It's the quintessential San Francisco bookstore. I still have a copy of Allen Ginsberg's Howl from when my Dad bought it from City Lights in the 60s. There's a whole area just dedicated to Beat Poets. I really appreciate their dedication to poetry in general. When I was visiting last year, I purchased a copy of the surrealist poet Joyce Mansour's selected poems that was published by City Light's publishing imprint. Incredible stuff. There's so much here for true book nerds and writers. Go just to say you did, but buy a book or two, too! You can't go wrong! read more

City Lights - Beat poets door - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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For those who love reading like me, this bookstore is undoubtedly an ideal place. It is probably one of my favorite bookstores in the city, with a wide and unique collection of books, each of which can inspire different thoughts and interests. Here, you can discover many books that you may not have come into contact with, broaden your horizons and enrich your experience. The bookstore has three floors with a wide variety of books. The third floor is dedicated to poetry, the second floor is the novel area, and the first floor is mainly non-fiction and autobiography. The layout of each floor is very orderly and memorable, making people completely immersed in the fragrance of books and forgetting the passage of time. I especially like the way the bookstore recommends books. The recommendations of the staff and the "selected recommendations" are very worth referring to. They always bring me new inspiration and depth. If you are keen on continuous learning and thinking, this is definitely a place worth frequenting read more

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I've seen many photos of City Lights before and was so happy to finally visit last week! City Lights has been a literary meeting place since 1953 and they're also a publishing company. I really enjoyed browsing and was surprised to see even more collections downstairs and upstairs. They have a wide variety of books from all genres, I highly recommend just walking through every aisle so you don't miss out on anything. The prices were pretty standard for the most part, and they also carry signed copies of certain books, which I found really cool. I loved the look and feel of the place, especially with all the rounded archways. It's become my favorite bookstore in SF. If you love books, this is definitely a must-visit location! read more

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We turned the corner and there were a couple oldsters standing in front of the North Beach Hotel and I commented "beatniks," though they would have had to have been the elderly children of the beatniks. Then a few steps on and we're at City Lights Bookstore with the Beatnik Museum across the street. I had forgot that much of the beatnik scene was headquartered in North Beach. I did remember that Jack Kerouac had ended up in San Francisco at the end of On the Road. I'll admit I'm not at all crazy about the beatniks' style of poetry and Jack Kerouac was for the most part "just typing" as Truman Capote once criticized, but I was impressed that City Lights had a whole room dedicated to poetry and of course a large beat section within. Downstairs, there's an excellent section devoted to anarchism. Though, I was disconcerted that the mystery section seemingly ended at S and I couldn't find the rest of it. The giant fiction section winding around the main floor was particularly impressive. read more

Super queer and cozy bookstore with lots of great options and recommendations for those unsure of what to get. The building is cute and you can tell it's a nicely preserved old building with creaky staircases and little corners to explore. There's a quite space upstairs to find poetry or sit back and read. The staff are super friendly. read more

I purchased a copy of the surrealist poet Joyce Mansour's selected poems that was published by City Light's publishing imprint. Incredible stuff. There's so much here for true book nerds and writers. Go just to say you did, but buy a book or two, too! You can't go wrong! read more

City Lights - Great space for a variety of books. There are also open mic events featuring MFA students and other emerging writers. As well as author book - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Iconic for good reason. Would happily get lost in here every time I'm in the city--and always leave with a new good book.

I wanted to love this bookstore and I liked the interior of the store. They had a great music section but not once did anyone ask if I needed any help. The women working behind the counter spent her time on the her smartphone if she wasn't ringing up customers. The store had an air of pretentious, self-righteous, pseudo-activistism about it. I did see several books I wanted from the music section but decided patronizing this store was not worth the extra cost. I might as well shop at Amazon and get better customer service. read more

A super cool spot for all bibliophiles! This independent bookstore has all mainstream sections and books from all around the world, a solid collection of local books, and also super niche genres as well. This 3-storey space is a treasure trove! Be sure to visit every corner. They have the largest collection of poetry books I've ever seen -- head to the very back of the main floor and up the narrow stairs. Steeped in history, you'll find lots of passion for free thinking and speech here. Noting their various posters and postcards pasted all around the shop. And in a back stairwell, post-its from visitors celebrating their 70+ year history. All throughout the store are some seating. You find lots of people milling about. Staff are also in every space, are ready to help and very knowledgeable. I was also happy to see air purifiers in a few of the rooms as well to protect the books and humans. No public washrooms here though, so you'll have to find one in the neighbourhood before your visit. read more

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Beautiful bookstore with a good selection of new books, classics, and local authors, amazing many others! I loved browsing and wish I had had room to bring something back as a souvenir! read more

City Lights - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I don't understand all these reviews where people are complaining about the rude staff. The staff at the counter, two gentlemen, were nothing but kind to me. I bought a book, but more importantly, I bought a t-shirt and you can only get those at the counter. The two gentlemen were quite patient with me as I couldn't decide on what shirt to get and then I was paranoid about sizing. That said, this bookstore is pretty big. There must be at least three floors, including a poetry corner. I do have to say that the organization they have going on is strange to me. I don't think I've ever seen a bookstore that had a section for solely European Literature. That was a bit odd as the books there would typically considered Classics or just be put under Fiction. We're talking the likes of Swann's Way and Crime and Punishment. This organization aside, this is relatively close to Chinatown (one could even argue it is in Chinatown), but apparently Wikipedia says they self-identify as part of immediately adjacent North Beach. Regardless, be careful in this neighborhood, especially at night. A lot of businesses are closed, there are strip clubs nearby, and just some shady people around. Just use common sense. This part of town can be sketchy. read more

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I'm a huge book nerd, and this is one of the best bookstores I've been to in the city. I went to three different bookstores trying to look for a copy of Breakback, which was sold out in the first two locations and ended up finding one here at City Lights. I like that it's open until quite late, around 10pm, and that they had just a very wide range of new books to choose from. The service was really good by people selling the books. In general, you will not have a problem. They also have a ton of events at this particular location. Except for the value, hardcover nonfiction books can be on the pricier side, ranging from $25 to $30. This is definitely not the place to be if you want used books that are cheaper. If your goal is to get a copy of the latest book, and you want a wide range of selection from non-fiction, fiction, to poetry upstairs and even musical stories, this is a great place to be. I think it's one of the most updated and well-stocked bookstores I've been to and I've been to quite a couple locations within the city. read more

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This is my favorite book store in San Francisco. It has an incredible history with roots in the Beat literary and poetry movement and is the perfect place to get lost for multiple hours. It carry's all your favorite and expected books, along with a lot of local and uncommon books as well. They have an extensive poetry section upstairs and I often venture into SF just to visit here. I can't say enough good things about it. read more

Very small but also cute and interesting. There are also quotes from the famous poets and authors on the ground outside, and paintings of them on the roof. Definitely worth stopping in and seeing this famous bookstore! read more

City Lights - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I always stop into City Lights knowing I will buy a book. I do that because this store is storied. I want to support it. I am confident I will find a title that I cannot live without. (On the last trip, with a friend from out of town, I bought a translation of Dante's Divine Comedy I don't have. I have another edition, but this is a canonical work that you ought to have more than one version of, even if you are resistant to the concept of a canonical work.) You likely know the history already. If you do not, this is the bookstore of the Beats. Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the founder, published Allen Ginsberg. There was another guy, a professor, who was the equivalent of Pete Best, the "fifth Beatle." If City Lights had nothing else about it beyond this background, it would still be a significant site worth looking at. But it is one of those remaining independent booksellers. You can browse and wander. It will remind you of -- or introduce you to, if you are a "digital native," the wonderful experience of looking at that marvel of technology, the printed book, your head turned sideways to read the titles on the shelves. If you do not like to read, I don't know what to say. Perhaps a look here will persuade you that there is a world that is both inside your own head and beyond anything you can imagine on your own, multiple such fully realized places you can visit. Even if you were illiterate, this is a place of such generous spirit, you would be embraced. It is a rarity in this time of ours, set against itself. We need City Lights. Please go. read more

Been dozens of times! Always a treat Always with people I love always with book loving readers who enjoy off the beaten path material.The place is a classic beatnik hot spot and I think it was in a few movies, one for sure with Dennis Hopper but I can't recall it! Wall to wall hippie loving books.... No bathroom but you can find your way to the Nam King 55 feet away for the best Chinese wok food in San Francisco! It's a world renown tourist street you can verify by all the European tourists that found out about it! Take a deep breath of The city right here while looking at the used to be known Pyramid building! Enjoy it. It's all about the food books and drinks in this neighborhood! Review-2. 2024* read more

Very cool spot. I like the way they had the store laid out. They had an enormous selection lots of books ive never heard of. The staff was friendly. I could get lost in here for hours read more

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City lights is my fave independent bookstore in the US. It holds such a nostalgia for me and I can spend hours perusing their books. They have curated a great selection of poetry and books on progressive politics and I love the historical significance it holds in the North beach neighbourhood in San Francisco. It was founded in 1953 by Lawrence Ferlenghetti who founded this as a publishing house and bookstore. It was central to the beat movement as a literary meeting place and you can still feel the creativity flow through the stacks. It's a great place to visit if you're in town and they have the nicest staff, with great book recommendations. After, Go across the street to Tosca for a drink after and soak up the North beach vibes. read more

City Lights - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

We were exploring the Chinatown and Little Italy areas of SF when my brother realized we were in close proximity to City Lights. It was on our list of attractions to see while visiting the city, so we thought this was the perfect opportunity to check it out. City Lights has a rich history; it's been around since the 50s, and has regularly hosted artists and activists. Indeed, the top floor of the shop still hosts beat poetry, and I noticed that there was a wide selection of books on topics that one normally wouldn't see in a typical bookstore. Most of the merchandise is either on the first floor or in the basement. Despite its age, the store is kept in great shape; the layout is somewhat compartmentalized which gives way to awesome aesthetics and little nooks where you can browse in peace. Even if you're not looking for a particular book, it's worth exploring the shop - besides the books, they have interesting posters and art on the walls and some other merch like shirts and pins available for purchase. This will definitely be on my list of spots to return to when I go back to SF. read more

City Lights - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

Bookstore right in the middle of the city. We were walking around and had heard about this bookstore when planning a trip. Walked right by it so decided to stop. Lots of books on 3 stories of the building. If you are looking for something specific I recommend asking. I didn't really see much area to sit and read at the store. But it was fun to browse and see all the sections. read more

City Lights - Bookstores Near Me - San Francisco, California

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