I can't believe I've never reviewed the Strand. I guess I haven't visited in years?! Well, I corrected that oversight last Sunday, and I still love it as much as I did when I was in college. I love bookstores, and NYC has lots of great ones. But the Strand Bookstore might be the best? It's a classic. It's the largest independent bookstore in the city, carrying 2.5 million used, new, and rare books (their tag line - "18 Miles of Books" refers to the fact that the shelf space in the store supposedly stretches over 18 miles)! Plenty of people just shop front their discount racks outside the sidewalk (where all books are $3-7) and then pop in just to pay. But the inside is incredible. More books than almost any bookstore I've ever been to. Still family-owned, over 100 years old, and with an emphasis on bookseller recommendations, it's just an excellent bookstore. When I stopped by on Sunday, I made it past about four tables and end displays - new fiction, signed books, and employee recommendations - about 50 feet into the store. I already had six books in my hands and decided I better leave quickly before I had a problem! Despite the size of the store and the number of shoppers, the line to check out was short and quick. With friendly customer service to boot. It's simply one of the best bookstores in the city. Maybe in the country, too?! Definitely check it out. read more

I was so surprised to see I have not written a review for Strand even though I have visited several times. Strand Book Store is a landmark family owned bookstore famous for its "18 miles of books" and a massive inventory of over 2.5 million new, used, and rare titles. There are four floors - the first floor which is usually very busy and chaotic features a vast collection of new releases and best-sellers, and a wide variety of Strand themed merchandise The lower level is mainly non-fiction and music and travel section. The second floor has art, photography, architecture and children's books. The third floor is rare books. The store is packed with books and if you cannot find a book here it may not exist. It is easy to spend hours browsing through the aisles. read more

Strand Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

See all

If you are a lover of books, Strand Bookstore is an absolute book lovers paradise. From the moment you walk through the doors, you will feel at home, surrounded by endless shelves filled with everything from rare finds to the latest bestsellers. The prices are reasonable. The staff is knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about books, always ready to help you track down exactly what you're looking for (or suggest something even better). There is plenty of NYC souvenirs that locals will want as keep sake's. The vibe is iconic NYC, but cozy, full of hidden literary gems just waiting to be discovered. I personally lose track of time when I visit. It is very easy to spend hours here and still not see everything. The cafe has fresh coffee, tea, and baked goods for your pleasure. Truly one of New York City's most magical spots for book lovers! read more

See all

Favorite bookstore ever! Great selection of books in a well lit store. Having said that, I almost gave it a four because two of the employees, while somewhat helpful, weren't willing to go the extra mile. Luckily, Jason came to the rescue. I wanted a certain title and all of the books were pulled due to the author having a book signing in a few days. After speaking to Jason, he immediately asked how many I wanted and proceeded not only to procure my book but brought down a box of them for the floor. So because of Jason's wonderful customer service, I'll give Strand 5 stars! read more

Strand Bookstore - Outside the Stand - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

They give you lowest amount of change for valuable books. Try your luck at Unnameable books.

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. read more

Strand Bookstore - On the ground level. - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

See all

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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

a book worm's paradise ~ i am also an avid watcher of dash and lily lol. super organized and hella cute and with so much to lounge and look at. i bought a sonny angel for $12 too, which is actually a better deal than most places. read more

See all

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. read more

Strand Bookstore - The Brooklyn Roasting Company - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

See all

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! read more

See all

It's been years since I was last here. This 100yr old bookstore is still a book lover's paradise. New, used, and rare, you will find what you're looking for here. The's more than 2 million books here, and events hosted here almost daily. There's also dollar carts outdoors. While there, the first floor was very crowded. What we were looking for was on the 2nd thankfully. For there to be an overwhelming collection of books, it's clean and organized. A very helpful employee assisted us with finding our book. My cashier was pleasant, but seemed to be in a hurry. There wasn't a line there at all. I wish I had more time to enjoy the space and check out events that would have been hosted during my weekend stay. read more

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! read more

Strand Bookstore - The stairwell with author signatures. - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

See all

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. read more

See all

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! read more

See all

I can finally understand and appreciate why this is an iconic bookstore in NYC. It's HUGE and the book selection just feels endless. There's so many things to browse through here that you just need to budget a lot of time to spend here! read more

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 more

See all

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! read more

See all

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. read more

Strand Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

See all

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 read more

Strand Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

An endless supply of new and used books, I never even ventured outside to the carts. I was able to locate a few hard to find books, and reasonably priced considering their age and use. Of no matter to me, now i have to return just to shop more thoroughly! read more

Strand Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

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? read more

Strand Bookstore - Author Rainn Wilson - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

I'm giving Strand five stars because I have no reason not to (I'll explain). It is a huge store, it's well lit, it's neat and organized. The employees are nice and helpful. They have what they boast as "18 miles of books." They also have tons of clearance and sale books, mostly two or three dollars to seven dollars, all kept on carts outside along the sidewalk. They have just about every genre and some fun subgroupings. A banned book table. An LGBTQ table. A mystery date table, where the books are covered in a wrapper and illustrated with a fun and creative title and drawing to clue you in to what the book might be. Anime, comics, art books, books on New York. New books, old books. A kids section. Photography, how to. It's wish there were some sitting areas, but I also understand where there isn't . . . you'd never get people to leave this place, and the Strand doesn't have to be gimmicky to sell books like Barnes and Noble. It is pretty busy. It is big. Three stories, including the rare book room. They do have events here. And this is what I mean by I have to give five stars because I have no reason not to: I went to Mercer Street Books after this (reviewed separately). It's smaller. A little more dimly lit. Everything in there is used and maybe a little wayward. But they were playing jazz, the person I presume to be the owner was there in his beatnik hat, glasses, and scarf, and you could just tell this guy has been around the village for a long time. Mercer Street Books gave me what I was looking for on this New York night (again, reviewed separately). Like in ice skating, Mercer Street meets the creative/artistic/soul win for the night, even if the Strand pulls the technical scores. read more

See all

Popular bookstore with several locations throughout the city. Lots of tourists and regular students picking up books. There's a special Rare Book Room at the top floor open during special hours to see rare and unique books with histories themselves. This location is well stocked from books to souvenirs and stationery. Clear signage everywhere you go but staff are helpful too if you're looking for something specific. read more

See all

This place is a huge bookstore with multiple levels. Tons of rows of shelves for you to go through. Really great place to browse and wander around looking for anything that pops out to you. They also have special sections, such as the rare book section, or a section where you can buy or sell used books that you want or have on you. Whenever I go in here, this place is pretty busy and lively. read more

We stopped here while on a short trip to NYC. This bookstore is massive and its selection is as such. We spent about an hour looking through the sections and ended up coming back for a second time to see their rare book section (which has different hours than the store). They also sell gifts and novelties; their for purchase reusable shopping bags were really good quality. They had plenty of customer service staff there to help you. If you love to read books, this is a staple for residents and visitors of NYC - definitely worth a stop. read more

I brought my other 2 granddaughters here after Max Brenner and they loved it like I do. This time around I bought a pink Strand book bag, a magnet for my fridge and a cool postcard. And 3 books I almost didn't have room for in my luggage. The only thing I wish they had was some seating because I could have been more comfortable while waiting on my companions. The cashier was awesome. read more

Strand is my favorite bookstore in the world! I don't know another one like it. Who knows how many miles of books they actually have despite their touting "18 miles of books." The two sections at Strand I love the most are the Taschen section on the 2nd floor and the $3-7 used book section outside on the curb. "Why?" you may ask. Taschen is an amazing art book publisher creating amazing well curated editions on wide ranging themes with absolutely luscious hypnotic pictures. Strand offers Taschen books at super prices. As for the cheap used books, often as an upcycled alternative to a birthday or other celebratory occasion card I find a select used book that I can write a personal note to the recipient! If these aren't your cup of tea, Strand stocks recent bestsellers and classics - both fiction and non-fiction, extensive children's books, cookbooks, handbooks, and so much more. For tourists or local New York fans, Strands has special sections throughout including on the mezzanine - perfect for a gift, souvenir, or for just your personal perusal. They also have assorted other non-book stuff that may be of interest. Strand also buys used books, but be advised they don't take everything and list some guidelines for the purchase process on their site. Strand's amazing range is what keeps it busy, while most other independent bookstores have fallen due to rising commercial rents, competition from Amazon, and consumers shift to digital content. If you have never been to the Strand, definitely check it out. There's so much that can make it a worthwhile visit! read more

See all

One of a kind superior status is based on the business having become especially widely known for its high volume and efficiently administered trade in used books. Ownership of the building in which it does business is one of the important operating factors which sustains their business stability. read more

Lovely bookstore! What worked: -- There are 3 large floors of books! It's a fun store to peruse through since there's so much variety available -- there are public restrooms available, with multiple stalls for both the men's and women's restrooms. No door code needed, which is awesome -- staff is very friendly and helpful -- prices are fairly reasonable -- good mix of new and used books -- open a little later than most book stores -- there's an elevator available for all floors What didn't work: -- there are no places to sit inside the store, kind of sucks when you have a stack of books you're holding and you want to set them down, or you want to sit and flip through a book -- the title selection was just okay, there weren't a lot of books that really "called" to me Overall, absolutely worth a visit and I'd happily come again read more

This is a great place when you have time to kill. While it is quintessential New York, it is therefore also packed with tourists. There is a lot to look at. I am especially fond of the art section. The service is on point. A good combo of I'll let you browse for hours, but here if you need em kind of vibe. The books are priced at the reg market price. I'm sure you can find them cheaper on amazon, but thats the deal with all the brick and mortar book stores. read more

My wife and I are huge book lovers, so "restraining ourselves" in a bookstore is always a challenge. We walked into The Strand with the intention of grabbing one book each ... and walked out with three each. That should tell you everything you need to know! Service: The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient. Whether we were navigating the aisles or asking for recommendations, everyone we interacted with made the experience feel warm and welcoming. You can tell they genuinely love books and enjoy helping people find the perfect read. Selection: Incredible. Truly. From new releases to rare finds, signed editions, collectibles, and staff picks--The Strand has it all. Every corner feels like a treasure hunt, and it's nearly impossible to leave empty-handed. No matter what genre or niche you're into, there's something for you. Value: The prices are surprisingly fair, especially considering the massive selection and the number of unique and hard-to-find titles. We found several great deals and felt that everything we purchased was worth every penny. The Strand Bookstore is a paradise for book lovers. If you enjoy browsing, collecting, or just getting lost among shelves of incredible titles, this place is a must-visit. We can't wait to come back, though next time we'll try (and probably fail) to stick to just one book. read more

Stopped by Strand Bookstore on my latest trip to NY to pick out a new novel to read on my flight home. Ended up picking out a few postcards to go with my book and got this cute souvenir bag for only $1 to carry everything in. The staff were super friendly and helpful in being available for book recommendations and suggestions! There also is a public bathroom available downstairs, which was great because finding public restrooms in the area could be challenging. read more

Strand Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York

See all

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

Iconic nyc bookstore! prices are fair, and I really love the selection of used books. The store is huge and spans three floors, including a rare books section. Great location, too, being by Union Square. This is a great spot to buy gifts for friends / family and also a surprisingly nice place to find souvenirs for a trip to NYC. There's a cute little cafe in the back as well. Staff can be a hit or miss on how friendly they are. I always find something cool at this spot. read more

See all

STRAND BOOKSTOR 828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 The Strand has been featured in films such as Six Degrees of Separation, Julie & Julia, and Remember Me, starring Robert Pattinson, who played a Strand employee. The Strand Book Store in New York City is currently owned and managed by Nancy Bass Wyden. She is the third generation of her family to run the store, which was founded by her grandfather, Benjamin Bass, in 1927. Strand's amazing range is what keeps it busy, while most other independent bookstores have fallen due to rising commercial rents, competition from Amazon, and most consumers' shift to digital content. If you have never been to the Strand, definitely check it out. I do collect physical hard copy books; there's so much that can make it an absolutely worthwhile value to visit! read more

See all

On Saturday, all four of the Strand's locations will be celebrating their 98th anniversary with festivities throughout the day and a 20% storewide discount (in-store only). There will be author signings, children's storytimes and other activities. I can attest that their anniversary celebrations are very enjoyable. read more

This is my Mecca - I have never been more happy than I was spending an hour wandering around the store. Though it was totally packed (a Saturday in December), I kept finding amazing stuff. The mugs? Snarky and wonderful. The shirts and bags? Absolutely. Magnets? Of course. Pretty much any book-ish thing you could want, you can get. And the books of course... so many books. Unfortunately, the rest of my group had already finished up and were waiting for me so I had to cut my time short. Next time, I'm going alone and spending forever. Just ignore me if you see a cot in the back. read more

Great bookstore with tons of selection. Books are well organized for more-curated picks or you can explore and choose your own book! I also like the coffee shop inside read more

I've never been but have always wanted to go! Big bookstore with fun little things like cute cards, postcards, good pens, and of course, a ton of books! The workers were all super friendly, which I appreciated. Would recommend visiting if you're from out of town! Or if you live in town read more

Strand Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - New York, New York