Bookstore Hopping in NYC: A Perfect Day in Manhattan and Brooklyn
Who doesn’t love a good bookstore? For me, it's one of the best ways to explore a new city. You get to browse, discover hidden gems, and soak up the unique vibes each shop offers. Recently, my friend Megan and I spent the day bookstore hopping in Manhattan and Brooklyn. We hit up four amazing spots and now I’m excited to share our little bookish journey with you!
1. Book Club – East Village
Our first stop was Book Club in the East Village, and it was the perfect way to kick off our day. We were actually waiting for our reservation at Clinton Street Bakery, so we popped in to check out the store. It’s a cozy spot with a great selection of books, and we spent a good amount of time just wandering around, browsing the shelves. If we didn’t already have a reservation, we definitely would’ve grabbed a coffee at their bar and made ourselves comfortable for a bit longer. The atmosphere here is so inviting—it’s the kind of place where you just want to settle in with a good read and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.
2. McNally Jackson – SOHO
After our stop at Book Club, we decided to stretch our legs and explore the city a bit more. Megan, who lives in Texas, was especially excited to walk around Manhattan. In Texas, it’s not always easy to enjoy the outdoors, so she was soaking in every bit of the beautiful April weather. We left Clinton Street Bakery and took a leisurely stroll to McNally Jackson in SOHO. It was the perfect way to enjoy the day, taking in the sights of the city while catching up with each other. I couldn’t wait to show Megan McNally Jackson—it’s one of my favorite independent bookstores in Manhattan, and I knew she’d love it!
3. The Strand Bookstore – Union Square
After McNally Jackson, we walked over to The Strand, another NYC classic. Did I get some more romance novels at this bookstore? Yes, yes I did. I couldn’t resist! But before we went in, I warned Megan that because it’s such a staple, it tends to get crowded with tourists. And I’m warning you now—it can get a bit hectic, especially on a busy day. But honestly, it’s totally worth it. With 18 miles of books (yes, 18!), there’s so much to explore. Megan and I spent time browsing the massive selection of new and used books, and I was on the hunt for a few more romance titles to add to my collection. If you love books and don’t mind the hustle and bustle, The Strand is an absolute must-visit!
4. The Ripped Bodice – Brooklyn
We took the subway from our Airbnb and headed to Brooklyn to visit The Ripped Bodice the next day. Now, I currently live near the *Ripped Bodice’s* first location in Culver City, so I had to go show my support for their new location. It was raining that day, but it turned out to be a great excuse to step inside, grab a book, and browse. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere made it the perfect spot to escape the rain. We spent some time picking out books and postcards. If you’re a romance fan, this place is an absolute gem. They’ve got everything from contemporary romance to historical, fantasy, and beyond, and it was a fun stop to round off our bookstore adventure.
Exploring bookstores is such a unique way to experience a city, and I can't recommend it enough! Each of these spots had its own personality and special charm, making the day a truly memorable one. Whether you're a local or just visiting, consider spending a few hours checking out these gems – who knows what book you'll find next!
Happy reading!