5 Independent Bookstores in New York City to Visit

In New York City, you can still visit a fair selection of bookstores, besides Barnes and Nobles. These five independent bookstores in New York City offer rare, out-of-print, new, children’s and foreign books that cover all subjects.

1. Argosy Books

This family-owned bookstore is a New York City treasure. In an age where many independent bookstores are closing down, Argosy is still going strong since its founding in 1925. According to an article by CBSNews, one of the reasons Argosy Books stays open is because they own their storefront, meaning there aren't any rent increases or expensive contracts. Started by Louis Cohen and now run by his three daughters, Argosy Books offers out-of-print books, modern first editions, art, antique maps and prints, and autographs.

Visit this six-floor building in midtown Manhattan and bring home a rare gift.

2. The Strand

"86 Years and 18 Miles of Books and Counting," that's the slogan written on The Strand’s website. Just two years younger than Argosy, The Strand was started by Ben Bass in 1927. Ben named his bookstore after the Strand, a street in London where English writers and book publishers gathered in the 18th century.

Check out over 2.5 million used, new, and rare books at The Strand. There is also an extensive selection of literary gifts, posters, notebooks, coffee mugs and unique finds only available.

3. The Corner Bookstore

The Corner Bookstore, located in an 1890s brick-and-brownstone building has a rich history. For almost 50 years, the ground floor was a pharmacy. The bookstore's owner purchased the building in 1976 and restored the 1920s terrazzo floor, tinned ceiling, and wood cabinetry to its former glory.

The Corner Bookstore caters to book lovers of all ages carrying non-fiction and fiction titles from biography, travel, cookbooks, to parenting, poetry, and art. This cozy neighborhood bookstore has an array of books for kids of all ages.

4. Albertine

Albertine carries over 14,000 contemporary and classic French books from 30 French-speaking countries. Browsers will also be able to find a small section of English books. Located across the street from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Albertine is not just a bookstore.

Housed in Payne Whitney's early 1900s Italian Renaissance-style mansion, the interior of Albertine is the main draw. In the two-story grand room is a hand-painted mural of constellations, stars, and planets. It is said to have been modeled after the ceiling of a music room in Munich's Museum Villa Stuck. On display are busts of Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, Tocqueville, and Descartes.

5. Kitchen Arts & Letters

Kitchen Arts & Letters is a one of a kind bookstore. Opened in 1983 and specializing in food and drink, Kitchen Arts & Letters is the bookstore for professional cooks like Julia Child, James Beard, Laurie Colwin and Anthony Bourdain.

With over 12,000 titles from around the world, you’re bound to find a book even if you’re not food enthusiasts. Besides cookbooks, this unique bookstore also carries food history, operations and technical manuals and everything related to the food and drink industry. The store will even track down out-of-print books for their customers.

Before you leave for New York City, here are 3 tips to make your trip easier:

1. Read New York City Shopping Guide, 10 Under $10 Places to Eat in NYC, 10 Must See Landmarks in NYC , and 10 Free Things to Do in NYC.

2. Look for hotels in NYC.

3. Airports serving NYC. We recommend flying into La Guardia, JFK or Newark Airports.

Do you have a favorite bookstore in NYC?