Downtown New York bookstores guide McNally Jackson the Strand Mast books Printed Matter Bookmarc

Grandlife guide

6 Must-Visit Bookstores in Downtown New York

back to list

Booklovers unite—we’ve rounded up our top picks of downtown bookstores. 

Print is alive and well in New York City. Whether you’re after a rare coffee table book from yesteryear or a fresh-off-the-press, best-selling novel, the below roundup of downtown bookstores has your every need covered—and that even includes your daily caffeine hit. 

Mast Books

A true East Village treasure trove of finds, Mast specializes in rare volumes, iconic paperbacks, and pre-loved books on a variety of topics including fashion, art, design, history, cinema, and philosophy. Mast opened its doors in 2009 thanks to the efforts of husband and wife team Bryan Leitgeb and James McKee. Since then, Mast has continued to deliver quality reading material to downtown New Yorkers. We recommend keeping an eye on the store’s Instagram for notifications about book launches, signings, and author talks.  

The Strand Book Store

Since 1927, The Strand Book Store has become a hallmark of New York’s East Village. One of the store’s managers, Darren Sutherland likes to muse on the store’s prime locations. “Being located downtown in the Village not only gives us a lot of foot traffic and has helped make a name for ourselves, but it allows us to attract millions of interesting buyers and sellers of truly remarkable books.” Yet among the many shoppers who frequent the store, few rarely venture to its quiet third floor, where The Strand’s rare books collection resides. It’s one not to miss.

McNally Jackson 

A perennial favorite of bookish downtowners, McNally Jackson bears home to one of the most expertly curated collections of books in the city. Whether you need an out-of-print coffee table book or a certain cover version of a David Foster Wallace tome, you’ll find what you’re looking for at McNally thanks to their extremely knowledgeable staff. But even if you don’t, there’s still a fantastic cafe that plays the perfect host for all those in need of a good cup of coffee and a long read.

Bookmarc

This offshoot of the Marc Jacobs empire is one of our favorite literary destinations in New York. Its real specialty lies in the vast array of beautiful art tomes, housed on floor-to-ceiling wooden bookshelves. Whilst the store may appear small from the street, a well-curated and interesting selection of 20th-century finds awaits. The cleverly titled Bookmarc also stocks international fashion and design magazines, making this a one-stop-shop for those in the know. Part local hangout, part shopping destination, you will also find fun Marc Jacobs branded merchandise, the perfect take-home present for friends and family.

Goods for the Study

Curated by the team behind famed neighborhood bookstore McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study is a stationary-slash-bookstore store catering to both classic bookworms and modern readers alike. The store’s inspiration came from McNally Jackson founder Sarah McNally, after developing an impressive collection of knickknacks from her international travels. Today, the store is a mecca for those seeking some writing materials and unique one-of-a-kind pieces for the office. Just a stone’s throw away from the original store, Goods for the Study is the perfect place to pick up a last-minute gift with some flare, with hundreds of customizable pieces from leather journals to iPad covers, quirky greetings cards and more. You’ll definitely want to allow an hour or so to get lost among the shelves—you’ll be amazed at what you find.

Printed Matter 

For more than four decades, Printed Matter has championed artists from New York and beyond. Founded in 1976 by a group of individuals working in the arts, including artist Sol LeWitt and art critic Lucy R. Lippard, the nonprofit bookstore was established in response to the growing interest in publications created by artists. With more and more artists incorporating the book format into their creative practice, the Printed Matter team began to distribute and promote artists’ books and related publications and has continued to do some from their 11th Avenue store, which operates as bookstore, gallery, and artist organization. Beyond that, Printed Matter is a hub for the creative set to gather and appreciate the medium.  

You May Also Like

Weekend's in Chelsea

Weekend's in Chelsea

art & design
coffee & cafés
food & drink
music
stories
From Yayoi Kusama at David Zwirner to a bookstore specializing in out-of-print art and photography tomes, explore the neighborhood with this curated guide.
The Queen’s Gambit: NYC’s Best Drag Bars

The Queen’s Gambit: NYC’s Best Drag Bars

art & design
bars & nightlife
stories
Eight of our favorite venues where talented queens give their own takes on drag every night of the week.
A Taste (& Tour) of Tribeca

A Taste (& Tour) of Tribeca

art & design
bars & nightlife
food & drink
stories
From a landmark liquor store turned menswear shop to farm-to-table dining in a three-story townhouse—our guide to the best spots to eat, drink, gallery hop and shop.
Escape From New York: Backyard Gardens Edition

Escape From New York: Backyard Gardens Edition

food & drink
restaurants
stories
The best of the city's coveted backyard dining scene.
Musician David Johansen in front of a red velvet curtain at Roxy Hotel.

One Night Only with David Johansen

entertainment
film
stories
"I just wanted to bring those walls down and have a party." David Johansen takes us inside his 'Personality Crisis'.
Five to Try: Best Bodegas Downtown

Five to Try: Best Bodegas Downtown

coffee & cafés
food & drink
stories
Whether you’re in the mood for a bacon-egg-and-cheese or a protein-packed smoothie, you’ll find it at these bodegas.
NYC’s Coolest Green Spaces

NYC’s Coolest Green Spaces

travel
wellness
stories
Downtown’s greenest and most lovely outdoor oasis’ to chill, play and soak up some rays this season.   
The Grandlife Guide For Theater Lovers

The Grandlife Guide For Theater Lovers

entertainment
stories
Curated picks for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway shows plus theater-centric spots.
Choose Your Stay
logo-sg
The Hotel That Made Soho Grand
Meet Me At The Roxy
Book Now