A Guide to NYC for Book Lovers
This guide to NYC for book lovers will show you all the best literary things to do in New York City.
As a native New Yorker and a major book lover myself, I’ve rounded up all the best literary landmarks around the city to check out, from historic libraries to bookstores to book-themed bars and more!
Oh, and want to stay in the perfect literary hotel during your trip? I recommend the Library Hotel, a charming boutique hotel in Midtown that’s steps away from Bryant Park and Grand Central Station.
Now here’s a look at the top things to do in NYC for book lovers:
New York Public Library
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library is the flagship location of the library, and it’s open to visitors. Located on Fifth Avenue and East 41st Street by Bryant Park, this grand marble library opened in 1911. This is one of the top places to visit in NYC if you love books and libraries!
With its twin lion statues standing sentinel out front, this stunning building in the Beaux-Arts style is one of my favorite buildings in NYC — and it’s one of the best free attractions in the city!
Inside the library just past the lobby, there’s a free gallery that always has really interesting exhibits related to literary history, and you can see some really cool rare books and literary artifacts on display.
Free one-hour guided tours of the library are also available. They take place every day from Monday through Saturday at 11 AM and 2 PM. You can save your spot on a tour online in advance.
One of the most beautiful rooms in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is the Rose Main Reading Room. Tourists technically aren’t allowed here and are discouraged from entering, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: If you just say you’re there for quiet reading or studying, you’ll be allowed to go inside.
There’s also a designated visiting hour every day from Monday through Saturday from 10 AM until 11 AM where tourists can enter the Rose Main Reading Room. You can also sign up for a free 15-minute tour of just the Rose Main Reading Room. You can find more details about this on the official website.
The Morgan Library & Museum
Another one of the best literary landmarks in NYC is The Morgan Library & Museum. It opened in 1906 as the private library of the baker J. P. Morgan. One of the most interesting things about the library is that it was managed and developed by Belle da Costa Greene, at a time when it was remarkable enough for a woman to hold this role — but add to that the fact that she was actually a black woman, passing as white.
Belle da Costa Greene’s story is really remarkable, and I highly recommend reading The Personal Librarian by Heather Terrell and Victoria Christopher Murray to learn more about her before you visit.
The Morgan Library & Museum is well worth a visit, and it’s open every day from Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 AM until 5 PM (and open late until 8 PM on Fridays.) Tickets are $25 for adults, $17 for seniors aged 65 and older, and $13 for students. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.
If the ticket price seems a little steep to you, it’s possible to visit The Morgan Library & Museum for free on Friday from 5 PM until 8 PM. Reservations are required so don’t forget to save your spot.
Additionally, the historic library rooms only are open for free on Tuesday and Sunday from 3 PM until 5 PM. Reservations aren’t required, and you can still see the best part (the library itself!)
The Strand
You can’t miss browsing some of NYC’s best independent bookstores. If you have time to check out only one bookstore in NYC, I’d make it The Strand on Broadway and East 12th Street.
This iconic bookstore opened in 1927 in an area south of Union Square that was once known as Book Row. Sadly, a century later, none of these old bookstores remain — except for The Strand.
Known for its claim of having more than 18 miles of book, you can spend a long time getting lost in the endless rows of bookshelves at The Strand, which sells new, used, and rare books. This is the perfect place to stop to buy a book or a literary souvenir, like a tote bag, mug, or postcard from The Strand.
I have a whole list of other bookstores in NYC that are worth a visit if you have more time.
Literary Central Park
There are few great spots for book lovers to check out in Central Park. The first is Literary Walk, a section of the Mall, which is a picturesque pathway shaded by elm trees. Literary Walk gets its name because of the statues of writers you’ll find along the path, from William Shakespeare to Robert Burns.
This is a beautiful part of Central Park to stroll in. Heading north up the Mall, you’ll reach Bethesda Terrace, a popular spot for musicians, singers, and dancers to perform for the gathered crowds. Just a couple of minutes past Bethesda Terrace is The Lake, where you can rent rowboats by the hour.
A couple of minutes further is another literary landmark in Central Park, a statue of Hans Christian Anderson, the Danish author of beloved fairytales like The Little Mermaid. And just beyond that, you’ll find my favorite statue: the large Alice in Wonderland statue, featuring several characters from the story.
You can see all of these literary landmarks in Central Park in a leisurely 15-minute walk, entering the park at Fifth Avenue and E 65th Street and making your way north by about ten blocks.
Book Club Bar
Finally, one more unique place to visit in New York for book lovers is Book Club Bar in the East Village. This cozy bookstore is also a bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
The seating at the bar has a no-phones policy — only books are allowed! You’re welcome to grab a book from the store to peruse while you enjoy a drink at the bar. There are also comfortable armchairs in the back of the bookstore where you can sit and read, and an outdoor seating area for when the weather is nice.
Book Club Bar hosts author speaking events, community book club discussions, poetry readings, literary trivia nights, and other fun bookish activities, giving it a lively atmosphere in the evenings.
You can also visit in the morning or afternoon for a quieter, more relaxed experience. Book Club Bar is open every day from 9 AM until 12 AM or 1 AM (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.)
A Guide to NYC for Book Lovers
This guide showed you all my favorite spots in NYC for book lovers!
For centuries, New York has been a hub for writers, and the city has inspired some of the greatest novelists in history. It’s also home to the largest public library system in the world, and is the center of the book publishing and bookselling industries. So there’s plenty of literary landmarks here!
This guide showed you the best libraries, bookstores, and other literary sights in New York City.
Enjoy your trip to NYC!
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