Strand Book Store
4.8(17K)google
4.4(1.8K)yelp
Youth-FriendlyIndoorLocal LifeFreeMust-SeeLiteratureHistory
Overview
Operating continuously since 1927 as the absolute 'Soul of Greenwich Village literature', the world-famous Strand Book Store is an intensely energetic, multi-level historic bookstore district that stands proudly in Manhattan. The retail destination is globally famous for its signature phrase '18 Miles of Books', housing a dizzying, encyclopedic collection of over two and a half million new, used, and rare historic volumes. Visitors can wander down historic wood corridors, browse independent artisan zine stalls, and soak in a thoroughly authentic, buzzing community intellectual atmosphere.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 1-2 hours
Best TimeA world-famous literary landmark perfect year-round. Weekday mornings from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM are optimal to browse the legendary '18 miles of books' with fewer shoppers, allowing a quiet experience up in the third-floor Rare Book Room.
Getting ThereLocated just south of Union Square at 828 Broadway. Take the N/Q/R/W/4/5/6 or L train to the 14 St-Union Square hub, exit, and walk south along Broadway for two blocks to the corner of East 12th Street.
Travel Tips
- The main Broadway store features a labyrinthine layout; the basement hoards discounted used volumes, while the historic Rare Book Room is hidden on the 3rd floor, accessible via an old elevator and running on shorter Sunday hours.
- The aisles are incredibly narrow and perpetually packed; large rolling suitcases, oversized camera backpacks, and open drinks are banned near the shelves. Heavy bags must be checked at the complimentary entrance coat check.
- The outdoor dollar-bins lining the sidewalk are local treasures, but these items must be brought inside to the main cash registers for payment; moving away from the storefront with unpaid books triggers shoplifting alarms.
Reviews
Positive
- NYC's most legendary independent bookstore, boasting '18 miles of books'; its massive inventory of rare out-of-print books and discounted titles makes it a haven for book hunters.
- The official tote bags, literary t-shirts, and creative merchandise are exceptionally designed and of high quality, making it the premier choice for artistic NYC souvenirs.
- Located near Union Square, the location is highly convenient; the section signs are clear and witty, and the multi-level layout provides space for readers to explore.
Heads up
- The tourist density inside gets overwhelming on weekends or holidays; the narrow aisles between tall shelves are fully jammed, making quiet browsing almost impossible.
- The air conditioning system is somewhat dated; when crowds peak during summer, the upper floors get stuffy and warm, making long stays feel slightly exhausting.
- Because the inventory is so overwhelmingly massive, parts of the used-book sections look cluttered, making it tough to quickly find specific obscure titles without staff help.