Amazing store with limitless book options. The second floor is like a maze of stacks and shelves of books split in so many categories that you get lost, which I love.They have rare book collections, graphic novels, on sale options, and much more. And in the first floor they have lots of merchandising and goodies related to literature in general. It’s worth a long visit for sure

AMAZING selection and inventory, great people who work there, and a fun experience for any book lover. The tables are split up with fun, interested genres as well as typical bookstore categorization so it can seem like a fun treasure hunt to find something unique. A must see for any bibliophile

Fun bookstore! I found a great vegetarian cookbook as well as a couple of postcards to send back home. Employees all seemed to be enjoying themselves while checking everyone out. Lines moved quickly. All three floors are well stocked.Id recommend you drop in and check it out!

Wonderful book store! Truly one of the best. And unfortunately and Weirdly with such intellectual prowess, they are mask optional. Thankfully the customers are smarter and all seemed to be masked.

Oh boy I was waiting a long time to finally visit here. And it did not disappoint. I could have spent the entire day there just wandering around the bookshelves, but my girlfriend was there with me. I think it might have been a lot to ask for her to stay in a bookstore all day. But she did surprise me with a keychain and a bookmark which were unique to the strand bookstore. I ended up buying a used book and was able to price some of the used books of my collection based on the prices they were charging. This is certainly a destination for any bibliophile to go to. I might even be so bold as to call it a pilgrimage for some. You will very very likely find the book you are looking for and have tons of fun exploring in this unique one-of-a-kind store which you will not find the likes of anywhere else.

Very cool place. So many books in every genre on 4 floors. Staff was helpful and knowledgeable. So much history here. Definitely worth supporting.

Such a large selection of books. Unfortunately, I did not see a metaphysical/body, mind & spirit section and no staff available that I could ask. I went around 2pm & this place was PACKED! So many people. I will definitely be going back in the morning.

Super awesome experience. So many books, so little time. I do wish the occult/witchcraft/metaphysical/astrology section were larger, but it was great to pick up a few books and trinkets I’ve never seen before ❤️

A fantastic place to kill an hour or two if you are in the neighborhood. They have amazing hardcover Style, Fashion section and most copies have shrink wrap removed for your to browse. Since there are so many sections, it can be a bit overwhelming at first so I recommend picking a section and dig deep.They also buy back used book on Saturday so if you have books that you are about to chuck, you can probably pick up a few bucks

Placed an order online to make sure I got the book I was looking for. Highly recommend going online if you’re looking for a particular book and reserve it. Nice walk to bookstore, passed through several beautiful parks along the way. Inside Strands you’ll be inundated by the mass amounts of books and accoutrements just on the first floor, but wait, there’s more! You have 2 additional floors up and 1 down. You can easily get lost in here for hours and if you’re a book lover, you won’t be leaving without something. Outside they have bargain shelves with most books only being $1-2 each. 3rd floor has rare and autographed books. Nice to take a peak, but a little to rich for my taste. Overall highly recommended even if just for the nostalgia and saying you went to Strands!!

Big pretty bookstore. It’s got all the books you may want. There’s 4 floors (including basement) but the third (which is rare books) is closed right now, probably due to COVID so I didn’t get to see. Definitely check Amazon beforehand because it’s cheaper on there (if you don’t support Amazon though, this is a great place to lend your money to instead!) but aside from that, it’s just a nice place to be at. I don’t regret coming here at all.

A fun spot with fair prices. Many of the books were bent or in positions that would eventually bend the paperbacks, however. Unfortunately the rare books section was closed during our visit due to COVID, but there’s still plenty to check out on the other floors. Would definitely recommend a visit!

A great place to spend one or two hours. Definitely worth visiting if you are in the neighborhood.

Years ago, I gave four stars to Strand, mainly because of the idea of business models for reselling books. To celebrate this is to ignore that authors don’t receive royalties if remaindered books are purchased.However, much has changed in publishing and with the Strand.The success of the brand has brought with it an “indie book store” vibe along with plenty of new books for sale. So I really think that the Strand now offers the best of all worlds for any book lover (or collector!)

This place is very nice! I went here around 2 months ago in November due to a friend being interested. You could be in this store forever, theres so many things to look at. They also have vinyls, tarot cards, and occult books which are some of my interests.

I have been going to Strand for over 20 years. This is the reason there are book stores. I brought my kids and they loved it.

So glad they are still open. What a great place. Great selection and very cozy

Strand Bookstore was great! It’s easy to spend a few hours here, so make sure to account for this if you’re visiting.

Fantastic selection at reasonable prices although the prices are not as low as you may expect if you think of this as a used book store. Some of the ways that books are organized can he confusing and it can get too crowded but I find more exciting new discoveries here than any other bookstore in NY and you can find incredible bargains on the carts out front.

All book lovers and creative should come at least once! Theres so much to look at tand the shelves stacked ceiling high and narrow walkways really make you feel like youre getting lost in the stacks. Plus, their bottom level has section for second hand books which I absolutely enjoy. Stop by if you get the chance- its much better than Barnes and Nobles.

Helpful staff, though organization is not intuitive. If youre looking for something specific its much faster to just ask an employee. Everytime Ive gone in here its been super crowded. Decent prices, the bargain section is great.

Found the book I wanted (The Archers Tale) and enjoyed one of the best bookstores Ive ever been to. If you are in NYC and like books go here.

Impressive bookstore. Tons of choices. I liked the variety at Spanish language section. Prices looked fair however the way books are organized has room for improvement. Crowded but tolerable. Same vibe to Powells in Portland, OR.

We all know that it’s impossible to count the strands of our hair, and that’s how much books they got here!! And a lot of other stuff too, especially this branch! 4 floors guys! If you’re a bookworm and wouldn’t mind spending on tons of books, oh this place shall leave you broke hahaha. Lots of restaurants and cafés nearby. I think they shot Lily and Dash here? Can somebody confirm?

I could just live here! Huge. Disciplined myself to just browse the first floor as I was hanging out with family on a road trip, and just in the city for a few hours; so, of course we headed to WS and TS. I love NEW York.

One of my favorite things to do when visiting my kids in NY is to take a brisk stroll to the Strand and look for books. I think I have never left without at least one book. It’s a city thing to browse bookstores. Dig it

Great (huge!) Indie bookstore to check out if you’re by Union Square! They have four floors (with an easily accessible elevator!) of selections and also have many items beyond books (mugs, socks, tote bags, cards & stationary, pens, stickers, pins, etc). The only thing that would improve Strand is if they had more than one bench for customers to make themselves comfortable and read as they peruse their options. Highly recommend!

My old job, it was great seeing my old coworker Eric! Keep up the great work!

A true bookstore for those who are looking for something educational and or entertaining a feature that is quite lacking in your local B&N

Good store and lots of options to choose from. From some cool swag key chains or tote bags, to nice books, its a rich taste of options. I recommend

What are the last independent bookstores in the United States, and superior collection of books! We should all support such bookstores!

Exact definition of a bookstore w plenty of variety. Must see and smell:))

Stunning bookstore! Could spend hours just browsing and wandering around...

I would call this place as one of my fav bookstore in the world.

A great bookstore with huge selection of books.

Took my 3 daughters and we shopped for almost 2 hours. They just kept adding to the pile! Hard to say no to just one more book.Great experience for all of us!

I flipping love it here. I always make sure that I make time to visit while Im waiting for my train home. The book selection is out of this world, and the staff is really friendly. The bookish gift selection they have in the store is also always really entertaining to look at and so so appropriate for their audience. I could get lost in here for hours before I got bored.

The Strand is undoubtedly one of my favorite NYC institutions. Theres a magic there!I was having trouble finding a book, and it didnt seem to be where any employees thought it would be. I went down to the basement and with the help of a particularly friendly and energetic employee named Walker, we found the book! Walker made searching fun, and made me feel welcomed! If I saw Walker at the shop again, Id make a bee-line to asking them for help every time!

The Strand is a neighborhood essential! Its so nice to just walk around and explore the huge selection of books and knick knacks. Their used books are really affordable, but prices for new books and items are a bit steeper. The atmosphere feels a bit old and musty in some places, but that is part of the charm!

Book lovers, prepare to spend the day wandering the miles and miles (literally, more than a dozen linear miles) exploring the stacks. New and used, contemporary and classic, off-kilter and peculiar, theres a pretty good chance they have it. And if not, youll find something else that interests you. They also have bookish gifts like t-shirts (including baby sizes) with prints of famous book covers on them, totes, bookish stickers (my personal fave? Make America Read Again) and all kinds of other goodies. Dont forget to check out the racks of discounted books out front of the store. Strand is a cultural and intellectual icon, and an historical site too. Enjoy!

Great selection of books. I went here for a wedding reception on the rare books floor. Beautiful venue, nicely laid out. Staff was helpful.

One of my most favorite places in the city

A fine selection of new & used books at reasonable prices.

The Strand is an institution in NYC and definitely worth checking out if you like books. Its fairly large and has a decent selection of new books on many different topics, though the real fun is digging through the shelves for older books. The new books are generally slightly less than MSRP, and the used books are generally pretty cheap and there are even bargain bins where books are a dollar or more. Finally, you can bring in your old books to sell for cash or store credit to buy more!All in all I would definitely recommend checking out the Strand if youre interested in reading or experiencing a part of NYC history.

What a delightful bookstore! There were so many books organized in quirky hallways. And honestly, this is a great spot for souvenirs as well!

This is really an interesting place. It makes the atmosphere of union square more of cultures. There are ~20 shelves outside the building holding cheap second handed books. Stay for a while and you may find a book you have been seeking for so long. New books and souvenirs are also sold inside the store.

Always a favorite stop while in NYC. Lots of books for anyones reading preference. Three floors to browse. Best check out is in the basement. Will return on my next trip to the city.

As perfect as I remembered it.Wonderful vibe.Credit to their book buyers who maintain a thorough, extensive and erudite collection.Why is this so hard to imitate?

A great selection of books, staff is always helpful, and the third floor is nice to sit and read at. They have 1 and 2$ books outside, but most books are retail price, meaning not cheap. Besides for that, its pretty awesome.

Second time here. Picking up online order after we heard the book store probably won’t get though this year.Good luck to strand book store. It’s really a wonderful place.

Love browsing the stacks of books, and some of the books are at a slight discount

I’ve gone out of my way to support the strand for years but I’m done. Their mask optional policy, the fact that they regularly say they have books in stock which they do not, the throng of tourists (ok not their fault…but still) I heard the new owner treats employees very badly as well. They’re more interested in keeping magnets and tote bags in stock than books. RIP the strand

He and I are both book lovers. We dropped a lot of duckets here. Got some great things though! I adore this store!!

Lots of selections from new to used. Very crowded in the afternoon

Strand bookstore is the best book store I have ever visited. They have an amazing selection of books. The offerings are so large im sure I wasnt able to explore it all. The place is obviously crowded at times and some aisles can only accommodate a couple people but it was hardly a problem. Unfortunately the rare books room was closed.

Couldn’t find the book that was listed in stock but I found a few others. Always nice to stick my head into the Strand. This time I did it with someone I’m falling deeply in love with… Im looking forward to getting lost in the stacks with her for years to come.

WOW, i have 3 book worms, and we are coming to NYC and this is one of the destinations they want to come to. It is 4 stories of wonder, from vinyls, to magnets, book bags, educational toys, mugs, books, books and more books. It is a MUST for anyone who loves to read and is coming to NYC, but you better block out half a day if you have book worms, cause we spent ALL morning here. lol Our family LOVED every minute of it.

Absolutely love this store. You can spend hours here and still not see all the books they have. Great, helpful salespeople and a good layout that makes navigating the massive book selection pretty simple. And they ship.Overall, a great shopping experience.

So nice! greatly organized and it had tons of choices. service was great except for downstairs unfortunately. nonetheless it’s practically impossible to leave empty handed!

My favorite bookstore in the entire world. Hands down. Whether youre searching for a specific book or you just want to spend a few hours browsing, it delivers.

The only bad thing I have to say about Strand Book Store is that they refuse to let me live there. This place is AMAZING. You will find everything you need and tons of stuff you didnt know you needed until you got there.

Loved this place! We can spend time reading books n then buy. The place is spacious and have variety.

4 stars only because it was PACKED! A fun, well stocked independent bookstore since the 1920s. If indies are your thing, this is the place for you. Sale books outside and lots of staff and volunteers to help you find that unique book you want.

Ton of Books. Sooo big if you cant find the book maybe doesnt exist

Amazing place with a great variety of books! Love the mangas and all the stationary they sell! You should definitely check it out!!

I want to extend a special thank you to manager Walker. Thanks to you I’m purchasing the book I wanted from your store for a whopping $120 less from a competitor. I hope it continues to “sell well” for you marked up at five times the going rate.

The best bookstore Ive been to, other than Powells in Portland.

I really would like to go inside and browse a little more

An icon of NY. They have everything from the most obscure to the newest best seller. Staff is the best. Nice selection of discount and weird books on the outside sidewalk racks. Support an icon. Dont do Amazon. Go here, browse to your hearts content and meet other book lovers.

The best bookstore in Manhattan, bar none. Quite a selection of used books on three floors, but best-sellers and classic reprints are all there as well. Outdoor bargain book racks are hard to walk by without looking.Book lovers: while in the neighborhood, please dont forget to stop by Alabaster Bookshop on the opposite block behind the Strand, on 4th Ave. btw. 12 & 13. Much smaller, but packed floor to ceiling, and with $2 book racks outside the store.

After the pandemic they made necessary changes, but there website does not reflect such changes. For example: the Covid surcharge. Changes were also made to the menu/specials, there was once a free option for people who celebrated their birthdays, and 2 for one beverages for a few hours. I understand the need for the changes especially with all the new expenses restaurants have incurred to keep their workers and customers safe. I would appreciate if they could list this information on their website so one can be prepared.

Book store is amazing. Four because of unfriendly staff.

Historic and fun, it was a little crazy trying to find specific things though.

One of the truly iconic bookstore left in the United States. Dont miss it on your trip to NYC!

May God ever protect this fine establishment and keep it in business so that its goodness and love shall follow me for all the days of my life. For real, this store is a blessing to New York City, who could use all the love and soul these days as late stage capitalism thrashes our shores!

This is a NYC gem. Huge selection of all kinds of books and helpful staff to answer all your questions. Yes there is a wide selection of gifts that range fabric shopping bags with great themes, coffee mugs, humorous and lovely socks, and theres even a used book section. For anyone who loves books and reading, for all the moms and grandparents and Friends of little ones who would benefit from terrific childrens books, this is your go-to! Enjoy.

I finally got a chance to experience the rare books section on the top floor and oh my, what a lovely treat to see old, iconic books. They have rare signed books to large vintage numbered art books. It is a a real treat if you are a book lover. Its also a place to take a seat on one of the comfy chairs. You can end up here after perusing the collection of books at the lower levels, relax and take in the space. Another tip is you can avoid the long line downstairs and hop on the elevator or walk up 3 flights to purchase your items at this floor. Ive gone to the rare book section twice to do this and there is hardly a line. The return policy is a bit strict, but rightfully so. They give you store credit if you pass the 3 day return policy. I would at least a give a little bit of a leeway for boxed holiday cards or other items that are not books. Avoid the hassle and purchase an item you truly want.

The best book store in NYC. A huge selection of books with something for everyone. You could spend hours here looking at all the book selections.

Ive never been to a bookstore like Strand before. This massive bookstore is a registered landmark full of countless books, including classics and rare finds. The top floor was my favorite with limited prints and signed books.Even if you dont plan on buying a book, its worth taking a 20 minute walk through the Strand Book Store.

This is one of those NYC places that fully lives up to the hype. Strand is an amazing bookstore with an endless selection of used and new books and its own iconic merchandise line.There are so many things that make Strand special but I’ll list the biggest ones for me:- The third floor rare book room, where you can find beautiful collectibles but also just get lost in for a while looking at new books- All the themed recommendation tables on the first floor: these go beyond your standard “bestseller” tables and you are very likely to find a table full of books that you’ll love- The stationery section with awesome cards and posters (and poster wrapping paper)- The kids’ section- “Pen” station with a wide array of pens and sketching supplies- Daily book eventsStrand is a book lover’s dream and I’ve yet to find a bookstore that lives up to it. If you love books, this is definitely one for the bucket list.

OK selection, but the store was crowded and the books are kind of thrown all over the place. The staff (downstairs) was a little rude when I asked for help locating a book.

Very busy, lots of people, very congested… difficult to spot staff (red name tag around neck) however very helpful and knowledgeable. Doesn’t always have the book you are looking for.

A staple of New York, Strand is an amazing place to be for an avid book lover. With creaky wooden floor aesthetics (albeit, very traditional and real) and HUNDREDS of books, one could make a whole day out of visiting Strand! Their endless book accessories, adorable mugs and 3 floors makes this a great tourist spot. Im unaware of their different languaged books. Their top floor is a great place to take the kiddos if youre all in the mood for different books! The location of this store is also extremely convenient-about a block away from 14th Street Union Square. Always expect people at the New York attraction, however, it isnt really crowded (except during peak hours). Hope you have fun!

You have to love books but is you do the Strand has a book (or 10) for you. I like to get lost in the fiction section. The staff recommendations are fun to read and my interests do match up with a couple of them each visit. You also have to love the smell. A book store, like a library has a smell, and a schmutz that makes it real.

If you dont love books and just want to browse around, this place is awesome. If you love books and want to discover something new, this place is like a pilgrimage site that one must make the holy journey to. 4 floors, every category under the sun and very helpful staff, theres nothing more to want.

A gem of a bookstore. Several floors. The third floor is the special books, its also a venue where you can rent the space and hold a special gathering for a hundred people comfortably. I enjoyed myself at the gathering I went to. Very nostalgic.

Always a fav. I feel dumber and smarter after a walk around. Felt good to make some purchases just to help the store get through the pandemic. It’s a place where you learn through serendipity and can find a bit of everything. One of the stores that makes NYC unique!

Well everybody in New York knows of the Strand, but if for some odd reason they dont and for others not so familiar, well. Books.... Books.... Books and so much more. Four floors of just about everything you might want. You could browse for days in a blissfully wonderful atmosphere, that only that of New York can give you. So many things to buy and only so much one can carry. You must go and enjoy as I have, as I spent a glorious week in the city. My name is Roger Browning. I am a rancher by birth of Texas, raised a ranch just twenty miles of the ranch of McMurtry and have written many more novels over the forty nine plus years of my writing life, just look me up and you will find my story. I wrote them from a spot of the world where writers come, maybe the life, maybe the harshness of our raising. A place where the writers blood runs the vein, like the muddy stained water of the Red river, but a writer and lover of great books I am, and I have authored a book about a troubled family of inheritance, set on a ranch the same as my own state, but a family saga no less than anyone of New York or anywhere else that humanity resides, most definitely without assumption could relate. I am a rancher from Texas and a writer from there as well and my name is Roger Browning and my novel now out on amazon, is The Reckoning of Rance, and a wish for the book one day, is to sit the hallowed shelves of the Strand.

Book stores are on the extinction list and we definitely cant let them die out. The Strand is an institution and will be for generations to come!!

One of our favorite bookstores, but too crowded (line to get in) and hot on a Saturday in May 2021. Well come back in a month or two.

They have the most amazing collection of books. Absolutely love the bookstore

I absolutely LOVE THIS BOOK STORE!! it was my first time visiting and I just didnt want to leave! So many books and different selections, so many out of print stuff, and the little cheap bookshelves outside of the store are awesome. I had to restrain myself from buying too much LOL!

I spent half my childhood here. Came back at 40 and it was just as magical. Great selection of books, awesome staff, great Christmas vibe. Def visit if youre in NYC. Great rare book selection on 4th floor.

Love this book store! Great selection of books, new and used. Friendly staff. They have something for everyone.

Spent an hour browsing and easily could have done another hour

Simply the best. If your looking to blend in as a New Yorker, buy one of there tote bags

Super awesome place! All kinds of books and plenty of stationary! One of my favorite stops in New York. Very good vibes and two stories!

Went in expecting to spend 30 mins and 0 dollars ended up spending 2 hours and over $120. Never knew a bookstore can be so interesting. The collection is VAST. The rare book section is awesome.

A lot of fun limited edition titles here. Spacious and not too kitschy. My friend was able to find a signed copy of a novel by one of her favorite authors, which was neat.

I love going to Strand and bringing book-loving friends there for their first time when we visit NYC together. I could spend hours perusing every floor of their selections. Unfortunately my visit yesterday ended with an awfully rude cashier who not only had a nasty tone of voice, but threw something I had picked out on the ground with way too much hostility after I pointed out that the price was different than I expected and I didn’t wish to buy it anymore (the woman checking out next to me had picked the SAME item and also thought it was a different price, too.) I was already having a kind of bad day and this cashier made me feel uncomfortable and horrible. If you’re having a bad day or don’t like your job, don’t take it out on customers.