SOHO'S BOOKSTORES PROVIDE A LITERARY ADVENTURE IN DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN | Stories|Soho Grand Hotel
Soho Grand Hotel

310 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013

(212) 965-3000 https://www.sohogrand.com/
NYC Bookstores Downtown

SOHO'S BOOKSTORES PROVIDE A LITERARY ADVENTURE IN DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN

back to list

The artistic spirit of Soho is seen not just in its art galleries, restaurants and fashion styles; look into the neighborhood’s bookstores, and you’ll have an equally exhilarating cultural experience. These bookshops are some of New York City’s best for browsing books, attending literary events, scoping out hard-to-find titles, and enjoying gorgeous coffee table books (alongside a great coffee). Here are four bookstores that can’t be missed during your next stroll through Soho.

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe

A bi-level bookstore made for browsing, Housing Works may just be the neighborhood’s most charming pick. In addition to its stocked shelves and abundance of New York-centric reads, this bookstore has also established itself for its quality café, serving coffee from Intelligentsia, local beer and wine, and sandwiches made on Balthazar bread. It’s also a destination for literary and artistic events in the evenings, such as The Moth StorySLAM, an acclaimed storytelling event that sells out every time.

126 Crosby Street

McNally Jackson

This independent bookstore has a literary bent with staff picks for lesser-known titles, a variety of literary magazines, and nightly literary events including author readings and book clubs. The curated collection has built a repeat clientele that depends on the store’s staff for recommendations on everything from cookbooks to poetry. The on-site café is a popular spot to grab a quick cold brew coffee or sit back for a light meal including soup, salads, quiches, and breakfast items like muffins and bagels.

52 Prince Street

MoMA Design Store

The design store for the Museum of Modern Art is not only famed for its quirky gifts, toys and houseware items, but also its large selection of books from all over the world. The store’s focus is on large format art books, from full-color coffee table books to nostalgic books of black-and-white photographs. The collection has a strong presence of New York focused titles, including the popular Humans of New York book and books on the architecture of New York City. There’s no café on-site, but the store is across the street from Balthazar – the beautiful Parisian bakery & bistro known for its perfect croissants.

81 Spring Street

TASCHEN

Still on the hunt for the perfect coffee table book? Visit TASCHEN, the New York home of the German publishing company. This sleek store designed by Phillipe Starck features oversized coffee table books covering a range of topics including fashion, architecture, travel, music, film, and art. Limited Editions, Collector’s Editions, and signed copies are also for sale, making this store a truly unique gem in New York City. They also have a section of children’s books with a devotion to design and beautiful packaging – a great solution for last minute gift-seekers.

107 Greene Street

Words by Jessica Colley Clarke

You May Also Like

Sustainable Fashion in New York City

Sustainable Fashion in New York City

fashion
stories
The forward-thinking creators blending covetable design with eco-friendly practices.
Glasses of Bubble Tea

Boba Fab! Best Bubble Tea In NYC

food & drink
bubble tea
stories
All you need to know about the sippable Taiwanese treat and where to find the best in the city.
An Insider's Guide to NYC's Best Outdoor Event Venues

An Insider's Guide to NYC's Best Outdoor Event Venues

food & drink
garden party
outdoor events
rooftop venues
stories
New York's Next Gen Designers

New York's Next Gen Designers

fashion
stories
We shine the spotlight on some of the city's freshest designers (and where you can find them). 
Image from Frieze art fair 2023.

Frieze New York

art & design
art
frieze
stories
Island Cool: Where To Sip The Tropics

Island Cool: Where To Sip The Tropics

stories
Comedy Cellar entrance signe.

The Local's Guide To Big Apple Comedy

entertainment
comedy
entertainment
stories
Table For One

Table For One

food & drink
solo dining
stories
Soho Grand Hotel

310 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013

(212) 965-3000 https://www.sohogrand.com/
Best Rate Promise
Soho Grand Hotel

310 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013

(212) 965-3000
The Roxy Hotel New York

2 6th Avenue
New York, NY 10013

212.519.6600