Face it. Reading is sexy, and an integral part of the culture in New York.

Which is why we thought it would be helpful to give you the rundown on our favorite book nooks in the city (never fear, Brooklynites, your guide is coming soon!). From a lofty art book store filled with natural light, to a semi-subterranean hideout for mystery lovers, to a secret bookstore with the vibe of an artist’s salon meets speakeasy, we’ll tell you about what we believe to be the best of the best in the most literary city in the U.S.

1. Rizzoli (1133 Broadway)


Rizzoli Books, despite selling a little bit of everything to stay competitive, specializes in art books and coffee table tomes. Certainly, the store’s inclination toward artistic and architectural literature is evident in the store’s design. In spite of a move to Flatiron after their original elegant building on 57th Street was demolished, many of the classic fixtures from 57th Street were preserved and re-introduced in the new space including the cherry wood bookcases and chandeliers. A whimsical Fornasetti designed wallpaper now runs the length of the room, above the bookcases. Scenes of Italian cities floating in clouds, Zodiac figures and hot air balloons. The stunning Fornasetti collage was made exclusively for the Rizzoli flagship by Cole & Son.

If you are a fan of the library in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, this bookstore will not disappoint. It’s worth a visit just to pretend like you live there for an hour or so.