The Strand at Columbus Avenue

The Strand is really cool because it isn’t just one bookstore, there are multiple locations throughout Manhattan! I was so glad to find the storefront and explore indoors as it was super cold outside and very cozy inside. The staff were super sweet and helpful. I paroozed around and ended up with some really cool souvenirs. They have a coffee shop inside this location but it wasn’t open at the time. I loved it and had a lot of fun seeing the book stands throughout New York! I bought the most stuff at the location by the Central Park Zoo. Thank you, Book Lovers and everyone at The Strand!

** PLEASE LIKE & SHARE OUR REVIEWS. ** Charming place with tourist items, bestsellers, new editions & an entire basement for children. Looks small and quaint on the outside but never-ending coves.. The modern style displays keep the environment cozy but not over-crowded. Feels like an exploration of all things literary!

I visited this satellite location in Upper West Side of The Strand in New York City on a humid July afternoon, and the collection of books inside provided a lot of respite. The environment inside is quite welcoming—I spent hours perusing the collection of both books and other literary items ranging from totes to cups. The store is spread out on two levels—a ground floor level and a basement level. There’s a large collection of new, used, and rare books along with literary gifts and Strand-branded merch(totes, t-shirts, bookmarks, etc.) spread out across both the floors. They also host community events like weekend story times, for instance. What I especially appreciated was the cozy layout and the calm, neighborhood vibe. It’s a perfect stop before or after a stroll through Central Park or a visit to the Museum of Natural History just a block away. Staff were helpful without hovering, and the whole space feels like it’s meant for slow, unhurried discovery. Definitely worth a visit—whether you’re a local or a tourist looking for that classic NYC bookstore feel.

Some book stores have this calming ambiance and The Strand has that in heaps. An extremely expansive bookstore with a children’s section in the basement.