Discover 5 Fascinating Bookstores Near Hilton Clubs In NYC
By the book: One Member’s journey through NYC’s most distinctive literary shops
Manhattan is a feast for booklovers and many of the best bookshops are within easy walking distance of all five Hilton Club properties in Midtown Manhattan.
Argosy Book Store
116 East 59th Street • 212-753-4455
Founded in 1925, this gem of a bookstore is only two blocks east and two blocks north from The Quin, a Hilton Club and West 57th Street, a Hilton Club.
To pedestrians, the first sign of the bookstore is the bargain racks outside. Once inside, more treasures are revealed. Not only do they carry the usual selection of subjects in their used book section, Argosy Book Store also specializes in rare and antique books.
By request, they will bring out any of their collection for you to look over before purchasing. The second floor is full of vintage maps and posters. Argosy Bookstore is ideal for book collectors, map enthusiasts and regular book lovers.
BOOKOFF
49 West 45th Street • 212-685-1410
Located on 45th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, BOOKOFF is just a five-minute walk from The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club. It’s a store that you can get lost in, offering a little bit of everything.
There’s a large selection of used and bargain books on the second floor, a basement stuffed with used music CDs and DVDs from all genres and a main floor featuring manga and graphic novels. It also carries a huge selection of collectible figures and video games. BOOKOFF is great for bargain hunters.
The Drama Book Shop
266 West 39th Street • 212-944-0595
Located in the theater district, this bookstore features a lovely café along with shelves and shelves of books related to theater subjects, not to mention a massive selection of plays and songbooks. It’s beautifully decorated and a literary oasis nestled in bustling Midtown near The Central at 5th, a Hilton Club.
Before arriving in Manhattan, check the store’s events calendar, as they often host signings featuring authors, singers, actors and Broadway historians. Note: The bookstore also has a public bathroom, which is not easy to find in Midtown. The Drama Book Shop is a must for theater lovers.
Books Kinokuniya New York
1073 Avenue of the Americas • 212-869-1700
Located across the street from Bryant Park, Kinokuniya New York is within easy walking distance along 6th Avenue (The Avenue of the Americas) to The Residences, a Hilton Club.
The store has three levels. The first level offers a traditional selection of subjects, including a terrific section focused on New York City. The second level is full of manga (in its original language) and graphic novels and boasts a café specializing in Japanese treats. The basement floor is filled with art books, supplies and other related items. Note: There’s also a public restroom, but there is usually a line.
Books Kinokuniya New York is a treat for manga readers or those interested in Japanese culture but it’s also a great place to relax and enjoy a drink or treat in the café.
McNally Jackson Rockefeller Center
1 Rockefeller Plaza • 212-925-2134
The most traditional bookstore on this list, McNally Jackson is located in the heart of Midtown and offers a huge selection in all subjects. There’s also seating on the upper floor for those customers wishing to sit down and relax for a little while.
You can usually find signed books and special displays related to current events. It’s a grand place to duck into on a hot or freezing day in New York City and spend an hour or two. Bonus: They have a selection of pens, drawing pencils and notebooks. McNally Jackson Rockefeller Center is a go-to for those looking for a new book to read.
All of these bookstores are worth visiting, though each offers a slightly different experience. It’s even possible to make a booklovers day of it as a personal walking tour. Begin at Argosy, continue down to McNally Jackson, make a stop at BOOKOFF, proceed to Kinokuniya and end up at The Drama Book Shop, where you may need to pause for a refreshment, especially if you’re carrying a bag full of books.
Read “11 Fall Activities for An Unforgettable New York City Getaway” for a list of incredible things to do if you’re planning an autumn escape to the big city.
Corrina L. , HGV Member for 6 years
Key Takeaways
- Booklover’s Paradise in Midtown: Manhattan offers a variety of bookstores within easy walking distance of five Hilton Club properties.
- Argosy Book Store: Founded in 1925, Argosy specializes in rare and antique books, vintage maps and posters.
- BOOKOFF: Known for its extensive selection of used and bargain books, manga, music CDs, DVDs, collectible figures and video games.
- The Drama Book Shop: Located in the theater district, this store offers a large range of theater books, plays, songbooks and a café.
- Kinokuniya New York: Situated near Bryant Park, Kinokuniya spans three levels, a dedicated New York City section, manga in its original language, art supplies and a Japanese café.
- McNally Jackson Rockefeller Center: The most traditional bookstore featured, offering a broad selection of books, signed copies, event-related displays and a quiet space upstairs for reading.
- Walking Tour Recommended: Visitors can easily craft a book-themed walking tour through Midtown, enjoying each store’s atmosphere and specialties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do any Manhattan bookstores have cafés or places to sit and relax?
A. Both The Drama Book Shop and Kinokuniya New York feature cafés, while McNally Jackson Rockefeller Center has seating upstairs for reading and relaxation.
Q. Are public restrooms available at any Manhattan bookstores?
A. Public restrooms are available at The Drama Book Shop and Kinokuniya New York; however, be aware that Kinokuniya's restroom often has a line.
Q. Can I request to view rare or antique collections at Argosy Book Store?
A. Argosy Book Store will bring out any rare or antique item from their collection upon request before purchase.
Q. Are there any book-themed walking tours in Manhattan?
A. You can easily craft a book-themed walking tour through Midtown Manhattan, starting at Argosy Book Store, continuing to McNally Jackson, stopping at BOOKOFF, exploring Kinokuniya New York and concluding at The Drama Book Shop.