A Book Lover’s Itinerary: NYC Edition
- Karina Karina
- Jun 24, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 12
Having lived in New York for just over 18 months now, I’ve loved exploring everything book-related. If you plan to visit NYC anytime soon, bookmark this for your itinerary which covers where to stay, eat, drink, and explore. I’ve also included a kids’ section at the end.
STAY
This hotel has long entertained the city’s literary and cultural elite including William Faulkner, Gertrude Stein, and Maya Angelou. It’s home to the infamous Round Table which started in 1919 with a group of writers and also where Harold Ross financed and created The New Yorker in 1925.
The Library Hotel’s collection of over 6,000 books is organized by the Dewey Decimal Classification®. Each of the 10 guest-room floors honors one of the 10 categories of the Dewey Decimal Classification® and each room has books and artwork exploring a distinctive topic within the category it belongs to.
DRINK
Set on the 14th floor of the Library Hotel, sip on literary-inspired cocktails and enjoy city views from the wrap-around terrace, or, snuggle by the fireplace in the cozy Writer’s Den room.
You’ll be surrounded by hundreds of impressive volumes at Hudson Bar and Books in Greenwich Village.
Home to NYC’s longest bar, raise a glass to writer Oscar Wilde with a book of your own.
Two East Village residents wanted to build a communal space where book lovers could gather and drown out the noise from the city that never sleeps.
Bookstore and cafe by day and wine bar by night, there’s a 30-seat bar section and a book-lined lounge section at the back with nearly 10,000 books from all genres.
DINE
Visit this cozy bookshelf-lined restaurant and bar on Long Island for their themed events where you can enjoy a five-course meal inspired by your favorite books.
Described as a whimsical tea house, go down the rabbit hole at the Alice in Wonderland-themed Alice’s Tea Cup.
Try to snag a coveted table at Greenwich Village’s Michelin-star-rated Minetta Tavern, once a favorite hangout of Ezra Pound, Eugene O’Neill, and E.E. Cummings.
Though primarily a bookshop, it also serves drinks and snacks in its storefront cafe.
Legend holds that O. Henry wrote his short story “The Gift of the Magi” in the second booth.
EXPLORE
The ultimate destination for bibliophiles in New York City, this iconic building is a National Historic Landmark. Approach it via Library Way (41st street between Park and Fifth) for the 96 plaques filled with literary quotes on the sidewalk.
A free series put on by the Public Theater in an open-air venue in Central Park, these magical performances come to life under the stars.
Take a stroll through the southern part of the Mall (running from 66th to 72nd), known as Literary Walk because of the statues of writers added there in the 19th century, including poet Robert Burns and novelist Sir Walter Scott.
One of the most renowned bookshops in NYC, its signature 18 miles of books is impressive along with the Rare Book Room on the upper floors.
Local novelist Emma Straub opened this Instagrammable bookstore in Brooklyn which offers regular author events.
FOR THE KIDS
This Chelsea bookstore features a curated selection of books for young readers as well as vintage, old, rare, and collectible editions for collectors. There’s also a gallery of original children's book art and limited edition prints.
New York City's largest free literary festival, Children's Day is one of its most popular events. Families can enjoy a full day of readings, workshops, performances, book signings, and art projects with favorite authors and illustrators.
Shop for wands, robes, games, books, and rare collectibles, or pick up Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans at the candy store. Also, check out the Tony Award-winning Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway and visit the Harry Potter: The Exhibition (through August 11, 2024).
Have I missed any? Please feel free to add yours in the comments!
Комментарии