Alabaster Bookshop Manhattan New York City
A magical, labyrinthine used bookstore in Manhattan, packed floor-to-ceiling with rare and unique literary treasures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing space
Alabaster Bookshop Manhattan New York City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical, labyrinthine used bookstore in Manhattan, packed floor-to-ceiling with rare and unique literary treasures.
"It really draws you in. The selection is pretty good. They seem to specialize in a few topics and have great depth in those."
🎯 Go Early for Space
Arrive before the midday rush to truly soak in the atmosphere and browse comfortably.
📚 Handle Books with Care
It's a used bookstore, but treat items gently to avoid staff reprimands.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 306 reviews
Type
Book Store
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Towering Book Stacks
Throughout the shop
Books piled floor-to-ceiling create a magical, labyrinthine atmosphere. A true bibliophile's dream!
Rare and Unique Finds
Various sections
Discover hidden literary gems, vintage editions, and books you won't find anywhere else.
Knowledgeable Staff
Front counter and aisles
Friendly and expert staff can help you find that perfect, elusive title.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Stacks
Respectful Browsing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best bookstore in NYC?
Visiting for 3 days! Thanks!
🎯 Go Early for Space
Arrive before the midday rush to truly soak in the atmosphere and browse comfortably.
📚 Handle Books with Care
It's a used bookstore, but treat items gently to avoid staff reprimands.
besides The Strand, what other great used book stores in nyc
alabaster book store in union square
1st timer in NYC wanting to see the best bookstores & libraries the city has to offer!
Hello guys! I’m coming to the city for the first time & i’m a huge international relations/ politics , economics & finance etc reader & would love to see wheres the best place to buy books within that genre. I’m down to go from big box stores to little independent…
🔍 Look for Hidden Gems
The selection is deep; don't be afraid to dig for unique finds.
🗣️ Chat with the Staff
They're incredibly knowledgeable and can help you find specific genres or authors.
Used bookstores in NYC
I'm in the city for the month and made it my mission to find a copy of Brandon Sanderson's Hero of Ages while I'm here. This is partly as pretext to go to as many used bookstores as possible, though I really am determined to get the book (it's really expensive back home and I've…
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Space
Arrive before the midday rush to truly soak in the atmosphere and browse comfortably.
📚 Handle Books with Care
It's a used bookstore, but treat items gently to avoid staff reprimands.
🔍 Look for Hidden Gems
The selection is deep; don't be afraid to dig for unique finds.
🗣️ Chat with the Staff
They're incredibly knowledgeable and can help you find specific genres or authors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Alabaster Bookshop is a beloved Manhattan institution, praised for its magical atmosphere and incredible selection of used and rare books. Visitors rave about the unique, towering stacks and the thrill of discovering hidden literary gems. However, some patrons have reported negative interactions with staff regarding how books are handled, leading to disappointment.
"I've been to this bookstore before and had a positive experience and was able to find postcards and photos to use in collages. I was excited to return and became very disappointed when a staff member yelled at my partner and I for looking at books. I had spotted a poetry book in a stack on the floor and picked it up out of curiosity and interest. It had a letter written on the cover page from 2003 that I thought looked very sweet! As I continued to read the letter, the employee told my boyfriend and I that those books are "for skimming, not reading." His tone of voice was so harsh that my heart skipped a beat and I could feel my body shifting into fight or flight. We left. It was disappointing because I had been genuinely interested in the book and would have potentially purchased it had this employee not berated us for, frankly, very appropriate bookstore behavior. I would chalk it up to end of day crankiness had he not just had a kind interaction with another customer where he complimented the customer's shirt. I can't say for sure this comment was motivated by homophobia but it certainly felt like it. This would be a super cute spot and I would have loved to shop here again if this hadn't happened. I will bring my business elsewhere in the future."
Jules
"It really draws you in. The selection is pretty good. They seem to specialize in a few topics and have great depth in those. All my pictures are from outside because it was really crowded. Turns out some family used it as a meetup point and they were just clogging it, but not shopping. Bad form. One of the guys behind the counter was telling the other guy about a girl he was dating who had done some things he didn’t dare say in public. I was glued to it as the other guy slowly drew it all out. Apparently, she stole a vintage art print. Oh well. Rare bookshop freaky hits different, way less salacious than I was hoping for. In fairness, browsing books may have made me miss part of the story."
Will Langston
"Absolutely beautiful bookstore- it feels a little magical and the books are piled so high! The guy working at the front was extremely nice, and it was the perfect place to just look and see what jumps out at me, which led to a really cool book that I never wouldve found somewhere else.
It also had a really impressive collection of rare-er books, and even those were reasonably priced for what they are"
Maranda Gallo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Alabaster Bookshop is located in the East Village. The closest subway stations are the Astor Place (6 train) and Bleecker Street (6 train) stations. Many bus lines also serve the area, making it accessible via public transport.
Street parking in the East Village can be very challenging to find and is often metered. It's highly recommended to use public transportation or a rideshare service to reach the bookshop.
For first-time visitors, the subway is the most efficient and cost-effective way to reach Alabaster Bookshop. Familiarize yourself with the NYC subway map beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Alabaster Bookshop does not require tickets for entry. It's a free-to-enter independent bookstore.
Opening hours can vary, but Alabaster Bookshop is typically open daily. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
There is no admission fee to enter Alabaster Bookshop. You are welcome to browse the extensive collection freely.
While not explicitly stated, it's best to call the shop directly to inquire about their policy on reserving books, especially for rare or in-demand titles.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Alabaster Bookshop specializes in used and rare books across a wide range of genres, including literature, art, history, and poetry. They are known for having a deep selection in certain topics.
Yes, Alabaster Bookshop is a great place to find books on international relations, politics, economics, and finance, as mentioned by visitors looking for genre-specific titles.
The atmosphere is often described as magical and unique, with books piled high, creating a cozy and somewhat chaotic, yet charming, environment.
The visually striking stacks of books make it a popular spot for photography, but be mindful of other shoppers and avoid blocking aisles.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy spending hours lost among the shelves. Just be mindful of the space and other patrons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Alabaster Bookshop is a bookstore and does not have a cafe or dining facilities inside. However, the East Village is packed with diverse food options.
The East Village offers a vast array of dining choices, from casual pizza joints and delis to international cuisine. Explore the surrounding streets for countless options.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the unique, towering stacks of books create a visually stunning backdrop. It's a photographer's delight, but be respectful of the space.
Anywhere with the most dramatic book stacks! The narrow aisles and ceiling-high shelves offer endless photographic opportunities.
While generally permitted, it's important to be discreet and avoid disrupting other customers or blocking aisles. Always be mindful of the store's environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit