Argosy Book Store Manhattan New York
NYC's oldest independent bookstore since 1925, a six-story haven for rare books, antique maps, and prints with a timeless, literary charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Argosy Book Store Manhattan New York
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
NYC's oldest independent bookstore since 1925, a six-story haven for rare books, antique maps, and prints with a timeless, literary charm.
"Walking into Argosy Book Store felt like stumbling into a time capsule—one that smells faintly of old paper and whispers the wisdom of centuries past."
⏳ Check Hours Before You Go
Argosy closes by 6 PM weekdays & is closed weekends. Plan accordingly!
📚 Explore All Six Floors
Don't miss any level! Each floor offers unique finds, from rare books to antique maps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Six Floors of Literary Treasures
Entire building
Explore a vast collection of rare, out-of-print books, antique maps, and prints across six floors. A true bibliophile's paradise.
The Basement Archive
Basement
Discover a hidden gem in the basement's warren of shelves, labeled by genre, offering an archival adventure.
Entryway Gallery
Entrance
Admire ornithological prints, antique maps, and portraits adorning the entryway, hinting at the treasures within.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Old-World Charm
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Check Hours Before You Go
Argosy closes by 6 PM weekdays & is closed weekends. Plan accordingly!
📚 Explore All Six Floors
Don't miss any level! Each floor offers unique finds, from rare books to antique maps.
👃 Embrace the Old Book Smell
The distinct scent of old paper is part of the charm. It's a sensory experience!
🗺️ Discover the Basement
The basement is a treasure trove of genres, like an archival adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Check Hours Before You Go
Argosy closes by 6 PM weekdays & is closed weekends. Plan accordingly!
📚 Explore All Six Floors
Don't miss any level! Each floor offers unique finds, from rare books to antique maps.
👃 Embrace the Old Book Smell
The distinct scent of old paper is part of the charm. It's a sensory experience!
🗺️ Discover the Basement
The basement is a treasure trove of genres, like an archival adventure.
🖼️ Browse the Entryway Gallery
Admire prints and maps at the entrance before diving into the books.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Argosy Book Store is a beloved NYC institution, praised for its vast collection of rare books, antique maps, and prints across six floors, offering a unique, time-capsule atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the 'old book smell' and the thrill of discovery, especially in the basement archive. However, its limited weekday hours and weekend closure can make spontaneous visits challenging.
"Walking into Argosy Book Store in New York City on a quiet humid Monday afternoon in June 2025 felt like stumbling into a time capsule—one that smells faintly of old paper and whispers the wisdom of centuries past.
The exterior alone hints at the treasures within. Ornithological prints, antique maps, and portraits adorn the entryway gallery, setting the tone for the meticulously curated literary sanctuary that follows. Once inside, the space unfolds like a story in itself—each room, each shelf a new chapter.
From $3 paperbacks at the entrance to leather-bound volumes behind glass, Argosy strikes a rare balance: it’s as welcoming to the casual browser as it is thrilling for the rare book collector. Vintage atlases, fine art prints, and philosophical first editions line the walls under warm wood paneling and soft green banker’s lamps. A life-size Pinocchio stands guard near the rare books, adding a charming quirk to the otherwise reverent hush of the space.
But the real secret? The basement.
Down a narrow staircase lies a warren of shelves labeled by genre—philosophy, drama, science fiction, French literature, biography, and more—each aisle bursting with thousands of volumes. The red-painted concrete floor, creaky stools, and hand-labeled yellow placards evoke a sense of archival adventure. It’s delightfully unpolished, almost underground in spirit, and makes you feel like you’re part of a scholarly treasure hunt.
The staff, while quietly professional, let the books do the talking. The posted hours (Monday–Friday, 11am to 6pm) might feel old-fashioned, but they suit a place so steeped in the past—open only when the city’s hustle makes room for a slower pace.
Whether you’re hunting for a first edition, marveling at early 17th-century bindings, or just savoring the feel of a real bookstore in a digital age, Argosy is a must-visit. A bibliophile’s dream, an art lover’s nook, and an explorer’s haven—all in"
Akshat Kumar
"This is a beautiful bookstore that houses rare copies and a great collection of secondhand books. However, it’s worth noting that they are closed on weekends and close by 6 p.m. on weekdays, making it not very easy to drop by."
M. Ceren Arslan
"Great bookstore, a good variety of books. The store and building look really nice too. Check out the second floor too by using the elevator by the entrance. So many maps and other artifacts. Would recommend!"
Juan Chavez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Argosy Book Store is located at 116 E 59th St, Manhattan. You can reach it via the 59th Street–Lexington Avenue subway station (4, 5, 6 trains) or the 57th Street–Seventh Avenue station (N, Q, R, W trains). Several bus lines also stop nearby.
Street parking in Midtown Manhattan can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service. There are also several parking garages in the vicinity, but they can be costly.
For convenience and to avoid parking hassles, taking the subway is often the most efficient way to reach Argosy Book Store. The 59th Street–Lexington Avenue station is a short walk away.
Yes, Argosy Book Store is centrally located. It's a pleasant walk from Central Park, Bloomingdale's, and other Midtown attractions.
Absolutely! Argosy is well-served by public transportation, making it easy to access via subway and bus routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter Argosy Book Store. It's a free-to-enter independent bookstore.
Argosy Book Store typically operates Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 6 PM. They are closed on weekends. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Information on holiday hours can vary. It's best to confirm directly with the bookstore or check their website for any special holiday closures or openings.
Yes, absolutely! Argosy encourages browsing. You can spend hours exploring their extensive collection without any obligation to purchase.
There is no admission fee to enter Argosy Book Store. It's a public space for book lovers to explore.
🎫 📚 Onsite Experience
Argosy specializes in rare, antiquarian, and out-of-print books, including Americana, modern first editions, autographs, antique maps, and prints. They also have a selection of more affordable secondhand books. +1
Yes, Argosy is a premier destination for rare book collectors, being a founding member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA).
The atmosphere is often described as a time capsule, with the scent of old paper, quiet reverence, and a sense of scholarly adventure. It has a classic, vintage charm with wooden shelves and soft lighting.
Visitors often highlight the six-story layout, the basement archive, and the entryway gallery featuring prints and maps. Some even mention a life-size Pinocchio figure.
Yes, there are spaces to sit and read at tables, similar to a library, allowing you to immerse yourself in your finds.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, many visitors take photos. It's always polite to be discreet and avoid flash photography, especially in a quiet, historic establishment.
The entryway gallery with its prints and maps, the towering shelves filled with books, and the unique basement archive are all visually appealing for photography.
There are no widely publicized restrictions, but it's best to be mindful of other patrons and the quiet atmosphere. Avoid blocking aisles or being disruptive.
Visitors often capture the 'old book smell' aesthetic, the vastness of the shelves, and the vintage charm of the store, fitting the 'hidden gem' and 'book lover's paradise' vibe.
Yes, phone cameras are generally acceptable for personal use. Just be respectful of the environment and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to manage expectations: this isn't a place for loud play. However, for families interested in literature, history, or art, Argosy provides a tangible connection to the past. The presence of a life-size Pinocchio figure might also be a fun point of interest for younger visitors. Remember to check their limited hours, as weekend visits are not possible.
📚 Budget Travelers & Book Lovers
For those who appreciate the atmosphere and the experience of being in a historic bookstore, Argosy is a must-visit, even if you don't plan to buy. The 'old book smell,' the towering shelves, and the sense of discovery are priceless. It's a chance to immerse yourself in a literary sanctuary without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Century of Stories: The History of Argosy Book Store
+1 The store's history is intertwined with the fabric of Manhattan, surviving the digital revolution and continuing to offer a tangible connection to the past. Operating out of a six-story townhouse in Midtown Manhattan, Argosy has cultivated a reputation for its specialized collections. They are renowned for rare books, antique maps, historic prints, and autographs. This focus has made it a go-to destination for serious collectors and bibliophiles seeking unique and valuable items. As a founding member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA), Argosy adheres to high standards of authenticity and expertise.
The store's ambiance is a significant part of its allure. Visitors often describe it as stepping into a time capsule, filled with the distinct scent of old paper and a hushed, reverent atmosphere. The interior, with its classic wooden shelves, warm lighting, and curated displays, evokes a sense of nostalgia and scholarly pursuit. This commitment to preserving the traditional bookstore experience is what continues to draw patrons from around the globe.
Navigating the Labyrinth: Exploring Argosy's Six Floors
A particular highlight for many visitors is the basement, often described as an 'archival adventure.' This subterranean level is a labyrinth of shelves, clearly labeled by genre, holding thousands of volumes. The red-painted concrete floor, creaky stools, and hand-labeled yellow placards contribute to its delightfully unpolished, almost underground feel. It's here that the sense of a scholarly treasure hunt truly comes alive.
Beyond the books, the store's architecture and decor add to its charm. Warm wood paneling, soft green banker's lamps, and even a life-size Pinocchio figure create a unique and memorable environment. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a casual browser, the sheer volume and variety across all six floors ensure there's always something new to discover.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit