Westsider Rare & Used Books Manhattan New York City
A cozy, floor-to-ceiling used bookstore on the Upper West Side, packed with literary treasures and a unique, immersive atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Westsider Rare & Used Books Manhattan New York City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy, floor-to-ceiling used bookstore on the Upper West Side, packed with literary treasures and a unique, immersive atmosphere.
"This is the platonic ideal of a used bookstore. "
🎯 Allow ample browsing time
You could spend hours here! Don't rush your visit to uncover hidden gems. :hourglassflowingsand:
👀 Look for pricing signs
Some books may not have clear prices; check for signs to avoid confusion at checkout. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelves
Main store area
Wander through narrow aisles packed with used books, creating a truly immersive literary labyrinth.
Rare & Vintage Finds
Lofted space
Discover unique and collectible books in a special section, perfect for avid collectors.
Cozy Atmosphere
Throughout the store
Experience a warm, inviting ambiance that makes you feel like you've stepped into a storybook.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Cozy Chaos
Navigating the Shelves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Allow ample browsing time
You could spend hours here! Don't rush your visit to uncover hidden gems. :hourglassflowingsand:
👀 Look for pricing signs
Some books may not have clear prices; check for signs to avoid confusion at checkout. :moneywithwings:
⬆️ Explore the lofted area
Don't miss the upper level for a curated selection of rare and unique books.
📚 Great for collectors
Find affordable and hard-to-come-by titles across various genres. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Allow ample browsing time
You could spend hours here! Don't rush your visit to uncover hidden gems. :hourglassflowingsand:
👀 Look for pricing signs
Some books may not have clear prices; check for signs to avoid confusion at checkout. :moneywithwings:
⬆️ Explore the lofted area
Don't miss the upper level for a curated selection of rare and unique books.
📚 Great for collectors
Find affordable and hard-to-come-by titles across various genres. :books:
🎶 Music and records too!
Beyond books, they also offer a selection of records and music albums.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Westsider Rare & Used Books is a beloved Manhattan institution known for its incredibly dense and diverse collection of used books, offering a cozy and immersive browsing experience. While some find the organization and staff interactions inconsistent, the vast selection of affordable and rare finds makes it a treasure trove for book lovers.
"The store itself is cozy, and feels like something out of a book. The antique books seem to be in a bit of disarray, but collection is nice. Staff is not very helpful to first time customers. One particular member was pretty standoff-ish and doesn’t seem to realize that not everyone is a store regular who is privy to all their retail-cultural norms, i.e. they have a shelf of books out that aren’t priced. The books are available for anyone to accidentally grab, because they are shelved out in the open. Apparently there is a sign there, and I didn’t see said the sign. I grabbed a book I really wanted and went to check out, only to be greeted with attitude.
Bottom line: Go there for atmosphere, but take note of every little sign amongst dizzying walls of books, least you offend the cashier."
Barsha Martin
"This is the platonic ideal of a used bookstore.
I've been coming here for over a decade, and I'm blown away by the selection every single time. It's very rare that I don't walk away with an incredible find: the (very affordable!) used books inside are often difficult to come across elsewhere.
There's a few cheap secondhand shelves on the street, and sometimes you can find a decent book or two for a few bucks.
The real meat is on the inside, where books are stacked all the way up to a high ceiling in this railroad-, deep and high hole in the wall style store. It's an incredibly cozy, warm atmosphere, especially in the winter, and unparalleled to anything else in the city. In a very real sense, this is the stuff of dreams. There's a wide range of choices, from poetry, fiction, criticism, architecture, philosophy, religion, political science, and history, along with a selection of records, comic books, and photo books. Anyone can find a book for them hidden away somewhere on these shelves—browsing them is its own reward. I gravitate towards the history section, where I've been able to score hard to find. At one point they were selling the collected edition of Braudel's Civilization and Capitalism at a severe discount, and I still regret not picking it up. No worries — I walked away with three books just the other day.
On the second floor you'll find the collector's rare and unique books, worth seeing at least once.
Westsider is tight for space, but I'm very happy they have the one or two stools available to fine tune selections before purchase!
Staff has always been extremely courteous, helpful, and at times very funny.
A real gem of a store."
Yuri Kazakov
"Unique little bookstore with a large selection of used books and some rare and vintage books. Enjoyed looking around at their entire inventory. Very friendly, helpful staff. Upbeat customer service. We left with a few titles we had to have even though we’d have to ship them home. I took a few photos and told others about it after such a great experience. Wish we had locally owned book stores like this closer to home."
Sarah Burns
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Westsider Rare & Used Books is located at 2246 Broadway in Manhattan. The easiest way to get there is by subway. The 1, 2, 3, A, C, and B trains all stop at the 72nd Street station, which is a short walk from the store.
Street parking in this area of Manhattan can be very challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation or a rideshare service to reach the bookstore.
The closest subway stations are 72nd Street (served by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, B trains) and 79th Street (served by the 1, 2, 3 trains). Both are within a few blocks of the store.
Yes, several bus lines run along Broadway and nearby avenues, making it accessible by public bus. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes.
Depending on your starting point, walking might be an option, especially if you are exploring the Upper West Side. It's a vibrant neighborhood with plenty to see on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Westsider Rare & Used Books. It's a retail store, so you can browse freely without purchasing a ticket.
Westsider Rare & Used Books is typically open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. However, it's always a good idea to check their most current hours before visiting, as they can sometimes vary.
No, the rare books section is part of the store and does not require a separate entrance fee. You can explore all areas of the bookstore freely.
Information on reserving books is not widely available. It's best to visit the store and browse in person to find what you're looking for.
While not explicitly advertised, the nature of a used bookstore means prices are generally affordable. Keep an eye out for any unpriced shelves that might offer great deals.
🎫 📚 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is often described as cozy, warm, and like stepping into a storybook. Books are stacked from floor to ceiling, creating a unique and immersive environment.
The organization can be a bit haphazard, with books stacked high. This contributes to the treasure hunt feel, but it means you'll need to spend time sifting through volumes to find gems.
You can find a wide range of used books, including fiction, poetry, criticism, architecture, philosophy, history, and vintage sci-fi. They also have records and comic books.
Yes, the store has a dedicated lofted space for rare and unique books, making it a great spot for collectors.
The store offers one or two stools for customers to use while fine-tuning their selections before purchase, adding to the browsing experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Upper West Side is a vibrant neighborhood with numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries. You'll find plenty of options for a quick bite or a full meal nearby.
Westsider Rare & Used Books primarily focuses on books and records. There are no food or drink services offered within the store itself.
The area around 2246 Broadway offers a diverse range of cuisines, from casual delis and pizza places to more upscale dining. Exploring Broadway and Columbus Avenue will reveal many choices.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside of bookstores to maintain the condition of the books. There are many places nearby to enjoy a meal or snack.
Yes, you'll find several coffee shops in the vicinity, perfect for grabbing a coffee before or after your book browsing session.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, and many visitors share photos of the store's unique interior. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other shoppers and staff.
The towering bookshelves, the cozy nooks, and the lofted rare book section offer fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the sheer volume and atmosphere of the store.
While not explicitly stated, avoid intrusive photography that might disturb other customers or staff. Quick snaps are usually fine.
Visitors often capture the 'floor-to-ceiling' book stacks, the cozy ambiance, and unique book covers. It's a popular spot for 'bookstagram' content.
It's best to ask staff before taking close-up photos of specific rare or valuable books to ensure you're not disturbing anything.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the store is quite compact, so navigating with strollers might be challenging. It's best to go with younger children when the store is less crowded, perhaps on a weekday morning, to allow them space to explore without feeling overwhelmed. The cozy atmosphere can be very engaging for curious young minds.
📚 Book Lovers & Collectors
Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time sifting through the shelves. The 'haphazard' organization, while charming, means that true gems require dedicated searching. Many reviewers highlight their success in finding incredible deals and unique items that they couldn't find elsewhere, making the effort well worth it.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Day-Trippers
As a day-trip destination, Westsider offers a unique cultural experience. Combine your visit with exploring other attractions on the Upper West Side, such as Riverside Park or the American Museum of Natural History, for a well-rounded day. The bookstore itself is an attraction that provides a memorable experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Used Bookstores
This immersive environment is what draws many to Westsider. The 'haphazard' organization, as some note, is part of its character. It encourages patrons to slow down, browse extensively, and engage with the collection on a deeper level. The thrill of finding an unexpected title or a hard-to-find edition is a significant part of the appeal, making it a destination for both casual readers and dedicated bibliophiles.
Beyond the books, the store also offers a selection of records and comic books, adding to its eclectic appeal. This variety ensures that there's something for a wide range of interests, further cementing its status as a beloved neighborhood institution.
Navigating the Collection and Staff Interactions
While many visitors praise the staff for being 'courteous,' 'helpful,' and 'funny,' a few have reported less positive interactions. This variability in customer service is not uncommon in older, independent stores. The key, as suggested by some, is to approach the browsing and purchasing process with patience and an understanding of the store's unique retail-cultural norms.
Despite these occasional hiccups, the overwhelming sentiment is that the atmosphere and the incredible selection of affordable, hard-to-find books make Westsider a worthwhile destination. The 'platonic ideal of a used bookstore' sentiment is echoed by many who appreciate the store's character and the joy of discovery it offers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit