Even in today’s digital age, there’s no shortage of quality bookstores in New York City. Perhaps the lack of service down in the subways encourages analogue ways to pass time. Even as the big bookstores fall to the all powerful Amazon, the little guys survive, beloved communities in neighborhoods around the city. And independent bookstores do have an undeniable charm. Handwritten recommendations. Stacks of books organized in a curated way by the staff. Signed copies, and regular events from authors many local to the city. And then theres the bookstores that specialize in a specific kind of book. Cookbooks, rare books, art books. And of course, the wonders of perusing a used bookstore.

So put on some comfy shoes, grab a little bev, go on a little bookstore crawl. Or even better, grab a book from one of the shops and then sit down for coffee and romanticize city life for a little bit. Here are a few of favorites, with some recommendations on how to make it into a wonderful afternoon.