Where To Find New York City's Literary Sites: From Mailer To Dylan
Interior of Algonquin Hotel, built 1902 by architect Goldwin Starrett, Lobby, home of the famed Round Table of writers, midtown, New York, NY
gettyNew York City, a haven for centuries for writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts, is a melting pot of literary influences. From famous bookstores to iconic bars, restaurants, and hotels where a diverse range of literary figures gathered, here are 20 of New York's best literary sites.
Whether you're a fan of Norman Mailer, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, or e.e. cummings, these sites have all been frequented by important literary figures, offering a unique connection to a wide range of literary influences. If you want to explore 'literary New York,' they are all worth a visit.
, 59 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, and other writers gathered daily for lunch at the "Algonquin Round Table" in the 1920s. The famous dining room is still a great spot to have a meal and soak in literary history.
, 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018
One of the most famous libraries in the world, it houses extensive literary collections and is an architectural masterpiece. Authors like Norman Mailer and Isaac Bashevis Singer were regular visitors.
,828 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
This iconic bookstore, founded in 1927, boasts "18 miles of books" and has been a favorite spot for countless authors, including Patti Smith and Bob Dylan. Located within Strand Bookstore, the Rare Book Room houses a collection of rare and first-edition books, including works by famous authors.
View of McSorley's Old Ale House, generally known as McSorley's, is the oldest Irish saloon in New York City.
getty, 15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
New York's oldest Irish pub, frequented by literary giants such as e.e. cummings, who wrote the poem "i was sitting in mcsorley's."
, 129 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003
This historic bar is where O. Henry reportedly wrote the short story "The Gift of the Magi." It's one of the oldest continuously operating bars in the city.
, 222 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011
This legendary hotel hosted various literary figures, including Arthur Miller, Dylan Thomas, and Jack Kerouac, who wrote On the Road there.
, 59 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
A Greenwich Village bar known for its connection to the Beat Generation, frequented by writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.
, 119 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
This café, opened in 1927, is one of the oldest in the Village and was frequented by writers like Jack Kerouac and W.H. Auden.
Exterior of White Horse Tavern, one of New York's oldest, literary, and most legendary taverns, in Greenwich Village, NYC.
getty, 567 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014
This historic bar was Dylan Thomas's regular haunt. He famously drank here before his untimely death.
, 113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
A historic tavern in Greenwich Village with high-end French bistro fare. Still a celebrity hangout, it was frequented by Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, and e.e. cummings.
, 126 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012
A beloved independent bookstore and café that hosts literary events and readings. Many contemporary authors frequent this space.
, 299 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10017
A boutique hotel with a literary theme, each floor is dedicated to one of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System. It's a great place for book lovers to stay.
, 154 W 10th St, New York, NY 10014
A small, independent bookstore in Greenwich Village known for its carefully curated selection of books and its warm, welcoming atmosphere.
, 335 Bowery, New York, NY 10003
A trendy hotel known for its literary connections, it has hosted numerous book launches and events with contemporary authors.
, 10 River Terrace, New York, NY 10282
A library and literary center with a vast collection of poetry books and a regular schedule of readings and events. It's a haven for poets and poetry lovers.
The St Regis Hotel was the birthplace of the Bloody Mary cocktail, this luxury hotel was frequented by literary figures like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
getty, 2 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022
The birthplace of the Bloody Mary cocktail, this luxury hotel was frequented by literary figures like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
, 326 Spring St, New York, NY 10013
One of the oldest bars in New York City, dating back to 1817, it's a favorite spot for writers and artists, including former regular Norman Mailer.
(Waverly Place), 141 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10014
This café in Greenwich Village is a popular spot for writers to work, read, and meet, and it has hosted various literary events.
, 6 Times Square, New York, NY 10036
Once known as the "42nd Street Country Club," this hotel was frequented by F. Scott Fitzgerald and other literary figures of the Jazz Age.
Washington Square, New York, NY 10012
A historic park in Greenwich Village that has been a gathering place for writers, poets, and artists for decades, including Edgar Allan Poe and Henry James.
These sites offer a rich glimpse into New York City's vibrant literary history, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of some of the greatest writers of all time. Whether exploring iconic bookstores, relaxing in historic pubs, or staying in hotels steeped in literary lore, each site offers a unique and exciting experience for literature enthusiasts, making New York a must-visit destination for those interested in literary history. For an introduction to other cities’ literary sites see: London, Paris, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Boston
