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Three Lives & Company Greenwich Village New York City

4.8
·523 reviews·New York, United States

A charming, intimate bookstore in Greenwich Village, NYC, offering a curated selection and warm, knowledgeable service since 1968.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more browsing time

CrowdLow
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inside store not my photo

Three Lives & Company Greenwich Village New York City

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more browsing time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, intimate bookstore in Greenwich Village, NYC, offering a curated selection and warm, knowledgeable service since 1968.

4.8
(523 reviews)

"My favorite bookstore in the world!! It's such a cute and charming spot, and the staff is so sweet!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Ask for Recommendations

The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and always ready with fantastic book suggestions! :books:

Browse New Releases

The front display often features hidden gems and new favorites. Don't miss it! :sparkles:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Curated Book Selection

Curated Book Selection

Discover a thoughtfully chosen collection of hardcovers, paperbacks, and children's books. Find both new releases and timeless literary treasures.

Warm & Friendly Staff

Warm & Friendly Staff

Experience exceptional service with staff who offer personalized recommendations and can quickly locate any book you're looking for.

Charming Greenwich Village Vibe

Charming Greenwich Village Vibe

Soak in the cozy, intimate atmosphere of this historic bookstore, a true gem in the heart of New York City's West Village.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Cozy Charm

Three Lives & Company is a beloved indie bookstore in Greenwich Village, known for its intimate atmosphere and curated selection. Expect a warm welcome and personalized recommendations from knowledgeable staff. It's a perfect spot for book lovers seeking a quiet escape.

Discover Hidden Gems

This isn't your average chain bookstore. Three Lives & Company excels in offering a thoughtful collection of both new releases and timeless classics. Take your time browsing; you might just find your next favorite read among their carefully chosen shelves.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Enjoy the quiet before the rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Three Lives & Co is the cutest bookstore in NYC’s Greenwich Village - they’ve been around since 1978! The folks who work there are super friendly & the neighborhood the cutest. Another indie bookstore checked off this NYC transplant’s bookstore bucket list! My goodness do I love living in this city. . . . . 🏷 #IndieBookStore #IndieBookShop #ExploreNYC #LifeInNYC #BookishInNYC #NYCBookPals #NYCRe...
brooklyn.book.girl
256 likes • 2.4K views

Ask for Recommendations

The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and always ready with fantastic book suggestions! :books:

Browse New Releases

The front display often features hidden gems and new favorites. Don't miss it! :sparkles:

reddit.com

Fantastic book store in NYC, Three Lives & Co has been closed for weeks because of building issues out of their control. If you are in New York today please go buy books from their sidewalk sale. The world needs independent book stores!

reddit.com

Best books store in Manhattan or nyc in general

Check Out Kids' Section

A delightful collection for young readers, perfect for families. :child:

Subscribe to Newsletter

Stay updated on new arrivals and literary insights from this charming shop. :email:

reddit.com

Indie Bookstores in New York City?

Tips

from all over the internet

Ask for Recommendations

The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and always ready with fantastic book suggestions! :books:

Browse New Releases

The front display often features hidden gems and new favorites. Don't miss it! :sparkles:

Check Out Kids' Section

A delightful collection for young readers, perfect for families. :child:

Subscribe to Newsletter

Stay updated on new arrivals and literary insights from this charming shop. :email:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(523 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Three Lives & Company for its charming atmosphere, excellent book selection, and exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's a beloved neighborhood gem that offers a warm, inviting experience for book lovers of all ages. Some minor critiques might revolve around its small size, but this is often seen as part of its intimate appeal.

"I love this quaint, charming bookstore and anytime we are in the Village, I love stopping by! It gives me all the feels. They have a great selection of older and newer books. They also have a cute kids section which my daughter and son love browsing through."

Rosa Vila

"This afternoon I took a trip to the West Village to check out Three Lives & Company, a uniquely warm and friendly bookstore on West 10th Street. Their bookstore was recently written up celebrating individually owned bookstores snd Three Lives offers very informative newsletters that are worth subscribing to. Although I live on the upper esst side, I’m willing to travel to feel that special ambience that Three Lives offers!"

Arthur Glauberman

"A very charming and cozy book store. While browsing, I found a good collection of books from novels, to travel guides, to children’s books, to books celebrating New York. Will definitely be back!"

Florence Wen

What People Like

Charming and cozy atmosphere
Well-curated book selection
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Can feel small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Three Lives & Company is located in the West Village. The nearest subway stations are Christopher Street-Sheridan Square (1 train) and West 4th Street-Washington Square (A, C, E, B, D, F, M trains). Many visitors also enjoy walking through the charming streets of Greenwich Village to reach the bookstore. TikTok

Yes, the bookstore is easily accessible via multiple subway lines. The West Village is also well-served by bus routes, making it convenient to reach via public transportation. TikTok

Many visitors enjoy strolling through the picturesque streets of Greenwich Village, discovering its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere before heading to Three Lives & Company. It's a great way to soak in the neighborhood's charm. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to enter Three Lives & Company. It's a free-to-enter independent bookstore. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but typically the bookstore is 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. Reddit

There is no admission fee to browse the shelves at Three Lives & Company. You only pay for the books you decide to purchase. Reddit

Yes, the staff are very helpful and can assist you with finding or ordering books. If they don't have a specific title in stock, they can often order it for you. Reddit

🎫 📚 Onsite Experience

Three Lives & Company offers a well-curated selection of hardcovers and paperbacks, including new releases, classics, children's books, and books celebrating New York. Reddit+1

Yes, they have a cute kids' section that children love browsing through. It's a great spot for families looking for children's literature. Reddit

The bookstore is described as quaint, charming, cozy, and uniquely warm and friendly. It offers a special ambiance that many visitors seek out. Reddit+1

Absolutely! The staff are known for being the sweetest and always give the best recommendations if you ask. Reddit

The front displays often showcase carefully chosen books, leading visitors to discover many favorites. They also sometimes carry copies of literary journals like the Paris Review. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Three Lives & Company is a wonderful destination for families. The bookstore features a delightful kids' section with a charming collection of books that children love to explore. Reddit The staff are also very accommodating and can help you find age-appropriate reads. The cozy atmosphere makes it a pleasant place for both parents and children to spend some time browsing. Reddit

Consider making a visit part of a larger family outing in Greenwich Village. The neighborhood itself offers plenty of sights and sounds that can appeal to younger visitors, and Three Lives & Company provides a peaceful, engaging stop amidst the city's bustle. TikTok

📚 Avid Readers & Book Collectors

For serious book lovers, Three Lives & Company is a must-visit. Its highly curated selection means you're likely to find both sought-after new releases and unique, lesser-known titles. Reddit The knowledgeable staff are a treasure trove of recommendations, capable of guiding you to your next literary obsession. Reddit

Don't hesitate to ask for assistance; the staff's speed and expertise in locating books are legendary. Reddit Whether you're hunting for a specific edition or simply want to discover something new, this bookstore offers a rewarding experience for those who appreciate the art of bookselling. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Independent Bookstores

Three Lives & Company stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of independent bookstores. Unlike larger chains, these shops offer a highly curated selection, reflecting the personal taste and expertise of their owners and staff. This focus means you're more likely to discover unique titles and authors you might not find elsewhere. The intimate setting also fosters a sense of community, encouraging lingering and thoughtful browsing. TikTokReddit

Visitors often highlight the warm and friendly atmosphere as a key draw. The staff at Three Lives & Company are renowned for their helpfulness and deep knowledge of literature, making them invaluable resources for finding your next read. This personalized service transforms a simple shopping trip into a delightful literary experience. Reddit

In an era of digital convenience, the tactile experience of browsing physical books and the serendipity of discovery are what keep places like Three Lives & Company thriving. They offer a much-needed respite from the fast pace of modern life, providing a sanctuary for book lovers. Reddit

Navigating Greenwich Village

Visiting Three Lives & Company is often part of a larger exploration of Greenwich Village, a neighborhood celebrated for its historic charm and bohemian roots. The streets are lined with beautiful brownstones, independent boutiques, and cozy cafes, making it a joy to wander. TikTok

When planning your visit, consider arriving a bit early to stroll through the picturesque streets. This allows you to soak in the unique ambiance of the Village before immersing yourself in the bookstore. The area is very walkable, and many visitors enjoy discovering hidden courtyards and iconic landmarks as they make their way to West 10th Street. Reddit

Public transportation is readily available, with several subway lines stopping nearby, making it accessible from all parts of the city. However, many find that the best way to experience Greenwich Village is on foot, allowing for spontaneous discoveries and a deeper appreciation of its character. TikTok