The Strand Bookstore has been a classic New York City fixture since 1927, boasting an enormous selection of discounted new and used books. Today, it’s the only surviving bookseller of “Book Row,” the strip of 4th Avenue in Manhattan that runs from Union Square to Astor Place. It was founded by Ben Bass and remains a multi-generational family business to this day. The Strand is a serious bookstore—with 18 miles of books to sift through, you’ll invest time and search persistently—but you’ll often be rewarded in unusual ways. Some of the best finds are artifacts left behind by the books’ former owners, such as a sentimental postcard once used as bookmark or handwritten notes and drawings in the margins. The Strand has the city’s largest selection of rare books, signed and first editions of modern books, unique art books and a range of collectibles.