My friends and I bought several books and some small chotchkie items from City Lights and had the best time hunting for obscure titles. I think the guy behind the desk got a kick out of us having so... More

My friends and I bought several books and some small chotchkie items from City Lights and had the best time hunting for obscure titles. I think the guy behind the desk got a kick out of us having so much fun! Highly recommend as this shop is for great times, soul searching and pleasant atmosphere!
Less

This was at the top of our places to visit while we were in town. It wasn't the best experience. After the way the staff treated us, I'd never give them my money. It's a neat store, so it's... More

This was at the top of our places to visit while we were in town. It wasn't the best experience. After the way the staff treated us, I'd never give them my money. It's a neat store, so it's unforunate that they have zero customer service. I took down the ISBNs of the books we planned to buy and ordered them from halfdotcom from the hotel. Olivia had to go to the bathroom and there was no "public" restroom, meaning I had to bolt out the door with Olivia trying to find a restaurant employee with a kind heart. It was surrounded by strip clubs, construction, hole-in-the wall places with signs that read "restrooms are for customers only." Obviously this place had a restroom (for employees). They were completely unapologetic even going so far as to argue with us later, "When you asked, did you say, 'My kid needs to [obscenity deleted]?'" Dude, I don't talk like that. The one guy asked, "Do YOU have a business?" Um, yeah, and I treat my customers with respect, like they are exceptional people and I feel privileged to have their patronage. He wanted to make the point that I didn't realize how complicated running a business could be. He actually doesn't have a business. He works at one. Pros: neat books Cons: no bathroom, staff has no respect for customers, the area is a little sketchy, not set up for people with disabilities (it's an old store)
Less

This place is a legend unto itself. Known best for its days as The Beats hangout -- writers like Jack Kerouac held court here. City Lights is located in North Beach. And although most tourists just... More

This place is a legend unto itself. Known best for its days as The Beats hangout -- writers like Jack Kerouac held court here. City Lights is located in North Beach. And although most tourists just take a picture of the front, those who care about history should take a look inside. The store is filled with books you can't find anywhere else. Can you dig?
Less

All that North Beach beat nostalgia is pretty played out by now… and yet, City Lights still keeps it real, still is able to rouse that be bop man oh yeah jazz baby in all of us. Lawrence... More

All that North Beach beat nostalgia is pretty played out by now… and yet, City Lights still keeps it real, still is able to rouse that be bop man oh yeah jazz baby in all of us. Lawrence Ferlinghetti is still alive and still runs the place. They host great readings here all the time. All the ensuing bullshit hasn't ruined the memories of Ginsberg et al yet... though, give it time...
Less

This is one of those places where I could go in and browse for hours...days, if they didn't ever close. If you're interested in poetry or just love to try some new piece of fiction, this is the... More

This is one of those places where I could go in and browse for hours...days, if they didn't ever close. If you're interested in poetry or just love to try some new piece of fiction, this is the Mecca. Come and visit the "home" of the Beat Generation. Don't expect this to be a new and trendy bookstore with lots of "elbow room" to sit and chat. Here, you'll find every nook and cranny stuffed with books and more books. If you're a lover of the written word...make a pilgrimage to City Lights and just take it all in. Pros: choices, and more choices Cons: no parking
Less

You can find lots of hard to find books. They also have many unique and rare books. This is yet another popular books store in San Francisco. The staff is nice and helpful and are ready to assist... More

You can find lots of hard to find books. They also have many unique and rare books. This is yet another popular books store in San Francisco. The staff is nice and helpful and are ready to assist your needs. This is also a well-known and popular book store to many people who do not even live in San Francisco.
Less

a very popular store in the city. they have many books and the staff are very friendly and helpful when you ask for assistance. it is also right outside of the 15 muni bus stop so it is very... More

a very popular store in the city. they have many books and the staff are very friendly and helpful when you ask for assistance. it is also right outside of the 15 muni bus stop so it is very accessible. i used to always take the bus here so i would see the # of customers at city lights, which was also one of the reasons i decided to check this place out.
Less

This bookstore is famous because of its association with the Beat poetry movement. In addition to selling lots of books, they have some Beat memorabilia too. It's not huge but has a great... More

This bookstore is famous because of its association with the Beat poetry movement. In addition to selling lots of books, they have some Beat memorabilia too. It's not huge but has a great selection. I especially appreciate the zine selection, which is the best I've ever seen. There are many books here of local interest too. The place has a lot of atmosphere and personality. Everyone should go, locals and tourists alike.
Less

Are your friends not 'hep' enough to call you 'hep cat'? Is your spouse a complete L7 (square)? Hey, man, I'm not sweatin' ya. Come on down to City Lights Bookstore, man, and pretend that you were... More

Are your friends not 'hep' enough to call you 'hep cat'? Is your spouse a complete L7 (square)? Hey, man, I'm not sweatin' ya. Come on down to City Lights Bookstore, man, and pretend that you were cool enough to be a bohemian, or old enough to even be born in the "Free Love" swinging 60's. All the cool cats and hip kidz hang out here, and sometimes you might hear someone drop the name of Ginsburg or Kerouac and they'll beg you to believe that THEY DID KNOW THEM (even if only through their writings). This is a bookstore, but one with STYLE, maaan....
Less

If you miss the oldage bookstores (trust me this place is a historical treasure) where you could find the wooden staircase and find old unused books, they have an amazing collection of books... More

If you miss the oldage bookstores (trust me this place is a historical treasure) where you could find the wooden staircase and find old unused books, they have an amazing collection of books including an entire floor of books on literature and poetry. Also dont forget to be there for one of the amazing literary readings. PROS: Historical place where you can find the most amazing collection of books CONS:
Less