...make sure you stop in here at least once. Its reputation as one of the best bookstores in a city full of great bookstores is well-deserved. It is a little bit crowded, but you'll hardly notice... More

...make sure you stop in here at least once. Its reputation as one of the best bookstores in a city full of great bookstores is well-deserved. It is a little bit crowded, but you'll hardly notice if you're as into wandering around San Francisco's tiny shops as I am. Even if you're not, this place has an historical value that makes seeing it at least once worthwhile, especially if you're into Beat poetry. Ferlinghetti started the place, and Ginsberg's Howl was published here.
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Located on Columbus Avenue and Jack Kerouac Alley, considered hallowed ground by Beatniks across the globe, City Lights Bookstore has no need of riding upon historical reputation when it comes to... More

Located on Columbus Avenue and Jack Kerouac Alley, considered hallowed ground by Beatniks across the globe, City Lights Bookstore has no need of riding upon historical reputation when it comes to the business of bookselling. Their selection remains to be beaten in San Francisco in terms of unused books. There's something here for everyone, including an entire upstairs devoted entirely to poetry. Literary readings here are also frequent, so be sure to pick up a brochure informing you who'll be reading next.
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This is a super cozy place with old, wooden stairs and ceiling-to-floor bookcases. It's exactly what a bookstore should look like. It's a little difficult to navigate for the first time, but you'll... More

This is a super cozy place with old, wooden stairs and ceiling-to-floor bookcases. It's exactly what a bookstore should look like. It's a little difficult to navigate for the first time, but you'll be sure to fall in love. Great selection of books. If you need to escape from the city for a little bit, just curl up onto a chair with a book at City Lights.
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City Lights Bookstore is an independent bookseller in San Francisco that was highly involved in the "beatnik" movement, making it a "Literary Landmark." Immersed in alternative culture, City Lights... More

City Lights Bookstore is an independent bookseller in San Francisco that was highly involved in the "beatnik" movement, making it a "Literary Landmark." Immersed in alternative culture, City Lights has expanded over the years to offer paperbacks and hardbacks from major publishers and an expansive range of books from small, hard-to-find, specialty publishers, with a highly knowledgable staff to offer suggestions. Throughout the changes and growth, however, it has retained its original intimate and casual quality. It is an important and historical part of the San Francisco experience. Drop in to learn about the historical events that took place right where you're standing, or pick up an interesting read.
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Want a bookstore that's not all about Danielle Steel, Stephen King and Dean Ornish? This is the bookstore for people who really read, write, and care about books. Don't miss the fab poetry room... More

Want a bookstore that's not all about Danielle Steel, Stephen King and Dean Ornish? This is the bookstore for people who really read, write, and care about books. Don't miss the fab poetry room upstairs.
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