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City Lights Bookstore

Bookstore

Chinatown, San Francisco

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9.2^/10

919

ratings

Ranked #3 for bookstores in San Francisco
The folks at Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and SF Weekly like this place. Would you agree?
"... (app) called The Beat Generation and visit City Lights to learn some history..."(4 Tips)
"Buy a book by Allen Ginsberg and other Beat writers!"(4 Tips)
"Poetry room upstairs is unique"(4 Tips)
"1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin"(3 Tips)

121 Tips and reviews

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Irina BoteaSeptember 19, 2018
Historical book store in the city. You can get lost for hours in there.
MazdaDecember 3, 2010
Both the store and the publishers became widely known following the obscenity trial of Ferlinghetti for publishing Allen Ginsberg's influential poem Howl and Other Poems (City Lights, 1956).
Olivia MezaJuly 8, 2017
Loved the second floor ❤️
Jan Shaw-FlammMarch 12, 2015
One of a kind. Go for the books and the history.
Alex KimMarch 18, 2013
There's a picture with a funny caption about breakfast on the stairs that lead up to the poetry section..
Farrar, Straus & GirouxSeptember 16, 2013
Meet literary critic John Freeman on Monday, October 28, 2013 at 7:00 PM as he reads from his new book, How to Read a Novelist. Also with Robin Sloan. Read more
Bennett W WongSeptember 5, 2016
If you enjoy browsing through a collection of books, then this is your spot.
Matthew GidleyOctober 25, 2010
City Lights isn't so much 'stocked' as 'curated'. For its size this has to be the best independent bookshop in the world. When you're finished buying go next door to Vesuvio and get drunk.
Scott KuriharaOctober 13, 2010
Look across the street behind the big tree to see a banksy piece. "at first you don't succeed -call in a airstrike"
Martín HunterApril 13, 2016
Are you a "beatnik"? This place is a MUST.
California GirlAugust 6, 2012
Excellent bookstore and with a rich Beatnik history. Photos of Kerouac et.al. abound.
TiffanyJune 29, 2012
Been here 25+ times
Amazing literature in translation section. One of the best I have seen in the US.
Jess LMarch 15, 2016
Gorgeous, great for browsing. Not really much in the way of kids books.
Bastian Greshake TzovarasSeptember 2, 2017
An institution that's worth every visit.
Farrar, Straus & GirouxFebruary 12, 2014
Meet David Grand on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 7:00 PM as he reads from his new novel Mount Terminus. Also with Wesley Stace. Read more
Chris SmithNovember 12, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Support local bookstores & local printers & authors.
Anita YuemingJanuary 2, 2016
You can find books that you can't find else where!
Smith BlarneyOctober 3, 2010
Just swim in the incredible selection, fantastic feel & history, be sure to have a drink at Vesuvio's next door & read yr new book
💕Linds💕June 29, 2016
Lawrence Ferlinghetti is the man! Thanks for everything Mr. Ferlinghetti!
Jussi HäyhäJanuary 7, 2016
Great place to spend tome and cash.
Mason BatleySeptember 25, 2014
Excellent wide selection of books.
Laura LubarovMay 24, 2012
I can't leave this place! Every time I try to leave another great book I've been meaning to read catches my eye! Damn you City Lights.
Jessica AndersonJuly 24, 2011
Check out the poetry/beat poetry room on the top floor. Grab a copy of HOWL while you're there.
Mariah MOctober 16, 2014
their book selection is great.
Carl MackiOctober 3, 2016
Willis, Tony, and Aliki Barnstone Reading this Thursday evening!
Finella Jianna VillaluzApril 4, 2017
Brings me to the past. Great selection of books. 😊
Helio MedeirosJune 24, 2017
The infant books are downstairs
JonesJune 8, 2016
Poetry room upstairs is unique
Roger Man HausAugust 30, 2013
Reading books may change your life!
Diego RufoMarch 25, 2011
If you love books, this is one of the best bookstores in the world to visit. Read more
Aaron DraczynskiOctober 9, 2012
Such an incredible bookstore, you'll never want to leave.
Laura BarnesMarch 30, 2016
Book heaven
Enda NasutionSeptember 22, 2015
Come and smell the beats generation breathing behind your neck
Arix BiMay 24, 2016
Nice to visit
Claire JudsonDecember 21, 2014
Very cool place, love the recommendations posted
SaliemJanuary 18, 2016
Small kids section in the basement
Alix BloodworthJuly 8, 2012
Go in, grab a seat upstairs, and read Howl.
Margherita B.March 3, 2017
The Beat Generation place
Logan KerrMarch 14, 2016
Really cute space.
Official smart USAApril 11, 2013
It’s more than just a bookstore, it’s a forum for free thinking.
Carrie HigginsFebruary 5, 2010
Been here 5+ times
Attend an author reading in the poetry room for stimulating discussion; meet cool locals and distinguished writers. Check the events calendar for details.
Eli HickoxJanuary 22, 2019
Poetry room is upstairs!
SalvadorSeptember 5, 2015
Great selection!
Ana MontesMay 16, 2014
Love♡♡.. phenomenal bookstore
Carmen MyersNovember 21, 2012
Cut across jack Kerouac alley and you travel from Italy to china
RainbeauJanuary 24, 2017
Founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953.
Kirstie O'DonnellJanuary 15, 2015
Cool wee bookstore. Almost get lost in.
Tom BevilacquaDecember 20, 2009
Been here 5+ times
Go to City Lights Books, go upstairs to the Beat Generation section and buy a copy of On The Road, Howl and Naked Lunch.
Alex DrMay 14, 2023
Buy the Howl poem by Alan G here.
Heidi De BruyckerApril 4, 2019
Oh I wished there were more stores like that

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