Albertine Bookstore
An Aladdin’s cave of more than 14,000 French and English tomes
Housed in the historic and beautiful Payne Whitney Mansion, this independent bookstore and reading room commands more than 14,000 classic and contemporary titles lining its heavy wooden shelves. Its décor is equally noteworthy, with plush armchairs and a hand-painted ceiling depicting dreamy celestial motifs. Bookworms beware: once you enter, you might never want to leave.