Great bookstore! It has a good selection of book. Their Spanish selection is not that extensive but not bad. I wish they had more fiction in Spanish. But other than that it excels expectations.I enjoy learning about this bookstore prior to going. And as it is expected they have a good Ferlinghetti selection.After this stop by the neighbor bar Vesuvio for a drink (you can get a discount at the bar if you buy a book at city lights). And also stop by specs twelve Adler museum bar… I heard it was another fave of Ferlinghetti.

A literary landmark in the City. If you are a book lover, you must make the pilgrimage to North Beach and visit this gem. Three stories and hundreds of categories, you could get lost for hours. I especially appreciate the Staff Picks and have found some remarkable books I would never have crossed paths with.

This iconic bookstore has the same feeling as it did when the beatniks were in the basement, reading poetry. The store itself has some hard-to-find books. It is well curated and keeps in line with the Jack Kerouac Era.

This is a necessary stop for all the book lovers and history lovers visiting San Francisco! Besides all the history with the Beat Generation and an awesome selection of books, this shop has an awesome upstairs poetry room perfect for relaxing and reading, lots of unique spaces for exploring/browsing, and it has that awesome book smell (book lovers, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about!). You could spend hours here browsing!

A true treasure, City Lights Booksellers is a reminder of the incredible valued place of the independent book publisher & store front in American culture. While each with their distinct history and devoted clientele, common magical ties to others that remain, include the Harvard Square Book Store (Cambridge MA) and Politics and Prose (DC). Where one can wonder for many hours, through the carefully and lovely stocked shelves (and levels) of poetry, children’s books, fiction, philosophy, staff recommendations (my favorite!) and so much more. For someone who has converted to ebooks a while ago, I always leave in hand with a pile of new reads. After an experience of browsing the shelves, leaving those of us old enough to remember the dewy decimal classification as our ‘google’ or Amazon Prime search on index cards, yearning for a simpler time. Where a book was something to be physically handled with joy and care, a cover design appreciated like a fine work of art, without needing 5G or Alexa to browse.

Great bookshop that has a long history in SF! Definitely worth a stop when you’re in town. The employees are very helpful if you need to find something.

Come for the Beats, stay for everything that this bookstore has to offer—the rich history of Beats, carefully curated selection of books with many recommendations by the staff, pictures that offer information aplenty about Beats history and a lot else on the walls and along the staircase, Beats merchandise that you can buy near the cash register, the smell of bookstore that wafts in the air and is amplified because of the cosy nature of the place, fellow bibliophiles whose overheard conversations make you feel like you’ve found a long-lost friend, I could go on and on. :)I spent 3 hours here on a Saturday in June and could’ve easily spent much longer, if I didn’t have other obligations. Baldwin, Shakur, Mistry, Orwell, Patty Smith—this place has everything. I bought a couple of books and some merchandise when I was here. I’ll be back here again soon.They were asking for people to put masks the day I went(June 19,2021).“Would you not howl, too?”

Iconic, historical place. Come prepared to spend hours there - definitely worth the time to look at everything special they have.

City Lights is the sine qua non of american bookshop culture. They dont have every book ever printed, but every book they sell is worth reading.

This book store had managed to capture the perfect vibe. Had a wonderful time here!

Theres nothing as emblematic from SF (apart from the golden gate) than City Lights bookstore. Funded by Ferlinghetti in 1953 is a great legacy for the world poetry and literature. It started publishing paperback only blocks in 1955 something that was truly revolutionary at the time. Publishing alternative poets and artists unknown at the time; Allan Ginsberg to name an example. The spark that fuel the San Francisco literary renaissance and the Beat generation that followed. Ferlinghettis Sanctum.

When I was browsing, there were a lot of books that seemed to just have a single copy. There are several floors, so be sure to explore around if there isnt something you are looking for. I really enjoy the decor of the place and how it is mantained. Its a 5 star for me.

Truly a gem of a place connecting the past and the future, the world and San Francisco, writers and readers, art and literature, the political and the personal, Chinatown and North Beach (Italian neighborhood), words and deeds.

Don’t miss this famous historical book store. Huge collections of books

The book selection is outstanding. but the snootyness of the white progressive staff is annoying. shout out to the young woman of color on the door. you made this trip very memorable....

Awesome selection and super unique selection of books. A must visit bookstore in san fran!!

A living memorial to another era when books and writing were important.We stopped in to read a bit of Jack Kerouacs poetry while visiting SFI love seeing their China town neighbors wash being hung our nearby windows from the second floor

This bookstore was founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, who wanted to sell paperbacks so that regular people could afford them. The store also published books of poetry, including Alan Ginsbergs seminal 1957 work, Howl, which was initially seized by authorities and became the center of a free speech lawsuit. The store carries on this legacy of providing affordable books, with a large selection of contemporary works along with the poetry and Beat literature it was famous for, to San Franciscans, tourists, and pilgrims. The alley behind it is named after Jack Kerouac and is adorned with beautiful murals. Visiting during Covid, it felt safe with masks required and a partition for the cashier. Well-behaved dogs were welcomed.

Go see for yourself. Youll love it.

This is my first time to visit SF. This Vintage bookstore is special in USA history and American west history. All the books are great. But I got 5 nice vintage postcards here. The owner is worm hearted and knowledgeable. And the staff was helpful.

Love the history of this place. I always enjoy finding a local bookstore to shop in when Im visiting a new city. The shelves are crammed with new and old favorites. Plenty of choices for every book lover.My only slight complaint is that I had the kids with me and no corner to put them in and look at childrens books. I mightve missed that section though.I believe there were at least 2 levels, but I only checked out the main level.

It was a nice bookstore. It had good selections. The staff was a little curt and rude.

Amazing place !

Lawrence Ferlinghetti is one of the coolest writers that ever lived, one of Ginsbergs great minds.And they have an eclectic selection in a picturesque location.

This bookstore had an amazing selection of rare and unique finds along with more mainstream titles. Its notable for being the epicenter of the beat movement, and they publish a lot of cool titles. To top it off, there are THREE STORIES OF BOOKS! If youre a book lover visiting San Francisco, its worth a visit.

The place is worth visiting even if you dont buy. The exterior of the building has very beautiful murals.

This is your anti-corporate bookstore an organic and living testament to literary pursuits that are not in line with the corporate slavery.

Amazing book selection

Visiting City Lights was everything I could have hoped for and a dream come true. Great staff, selection, and aesthetic — was even introduced to one of my new favorite writers via recommendation. Thank you City Lights! Can’t wait to return.

Love City lights for small pressings & publications,poetry books, avant-garde short stories,local writers and Local Books on San Francisco. Very friendly and helpful staff

This place is a rite of passage for anyone doing tourist things here. They have their own publishing. The downstairs is just dripping with knowledge and ideas.

Historic bookstore thats a joy to browse. Bigger than what youd think given an upstairs and basement! Love the different staff recommendations peppered around the shelves especially, theyve helped me to discover some new reads.

Cool. Historic. A true poetry landmark of the city. Also a little bit snooty hipster elitist. At least some of the staff were.

A must stop for a bibliophile if you happen to be in the san Francisco area. It is pretty small just two stories but small ones. Love the vintage style store front. Has bookstore merchandise to purchase.

Visit every time Im in SF! More than just a slice of history, its a great bookshop too! Please visit.

Very little variety it just seemed as if every shelf was full of Politics and little else. Politics are important, of course, but I dont come to a bookstore at all to become more knowledgeable about it. Any sections that I was interested in had little to no books. Also some of the childrens books were displaying disgusting messages, so parents dont come here to get any child books

Their book selection is unusually good. They are also friendly and willing to work with local writers. They live up to their reputation.

Legendary City Lights Bookstore, founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, is probably the best bookstore in the world. A shrine for booklovers and a Temple of reading. Books of all kinds, art, poetry, music, novels - all you can wish for. The staff make excellent recomendations. A must see when in San Francisco.

Great spot to learn a price of San Francisco history. Books hand picked by the staff and arranged with love. Relaxing music and nice vibe to spend an afternoon :) a must visit for SF!

I had heard about City Lights Bookstore since moving to San Francisco but had never been before. I regret not going sooner -- it was fantastic! And steeped in history. In 1957, the owner of City Lights Bookstore, Lawrence Ferlinghetti (who turned 100 this year & still owns the bookstore) was arrested on obscenity charges for publishing and selling Allen Ginsbergs Howl and Other Poems. The charges were dropped, a win for free speech and lose for censorship.The bookstore has 3 floors and all kinds of books! The top floor is poetry and beat authors, with a few chairs to sit & enjoy reading. The ground floor is fiction, non-fiction, classics & European literature. There is also a small corner with a few chairs and table to enjoy reading. The basement is childrens, YA, music, film, and different cultural studies (Native American, LGBTQI, womens studies and a lot of others).The outside of the store posts banners at the top to spread a message. The current message is, Paper may burn, but words will escape.

Worth going out of your way for. Amazing selection of books for everybody.

This is a cool quirky book store. I wish the science fiction / fantasy section was bigger, but thats just me.

Remembering Lawrence Ferlinghetti Tuesday, February 23, 2021.

So many good books in a historical area. Get a brewski at Cafe Vesuvio across the street after shopping & read your new book.

If you’re looking for chain store sameness do not come here, but if you’re looking for a unique environment with a well curated collection of books across a wide range of topics, this is the place for you. Tons of personality, plenty of people, but still some space to sit for a minute and page through a book or two.

Favorite bookstore in the world. Two stories of books with reading areas. Hit Vesuvio Cafe and Jack Kerouac alley for a dive into the 1960s/Beat Generation. Literary heaven.

Legendary... what else can be said about the most amazing bookstore in the US (Powell Books in portland.. a close second) and one of the most historic on the planet. The Beatniks made it their home as of 1953. Kerouac, Ginsburg, Burroughs, Ferlinghetti along with countless other thinkers, writers, poets, artists. If you’re in SF dont miss out. Located at end of Chinatown and beginning of North Beach. Still very active with a great selection of books but also readings and other events occur here.La librairie City lights a ne pas manquer si vous passez a SF. Proche du downtown, cette librairie est historique par sa contribution au movement des Beatniks des années 50. Toujours tres active. A decouvrir.

The bookstore is a legend itself. It has a great collections of new books and books of great historic value.

Infamous for its history. You can really feel that the building still has the essence of the beat poets. Also, you can find great works of literature.

Neat spot to get inspired to read something different, old book smells, tight rows of bookshelves and small spaces to hang with a book.

Incredible bookstore I could spend HORUS in. They are very Covid conscious and made everyone in the store feel comfortable by asking everyone to sanitize their hands before entering. The history of this book place is unmatched and they truly have everything. A true San Francisco gem.

The smell of this place is intoxicating to anyone with even a hint of Buffys Giles in them

There was something absolutely magical about City Lights. The vibe was absolutely perfect and has me wanting to experience reading a physical book again... Something I havent done in forever. You can just feel the history of this place. Head uostairs to the Beatnik section!

Great collection of books with many staff recommendations. Staff was friendly and super helpful.

Their selection expands beyond best sellers. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Favorite bookstore in the bay area.

A small bookstore with fantastic atmosphere and great selection of poetry, cultural and fiction pieces

Interesting book store to say the least. Not quite my cup of tea, but it has an eclectic array to choose from.

Despite being advertised as the must see bookstore when visiting San Francisco, I wasnt overwhelmed by the place.Its definitely a lovely laid out, cosy bookstore with some cute quirks. However, I left the store having purchased a single post card. The book selection is mediocre. There appears to be so many genres that there cant possibly be a solid selection of any of them.I saw posters advertising their poet nights, and they appear to have that aspect that attract people on other nights of the week.Theyre conveniently located in the centre of the city near bars and restaurants, and within walking distance of it hotel in the financial district, so if youre in the area its stilll worth checking out.That said, next time Im in San Francisco Ill happily take the bus to Green Apple Books.

A sea of books and such gracious hosts. My name is Roger Browning. I am a born rancher in Texas, but my love has always been books. This is one of the most excellent book stores out there. I meant what I said about a sea of books. I could set up a tent with a good lanturn right in the middle of it and be content ever more. I am a writer bred of Texas. Born and raised in I guess a writers belt, where Larry McMurtry was raised, just a mere twenty or so miles away. Writer Black of Penguin lore, just twenty or so miles too, but like them I was bred to write and have written as many novels as both to boot. My new book that is out right now is a description for the dysfunctional and the troubled sometimes we see, but of a different twist in the writing that you might feel for its difference. A story about inheritance and what caused all of them to be that way. A story of a modern day ranching family split down the middle for their ways. One day I would like Rance, to sit upon this stores storied shelves, as it is one of my favorite places and I believe for my wish for the protagonist of my book, that this for his life spent, is truly where hed want to be. My name is Roger Browning. Author of The Reckoning of Rance, now out on Amazon.

Pretty bookstore with a great selection of interesting and profound fiction and nonfiction books!

A must-visit place for any book lover! One of the coolest bookstores ever!

Excellent selection, helpful and chatty staff. Be aware that they dont accept contactless payments.

Very unique bookstore. If looking for a topic book, great spot. If looking for a novel or kids book, not too many options.

Love this place. Always try to stop in when Im in the area to see what is new. They have a great assortment of books, etc. especially books that are hard to find. They are very helpful in pointing you in the right direction in the store to what youre looking g for, as well as, making recommendations. If they dont have what you are looking for, they will do their best to get it for you. The people their have always been great and the customer service to notch.

This is a must see bookstore for anyone visiting SF. They have later hours and a fantastic selection.

Great place to find used books in San Francisco. Very unique and quichey.

Great historical place. A must visit to pick up a new read and be a part of history.

Im from Chicago, and thought we had good bookstores here, but man City Lights is the best bookstore I have ever been in. The selection was unlike anything I had ever seen. I had to restrain myself, or I could have blown several hundred dollars easily. The gentleman who rang my husband and I up was very nice and knowledgeable. I look forward to coming back and spending more money there in the future!

Incredible book store rich with history. The place takes ypu back to the jazz filled nights of the beats. The selection of books is fantastic with staff selections which are unparallelled. Its a must visit for any traveler to San Francisco

The Beatnik Gen ground zero. Great bookstore to browse and discover. Prepare to send here a long time. Just immerse yourself...love the diversity of topics and disciplines. Lots of hard to find titles in non and fiction, current events...

I love window shopping here, seeing the latest literature in the windows. Then going in the alley behind the bookstore to have a smoke and look at the latest graffiti murals on the walls.

Charming bookshop. Full of character.

Literary history hotspot, plus fantastic poetry section.

Awesome bookstore with curated offering for staying at the edge! Dont miss it.

What a lovely little bookstore! Unfortunately a little overrun by tourists and hardly the quiet, somber bookstore kind of experience, but definitely a great historical part of San Francisco. Its quirky and fun, though maybe an ideal place to pick up a postcard rather than your next good read.

Wonderful service with an incredible collection of books

The bookstore’s environment is great

City Lights is a great bookstore thats been part of SF life since 1953. There are 2 floors of books to browse, and a 3rd floor office.The store is significant for its original owners being part of the beat generation....as in beatniks.Prior to the current Covid epidemic, City Lights frequently held book signings, readings + other events featuring well known authors and poets. Worth checking out this interesting and historic spot in North Beach

Great selections of books! To be honest the best bookstore in SF!

Amazing shop, with a great history.

Birthplace of the Beat Generation. A must see if you are in the area

Not only a bookstore but also a historical site.

Terribly expensive and didnt have what i wanted

Loved shopping here. Plenty of gems to be found on their shelves. Recently Ive been refraining from purchasing books, just because I have a back-stock of ones at home I havent gotten to yet. But I couldnt refuse buying a fair amount here. The staff was extra nice and friendly, too.

If you are in San Francisco you must visit this historic and iconic book store. Also have a drink next door where the Jack Kerouac drank.

Excellent selection for a small space.

Burger was juicy and delicious.Stop for a bit during a ECV Historical Plack Tour thru downtown San Francisco with with Brothers and Sisters of Yerba Buena #1.

Beat Generation iconic bookstore.Loooove the Poets room.

Classic and iconic book store. A great place to browse and relax. Well worth a stop.

Amazing historical bookstore and publisher.

What could one possibly say about City Lights? Its an institution and if you love books you must make the pilgrimage here!

Excellent selection for the space, landmark that maintains its history.

We have good memories here.

A landmark in the history of San Francisco literature and poetry movement, beatniks... Amazing selection of books

Best place to browse for a book. Poetry room up stairs.

Classic! Always visit here when I travel to San Francisco.

I usually read books on my Kindle but wanted go read a hardback copy of Obamas book. This is a storied independent bookstore here in San Francisco. They do a great job of keeping the place healthy with hand sanitizer and staff posted at the entrance. Amazing selection of bestsellers and unique finds. Being there reminded me that I miss bookstores. Lucky we have one here right in the heart of SF.

Amazing book selections! Bookstore is in an old building.just go and explore!

Hours are currently only until 8. Give yourself time to peruse.

Great selection of books, always find something new and refreshing.