In 2025, interest in independent bookstores across the U.S. is alive and thriving. Despite the convenience of e-readers and online shopping, many book-lovers are rediscovering the joy of wandering through physical bookstores, browsing shelves, uncovering hidden gems and attending in-person author events. It seems that "bookstore tourism" is also having a moment, as readers are planning trips based on the most beautiful shops out there.
Google Trends data confirms the trend, specifically revealing which independent bookstores across the U.S. that are drawing more interest than ever.
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Here are the most-searched bookstores in the U.S. in 2025:
Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon takes the top spot on the list, and it’s easy to see why. The massive bookstore—spanning a full city block, featuring three color-coded floors and roughly a million books—is a Mecca for booklovers. You can waste away an afternoon wandering from new releases to rare finds, then catch a poetry night or author reading.
Strand Bookstore in New York City comes in at number two. Opened in 1927 and still family-owned, it packs more than 2.5 million books into its sprawling East Village home. As the slogan states, the endless shelves house "18 miles of Bbooks." It’s crowded, chaotic and an independent NYC stalwart that stands strong in a city dominated by chains.
The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles was the third most-searched bookstore in the U.S in 2025. The literary landmark sits inside a former bank. The soaring ceilings and dramatic architecture add theatrical flare to the rows of new and used books mixed with vinyl and graphic novels. It's also an arts hub, with a steady lineup of gallery shows and workshops.
At number four, Kinokuniya's flagship location in midtown Manhattan draws manga fans, design lovers and anyone who appreciates a well-organized shop. You’ll find Japanese imports, art books, graphic novels and a huge selection of stationery and pens that will make you want to take up letter-writing.
The Stanford University Bookstore on the Stanford campus in California wraps up the top five most-searched bookstores in the U.S. More than a campus shop, the store doubles as a community hangout. Visitors come for academic titles, tech reads and a strong selection of new fiction, and the vibe will make you want to go back to school just so you can shop here for required books.
Ten most searched bookstores in 2025 according to Google Trends
- Powell's City of Books, Portland, Oregon
- Strand Book Store, New York, New York
- The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles, California
- Kinokuniya New York, New York, New York
- Stanford University Bookstore, Stanford, California
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