City Lights Booksellers & Publishers

Shops · San Francisco, CA

4.4 (816 · Yelp ) ·$$ ·Bookstore ·

About

City Lights Booksellers & Publishers is the legendary independent bookstore and publishing house that first published Allen Ginsberg's 'Howl' and helped launch the Beat Movement. Located in North Beach, this three-level shop has been a cornerstone of San Francisco's literary scene since 1953, hosting countless readings and events.

The store is open daily from 10am to 10pm, giving you plenty of time to browse poetry, fiction, and non-fiction across its quirky floors. If you're a book lover, pair a visit with a stop at Green Apple Books for even more curated selections.

Features

  • Browse three floors of books
  • Attend readings and literary events
  • Pick up Beat poetry classics

Good for

Bookstore

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of products does City Lights sell? +

City Lights is a bookstore specializing in literature, poetry, and Beat era classics, plus non-fiction and fiction titles.

Is parking available nearby? +

There is street parking in North Beach, but it can be limited. Public transit or rideshare is recommended.

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