If you like to browse your books late at night, this is the place to go. Open till midnight. Staff is super helpful, they don't turn to a computer straight away to find something.

City Lights is a can't-miss for its historic past. The bookstore and non-profit publisher focuses on progressive works and printed locally authored collections like Allen Ginsberg 's famous Howl. Read more

Very special, old bookstore . Be sure to spend your time downstairs: it's roomier, not rushed, and have very interesting material. In the post-bookstore era, this one reminds you how great they can be.

Independent bookstore-publisher est. 1953 and became widely known after publishing Allen Ginsberg in 1956. Today, you can buy all kinds of books here.

A legend still doing high volume. Fun to see that they can assert a strong literary perspective in their recommendations and staff picks offline, in today's best seller, Amazon universe .

If your looking for something new, hip or different. If you're lost and looking for a bible that's significant towards the development of your personal mythology..look no further.

The loveliest bookstore in SF. The gems are in the nooks and crannies. Very extensive non-fiction section with place to sit downstairs.

The best book store in the world! Legendary place, and the people who work here actually read. Always ask for recommendations.

The best bookstore in The City ! Be sure to make it upstairs to the poetry section.

A charming, expansive store! Great selection of fiction, political works, literary magazines, and poetry -- plus friendly , helpful staff .

Relax with a book in the original Beatnik hangout, the first all-paperback bookstore in America when poet-owner Lawrence Ferlinghetti opened the doors in 1953. - Green Guide Editor

Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin , the independent bookstore and publisher specializes in world literature, the arts , and progressive politics. Read more

SF Weekly’s Best Of 2012 Winner – Editorial Pick - Best Place to Buy New Books . San Francisco’s status as one of America’s best book cities was somewhat threatened by closures over the last decade... Read more

One of many amazing bookstores in the city . I get lost in writers every time I come here

My wife’s and daughter’s fav place. Must visit!!

Not as funky as I would have imagined it to be, but great selection (and obviously a worthwhile landmark for any lover of books or beatniks) nonetheless

Support excellent and civic minded bookstores ! This is the beating heart of our first amendment.

This place is fantastic in its selection of books , historical significance and proximity to the Beat Museum ! Worth the trip to visit.

Has a good amount of literary works. Three floors total. Take your time and browse.

You can feel the history of this place as you go down each and every row of books . Do you like books ? You have to check it out.

It's so awesome! Take the Detour (app) called The Beat Generation and visit City Lights to learn some history of the Beats.

OMG. Absolutely worth it for beat generation fans. I totally love this bookstore . I need back.

So much history here. Go up to the poetry section and check out all the posters from Beat authors on the wall

Bookstores don't get any better than this! Founded in San Francisco in 1953 during the Beat Era, it contains three floors of books , all housed in an historic building .

One of my favorites!! They're open late , making city lights a great place to hang out after a few drinks :)

This is one of the most expertly curated bookstores I've ever been to. Long after the Beat Generation faded, Ferlinghetti's voice is strong.

An integral part of SF's beatnik history . The original publishers of Howl, they have a great beatnik section as well as other great books . - Kellie, Community Manager

No public bathroom . The science fiction section is small and at the very back of the basement . They have great graphic novels . :)

Any bookstore where you can shop till midnight, and catch Daniel Handler in a fez playing the accordion, cannot be a bad bookstore .

Come here for the books and for a slice of history. Also check out the room on the second floor for events .

Extremely interesting book curation here. Really very unique in what it stocks, even among independent bookstores .

This place is magical. Get lost in it. And take a flick by the door- you'll know which one when you see it ????

Amazing bookstore with a well-curated selection. Love the poetry section upstairs.

A piece of history, and still a fantastic bookshop .

Loved this bookstore so much ???? great selection, politically relevant, and well priced

An absolute treasure! Don't forget to see the poetry and beat section upstairs.

I wish I never had to leave this beautiful three story bookstore ! It feels like taking a step back in time whenever you go in!

They have very nice people working and interesting walls. I liked the downstairs the most.

Amazing book store with tons of books on the Beats and more!

Go to the third floor and find a copy of Ginsberg's "Howl" - the book that embroiled City Lights in an obscenity trial. Sit in the Poet's Chair and read it from start to finish.

Outstanding, world-class, historic bookshop

Exactly what you want from an independent bookstore . It's quiet , has charm and a good selection.

Sure it is of historical significance, but don't lose sight of the fact that it is a cracking bookstore

City Lights Bookstore is the epicenter of Beat History, founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin in 1953.

Meet Nayomi Munaweera on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 7:00 PM as she reads from her debut novel Island of a Thousand Mirrors. Also in conversation with Paul Yamazaki. Read more

Cool bookstore they're open until midnight. Their collections are surely interesting.

A very good selection of cook books in the basement

In 1956 founder Lawrence Ferlinghetti published Alan Ginsberg's beatnik classic poem "Howl", and faced obscenity charges for it. In a landmark ruling, the poem was protected by the First Amendment.

Thought I wouldn't be able to find a replacement for NYC's Stand Book Store but.. this place is even better. Words, knowledge , ideas emanate from those shelves like no other.

Make sure you give yourself enough time here for some thorough browsing. I could easily spend hours here.