Although it is paired with the mega-chain Barnes and Noble, it does not take away from the breathtaking selection at this bookstore, the largest in Connecticut. You can take a book or periodical to the cafe, which serves Starbucks coffee and other delectable goodies. If you promised someone a souvenir Yale t-shirt or baby onesie, this is the best place in town to find insignia clothing and university paraphernalia. If you need stationery supplies, you can get those here, too.

This funky (and popular with the Yale crowd) bookstore offers an expansive selection for all ages and tastes, plus a fun adjoining cafe to grab a bite or drink and to further enjoy the literary experience. The store faces busy Chapel Street and if you are lucky enough to grab a place by the window, you can add people watching to the experience. Close to the Yale University Art Gallery and other Yale attractions, Atticus is a great place for the bookish as well as the hungry tourist.

Many would be surprised to find that one of the premier independent bookstores in the country, albeit a small one compared to the sheer size of many others, is located in Madison, just a 15-minute drive from New Haven. R.J. Julia has been the most unique and appealing independent bookseller in the area since 1989, with a small cafe and coffee shop as well as a huge area dedicated to children's books. Stepping into R.J. Julia is like venturing into a Victorian home, filled with books and trinkets galore. One of the best reasons to show up here is to hear one of the numerous, noted authors promote their latest works, and there is a book event nearly every day. Plenty of big names are attracted to this bookstore which caters to young and old, and will do its best to ensure you can get what you need.