The Midtown Scholar Bookstore: Self-Guided Audio Tours
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Top sights near The Midtown Scholar Bookstore
Take a fascinating walk through the historic Midtown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, guided by this compelling in-app audio tour! You will start your journey at the majestic Capitol building, an architectural masterpiece that boasts a stunning dome and impressive artwork. As you come closer to St. Patrick's Cathedral, marvel at its façade reflecting the glory of the Church. Then, you will have the chance to visit Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, which serves as an excellent example of Harrisburg's reinvention of itself. You will also see the 150-year-old Broad Street Market, where you can try and buy almost any food you can imagine. As you continue your walk, you will pass by a former mill house that is now the home for more than 20 artists, a locally sourced restaurant, and an outdoor beer garden. After that, you may get lost among the bookshelves in the famous Midtown Scholar Bookstore. Harrisburg has a single art museum, and you will admire this very solid-looking former bank building. You will also unveil the tangled destiny of the Midtown Cinema, which was abandoned and brought back to life several times. Our tour ends in Riverfront Park, which stretches the length of Harrisburg along the Susquehanna River. Take a stroll in this spacious park and find its hidden gems – three remarkable statues you will learn about from this tour. Enjoy your walk and feel the energy of this dynamic city!
About The Midtown Scholar Bookstore
Address
North 3rd Street, 1302Open in Google MapsOpening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best time to visit
Crowd level
Directions
The Midtown Scholar Bookstore is a well-known independent bookstore in Harrisburg’s Midtown district, valued as both a literary hub and a community gathering place. Its large selection of new and used books has made it a destination for readers seeking everything from bestsellers and manga to poetry, textbooks, and local history. Reviews consistently highlight its maze-like stacks, multi-level browsing experience, and welcoming staff, features that give the store much of its character. The in-store café adds to its role as a social space, where visitors linger over coffee and baked goods while reading or meeting friends. In Harrisburg, The Midtown Scholar Bookstore stands out as a cultural anchor that supports book culture, conversation, and slow, rewarding exploration.
Before you enter
- Check current opening hours before visiting; the store is closed on Mondays.
- Bring a tote bag if you expect to browse both new and used sections.
- Allow at least an hour to explore the full selection comfortably.
- Plan a morning visit if you prefer quieter aisles and easier browsing.
What to expect
- Expect a large, multi-level bookstore with many categories and winding stacks.
- You’ll find both new and used books, from popular titles to niche subjects.
- A café serves coffee, chai, and baked goods for a relaxed visit.
- Staff are frequently praised for being friendly and helpful with recommendations.
During your visit
- Look for local history shelves if you want a stronger Harrisburg connection.
- Take your time; the layout encourages wandering and unexpected discoveries.
- Visit the café midway through browsing for a break and quieter reading time.
- Watch for stairways and different rooms with varied genres and specialties.