Best Bookshops Across Europe

Shakespeare & Company

Probably the most famous English language bookstore in the world is Shakespeare and Company in Paris. The bookstore has been known as a sanctuary for writers ever since the 50’s, when it first provided them accommodation. Books are crammed in every available space at this charismatic shop, and events are listed both at the shop and online. Part-time work is often available and volunteers are accepted, so stop in and spend an afternoon or two in this historic bookshop in Paris.

The Globe Bookstore And Cafe

For anyone who has been on the road for some time, The Globe Bookstore and Café in Prague will seem like something sent from above. A friendly, young staff combined with shelves of English books, a quaint café, and free English-language newspapers to peruse will leave visitors feeling rejuvenated during their overseas journey. While the newspapers and magazines can be frightfully expensive, you can have a free read in the café. With a special section of books dealing with Prague and Czech history, take this opportunity to learn more about the culture while in town.

BM Bookshop

Unlike many other European countries, an English-language bookshop isn’t as easy to come by in Italy. If you’re in Florence however, there is a great option: BM Bookshop. Many visitors are glad they stopped in to this personal shop at the beginning of their visit to Florence: the helpful staff have often given suggestions on where to eat and shop in the city as well. A large selection of new books are stacked beside rare and collectible books, making it a great place to look for a gift or souvenir of your time in Italy. And being Italy, of course they have a wide selection of cookery titles.

East of Eden International Bookshop

If you’re looking for a way to get into the action of Berlin, East of Eden Bookshop is a great place to start. For anyone with literary interests, this second-hand bookshop in Friedrichshain hosts many events and readings. These events are listed on their website if you’d like to do some research before arriving. If you’re just looking for a place to spend a rainy afternoon, East of Eden has some couches to relax on while you sift through the piles of second-hand books.

Bestsellers Bookshop

If you ask any ex-pat living in Budapest where they buy their books, odds are they will answer ‘Bestsellers’. Books, academic titles, newspapers and magazines in English (and also in French) line the bookshelves. Open seven days a week, this bookshop gets fresh stock in from the UK and America every week. If you finished your book on the journey to Budapest, be sure to stop into Bestsellers and pick something up for the plane / train ride home.

J & J Books And Coffee

Similar to Italy, it typically isn’t easy to find an English language bookstore in Spain. When you can find English language books, they are typically expensive as well. This isn’t the case at J & J Books and Coffee in Madrid. They have a large selection of second-hand, paperback books in English, and a small bar / sitting area where guests can have a coffee or take advantage of free wi-fi. The staff all speak English, which can be a great comfort for those having a difficult time with Spanish. This is also a rare gem of a store where used books can be brought in for exchange.