The Many English Bookstores of Amsterdam

By Amsterdam City Tours

Image CarbonNYC/Flickr

It goes without saying that you can find English language books in just about any bookstore in the city. But it may surprise you to learn that there are quite a few English-only bookstores in Amsterdam.

The Dutch capitol is quite the international melting pot. You're more likely to hear English than Dutch while traipsing through town. So it does make sense.

Whether you're living in Amsterdam or just passing through and you find you need a good read, head to any one of these excellent bookshops. They're sure to have what you're looking for at a reasonable price.

The English Bookstore
Kalverstraat 223 and Leidsestraat 52
020 624 9789

This bookstore slashes the prices of books, making it great place for bargain hunting. They have a large selection of travel guides in addition to a variety of books from all genres. There is no website for this shop.

Open Mondays-Sundays 9AM-10PM.

The Book Exchange
Kloveniersburgwal 58
020 626 6266

A one-man business since 1978, this second-hand bookshop will also buy your old reads.

Open Mondays-Saturdays 10AM-6PM, and Sundays 11:30AM-4PM.

Waterstones Booksellers
Kalverstraat 152
020 638 3821

More than just a bookstore, you can also hit up Waterstones for greeting cards, magazines, newspapers, games, and British foods.

Open Mondays 10AM-6PM, Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Fridays 9:30AM-6:30PM, Thursdays 9:30AM-9PM, Saturdays 10AM-6:30PM, and Sundays 11AM-6PM

The American Book Center
Spui 12
020 625 5537

Three stores of books, magazines, and newspapers, The American Book Center recently celebrated 40 years! Students, teachers, and seniors get an automatic 10% discount. Yearly discount cards can also be purchased for €7.

Open Mondays 11AM-8PM, Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Fridays/Saturday 10AM-8PM, Thursdays 10AM-9PM, and Sundays 11AM-6:30PM.

The English Bookshop
Lauriergracht 71
020 626 4230

New and second-hand books are the order of the day at the English Bookshop. Take a break from reading and head down to the basement for a refreshment at the coffee bar. Writing workshops are also held here and it's the home of many writers groups.

Open Tuesdays-Saturdays 11AM-6PM.

DeSlechte and Selexys Boekwinkel also carry English language books, or head to Spui square on Fridays for the book market where English titles are also available.

© 2013, Amsterdam City Tours Blog. All rights reserved. On republishing any part of this post, you must provide a link back to this original post