13 of Amsterdam's most beautiful bookstores

Bookworms, take note! Amsterdam may be home to countless bookstores, but which ones are the best? You'll find them in this ultimate Your Little Black Book list. From places you can spend hours browsing to smaller shops with a personal touch, where the staff personally review the books. Amsterdam has something for everyone.

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13 of Amsterdam's most beautiful bookstores

Cooperative New Bookstore

The Coöperatieve Nieuwe Boekhandel does more than just sell books: it connects the neighborhood. When the business was threatened with closure, locals took matters into their own hands. The bookstore now has around 200 owners. You'll always get good advice here. Still having trouble? Then browse their website first, as they're also packed with tips.
Bos en Lommerweg 227, Amsterdam – libris.nl/denieuweboekhandel

Pampus Bookstore

At Boekhandel van Pampus, you can easily spend a few hours browsing. Throughout the store, there are comfortable chairs and cushions where you can easily spend an entire afternoon. Especially if you've found a good book.
C. van Eesterenlaan 17, Amsterdam – bookstorevanpampus.nl

Even more of Amsterdam's most beautiful bookstores

Kok Antiquariaat

On Oude Hoogstraat in the city center, you'll find Boekhandel Kok, which has been there since 1946. Antique book lovers will be in their element here and can easily spend days. Can't see the forest for the trees? Just ask the knowledgeable staff for advice.
Old High Street 14-18, Amsterdam – kok.nvva.nl

Lost

Perdu is a center for "special literature" and poetry. In other words: not your average bookstore. The foundation has existed for years and offers publications, lectures, poetry evenings, and workshops, run by volunteers.
Kloveniersburgwal 86, Amsterdam – Instagram

Athenaeum

Did you know that besides the well-known location on Spui, there's also an Athenaeum store in South-East? Both offer a wide range of books in every genre imaginable, as well as a large selection of magazines.
Spui 14 – 16, Amsterdam – athenaeumscheltema.nl/athenaeum

© Athenaeum, @athenaeumboekhandel

Even more of Amsterdam's most beautiful bookstores

House of Marseilles

Although Huis Marseille is primarily known as a museum, it boasts a wonderful bookstore that specializes solely in photography books. From history to fashion and more, you're sure to find what you're looking for at this specialized photography bookstore.
Keizersgracht 401, Amsterdam – huismarseille.nl

Scheltema

Scheltema has now joined forces with Athenaeum, but that doesn't mean you have to go to just one. While you're more likely to linger over the magazines at Athenaeum, you're more likely to get lost in the stacks of books displayed on various tables and columns at Scheltema.
Rokin 9, Amsterdam – athenaeumscheltema.nl/scheltema

Bookstore De Dolfijn

Shopping on Haarlemmerdijk (a great idea if you love vintage) and looking for a good book? Then make sure you stop at Boekhandel de Dolfijn. Here, books are selected with the utmost care and attention. Books that stand out, according to the staff, come with a handwritten note explaining why the story is so special.
Haarlemmerdijk 92, Amsterdam – libris.nl/boekholtboekhandels/de-dolfijn

Even more of Amsterdam's most beautiful bookstores

The American Book Center

On Fridays, there's often a book market on the Spui, surrounded by unique bookstores like Athenaeum, Waterstone's, and The American Book Center (also a branch in The Hague). If you enjoy reading in English, this is the place to be. They also sell notebooks and fancy pens. It's practically impossible to leave empty-handed.
Spui 12, Amsterdam – abc.nl

© American Book Center, @theamericanbookcenter

Linnaeus Bookstore

Linnaeus Bookstore is undoubtedly the favorite bookstore for residents of Amsterdam East and Watergraafsmeer. This spacious store sells everything your heart desires: from cookbooks to coffee table books, non-fiction, and novels.
Middenweg 29, Amsterdam – Instagram

Minerva

The way Minerva bookstore on Koninginneweg is run is practically award-winning. Owners Tom and Patricia have read almost every book themselves and provide their customers with the best tips and suggestions. It's always a treat for children too: they always get a treat upon arrival.
Koninginneweg 229, Amsterdam – bookstoreminerva.nl

© Minerva, @boekhandelminerva

Even more of Amsterdam's most beautiful bookstores

Van Rossum

In Amsterdam Zuid, Van Rossum draws crowds, with its wide selection ensuring you're sure to find what you're looking for. The friendly staff is happy to help, even if you're not (yet) a bookworm or literature aficionado.
Beethovenstraat 32, Amsterdam – athenaeumscheltema.nl/vanrossum

martyrium

The Martyrium bookstore in Zuid is known for its wide selection of bargain books—dirt cheap books you won't easily find anywhere else. Bookworms love to come here every week to browse for hidden gems.
Van Baerlestraat 170-172, Amsterdam – athenaeumscheltema.nl/martyrium

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