In November I arrived home after two months of travelling and I thought I’d share some of the bookshops I found myself in along the way. Some are tiny hidden gems, others are enormous and well-known, but all are irresistible in their own way.
Bookshops are my favourite places to hide in. To bury myself in a book or a piece of work, or to shelter from the rain, surrounded by the particular calm of stories waiting patiently. But I'm particularly drawn to them when I'm in a new place. When my surroundings are unfamiliar and potentially intimidating. These are safe, welcoming spaces to browse or settle in for a while.
First up, my top four favourite bookshops from the trip:
Filigraines, Brussels. This is the holy grail. A huge selection with eye-catching displays. Plus – a café filled with people actually reading! They also sell wine and stationery. I’m not entirely sure how I managed to drag myself away…
Filigraines, Brussels. This is the holy grail. A huge selection with eye-catching displays. Plus – a café filled with people actually reading! They also sell wine and stationery. I’m not entirely sure how I managed to drag myself away…
Shakespeare & Sons, Prague and Berlin. These are very memorable shops. Berlin has bagels so gets a few bonus points, but Prague has a basement space filled with antique furniture and interesting prints. I have fond memories of wandering around both with new friends.
De Slegte Bookstore, Leuven. A second hand bookshop with a huge English section. Well-priced with kind staff. I had to resist picking up any more books here as it was towards the end of my trip and my backpack was bulging dangerously…
Book Store Dominicanen, Maastricht. An independent bookshop inside a 700-year-old former Dominican church with new and second hand books in several languages, along with a huge vinyl collection and café. I visited on a spontaneous day trip and fell in love with the city. A historic and stunning space which absolutely won my heart.
Some other recommendations:
- Passa Porta, Brussels. Very modern. Great tote bag selection and range of travel guides.
- Donner Boekhandel, Rotterdam. Large bookshop with a variety of literature and space for talks and lectures. I sat with a girl I met to read our new poetry books in the café, and we can both confirm it’s a great place for a restorative cry!
- Bosch&deJong boekverkopers, Rotterdam. Small, but inside a food court! I stumbled in here when my umbrella had disintegrated, and my mood was similarly crumbling. A safe haven with delicious coffee and food stalls.
- Globe English Bookstore & Café, Prague. A gorgeous bookshop with a bar and restaurant in the back. Great coffee, great cider (maybe not at the same time). Highly recommend.
- Librairie Alinea, Luxembourg. Extensive selection with lovely gift options. Also very close to the Chocolate House. You know what to do.
- Dussman, Berlin. Filled with people with their noses in books – BLISS. Decorated beautifully with plants and trees, a gorgeous place to spend a few hours.
I hope you check these places out if you're nearby, and enjoy them as much as I did.
My bookshop bucket list is still ever-growing... What's on yours?
