Berlin revels in its clever reputation. A center for intellectual discussion. A place for debate. A literary capital.
So it makes sense that the city is full of bookstores. Berlin has quirky little shops offering rare editions and chic modern shops with top-notch reading. While most bookstores cater to a German clientele, they also cater to an international crowd.
While many bookstores have books in foreign languages, from English to French, Spanish and Turkish, and can request special orders, English bookstores in Berlin offer the best selection. Here is an extensive list of the best English bookstores in Berlin.
Shakespeare and sons
Direction
Warschauer Str. 71 , 10243 Berlin , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 30 40003685
Web
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Shakespeare & Sons is less the stiff English store than the name suggests and more the dream of bohemian book lovers. There are loads of Eastern European literature in English, one of the best French-language sections, and plenty of philosophy books to keep visitors scratching their heads over clever debates. Check the Shakespeare & Sons event calendar for readings and concerts.
Almost as attractive as its selection of books is its well-stocked cafe. They serve delicious bagels, pastries and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. You can visit for breakfast.
Another country
Direction
Riemannstraße 7 , 10961 Berlin , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 30 69401160
Web
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The eclectic store and its owner, British expat Sophie Raphaeline, have almost a cult following. People flock here for everything from concerts to quiz nights.
Along with shelves and shelves of English books, the store has a unique loan system. This allows readers to purchase a book and return it when finished for a € 1.50 reading fee. Genius!
Curious fox
Direction
Flughafenstraße 22 , 12053 Berlin , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 30 52664791
Web
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This charming English bookstore for children and adults was started by two Irish expats. It has the largest selection of new and used English books in Neukölln, as well as stationery and gifts. As you cruise, strike up a conversation and enjoy the complimentary cake and cup of tea.
Did you read me !?
Direction
Auguststraße 28 , 10117 Berlin , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 30 69549695
Web
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Founded by a professional graphic designer and bookseller, “Can you read me?” It is an elegant marriage of the two camps. They stock international magazines, art books, dark magazines, and regular old books that focus on art, culture, and fashion. If you are having trouble finding what you like, the knowledgeable staff can provide advice and recommendations. And if you are not in the area, there are several satellite stores.
Continue to 5 of 9 below.
Dussmann
Direction
Friedrichstraße 90 , 10117 Berlin , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 30 20251111
Web
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One of the few large chains on the list, Dussman, off Friedrichstraße, has 50,000 books in 11 languages. The sizeable English section of this location includes fiction and non-fiction, DVDs, children’s books, calendars, and trinkets.
To find the English section, enter the massive store and walk back, turn right at the Sphinx and into the English bookstore (past the piece of the Berlin Wall signed by US President Ronald Reagen).
Other large chain bookstores that can be found in most malls and satisfy your desire for English books are Thalia and Hugendubel. Both offer at least some new novels, classics, thrillers, non-fiction (often based in Berlin), and travel guides.
Marga Schoeller bookstore
Direction
Knesebeckstraße 33 , 10623 Berlin , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 30 8811112
Web
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Marga Schoeller Bücherstube is one of the best sites in town for new English titles, particularly non-fiction.
As you read about the world, take a moment to appreciate the history of this store. Marga Schoeller opened the Bücherstube in 1929 and became a star of the West Berlin literary scene, even though Frau Schoeller refused to sell Nazi literature. After WWII, the Allies gave him a license to sell books in English and the bookstore became one of the best English bookstores in Berlin. The store, once located in Ku’damm, is now located in Charlottenburg.
Neurotitan
Direction
Rosenthaler Str. 39 , 10178 Berlin , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 30 30872576
Web
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This quirky preserve of Hackescher Markt gentrification (along with places like Kino Central and Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt) must be searched above the crowds and up a graffiti-strewn staircase.
People often find themselves a bit lost wandering between colorful comics, graphic novels, avant-garde prints, small runs, and philosophy books. But the products speak for themselves and most people stick around and surf for a bit. If you continue back, there is an art gallery where you can extend your stay.
St George’s English Bookstore
Direction
Wörther Str. 27 , 10405 Berlin , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 30 81798333
Web
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Often voted the best bookstore for second-hand English books in Berlin, this cozy shop has an impressive collection. English owners take pride in their selected selections and still travel back to London to add to their treasury.
Located near Kollwitzplatz, the store is neat and comfortable, allowing shoppers to browse, relax, and become readers of the more than 30,000 books on offer. Saint George’s specializes in hard-to-find, rare, and out of stock collections (and also offers express orders). Foreign magazines such as The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, London Review of Books, and n + 1 can also be read and purchased.
Do you have more books than cash? The store buys used books and swaps for credit.
Continue to 9 of 9 below.
Ocelote
Direction
Brunnenstraße 181 , 10119 Berlin , GermanyGet directions
Telephone
+49 30 97894592
Web
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Billing itself as “not just another bookstore,” this trendy shop and café has more than 2 million titles and more than 300,000 digital products. Right next to Volkspark am Weinberg, this elegant space has a great English section for kids and adults near the rear.
