As the days grow shorter and it gets cooler outside, the cosy season begins for anyone who loves to read. For many, a good book, a cup of tea and a quiet afternoon are an integral part of these chilly days.
And where’s the best place to stock up on your reading material? In a bookshop, of course. Bookshops are places to browse and leaf through pages, to lose yourself in books and dream your way into other worlds. Expert advice, book recommendations and chats about the latest releases are all part of the experience.
We’ve put together a selection of bookshops in Berlin with a particularly good range and lovely interiors for you.
Tip 1: Have a browse until late into the night
More than a bookshop, Dussmann on Friedrichstraße even refers to itself as a department store for culture. In addition to a massive selection of books, the several storeys offer a wide range of CDs and DVDs, too. There’s also an entire separate shop on the ground floor devoted just to books in English. It’s also where Berlin’s bookworms gather late into the night, because Dussmann is open until midnight (11:30 on Saturdays).
When: Monday to Friday, 9 am – midnight; Saturday, 9 am – 11.30 pm
Where: Friedrichstraße 90, Mitte
Tip 2: Get advice in Marga Schöller's bookshop
On Knesebeckstrasse, just off Kurfürstendamm, is the cosy Marga Schöller book shop. This traditional bookshop focuses on books in English and offers friendly, expert advice. Even if you only have a vague idea of what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it here.
When: Monday to Friday 10.00–18.30, Saturday 10.00–17.30
Where: Knesebeckstraße 27, Charlottenburg
Tip 3: Marvelling at the imposing Bücherbogen
Not far from Marga Schöller is Bücherbogen, a bookshop under the S-Bahn tracks near Savignyplatz. This shop offers classic books about art, design, architecture, photography and film, all neatly lined up on plain metal shelves under the brick roof and the rumbling of the S-Bahn overhead.
When: Monday to Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm
Where: Stadtbahnbogen 593, Charlottenburg
Tip 4: Enjoy books, wine & coffee
The bookshop Minoa on Rykestraße has quickly won the hearts of all Berlin bibliophiles. Not only can you browse through the beautiful ambience and enjoy the great selection of German, English and Turkish books here, you can also eat in the adjoining restaurant - all day long
When: Every day, 9 am – 10 pm
Where: Rykestraße 52, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 5: Track down gory crime thrillers
If you’re in for some intrigue and suspense, then you should check out Hammett. This shop specialises in crime and detective stories, both classics and the latest off the presses. There’s also a selection of second-hand books that were exchanged by their previous owners for new reading material.
When: Monday to Friday, 10 am – 7 pm; Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm
Where: Friesenstraße 27, Kreuzberg
Tip 6: Browse, read and enjoy a coffee at Bookinista
Pop into Bookinista on Fasanenplatz and browse through the carefully curated selection of books. This women-run bookshop in Wilmersdorf combines literature with barista-made coffee and regular events. Take your time to browse, discover new stories and strike up a conversation with fellow readers.
When: Monday 1 pm – 6 pm, Tuesday to Friday 11 am – 6 pm, Saturday 11 am – 4 pm
Where: Meierottostrasse 1 at Fasanenplatz, Wilmersdorf
Tip 7: Meet Shakespeare again in Neukölln
World Book Day is celebrated on the birthday of Cervantes and the anniversary of the death - and presumed birthday - of William Shakespeare. In addition to Shakespeare and Company in Wilmersdorf, you will also find the beautiful bookshop Shakespeare and Sons with many English books in Friedrichshain. Here you can also fortify yourself with delicious bagels for your book shopping
When: Every day, 8 am – 7 pm
Where: Warschauer Straße 74, Friedrichshain
Tip 8: Science in Schleicher's bookshop
Generations of students at the nearby Free University of Berlin have purchased their books at Schleichers. This shop in Dahlem-Dorf offers a wide range of books on academic topics, but also offers fiction and children’s books, too.
When: Monday to Friday, 10.00–18.30, Saturday, 10.00–16.00
Where: Königin-Luise-Straße 41, Zehlendorf
Tip 9: Find special books beyond the bestsellers
The Hundt Hammer Stein shop features a sleek, white interior that holds a selection of books and expert advice that is praised by its clients again and again. This is a shop where the staff knows their books and not just the current best-seller list.
When: Monday to Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm
Where: Alte Schönhauser Straße 23 – 24, Mitte
Tip 10: Stylish things in the bookshop at Moritzplatz
This stylish bookshop at the Aufbauhaus is a tasteful setting for a fine selection of literature. Lovers of the bibliophile “Die Andere Bibliothek” will be especially happy as all volumes in the series are carried here.
When: Monday to Friday, 10 am – 8 pm; Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm
Where: Prinzenstraße 85, Kreuzberg
Tip 11: Discover literary treasures at ocelot
Not just another bookstore, that's how this cool bookstore in Mitte describes itself and that's also what it says on the facade. Here you have plenty of space to browse through carefully selected books and enjoy a delicious coffee. If you're looking for more than just the standard selection, then ocelot, is the place for you, because the team sees itself as a literary mediator who can recommend just the right book.
When: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 8 pm
Where: Brunnenstraße 181, Mitte
