Netherlands
Amsterdam
The American Book Center (ABC)
Spui 12, Amsterdam
If the red-and-white sun blinds from the neighbouring bookshop had been mounted here as well, the building would have looked almost like an American flag. The entire façade already evokes something of a Stars and Stripes banner.
Inside, however, I was in for a surprise. The interior is designed in a raw, industrial style, with shelves winding their way across several floors like a chain of toppled dominoes. The range of titles leans heavily toward English-language books, which was hardly unexpected, but the selection itself is excellent: something to please every taste, from the mainstream to the more unusual.
A small café is tucked into the space, though I found it less convincing and not particularly inviting. Much more striking was the spiritual section, where shelves of esoteric literature surround a large printing press used to produce the shop’s ABC tote bags. Its presence felt oddly out of place, usually that corner of a bookshop comes with incense sticks and soft background music, but here it made for an eccentric contrast.
All in all, it was a real pleasure to browse through this shop: quirky, surprising, and full of discoveries.
Book i bought:
Jacqueline Harpman: I Who Have Never Known Men
Athenaeum Boekhandel
Spui 14-16, Amsterdam
This bookshop and news centre has been a fixture since 1966. From the outside, the building is beautiful, its white-and-red striped sun blinds giving it a cheerful character that immediately catches the eye.
Inside, however, I found myself expecting a little more. The furnishing lacks charm, especially the flooring, which dulls some of the magic the space could have. Yet the selection is wonderfully varied, spread across several floors and tucked into inviting niches. The potential here is enormous; with the Dutch reputation for openness to the unusual, this place could easily be transformed into a true gem.
The location is another strong point: just steps away from the canals, making it an ideal stop on a stroll through the city.
Perhaps I’m being too harsh with my criticism, because in truth, this bookshop is well worth a visit. Its history, variety, and setting more than compensate for its shortcomings.
Book i bought:
Garrett Carr: The Boy From the Sea
Scheltema
Rokin 9-15, Amsterdam
Founded in 1853, this bookshop is one of the largest and most renowned in the Netherlands. Its range is outstanding, spread generously across five floors: Dutch fiction greets you right at the entrance, while cooking, hobbies, children’s books, art, and more each find their place. From the comics section, there’s a delightful view over Amsterdam’s rooftops, an unexpected treat while browsing.
The first floor focuses mainly on English-language literature and also houses a café. A classic red telephone booth adds a playful nod to its theme.
Despite its impressive size, each floor manages to preserve its own character. I especially liked the bright shelving and large, light-colored tables, which create a welcoming and airy feel. The only element that slightly disrupts the atmosphere is the central escalator.
The staff, in true Dutch fashion, are warm, approachable, and wonderfully friendly, making the entire experience even more enjoyable.
Book i bought:
Tommy Orange: Wandering Stars
Baarn
Boekhandel Den Boer
Laanstraat 67-69, Baarn
What a truly enchanting place to sell books! Nestled in the heart of Baarn’s charming town centre, this bookshop feels like it belongs here, perfectly in tune with the character and atmosphere of the village.
The shop is spread across two connected buildings, each with its own identity. On the left-hand side, fiction takes centre stage. The selection is excellent and beautifully arranged, inviting you to linger. The old wooden counter, with its many little drawers, has been cleverly repurposed as a display table, a piece of history staged with care and elegance. It’s the kind of space where your eyes are constantly drawn in different directions, because there is simply so much beauty to take in.
On the right-hand side, non-fiction fills what was once a traditional chemist’s shop. Here, too, the original furnishings have been seamlessly integrated into the design, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and unique.
The bookseller adds to the charm with a warm and welcoming manner. It’s no surprise that this bookshop is celebrated in volumes like 150 Bookshops You Must Have Visited Before You Die. Standing inside, you feel at once that it belongs on such a list.
Book i bought:
Yael Van der Wouden: The Safekeep
Delft
De Omslag
Wijnhaven 16, Delft
This bookshop, founded in 1986, is set in the historic centre of Delft, a town whose charm radiates from its canals and cobbled streets. From the outside, the shopfront fits beautifully into this picturesque setting, raising expectations as you approach.
Stepping inside, however, the atmosphere is less inspiring. The interior lacks character, and those stark white tiled floors, my personal aversion, drain the space of warmth. What is even more disappointing is the missed opportunity: the shop has a small gallery level that could have been used to great effect, but instead feels underwhelming. The ground floor houses Dutch-language titles alongside Delft souvenirs, while the gallery is devoted mainly to English books.
Considering the shop proudly claims on its website to curate its own Top 10 lists, the English selection is surprisingly thin, dominated almost entirely by Young Adult titles. The window displays, draped in red and gold cloths, evoke a style that feels stuck in the 1980s.
It’s a pity, because the potential is clearly there. With a little more imagination and care, this could be a bookshop as charming inside as Delft itself.
Book i bought:
Michael Cunningham: The Hour
Den Haag
Bookstor
Noordeinde 39a, Den Haag
If you’re looking to enjoy a coffee in a truly inviting atmosphere, Bookstor is the perfect place. I was instantly taken by its charm and warmth.
Inside, the ambience is shaped by old, characterful furniture that gives the space a cosy, lived-in feel. Just past the entrance, a coffee counter welcomes you, with a table of bestsellers displayed nearby. At the front windows, guests settle in with their laptops, savouring their latte macchiatos while the world drifts by outside.
Beyond the counter, bookshelves mingle with greenery and additional seating. My favorite spot was toward the back, where beautifully decorated glass doors open into a separate room, offering a quieter retreat. On sunny days, the garden provides yet another inviting corner to linger.
Bookstor has been part of The Hague for more than a century, and thanks to its distinctive concept and remarkable events, it continues to thrive against every trend. From bike tours through the city to intimate dinners and concerts, it offers far more than just books and coffee.
The book selection itself may not be the most adventurous, at least to my taste, but that is, of course, a matter of opinion. What remains beyond doubt is that Bookstor is a place of atmosphere, community, and enduring charm.
Book i bought:
Frederick Backman: Anxious People
De Vries Van Stockum
Passage 11, Den Haag
As the name suggests, De Vries Van Stockum is the result of a merger. In 2011, the family-run H. de Vries Boeken took over the historic Van Stockum business. Van Stockum itself had a long and distinguished tradition, among its customers was even the Dutch royal family, and it was one of the first to offer German and French literature, which are still part of the assortment today on the upper floor of the beautiful shop at Passage 11.
The interior there exudes a refined industrial style, with wood accents and dark bannisters lending a sense of elegance. The selection of Dutch-language books is impressively extensive. If only I spoke Dutch, this store would have been a true paradise for me. What struck me most was its maturity, a feeling of depth and tradition that made browsing here particularly rewarding.
English-language titles are found separately, in the branch at Passage 24. While the shop itself is beautiful, with sparkling chandeliers and a stylish setting, the selection leaned too heavily toward Young Adult for my taste. It lacked the charm and gravitas of the main store at number 11, which felt far more characterful and complete.
Book i bought:
Franz Kafka: Die Verwandlung
Boekhandel Douwes
Herengracht 60, Den Haag
If I had to capture this bookshop in just two words, they would be for adults.
Since 1897, this historic building has housed a bookshop under various owners and concepts. Today, Douwes presents itself as part scientific and legal bookshop, part travel specialist, and even an antiquarian store, the latter tucked away on the upper floor in a quiet back room. Once you reach it, you can fully appreciate the charm of the house that holds it all together.
The range is impressively wide: Dutch, English, French, and German titles line the shelves. Beyond accessible literature, you’ll find works on philosophy, poetry, art, politics, history, law, railways, and travel. It is a place that deliberately resists passing trends.
The atmosphere is clean, orderly, and clearly designed for a mature, thoughtful audience. Personally, I found it a little too quiet, but in a way, that silence is reassuring. It means that Douwes remains true to itself, a refuge for serious readers in an age dominated by fashion and fleeting phenomena.
A great alternative and a rare treasure.
Book i bought:
Graham Greene: Dr. Fischer of Geneva
Mayflower
Lange Poten 35, Den Haag
This shop offers a noticeably more diverse selection of fiction than Paagman, just a few doors away, with a strong focus on English-language titles. And yet, despite the promising range, something about the place feels incomplete.
The atmosphere reminded me vaguely of a record store, or perhaps a comic shop, with furnishings that don’t quite do justice to the books. The worn carpet detracts from the space, and the back of the shop, lit only by a harsh neon tube, feels more functional than inviting.
It’s a pity, because the shop clearly has potential. The bookseller was exceptionally friendly, and with a little more care in design and atmosphere, this could become a truly special destination.
Book i bought:
Willem Frederik Hermans: Beyond Sleep
Paagman
Frederik Hendriklaan 217, Den Haag
Of the two Paagman branches in The Hague, this one is without doubt the more beautiful. The wonderful Kicking Horse Café, which occupies much of the rear of the shop and is always buzzing with life, makes the visit worthwhile on its own.
The store has two entrances: one on Frederik Hendriklaan, where the stationery department reflects the shop’s original roots, and another where rows of magazines and daily newspapers greet you.
The selection for Dutch readers is broad and varied, while the English section, tucked into a corner of the café, leans toward Young Adult titles and the latest bestsellers. Still, the real highlight remains the café itself. Open since 1999, its entire interior was brought over from Canada, a nod to the story behind its name, which you can discover in more detail on the café menu.
Another delight is the children’s world, Villa Paagman. Entered through bright red theatre curtains, it opens into a magical space with beautifully designed shelves that invite young readers to explore.
If you find yourself in The Hague, this shop is a must. Books, coffee, and a touch of theatre - what more could you want?
Book i bought:
Julius Taranto: How I Won The Nobel Prize
Paagman
Lange Poten 13-15, Den Haag
This Paagman branch, located in the very heart of The Hague, is worth visiting for its remarkable interior design alone.
Spread across four floors, the shop offers something different on each level. The basement is devoted to second-hand books, while the ground floor houses Dutch fiction and non-fiction. The first floor is where you’ll find the checkout and magazines, but what makes it unforgettable are the mirrors on the ceiling, reflecting the black-and-white chequerboard floor in a striking play of patterns.
The top floor is dedicated to children’s books, comics, and the English-language section. The latter is somewhat underwhelming, with too many Young Adult titles for my taste, but it hardly diminishes the pleasure of exploring the shop. The originality of the design makes every floor a discovery.
A distinctive and memorable bookshop well worth stepping inside if you’re in the centre of The Hague.
Book i bought:
Percival Everett: James
Maastricht
Boekhandel Dominicanen
Dominicanerkerkstraat 1, Maastricht
Right in the heart of Maastricht lies one of Europe’s most breathtaking bookshops, an experience that feels like stepping into another world. To call it a bookshop almost feels too modest; this is book shopping elevated to the divine. When I walked through the doors of the former church, I nearly lost my breath. It is nothing short of spectacular.
The grandeur of the space is overwhelming, and yet every corner invites you to linger. On the ground floor, Dutch literature dominates, while upstairs you’ll find foreign-language fiction and non-fiction, as well as a treasure trove of antiquarian books. Across the way, vinyl and CDs whisper of other eras, and children have their own enchanting corner to explore. The selection is vast, something for every taste and every budget, with boxes of discounted books thoughtfully placed near the cash desk.
And then there is the café, tucked into the choir room. To sip a lovingly prepared coffee there, accompanied by a slice of cake, is pure delight. It feels almost like a small act of devotion in itself.
Perhaps the only imperfection is the creak of the entrance door, but in such a magnificent setting, even that feels like part of the charm.
Quite simply: phenomenal.
Book i bought:
Milan Kundera: The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Utrecht
Boekhandel Bijleveld
Janskerkhof 7, Utrecht
This independent bookshop occupies a listed building in the historic heart of Utrecht.
Founded in 1865, it carries its age gracefully, you can feel its soul the moment you step inside. The air seems steeped in history; the wooden shelves and elegant furniture give it the quiet dignity of an antiquarian bookshop. A tall wooden ladder leans against the shelves, as though waiting for someone to climb up in search of a forgotten treasure.
The selection is broad but familiar: a mix of Dutch and English-language fiction, beautifully crafted children’s books, and an impressive array of non-fiction on art, history, and science.
Despite the steady stream of visitors, the atmosphere felt almost reverential, so hushed that you hesitated before reaching for a book, as though afraid to disturb the stillness.
Yet that quiet, contemplative mood is part of the charm. A visit here feels less like shopping and more like slipping back in time.
Book i bought:
Tessa Hadley: The Party
Broese
Oudegracht 112-b, Utrecht
From the outside, you can already sense that this is a spacious bookshop, one with a touch of department-store grandeur. The massive escalator to the right of the entrance almost overwhelms you at first, but after spending some time inside, I found that it actually fits quite harmoniously within the shop’s modern redesign.
The selection is extensive, spread across two floors and a mezzanine. The mezzanine houses the music section, offering CDs and vinyl records alongside travel and art books.
I was especially taken with the non-fiction area on the upper floor. It’s reached through a passageway framed by brick walls, leading into a space that feels like a grand private library. Sage-coloured shelves with solid wooden tables arranged neatly in the centre. Thanks to the tall windows, the room is filled with natural light, which lends it a calm, inviting atmosphere.
This floor also holds the foreign-language section, including an entire shelf of German titles, and a charming café with a wonderful view over the canals.
I couldn’t help but smile when I noticed two books by Michael Palin displayed next to a sign reading ‘Ramsj’. In Dutch, the word doesn’t mean quite the same as its German counterpart, a small but amusing reminder of how language can play tricks on travellers.
Book i bought:
Richard Yates: Revolutionary Road
De Utrechtse Boekenbar
Westerkade 2, Utrecht
If you follow the Oudegracht from the city centre, passing The Letters of Utrecht (De Letters van Utrecht), you’ll eventually reach Boekenbar, just across the Stadsbuitengracht.
As so often in Utrecht, a cluster of bicycles stands in front of the entrance, and it would be easy to walk past the shop without noticing it. Inside, however, you’ll find a cosy space that combines a bookshop and café, with several inviting spots to sit down and enjoy a coffee surrounded by books. A high table by the window offers the perfect place to watch the bustle of the street outside.
The selection is strikingly curated: plenty of art books, along with a good number of fiction titles. One book on the theme of cleaning caught my eye so much that I picked it up several times. Still, the overall selection felt a bit too alternative-modern for my taste. The shop hosts frequent events, though, which seem well worth attending.
As for the atmosphere, I wasn’t entirely won over. It has the feel of a living-room café, pleasant enough, but for me, it lacked that certain spark that makes a bookshop truly memorable.
Book i bought:
Benjamin Wood: Seascraper
Lit. English Bookshop
Oudegracht 107, Utrecht
This English-language bookshop sits just across the Oudegracht from Broese.
It’s a welcome addition to a city the size of Utrecht, after all, there are visitors like me who don’t speak Dutch, and a growing number of young locals who prefer to read in English.
Right by the entrance, tables are lined with Blind Date with a Book packages, wrapped in paper and annotated with hints about the stories within. Some of them feature queer themes.
The selection includes both new releases and a solid range of classics. What I found a little disappointing, though, were the staff picks: beautifully written, timeless works but all classics, such as The Perfume and Dracula. A few other choices might have added some freshness.
Their current bestseller is 1984 by George Orwell, and, coincidentally, the book I chose happened to be their book of the month.
The staff were warm and welcoming, but beyond the focus on English-language titles, the shop doesn’t seem to have a distinct concept. Still, its central location and friendly atmosphere make it worth a visit.
Book i bought:
Ruth Ware: The Woman in Cabin 10
Savannah Bay
Telingstraat 13, Utrecht
Savannah Bay is a bookshop located in the heart of Utrecht.
Though its design is fairly understated, I found the shop surprisingly colourful, perhaps thanks in part to the bookseller cheerfully singing along to the background music.
The shop itself is a comfortable size. Near the entrance, a table displays both Dutch and English-language novels, while the shelves also feature a thoughtful selection of poetry. Savannah Bay has a distinctly feminist and left-leaning character, reflected in its range of books on decolonisation and social issues. There are also some attractive non-book items, such as diaries and cards, which add to its charm.
All in all, it’s worth stopping by, but compared to other Dutch bookshops, it feels rather average.
Book i bought:
Jeanette Wintertson: Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
Steven Sterk
Servetstraat 3, Utrecht
This beautiful bookshop sits right beside the Domtoren, just a few steps from the cathedral. In my view, Steven Sterk is the most beautiful bookshop in Utrecht.
The interior is simply stunning. Chandeliers and ornate stucco details lend the space a quiet elegance, while the careful presentation of the books prevents it from feeling cluttered. A few select titles are displayed on tables, inviting you to linger. At the back, large windows open onto Flora’s Hof, adding a touch of light and serenity. There is truly something distinctive about this place, an atmosphere that feels both refined and welcoming.
The selection spans fiction and non-fiction and includes a number of discounted titles. There’s a historical reason for that: the shop was founded in 1989 by Steven Sterk as a bookstore specialising in remaindered books (ramsj). Only after a major renovation in the mid-1990s did it expand its range to include new titles.
Steven Sterk is also known for its extensive collection of Nijntje (Miffy) books, fitting, since Utrecht’s most famous rabbit has her own museum nearby. I didn’t think to check whether they also stock Steven Sterk, the comic character created by Peyo, but it would have been a nice coincidence.
A truly wonderful bookshop—well worth a visit!
Book i bought:
Ali Smith: Gliff
Zwolle
Boekhandel Westerhof
Diezerstraat 118, Zwolle
It’s not easy to shine when such a spectacular neighbour as Van der Velde Boeken stands just around the corner. And yet, Westerhof manages to hold its own as a charming alternative. Beautifully located by the canal that traces a star-shaped ring around Zwolle’s historic centre, the setting alone makes it worth a visit.
The selection is solid, though the English-language section feels a little underwhelming, leaning too heavily toward Young Adult titles. Still, there’s plenty to discover across the shelves.
The interior strikes a balance between dark and light: dusky ceilings contrasted with pale shelving create a refined, almost understated elegance. Add to that the warm, welcoming atmosphere, and Westerhof becomes not just a bookshop, but a genuinely friendly place to linger.
Book i bought:
Robert Harris: Conclave
Van der Velde Boeken
Achter de Broeren 1-3, Zwolle
There are bookshops that take your breath away, and in Zwolle, Van der Velde is one of them.
The town itself is full of charm, and it’s no surprise that the local tourist office proudly highlights this bookshop as one of its must-see attractions. While the selection is smaller than its famous counterpart in Maastricht, the presentation here is immaculate. The tiered layout of the floors even reminded me of the Galeries Lafayette, with books arranged in a way that feels both grand and inviting.
By the entrance you’ll find magazines and cards, while the ground floor is devoted mainly to Dutch-language literature. English titles are located on the second floor, though, as so often these days, the section leans heavily toward Young Adult. I was especially grateful, however, for the shelf dedicated to the classics, which offered a welcome balance.
The café is another highlight, occupying nearly a quarter of the space. In the former choir, a slightly raised stage furnished with elegant wing chairs creates the perfect setting for readings and events.
A magnificent place - one that more than earns its reputation.
Book i bought:
E.B. White: Charlotte's Web