Do Amsterdam bookstores carry books in English?

Most Amsterdam bookstores stock primarily Dutch-language books, but a handful specialize in English titles and several general bookshops keep a dedicated English section. The English-language and English-heavy shops cluster mainly around Spui and Kalverstraat in the city center.

Where can I find secondhand or antiquarian books in Amsterdam?

A few dedicated secondhand bookshops in the city carry large English-language stock across genres such as fiction, sci-fi and art history. The city also holds a long-running secondhand and antiquarian book market every Friday on the Spui square, with dealers selling in several languages.

Are there bookstores that specialize in art, architecture or academic books?

Yes. Amsterdam has specialist bookshops focused on art, architecture, urban design and academic subjects, several clustered near the Museum Quarter and Spui, and these tend to carry titles a general bookstore's small foreign-language shelf would not.

Can I buy English-language children's books in Amsterdam?

Some of the larger bookstores keep a dedicated English children's section covering both classic titles and recent releases. If a specific title matters, it is worth checking stock or calling ahead, since children's English inventory varies more by shop than adult fiction does.

Do Amsterdam bookstores offer student or teacher discounts?

Some independent bookstores offer a discount to students, teachers or seniors at the till, but this is not a city-wide policy. Ask staff directly when you check out, since terms and eligibility vary by shop.

What is the Spui book market?

The Boekenmarkt op het Spui is a weekly market on the Spui square selling secondhand and antiquarian books, often in Dutch, English and other languages. It runs on Fridays and is a good option for out-of-print titles or genre hunting beyond what any single shop stocks.

Amsterdam Bookstores – Essentially Amsterdam

Essentially Amsterdam Reader's Choice 2026

The American Book Center

Spui 12, 1012 XA Amsterdam 4.7★★★★★ (4588 reviews)

Essentially Amsterdam Reader's Choice 2026

The American Book Center is an independent, family-owned bookstore founded in 1972, with its Amsterdam shop among its locations. It stocks a wide selection of English-language books.

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Scheltema

Rokin 9, 1012 KK Amsterdam 4.7★★★★★ (3649 reviews)

Essentially Amsterdam Reader's Choice 2026

One of Amsterdam's largest bookshops, trading since 1853, with more than 2.5 million titles across new and second-hand books. It offers a vast selection and free delivery on new Dutch-language books.

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Waterstones

Kalverstraat 152, 1012 XE Amsterdam 4.7★★★★★ (3093 reviews)

Waterstones is a bookshop offering a wide selection of titles across genres, along with gift options. This is its Amsterdam listing.

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The Book Exchange – Used English-language Books

Kloveniersburgwal 58, 1012 CX Amsterdam 4.7★★★★★ (1158 reviews)

A second-hand bookshop in central Amsterdam, established in 1978. The Book Exchange is one of the largest used bookstores in Europe, where you can buy, sell, and trade books.

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Athenaeum Boekhandel

Spui 14-16, 1012 XA Amsterdam 4.7★★★★★ (872 reviews)

Athenaeum Boekhandel is a book store in Amsterdam.

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bookstore Stevens

Nieuweweg 63, 2132 CM Hoofddorp 4.7★★★★★ (683 reviews)

bookstore Stevens is a book store in Hoofddorp.

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Venstra

Stadsplein 102A, 1181 ZM Amstelveen 4.6★★★★★ (443 reviews)

Venstra is a book store in Amstelveen.

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Boekhandel De Slegte Amsterdam

Vijzelstraat 53, 1017 HE Amsterdam 4.4★★★★★ (417 reviews)

Boekhandel De Slegte Amsterdam is a book store in Amsterdam.

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CIGO Brouwer (Lottery, Post, Magazines)

Burgemeester de Vlugtlaan 178, 1063 BS Amsterdam 4.3★★★★★ (409 reviews)

CIGO Brouwer (Lottery, Post, Magazines) is a book store in Amsterdam.

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Hoogstins Bookstore

Kinkerstraat 117, 1053 DL Amsterdam 4.6★★★★★ (321 reviews)

Hoogstins is a traditional bookshop with a modern outlook on the Kinkerstraat in Amsterdam. It specialises in contemporary literature and also carries children's books, cookbooks, pens, bags and a range of gifts.

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