With most places closed during these months, there really isn’t much we can do these days, not even go shopping. It’s been an interesting time for us not really being able to give you the guides that we are used to compiling. But there is one final type of place that has yet to close during the lockdown: bookstores! We already have a bookstore guide, but we noticed that some places have closed and some are new, so it’s time to create a new one!
With the rise of digital and our attention span dwindling by the minute, it’s actually a miracle that so many cool bookstores still exist and haven’t been killed off by the mega-stores online. We are happy that there are so many people who still enjoy physical books and we hope it stays that way. Berlin has a lot to offer in terms of bookstores, from large to small, from mixed to super-specialized. We’ve picked out some of our favorite bookstores which offer a variety of different books. We hope they give you a place to go when you want to leave your home for a change. Good reading!
Dussmann Kulturkaufhaus
This is the bookstore for all bookstores. It is the KaDeWe of bookstores. And it’s a book lover’s paradise. On several floors you have everything from the general public to the super-specific. Their Berlin section is great, as is their music section. And they have a whole English bookstore at the back which also has several floors! Another advantage: they are open until midnight!
Dussmann Kulturkaufhaus, Friedrichstraße 90, 10117 Berlin-Mitte
photo: Dussmann Kulturkaufhaus
Urban Spree Bookstore
Urban Spree is a very special place for us because it embodies the wild and creative spirit of Berlin like nothing else. It is not a thing either: it is a bookstore specializing in urban art and graffiti, but it is also an urban art gallery, an artist’s residence, an outdoor café and it has a club / concert area. We love their bookstore because they have so many visually stunning and inspiring books!
Urban Spree Bookstore, Revaler Str. 99, 10245 Berlin-Friedrichshain
photo: Urban spree
She said
She Said is a brand new bookstore on Kottbusser Damm that couldn’t be more perfect for us: it’s dedicated to books by female and queer authors, so you’ll find plenty on feminism, as well as LGBTQ + topics. and trans. It’s a wonderful addition to the Berlin bookstore scene and we can’t wait to browse their latest selection of books.
She said, Kottbusser Damm 79, 10967 Berlin-Neukölln
BÜCHERBOGEN SAVIGNYPLATZ
Considering its unique location, Bücherbogen Savignyplatz is special. It is also special because of its wide selection of good film books, architectural readings, and photographic literature. Buy a good book in an exceptional atmosphere on Savignyplatz under the S-Bahn.
Bücherbogen Savignyplatz, Stadtbahnbogen 593, 10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg
photo: Alicia Kassebohm
SHAKESPEARE & SONS
Books and bagels might be the best combination. You can get both at Shakespeare & Sons, where Shakespeare’s sons would sell used and new books themselves. Ok, we’re not sure about the last statement. We are sure, however, that there is a wide range of books in German, English and French displayed in a pleasant atmosphere, accompanied by a good bagel.
Shakespeare & Sons, Warschauer Str. 74, 10245 Berlin-Friedrichshain
photo: Alicia Kassebohm
MOTTO
Motto has a motto. With its dedication to books, magazines and artists’ publications, the backyard store at Schlesisches Tor has a profile, and not just – it has lots of beautiful books in a charming atmosphere. Several exhibitions also take place during the year.
Skalitzer Straße 68, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
photo: iHeartBerlin
OCELOT
“Not just another bookstore” is Ocelot’s slogan. And it’s okay. In a pleasant and warm atmosphere where lovers of reading can feast on world literature and have a good coffee while doing so.
Brunnenstraße 181, 10119 Berlin-Mitte
photo: iHeartBerlin
PEQUOD BOOKS
Pequod Books is a gem in the middle of Neukölln. It is a second-hand bookstore specializing in international literature. From Hebrew to Swedish – Pequod has books in over 15 languages and we’re sure you’ll find yours too.
Pequod Books, Selchower Straße 33, 12049 Berlin-Neukölln
photo: Pequod Books
Text: Frank Schröder & Yasmin Polat
Diesen Artikel auf deutsch lesen.
by Franc
January 26, 2021
in Charlottenburg, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Mitte, Neukölln, Stores
