Best English-Language Bookstores for Expats and Tourists
Amsterdam has long been a haven for book lovers, and English-speaking readers are particularly well catered for. The city has several bookstores that specialize in English titles. Two of these shops focus exclusively on English-language books, while others carry extensive English sections alongside their Dutch selections.
Books published in the United States and the United Kingdom are widely available, although prices are generally higher than their original cover prices in dollars or pounds. For expats, locals and tourists, these stores are great places to browse.
The American Book Center: A Cornerstone for American Literature
The American Book Center (ABC) is one of Amsterdam’s best-loved bookstores and a cornerstone of the city’s English-language literary scene. Founded in 1972 by two American entrepreneurs, the shop quickly became a favourite among expats, lovers of American literature, and anglophiles.
A Multilevel Experience
Spread across three spacious floors, ABC offers an impressive collection of books from both the United States and the United Kingdom. It proudly claims to be the most comprehensive English-language bookstore in Europe outside the UK, this may well be true.
On the ground floor, you will find books on art, fashion, photography, sports, and music, along with a variety of British and American magazines. A striking tree trunk sculpture rises through the ceiling to the floor above, giving the shop a distinctive charm.
The first floor is home to genres such as science fiction, fantasy, travel, cookery, gardening, and children’s literature. There is also a cozy Harar coffee stand where you can pour yourself a drink while browsing.
Up on the second floor, the focus shifts to nonfiction: history, politics, business, science, and more. The White Room features books on psychology, spirituality, health, and conspiracy theories. Here you will also find ‘Betty,’ the store’s Espresso Book Machine, which can print self-published works on demand.
Events, Discounts, and Community
The staff at ABC are known for expertise and always ready to recommend something new. Students, teachers, and seniors over 65 receive a 10% discount, while those aged 55 and older can enjoy the same benefit on Mondays with valid ID. For everyone else, the annual Booklover Card at a small fee grants access to the same discount.
ABC is more than a bookstore, it is a community hub. Regular events such as book discussions, open mic nights, and book trade-in days make it a meeting place for readers and writers alike.
Address: Spui 12, open: Mon-Wed 11:00–18:00, Thu-Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 11:00–18:30
The shop also has branches at Lange Poten 23 in The Hague and in the Westfield Mall of the Netherlands in Leidschendam.
Waterstones Amsterdam: A British Touch in the City
For those who prefer the atmosphere of a classic British bookstore, Waterstones Amsterdam is the perfect spot. Since its opening in 1998, this branch of the renowned UK retailer has become a staple for expats and locals who appreciate British literature and culture.
A British Book Haven on Four Floors
Set across four levels, Waterstones offers a vast selection of English-language books imported from the UK. The ground floor features bestsellers, general fiction, and local-interest titles, while the first floor brings a taste of Britain with a small selection of traditional foods, games, magazines, and greeting cards.
On the second floor, visitors can explore travel guides, cookbooks, children’s literature, and fantasy and science fiction titles. The top floor focuses on history, biography, self-development, and language learning. Comfortable reading corners and beautiful views over Kalverstraat add to the charm, making this a welcoming place to linger.
Waterstones frequently runs attractive promotions, including “3 for 2” and “Buy One, Get One Half Price” deals, perfect if you are looking to stock up on good reads.
Address: Kalverstraat 152, just a short walk from Dam Square, open: Mon-Wed 10:00–18:30, Thu-Sat 10:00–19:00, Sun 11:00–18:30
Scheltema: Where Dutch and English Books Meet
Scheltema is not just a bookstore, it is an institution. Established in 1853, it stands as the largest bookstore in the Netherlands, located in a five-story historic building near Dam Square. While it primarily serves Dutch readers, Scheltema also offers an impressive collection of English-language books.
A Literary Landmark in the Heart of Amsterdam
The ground floor is home to English fiction and children’s books, with the added attraction of the stylish Vascobelo café: perfect for a relaxing coffee between chapters. On the first floor, you will find a curated travel section under the Pied-à-Terre label and a vibrant culinary department that occasionally hosts celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver for live demonstrations.
The second floor covers a wide range of nonfiction topics, from business and law to psychology and science. The third floor is dedicated to second-hand books, offering plenty of opportunities to discover hidden gems.
Throughout the store, comfortable seating areas invite you to browse and read at your own pace. Scheltema also regularly hosts readings, author talks, and signing events, making it an integral part of Amsterdam’s cultural life.
Address: Rokin 9, open daily: 10:00–19:00
