10 Unmissable Bookstores in Rome

Photo by Renee Fisher on Unsplash

10 Unmissable Bookstores in Rome

The city of Rome is said to be a book-loving city. There are several cosy bookstores and libraries that one can go to when in need of some quiet time.

This Italian city is believed to have contributed greatly in spreading knowledge and learning in the ancient days.

The bookstores in Rome is another way of exploring the world through flipping pages and discovering that which many are yet to find.

Some bookstores sell books written in English and other languages; no one is left out.

If you happen to be in Rome and are looking to get a new book or want to have a quiet read surrounded by books and a drink in hand; we have a list of 10 unmissable bookstores in Rome.

1. Open Door Bookshop

 address: Via della Lungaretta 23, 00153 Rome

Photo by Norbert Tóth on Unsplash

First on the list is Open Door Bookshop. This bookshop is at the centre of Trastevere.

It’s a small bookstore that was opened 44 years ago by an American ex-pat who had travelled to Rome with a dream of becoming a pianist. He has been running this bookshop with his family since then.

The interior of this quaint bookshop is very inviting once you step in. the shelves and decorations are very inviting to any book lover.

This charming bookshop has the warmest feel to it, maybe it is because of the used books that are sold in there hoping to find a new reader to intrigue.

As you peruse through the books you may come across some old books that are rare and signed by the previous owner or the author.

The book prices are affordable and that explains its popularity, who doesn’t love a good bargain?

As you look around to find that hidden gem, the owner and the assistants will be glad to help find your pick and even on request suggest some of the best reads.

2. Librerie Feltrinelli Bookshop

Via Orlando 84/86 00185 Rome

Next on our list is the Feltrinelli bookshop in Rome which has several chain bookstores in the city and a total 115 stores in Italy.

This bookshop first opened its doors back in 1957 and has been a meeting place for books and music lovers.

It is a conventional bookstore that sells books written in English, Spanish and French.

The genre found in the bookshop range from fiction, classic and non-fiction too.

If you love to sip your favourite drink while buried in your book, well this bookstore is for you.

They have the option of enjoying a drink, have your dinner or lunch. A dedicated section called R.E.D (Read, Eat, Dream).

In that section; the store has dedicated new releases, bibliographical proposals and great classics.

Children and young adults have not been left out. There is a great selection of books, music, films and gift options.

The bookshop opens every day of the week morning till late evening with pleasant booksellers ready to attend to any enquiry.

3. Antiquaria Bookshop Ex Libris

address: Via dell’Umiltà 77 / a 00187 Rome

Photo by Christian Burri on Unsplash

As the name suggests, this next bookstore specializes in selling antique books; if this is what you love then it’s the place to be.

The books there are varied in genre and language and the perfect ambience. This lovely bookstore is family owned and was opened in 1991.

The couple, Emidio D’Aniello and Maria Pia Lanzoni have passed on their love for books to their son who currently runs it with them.

The bookstore website has a catalogue of all the available books, a quicker and easier way to check if the book you are looking for is available.

The store owners ensure that they give priority to books published by reputable firms and are keen on getting the first editions or subsequent editions authorized by the author.

They also ensure that they get to understand very well a rare book that they put on sale; this comes in handy when writing down its description that’s enough to captivate you but does not give away everything.

The bookstore takes part in national and international exhibitions for more visibility of the books, ancient maps and antique engravings.

4. Almost Corner Bookshop

Via del Moro, 45, 00153 Roma RM

Courtesy-Almost corner Bookshop Facebook page

This is an independent bookshop that was founded by an Irish ex-pat. It first opened its door more than 20 years ago.

The initial location of the bookstore was at a corner of a building and after they moved, the owner renamed it to its current name, almost corner shop.

It is one of the perfect places in Rome for book lovers to meet or just browse through a book.

There are frequent meetings organised by the founders for authors and readers to sit and discuss. They also host Christmas parties annually. Most of their books are new or used and are in English.

It is famous with English speaking people in Rome and many consider it home far away from home.

The selection of books in this bookshop range from fiction, Roman history, art, to archaeology and many others.

It is the perfect place to escape the busy city and indulge in a good read. This bookstore has maintained its original state and feels, creating a perfect ambience a contrast with the outside.

5. Anglo American Bookshop

Via della Vite 102 – 00187 ROMA

This bookshop is located in the centre of Rome near the Spanish steps. It deals with books exclusively written in English the store owners can, however, get you copies of books written in other languages upon request.

It offers its customers a vast range of new releases and is well stocked with books from Nobel Prize winners and Booker Prize nominees.

While in the bookstore, one cannot help but feel the tranquillity it brings. It almost feels like stepping into a book paradise with over 40,000 titles to choose from.

The genre in this bookstore is fantastic. One can find almost any title they are interested in and find it.

They stock guidebooks, modern fiction, classics, cookbooks, children’s books, history, art, architecture and many others.

Should you feel overwhelmed rifling through the numerous titles and rows of books, the workers at the store are quick to give a helping hand it finding that gem of a book.

They also help you order a particular book that is missing in their stock online.

If you happen to be in the Via del Corso area and need a quiet place to relax with a book in hand, this is the place to be.

6. Libri Necessari

Via degli Zingari, 22 / a, 00184 Roma RM,

Photo by Kévin et Laurianne Langlais on Unsplash

When in Rome and you happen to look for a vintage book, the Libri Necessari bookstore is the place to go to.

Its exterior will catch your attention, it is quite historic and quaint a feature that draws tourists and booklovers alike.

Once inside, the leather attachments on the books, yellowish to brownish pages that tell the age of the book and that smell, yes old books smell makes you want to find that old treasured book or map.

Libri Necessari stocks books in almost all languages and a wide range of genre, some of the best in the world such as philosophy, poetry, magazines and even old scripts from famous plays.

7. Otherwise Bookshop

Via del Governo Vecchio, 80, 00186 Roma RM

Photo courtesy Otherwise Bookshop Facebook page

Located just outside Piazza Navona, Otherwise Bookshop was recently opened to cater to the needs of lovers of the English language literature.

This new bookshop in Rome has two sections dedicated to contemporary fiction, classics, postcards, children’s books and dainty notebooks.

One can walk through the endless bookshelves in the bookshop and it is one of those stores that one cannot help but walk with more than one book without guilt.

The amazing fact about this bookstore is that they open till late and therefore one can always walk in and be attended to in case one is looking for a last-minute read.

They host book launches, reading groups and other literary and cultural events that one may join.

There are books about Rome, should you need to familiarize yourself more with the city or take a book home about the city you visited and loved.

This bookstore is a great place to meet and interact with fellow book lovers and authors during the events.

8. Borri Books

Piazza dei Cinquecento, 48, 00185 Roma RM

Another large bookstore to check out while in Rome and is hard to miss is Borri Books. The store owner, Paolo Borri saw the opportunity to engage fellow book lovers who may be bored while waiting at the train station or need a book to read while on the train.

It is located inside Termini train station and is three-storeyed. The top level of the bookshop is dedicated to English-language books, new releases, and independently published work. While waiting for the train, one can pass time browsing through the bookshop.

To catch the attention of readers, Borri would display some books that stirred curiosity, the reader would browse through the book and eventually buy it.

There is a variety of books available in the store; arts, educational, self-help and many more.

9. Libreria Giufà

Via degli Aurunci, 38, 00185 Rome RM

Courtesy of Giufa bookstore Facebook page

This is another bookshop in Rome that is dedicated to selling books written in other foreign languages other than Italian.

There are several genres to choose from; photography, art, comics, that have been organized according to the nationality of the authors. The store sells magazines too.

While at the bookshop, one can try their range of selected teas, hot chocolate, and organic homemade cakes and biscuits while browsing through a book or a magazine.

The bookshop also hosts events that book authors attend for readings and talks among other numerous cultural events.

A fascinating fact about this bookstore is that it also hosts a foosball tournament where the teams that play are named after literary works and the winners get to walk away with a book each.

It is friendly to students too or readers that would wish to use their laptops. There are plenty of sockets and WIFI too.

10. Fahrenheit 451 Library

Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 44, 00186 Roma RM

Courtesy of Fahrenheit 451 bookshop website

The final bookstore that one can hardly miss while in Rome is the Fahrenheit 451 library in Campo de Fiori.

The bookshop which also serves as a library has a rare collection of signed book copies and treasured photographs. The bookshop has been in business since 1989 and sells both new and old books.

They pay special attention to visual arts, cinema, photography and theatre. It is the place to be when looking for that classic novel that cannot be found in other bookshops in Rome.

This bookshop is a favourite of many in Rome that are looking for rare books to read for the moment or to take home with them.