Few cities leave a first impression quite like Budapest, from its fanciful Austro-Hungarian architecture to the blissful sunsets over the Danube. However, literary enthusiasts will find even more joy in its seemingly endless array of bookstores.
Well-known chains, cover-soaked cafés, and antiquarian shopfronts, this is what Budapest’s bookstore scene has to offer.
Massolit Budapest Books and Café
Located in the heart of downtown Budapest, Massolit Books and Café is easy to spot on Nagy Diófa utca, for its bright blue doors and fencing. Branded as an English-language bookstore, it provides a mix of new and classic titles, with a dedicated section for English translations of Hungarian authors.
Onsite, you’ll have access to a café corner serving fresh teas, coffees, and sweet treats, which you can enjoy in the gorgeous courtyard out back. If seating is limited there, plenty of options are available out front as well.
Address: Budapest, Nagy Diófa u. 30, 1072 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:30AM - 7PM
Bestsellers Bookshop
Before Bestsellers Bookshop showed up in 1992, it was a former grocery store. However, since its establishment, it has evolved into a comprehensive and academic store, all in one place. Their goal is to showcase the latest and greatest covers every month while also serving as a vendor for newspapers and magazines that come from abroad.
There’s a clear sense of structure to the interior, with English, German, French, and Spanish titles neatly labeled by genre on the tall wooden shelves. Bright overhead lighting fixtures create a glowing atmosphere throughout the long hallway.
Address: Budapest, Október 6. u. 11, 1051 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 6:30PM
- Saturday: 11AM - 6PM
- Sunday: 12PM - 6PM
Írók Boltja
For bibliophiles seeking Hungarian literature, Írók Boltja is your one-stop shop. This independent bookstore features an entire level of Hungarian texts, while the upstairs section has options in other languages, such as English, German, and French. Beyond being a vast repository of books, it’s also a gathering place where readers and writers connect and bond over the written word.
A multitude of topics are covered here; whether your interests lie in history, art, or beyond, you’ll pick up something to suit your tastes. Plus, student discounts are available, so don’t forget to bring your student card if you have one.
Address: Budapest, Andrássy út 45, 1061 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 7PM
- Saturday: 11AM - 3PM
- Sunday: Closed
Atlantisz Könyvsziget (Atlantisz Book Island)
Atlantisz Könyvsziget, also known as Atlantisz Book Island, is tucked inside an old building on Király utca that might not catch your eye from the outside. But beyond its doorway is a spacious, open two-floor bookstore with a mezzanine running along one side with an extensive assortment of English books, a fact proudly announced by a sign on the door.
Despite the aged exterior, the interior design feels modern, with shelving strategically placed along the central floor to create clear walkways for visitors to browse with ease. Some have noted that the collection leans toward left-wing subjects, with a great variety of historical and philosophical texts.
Address: Budapest, Király u. 2, 1061 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 6PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 2PM
- Sunday: Closed
Libri
Founded in 1991, Libri is a widely recognized name across Hungary and stands as one of the country’s largest book retailers, with multiple locations in Budapest alone. Their store in Westend is a popular stop for both locals and tourists; however, English paperbacks are quite limited, as the focus is primarily on Hungarian literature.
Libri has that classic chain bookstore feel to it, with refined aesthetics and modern furnishings. Due to its location in the Westend Shopping Center, the store can get quite busy, especially after work hours, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself waiting in line.
Address: Budapest, Váci út 1-3, 1062 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9AM - 8PM
- Sunday: 10AM - 6PM
Atticus Antikvárium
Atticus Antikvárium is an antiquarian bookstore near Deák Square that may appear small from a distance, but its collection of classical texts is huge. Established in 1996, the store follows a philosophy of acquiring rare editions while also staying current by selling modern literature.
The ground floor alone houses roughly 40,000 volumes, with a substantial selection of English titles. The subjects are wide-ranging, but they don’t focus on a single theme. Rather, they sell both pre-1945 publications and contemporary works without preference.
Address: Budapest, Asbóth u. 19, 1075 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 4PM
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Dani’s English Bookshop
Not keen on rummaging through shelves and want your English-language books served straight up? Welcome to Dani’s English Bookshop. All the literature here is in English, from autobiographies to fiction. Be aware that cash is the preferred payment method; cards won't be accepted.
If we had to sum up Dani’s in one word, it would be adorable. The bookcases are packed to the rafters, yet everything is carefully sorted within the cozy space. Chit-chat is the norm; be prepared for the owner to spark up a conversation. Past visitors have raved about his recommendations being spot on.
Address: Budapest, Országház u. 18, 1014 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11AM - 5PM
Bartók Pagony
If you haven’t gotten lost in Bartók Pagony at Gellért Square, have you really been to Budapest? This is the biggest of the Bartók shops, spreading out over 200 square meters with an amazing library that’s perfect for both kids and adults.
Grab a cuppa at the onsite café and take your time exploring the international titles, which feature a limited but notable range of English books.
Address: Budapest, Bartók Béla út 5-7, 1114 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 7PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10AM - 6PM
Libri Nyugati tér Könyvesbolt
Next up is another Libri store you’ve got to check out: Libri Nyugati tér Könyvesbolt. With its fresh white décor and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, browsing for books here is an absolute pleasure.
While the English offerings are on the slim side, it's hard to fault the quality of the lineup, especially the dark romance and classic titles. Since the English books are limited, it’s best to ask the staff where to get them.
Address: Budapest, Nyugati tér 1, 1066 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 7PM
- Sunday: 10AM - 4PM
Libri Book Palace
Living up to its name, Libri Book Palace is one of Budapest’s biggest bookstores. While many of Libri’s locations fall short when it comes to English publications, this one is an exception. The first floor has a nice catalog covering genres like sci-fi, thriller, and history, including some Hungarian originals translated into English.
There’s a café on the premises, specifically upstairs, open to customers who are welcome to relax in one of the comfortable seating areas and get stuck into their next read.
Address: Budapest, Rákóczi út 12, 1072 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 7PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 3PM
- Sunday: Closed
Fókusz Könyváruház
Fókusz Könyváruház doesn’t go overboard with its design; its modest layout, with low ceilings and well-marked sections, makes shopping much more practical throughout its two-story building. The upper level is where you'll find the English-language section, which covers a multitude of topics such as economics, comics, and education.
Although you can secure great bargains in-store at Fókusz Könyváruház, customers have pointed out that you can sometimes get even better discounts by ordering online in advance. If you have a particular book in mind, be sure to check their online inventory first.
Address: Budapest, Rákóczi út 14, 1072 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 7PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 3PM
- Sunday: Closed
LibroShop Bookstore
Originally set up as a foreign language book and magazine store in 1989, LibroShop Bookstore, formerly known as Oxford Bookshop, has been a major player in Budapest's publishing game since its opening. They partner with highly regarded names such as Oxford University Press, Hueber Verlag, and several other prominent Hungarian publishers.
English and German texts are the primary focus at LibroShop Bookstore. However, they also have a selection of Spanish, Russian, French, and Italian titles, amassing up to 15,000 items in their catalogue, including language learning materials, fiction, and classics.
Address: Budapest, Gerlóczy u. 7, 1052 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9AM - 6PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 3PM
- Sunday: Closed
Pozsonyi Pagony Bookstore
Hailed as Hungary's first-ever children's bookstore, Pozsonyi Pagony Bookstore has been delighting young readers since 2001. It boasts an impressive lineup of contemporary and classic children’s books, along with a wide array of specially made toys.
Throughout the premises, they have created a space for youngsters to read and play together, giving parents the freedom to browse at their leisure. At various times, Pozsonyi Pagony hosts educational events and workshops for children, as well as special book presentations.
Address: Budapest, Pozsonyi út 26, 1137 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 7PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10AM - 6PM
Libertine Könyvesbolt
Every so often, you encounter a bookstore that truly stands out, and Libertine Könyvesbolt is one such example. You'll be amazed at how they manage to fit such a large number of English titles into their small, compact space, which is brimming with character thanks to framed book cover illustrations on the walls and hanging book pages.
With each new season, Libertine Könyvesbolt updates its decorations. In winter, they light Christmas candles and hang decorated wreaths, while autumn brings pumpkins for Halloween.
Address: Budapest, Lipthay u. 12, 1027 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 7PM
- Sunday: 10AM - 3PM
Scolar Könyvesbolt
Rather than following what's trendy, Scolar Könyvesbolt is an independent bookstore that sticks true to its values by focusing on literature for kids and scientific texts. The store’s inviting atmosphere, combined with well-stocked, colorful displays, creates an instant sense of wonder for kids.
During your visit to Scolar Könyvesbolt, make sure to walk down to the back of the shop, as they often leave discounted books down there with lots of options to choose from.
Address: Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 19, 1061 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 6PM
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Libra Bookstore
Learning a new language? Libra Bookstore receives plenty of praise for its wide selection of language learning books, offering options in English, German, and French. But that's not all, they also stock texts in lesser-known languages, such as Finnish and Filipino/Tagalog.
In addition to language learning resources, visitors will come across a well-curated lineup of fictional works. Like many bookstores in Budapest, Libra offers a generous student discount, which is an even better deal considering how affordable many of the books already are.
Address: Budapest, Kölcsey u. 4, 1085 Hungary
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 6PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 2PM
- Sunday: Close
