As much as you might love Amsterdam’s bike-filled lanes and quaint canals, sometimes you just need a breather, and for readers, the city’s book cafes transport them to another world.
Need something to add to your list? Here’s our handpicked selection of Amsterdam’s book cafes loved by locals and tourists.
The American Book Center
With a few locations across the Netherlands, the American Book Center’s Amsterdam branch has stood as a proud champion of independent bookstores since opening its doors in 1972. Set over three levels, including a cafe on the second floor, the store’s high-reaching shelves and the ladder resting against them evoke the classic appeal of a library.
Not only does their book cafe sell a diverse collection of English titles for the average bibliophile, but they’re also the go-to supplier in the city for helping Dutch schools choose books for their students.
Address: Spui 12, 1012 XA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday: 11AM – 6PM
– Thursday to Saturday: 10AM – 7PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 6:30PM
Scheltema
Serving up covers on just about every topic you can think of in both Dutch and English, Scheltema is one of the Netherlands’ biggest stores. Offering multiple levels to get lost in, each one has a bright and airy feel to it, where covers are stacked on curved tables and walled shelving, with the sections labelled by categories.
On the first floor, you’ll find the cafe, which serves up delicious coffee and snacks. They also do table service, so you can stay put with your new book while having a cuppa dropped straight to you.
Address: Rokin 9, 1012 KK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 10AM – 7PM
Mini MENDO
Having recently opened a new small bookstore in the well-known CoffeeConcepts cafe near the Vondelpark, Mini Mendo’s philosophy is to bring great literature to the tables of those sipping some arabica.
Their carefully chosen titles are housed on the second floor, with a focus on travel, art, design, photography, and more. Downstairs is the place to get your caffeine hit, with all the classic creations like flat whites, cappuccinos, matcha, and even some tasty teas.
Address: Jacob Obrechtstraat 5, Amsterdam
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 8AM – 4PM
– Saturday and Sunday: 9AM – 4PM
The Book Nook Amsterdam
A hidden gem on Amsterdamse Grachten, the Book Nook is all about niche texts and quality brews. They’ve embraced a minimalist approach with the design that includes a fresh white palette, simplistic seating arrangements, and some greenery in standalone pots.
Customers can savor expertly brewed coffee anytime the cafe is open as they make their way through their specialised inventory in many languages. From time to time, the Book Book plays host to literary gatherings like their ‘Think and Drink’ event that past attendees have highly praised.
Address: Singel 82, 1015 AC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Sunday to Tuesday: Closed
– Wednesday to Saturday: 12PM – 5PM
Waterstones Amsterdam
Amsterdam has its very own branch belonging to the British book retailer, Waterstones, on Kalverstraat. Placed inside a striking building built by the famed architect H.P. Berlage, Waterstones’ premises are framed by decorative stonework on the outside and a refreshingly modern space within.
While not a book cafe in the complete sense, they have a corner inside selling British snacks and tea to pair with their well-rounded lineup spanning manga, new releases, Dutch fiction written in English, children’s covers, and much more.
Address: Kalverstraat 152, 1012 XE Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday: 10AM – 6:30PM
– Thursday to Saturday: 10AM – 7PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 6:30PM
Café Belcampo
Found in the section of the Amsterdam Public Library located in the old De Hallen tram depot, Café Belcampo is a gorgeous book cafe with an industrial vibe, thanks to its unique setting.
The library next door houses the literature, while the cafe itself is a meeting point for book lovers; although they do have a few stands inside with some magazines for light reading. Upstairs, there’s a dedicated area for working, with free Wi-Fi and charging points. However, some tables are designated as laptop-free, so be sure to choose your spot accordingly.
Address: Hannie Dankbaarpassage 10, 1053 RT Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday to Thursday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM
– Friday: 9:30AM – 7:30PM
– Saturday and Sunday: 10AM – 5:30PM
The Cookbookshop
Attention foodies! The Cookbookshop is known for its stock of gastronomic guides on cuisines from around the world, from Mexican to Suriname. Because food plays such a big part in their store, they’ve made sure customers can nibble on something tasty while sipping a cup of coffee with their menu of tasty sandwiches and aromatic blends.
If you’re on the hunt for something in a particular style of cooking, the owner knows the culinary world inside out. Don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation; you might just stumble upon something unexpectedly delicious.
Address: Haarlemmerdijk 133, 1013 KG Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Sunday and Monday: Closed
– Tuesday to Friday: 10AM – 6PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
Look Up
Running as a book cafe/store, art gallery, and information hub all in one, Look Up features an impressive stock of titles, with a strong focus on Christian-related topics. Besides literature, they also sell small souvenirs and postcards that make ideal gifts.
Look Up is the type of place that sucks you in when you least expect it. Between the friendly staff who genuinely love chatting with customers and the specialty coffee that easily outshines any chain, you won’t be able to get enough of the atmosphere here.
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 51, 1012 AC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Saturday to Monday: Closed
– Tuesday to Friday: 11AM – 5PM
Bookstore van Pampus
‘To invite delay’ is more than a quote from the team over at Bookstore van Pampus; it’s a philosophy. They want customers to take their time, find a book that speaks to them, and sit with it, coffee in hand.
Many of their written materials are in English, including new releases, children’s books, and some comics. A sense of comfort surrounds you as you wander through their aisles of publications, created by wooden elements, cozy rugs, and wicker chairs that provide instant calm.
Address: C. van Eesterenlaan 17, 1019 JK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Opening hours:
– Monday: 12PM – 6:30PM
– Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 6:30PM
– Sunday: 12AM – 6PM
