Few cities leave a first impression quite like Budapest, from its fanciful Austro-Hungarian architecture to the blissful sunsets over the Danube. During the holidays, the city feels even more inviting as Christmas markets brighten the streets and visitors linger a little longer. For readers, though, the real magic lies in Budapest’s bookstores.
From beloved chains to cozy café bookshops and charming antiquarian spots, the city offers endless places to browse, unwind, and pick up meaningful gifts for the book lovers in your life.
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.
Inside, you’ll find a cozy café corner serving fresh teas, coffees, and sweet treats — a perfect place to unwind after picking out meaningful holiday gifts. You can enjoy them in the lovely courtyard out back, and if that fills up, there’s plenty of seating out front to settle in with your finds.
Address: Budapest, Nagy Diófa u. 30, 1072 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 7:30PM
Bestsellers Bookshop
Before Bestsellers Bookshop opened 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. It’s also a perfect place to stop by this holiday season if you’re looking for thoughtful bookish gifts.
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 meet, explore the shelves, and even find thoughtful gifts for the Christmas season.
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 – 6PM
– 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. The shop has a warm, inviting feel that makes it a nice stop during the holiday season, especially if you’re hoping to pick up a few meaningful gifts.
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 the familiar feel of a classic chain bookstore, with clean design and modern furnishings. Since it’s inside the Westend Shopping Center, the store tends to stay lively, especially after work hours, and even more so during the holiday season when many shoppers come looking for gifts. You might catch a bit of a line during the busiest times, but the atmosphere stays warm and energetic.
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, making it an ideal spot to find meaningful holiday gifts for any book lover. 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 – 6PM
– Saturday & 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.
If we had to sum up Dani in one word, it would be adorable. The bookcases are packed to the rafters, yet everything is neatly arranged in a cozy space that’s perfect for a quick chitchat and a browse for holiday finds. The owner is known for striking up friendly conversations, and many visitors have praised his spot-on recommendations.
Address: Budapest, Országház u. 18, 1014 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 11AM – 5PM
– Saturday: 11AM – 3PM
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.
There’s also a cozy café inside where you can take your time exploring the international titles, including a limited but notable range of English books. It’s especially lovely during the holidays, offering a warm place to unwind and browse at your own pace.
Address: Budapest, Bartók Béla út 5-7, 1114 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 7PM
– Saturday & 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, especially during the holiday season.
The English selection is limited but solid, with good choices in dark romance and classics. With fewer titles available, it’s helpful to ask the staff for guidance.
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, making it a great place to find gifts for any book lover.
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, many customers note that even better discounts sometimes appear online, so it’s worth checking their site before you visit. If you have a particular title in mind, especially one you’d like to give as a gift, browsing their online inventory first can be helpful.
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, and the shelves are packed with titles that make great gifts. 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: 10AM – 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’ve created a space for youngsters to read and play together, giving parents the freedom to browse at their leisure. It’s a warm spot to explore during the holiday season, with Pozsonyi Pagony also hosting educational events and workshops for children, along with special book presentations at various times.
Address: Budapest, Pozsonyi út 26, 1137 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 7PM
– Saturday & 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 there with lots of options to choose from, stocked with options for meaningful presents.
Address: Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 19, 1061 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 6PM
– Saturday & 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 find 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 the books already are, making it an easy place to pick up a few holiday reads or gifts.
Address: Budapest, Kölcsey u. 4, 1085 Hungary
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 6PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 2PM
– Sunday: Closed
