The Best English Bookshops in Berlin

Last updated: June 23, 2023

During Berlin’s lockdown few indoor establishments were allowed to remain open. As a result there was not a lot that could be done indoors besides being holed up in our apartments and going on that coveted bi-weekly grocery store run. It’ was an interesting time to say the least. There is, however, one type of place that stood out from most other essential shops and those places were bookstores.

Now that we can feel more comfortable venturing out of our homes for an extended period of time, there’s no time like the present to visit one of Berlin’s fun mix of independent bookstores. To those of you who haven’t quite mastered German or are more interested in finding an English read or two, this post is for you.

Saint George’s English Bookstore

I’ve been coming to Saint George’s since I arrived in Berlin. Although on the smaller side, this bookshop is packed with great reads, and I especially like their Berlin authors and based-in-Berlin section. I typically make a beeline for these shelves or their expansive travel section. It takes a lot of control to not leave with arms filled with second hand gems, but I try to limit myself to 1-2 books per visit. I don’t think I’ve ever visited without buying something.

The idea of Saint George came to be about twenty years ago by twin brothers Paul and Daniel. Eventually the business found its home in Prenzlauer Berg, and has been there ever since. Now Saint George is home to the largest new and used English language books selection in Berlin, receiving around five shipments of books from the US and UK every week.

If you buy any used books here you can sell them back to Saint George’s for half the price after you read them. They also take requests and ship books around the country for about €1.50.

Wörther Straße 27 | Prenzlauer Berg | Website

Photo via Saint George’s English Bookstore

The Berlin Book Nook

The Berlin Book Nook offers secondhand books in a pleasantly cozy setting surrounded by a trendy area of Neukölln. They proudly carry an ever-expanding range of genres including the classics, cultural theory, gardening, detective fiction, women’s literature and German books translated to English.

The British-American couple that own this shop, Alexander Hamilton and William Parker, also extend their services to an online shop with over 15,000 book titles, although I believe that portion of the site is under construction at the moment. The staff also gives fantastic book recommendations! If you’re getting behind on German practice, the Oxford-educated linguist Alexander also offers private German lessons, with the introductory lesson being only €20 for 90 minutes!

Children are also welcome here and they have a growing collection of books for little ones.

Pflügerstraße 63 | Neukölln | Website

Curious Fox

Irish partners Orla and David opened Curious Fox in November 2013, and now have a stellar new and used English book collection. They’re known for their variety of inclusive books, and specialize in Irish and queer literature. They were previously located in Neukölln, but now have a cute little spot in Kreuzberg.

I first visited Curious Fox last summer when I accompanied a friend of mine promoting her debut book at local bookstores in Berlin. I spent quite a bit of time browsing their walls packed with books, and left after purchasing a few of their gorgeous postcards. I recently visited again, this time in their new location, and purchased a few more artsy postcards, as well as a copy of their Berlin winter survival guide.

Lausitzer Pl. 17 | Kreuzberg | Website

Shakespeare & Sons

Shakespeare & Sons is the bookstore I’ve visited the most out of this bunch, and although their Jewish-American owned sister business Fine Bagels (don’t get me started on those rosemary bagels) is typically what motivates me to visit, I always have a lovely time browsing their bookshop as well. I don’t think they have very many (if any) used books, which hurts my wallet when I visit, but it’s worth it to enjoy their wonderfully curated book selection. I always end up jotting down several titles to add to my “to read” list every visit, and every book they have on display looks prettier than the last.

Shakespeare & Sons got their start after renovating a former brothel in Prague and transforming it into an English bookstore in 2002. Years later in 2011 Roman Kratochvila, of Czechia, opened up their second branch in Prenzlauer Berg before eventually moving to their current home in Friedrichshain in 2014.

They have a website with an expansive book collection online, and they promise free shipping within Germany when you order €15 worth of books or more!

Warschauer Straße 74 | Friedrichshain | Website

Another Country

Another Country is a versatile bookshop that fits practically anyone’s reading preferences. They operate as a hybrid library-bookstore, and readers have the option of purchasing new and used books.

British immigrant Sophie Raphaeline runs the shop and thinks of it as a place where one can practice free speech, liberal thinking, and of course reading. Another Country really holds true to these values and has become known as a very inclusive place to be, in a city that’s already well known for its openness.

The English speaking community can enjoy regular happenings including dinner nights, an English film club, and a book club. There’s also events that give stage to minorities such as queer creative’s night and evenings dedicated to giving trans people and refugees a platform to share their experiences.

Riemannstraße 7 | Kreuzberg | Website

Ocelot, not just another bookstore

This little bookstore sells a mix of German and English titles, with a nicely curated English section featuring contemporary classics, bestsellers, and more unique picks. Although their English section is smaller than the German one, it’s well put together so you’re sure to find something enjoyable if you give them a visit.

Brunnenstraße 181 | Mitte | Website

Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus

Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus is mainly a German bookstore, but they have a really stellar selection of English books. This is a great place to find the latest English book releases without having to make another purchase on Amazon. They also have a great mix of English reads including older and modern classics, language learning books, and fiction novels. Plus, film and music! They open early and close late. It’s quite large so give yourself time to wander the English and German sections.

Friedrichstraße 90 | Mitte | Website