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English Language Bookstores in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a number of large bookstores selling English language books. Both US and UK published books are well represented - however you will pay a local premium over the usual dollar or pound cover price. There are a number of bookshops located around the Spui square area - a weekly book market is also held there every Friday. |
The American Book Center (ABC) - This Amsterdam institution has been here since 1972 with a huge selection of American (and British) titles. They also have a second book store in The Hague.
 | Students, teachers, over 65's get a 10% discount off books at the ABC. (Over 55's get the discount on Mondays only). If you plan to purchase a number of books then you could buy a yearly discount card for €7 which also gives you the 10% discount. |
ABC always have a decent range of books on special offer. They also sell magazines and newspapers on the ground floor. Regular social events such as book-reading and open mike nights are held.
ABC bookstore is open Monday (1100 - 1900), Tue/Wed/Fri/Sat (1000 - 2000), Thursday (1000 - 2100), Sunday (1100 - 1830).
ABC,
Spui 12, Amsterdam
T: +31(0)20 625 5537
Waterstones Amsterdam - This 4 floor British bookshop has an excellent selection of titles from the UK. You can find it across the road from the ABC bookstore on the corner of Spui and the main shopping street Kalverstraat. They have regular '3 for 2' book deals. Waterstones, 152 Kalverstraat, Amsterdam |  |
 | Selexyz Scheltema - Massive Dutch bookstore with 125,000 titles in store over 5 floors. You can find many English titles available. There is also a nice cafe (Bagel & Beans) up on the first floor, something which both Waterstones and ABC lack. Selexyz Scheltema, Koningsplein 10, 1012 WZ Amsterdam |
Other Stores
The English Bookshop at Lauriergracht 71 (T: +31(0)20 626 4230) is a small shop that sells an interesting range of new and second-hand English books. Children's books are a speciality. There is a coffee bar and a basement with comfy sofas and the staff are friendly and helpful. You can find it in the Jordaan area. Open Tuesday - Saturday 1100 - 1800.
De Slegte is a Dutch discount book chain. You will find quite a few English books in store especially in the travel ('reizen') section, although some editions will be a few years old. Located at Kalverstraat 48-52 (T: +31(0)20 622 5933).
| The English Bookstore is a cut-price English book outlet on Kalverstraat very near Muntplein. They have a decent range of books including travel guides and you can often find some good bargains here. They also have a store on Leidsestraat. |  |
Frontier Bookshop on Leliegracht 42 (T: +31(0)20 330 9151) sells books on alternative health, new age, UFOs etc. They are open between 1000 and 1800 daily (Sunday open at 1200).