Germany has a rich bookselling culture — the country produces more book titles per capita than almost anywhere else in the world, and independent bookshops remain a fixture of most German city centres. Here is where to find the best ones.
Munich
Munich has a surprising density of quality bookshops. The Hugendubel flagship on Marienplatz carries an excellent English-language section across multiple floors. More interesting are the independents: a Chinese-language bookshop in Maxvorstadt caters to the student population; several small shops in Schwabing stock art, architecture, and academic titles unavailable in chains. The secondhand bookshop strip along Schellingstraße near the university is a Friday afternoon ritual for many students.
Berlin
Berlin’s bookshop landscape is eclectic. Saint George’s English Bookshop in Prenzlauer Berg is one of the best English-language independent bookshops in Germany — dense shelves, knowledgeable staff, regular author readings. Do You Read Me?! in Mitte specialises in international magazines and design books and doubles as a cultural space. Bücherbogen under the S-Bahn arches at Savignyplatz is an art and architecture specialist beloved by professionals.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt hosts the world’s largest book fair (Buchmesse) each October, which shapes the city’s year-round book culture. Hugendubel and Thalia both have large Frankfurt branches. The secondhand market around the university area has good philosophy and social science stock at very low prices.
Tip for English Readers
Most large Thalia and Hugendubel stores carry a dedicated English section. For specialist titles, use buch7.de (independent German online seller that donates profit to charity) or order directly from the UK via The Book Depository (now absorbed by Amazon UK).
