Nowadays, with the rise of online shopping, we can get most things at the click of a button, with no need to venture to a shop to find it. This can be the case with books, as we often forgo the once treasured experience of perusing the shelves of a bookstore for that obscure novel, or that new release. Entering a bookstore can be a magical experience and Italy is home to some wonderful bookshops. Visiting a bookstore in Italy is a book-lovers haven with many to explore, browse and even enjoy a beverage in! Centuries old bookstores, containing ancient manuscripts, historical books and that ‘old book’ smell that transports you to bygone times, or to modern, well organised bookshops containing all the new releases, Italy has something for everyone. You may even see a gondola or two full of interesting books.

The best bookstores for curious minds

Italian bookshops offer much more than just shelves full of books: they are places of culture, history and design. From historic shops to the most atmospheric independent bookshops, this guide explores Italy's most fascinating literary spaces, perfect for book lovers in search of unique atmospheres and rare titles. So, sit back, get comfy and let’s explore the best bookstores Italy.

Libreria Bocca, Milan

One of Italy’s oldest bookstores, established in 1775 and housed in the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. For centuries it has been one of the best bookstores in Milan, a cultural hub, home to a wide selection of rare and historical books.

Bookshop Acqua Alta in Venice

Aptly coined as the ‘most beautiful bookstore in the world’, it’s a quirky and fascinating treasure trove of vintage books. Inside the bookstore you will find old bathtubs, canoes, and even a gondola, all brimming with interesting books.

Bookshop Antica e Moderna Fiorentino, Naples

Founded in 1936 by Faustino Fiorentino, this delightful bookstore is home to everything from new release novels, antique and vintage books, to first edition collectables. This bookstore is a fantastic place to feel like you’ve stepped back in time and is a slice of history.

Libreria BACBUC, Rome

Located on Via Vetulonia, Libreria BACBUC is home to a wonderful collection of deleted books, old manuscripts and bindings. This little treasure trove of a bookstore has something for everyone and is one of the best bookstores in Rome.

Libreria del Corso, Palermo

This little gem is the perfect place for those who are interested in art, archaeology and the history of Sicily, with an extensive collection of books on these subjects. Perfect for all literature aficionados wanting to peruse the extensive bookshelves.

Liberrima bookshop in Lecce

One of Lecce’s largest bookstores located in Corte dei Cicala in the historic centre. Inside is divided into sections, from the latest novels to university textbooks. It’s easy to whirl away an afternoon perusing this fantastic collection of books.

Colapesce Bookshop in Messina

This place is much more than a bookstore as it combines the 20th century concept of mixing culture with refreshments. The Colapesce is a bookstore, a bistro, a wine bar and an internet café all in one. A perfect place to enjoy a bite, socialise and increase one’s culture.

Libreria Editrice Chiari, Florence

This bookstore specialises in Italian history, arts and culture, and is home to an extensive collection of second-hand books to keep you busy for hours. The wooden décor gives this bookstore it a cozy and retro atmosphere.

Bookshop Luxemburg in Turin

Located in Piazza Carignano, bookshop Luxemburg is known as one of the best bookstores in Italy, and is home to wonderful variety of books and an international magazine collection that is second to none.

Libreria Studium, Venice

Set over two floors this lovely bookshop is well worth a visit while in Venice, with many guides on the floating city as well as history books in English, German and Spanish as well as Italian.

Luxury Shopping at Fiumicino airport

During your journey to any one of these wonderful bookshops in Italy, your departure from area E of Rome Fiumicino airport can turn into a moment of pleasure: the Personal Shopper Service offers you a personalised shopping experience, perfect for completing your itinerary with class.

There is nothing like a good book to keep you entertained while travelling, and once you’ve visited any of these interesting bookstores in Italy you are bound to leave with something that interests and inspired you. Take a step back in time at some of the oldest bookstores in Italy and soak up that historic atmosphere as you browse the different titles available, or be amazed by the wonderful modern spaces that are just perfect for finding that book you’ve been searching for.

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