Spazio Sette Libreria
We’re starting off with possibly the most beautiful bookstore in Rome, Spazio Sette Libreria. Sitting in Rome’s historic center, the interior is a startling mix of modern checkerboard flooring and 17th-century ceilings with elaborate, painted frescoes and intricate moldings.
It offers a curated selection of books across genres, particularly small- and medium-sized publications. Most are in Italian, but there are a few English-language volumes. The building is three stories tall, with a charming little café/bar offering coffee, wine, cake, cheese, and salami on the second floor. Meanwhile, the top floor is a dedicated event/art space.
Open Door Bookshop
For a wide selection of English books (with some French and Italian mixed in), head to Open Door Bookshop. With its distinctive brick archway packed with oodles of books, it has a comforting, old-timey atmosphere that is at once welcoming to any bookworm who walks in. Visitors can browse through shelves filled with historical tomes, fiction, and more—all well-loved, secondhand books.
The shop will also buy and trade books, ensuring a stock just as interesting and varied as the people who pass through.
Libreria Palazzo Esposizioni
While it may not have any books in English, Libreria Palazzo Esposizioni is one place in Rome you have to swing by just for the aesthetics. This bookstore specializes in art, photography, architecture, and design publications, and true to many art-focused bookshops, its interior design is both unique and captivating.
Unlike most artsy bookshops, though, this one attracts not only artists and designers, but families as well with a wide selection of children’s books and illustrated volumes alongside exhibition catalogs.
Libreria Rotondi
This bookshop fills its shelves with topics on esotericism and Eastern philosophies and religions. With rare and out-of-print books alongside tarot and Buddhist imagery, it’s the perfect place to become in tune with the mystical and spiritual side.
The shop has been around since 1941 and was recognized as a historic shop by the City of Rome in 2004, maintaining its original charm with wooden shelves and vaulted ceilings. While it doesn’t have any English-language volumes, it hosts regular book events where presenters engage in deep, philosophical discussions.
Libreria Trastevere
Named after the Trastevere neighborhood where it was built, this bookstore offers a diverse selection of books in Italian, English, and French. Like Spazio Sette Libreria, it likes to promote small- and medium-sized publications.
Alongside books, the store also sells unique items like postcards and vintage movie posters. Where it shines the most, however, is in its friendly and welcoming staff, who many visitors have praised for their courtesy and helpfulness when looking for recommendations.
Antica Libreria Cascianelli
Established in 1909, Antica Libreria Cascianelli stands tall as one of Rome’s oldest bookstores. Housed in a 19th-century former ecclesiastical tailoring shop, it has preserved its original wood paneling and blown glass panes on its bookcases.
The store specializes in rare books, first editions, and antiquarian works on topics like art, science, history, and botany, making it a magnet for collectors across the city. And yes, there’s even some English-language books. It also features various antiques and art pieces.
Libreria GRIOT
Behold Italy’s first bookstore dedicated to African, Middle Eastern, and diasporic literature: Libreria GRIOT. Established in 2008, this is the place to go to read up on African authors, whether in Italian, English, or even Arabic.
GRIOT also hosts regular events like book presentations, debates, and a monthly book club where visitors gather to expand understanding of other cultures and sharpen their critical thinking skills on complex topics.
Altroquando
Suited up with vibrant, eye-popping decor, this independent bookstore and pub knows how to keep a chill vibe. Its book selection is in Italian, featuring a good deal of independent authors rather than the same old lineup of popular bestsellers. However, there are also plenty of graphic novels and other items like calendars and notebooks that are good no matter what language you speak.
The pub is on the basement level, attracting visitors with live music and a great selection of craft beers and wines. It’s also open past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays—perfect for night owls everywhere.
Otherwise Bookshop
Just across the street from Altroquando is Otherwise, an independent English-language bookstore with a clean, contemporary design. It offers a diverse selection of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and secondhand titles, all mostly in English, with a few Italian and French titles thrown in, as well.
Just note that the staff is very particular about visitors picking up and reading books before purchasing—a nice way to ensure the spines are satisfying crisp when you first crack it open at home.
Fahrenheit 451
Take a step out of the mainstream at Libreria Fahrenheit 451, a unique bookstore chock full of rare and signed volumes. Located in Campo de Fiori, its focus is on niche and alternative topics, with a bohemian vibe to match its eclectic collection.
Most of the books are in Italian, but it does have a limited selection in other languages, including English. Even so, it’s still worth a visit just to soak up the atmosphere and get a better feel for a lesser-known side of Italy.
https://magazine.1000libraries.com/the-10-best-bookstores-in-rome-italy/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJUAcVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHSw9JmzrargNZIiufA5SarVsEZBON5nEpS-cBcltso7yZ2l-I1SlnwVffQ_aem_LDnScociIlnxtUGDvTscCg#wpcf7-f35108-p46592-o2
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