The Best Independent Bookstores in Budapest

The go-to foreign language bookstore in the city, Bestsellers has been providing local residents and visitors with great literary reads since 1992. Operating both online and through their store in downtown Budapest, they carry a combination of academic and general titles, thanks to the shop’s former function as the bookstore for the Central European University. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and if there’s a book you want to read but don’t see in store, they’re happy to order it for you where possible.

A café and bookstore popular with locals and students for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious cakes, Massolit is something of an institution in Budapest. Its interior is cosy and welcoming, while the walls are lined with both fiction and non-fiction books to be enjoyed over a coffee (or taken home for later). The bookstore makes an effort to stock titles you may not usually find in Hungary – such as those focused on gender, Jewish studies and progressive politics. There’s also a small outdoor garden to enjoy during the warmer months.

Founded in 1990 alongside the Atlantisz Foundation, this bookstore in Budapest’s 7th district works to promote humanities and social sciences in Hungary. To that end, visitors can find plenty of fascinating reads here covering fields including philosophy, psychology and art theory. There are also a number of fictional titles nestled among the shelves of this two-storey book shop with a cosy, old-world atmosphere.

Located on Budapest’s iconic Andrássy Avenue, this popular bookstore is one of the city’s most renowned and a go-to for Hungarian literature. There are also a number of English titles, covering topics such as travel, architecture and photography. As well as offering a great range of books, the store also holds regular literary events – such as poetry readings, author-reader meetings and more.

The Yellow Zebra Bookshop is an independent English-language bookstore located in the heart of Budapest, Hungary. The shop offers a wide range of new and used books in various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and travel guides. In addition to books, the shop also sells a selection of souvenirs and gift items.

The store has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable seating areas and friendly staff who are always happy to recommend books or offer advice. The shop also hosts a variety of events and book clubs, making it a hub for the English-speaking community in Budapest.

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