The Best Independent Bookstores In Gdansk And Tri-City Area

If you find yourself in need of an engaging summer read before heading to the beach or want to brush up on some Polish classics while visiting the Tri-city area, these bookstores are the perfect place to start. With knowledgeable personnel and hand-picked catalogues offering titles often unavailable in other places, those spots prove the importance of independent bookstores in any city’s literary scene.

1. Firmin (Gdańsk)

Bookstore

This iconic bookstore takes its name from Sam Savage’s novel which tells a story of Firmin, the rat who inhabits one of Boston’s secondhand bookshops. However, this place does not focus on children’s literature. Firmin‘s highly-curated catalogue also shies away from the bestselling titles and only includes what the owners deem important and interesting. Born from the love for books, this is a great place for both bibliophiles and those starting their reading adventure. The booksellers are more than happy to offer any suggestions.

2. Sztuka Wyboru (Gdańsk)

Cafe, Contemporary

Sztuka Wyboru which translates as “the art of choosing” is a multidisciplinary space combining a bookstore with an art gallery and a boutique featuring Polish design and independent fashion. The curated catalogue of items is a true feast for those whose have an interest in visual arts and design. You will definitely have to implement the art of choosing if you don’t want to leave the store fully laden.

3. Ambelucja (Sopot)

Bookstore, Store

Made with youngest reader’s in mind, Ambelucja offers a great selection of children’s literature. Before ordering a title for the store, the owners make sure that it features imagination-inducing illustrations and a storyline that teaches kid’s empathy. The bookstore also has an array of parenting-related publications as well as a whole shelf dedicated to audiobooks.

5. Cafe Księgarnia Vademecum (Gdynia)

Bookstore, Shop

This little gem of a bookstore was selected as the second most beautiful independent bookstore in Poland by users of a literary portal lubimyczytac.pl. Those who extract good energy from being surrounded by books can enjoy a cup of coffee and even play board games with friends. In addition, Cafe Księgarnia Vademecum also acts as a photo gallery, ceramics shop featuring local artists and a venue for meet-and-greets with authors, lectures and workshops.

6. KOGA (Gdynia)

Bookstore

A great place for book addicts who need to watch their budget, as the prices at KOGA are guaranteed to always be cheaper than the ones suggested by the publisher, with some titles selling for as much as 50% off. As in any other discount bookstore, readers may not find the newest releases here, however the selection leaves no doubt that the owners carefully pick what they are putting on the shelves. Fans of crime stories wont leave this place disappointed, and those looking for non-fiction, literary fiction or even children’s literature will also find something that suits their liking.

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