The Best Independent Bookstores In Basel Switzerland

Basel is one of Switzerland’s main cultural hubs and its people are incredibly proud of it. Here you’ll find great museums, plenty of art and a plethora of independent bookstores selling modern titles and antiques that’ll make for a great souvenir.

1. Bücher-Brocky

Bookstore, Store

Used books find a new home at Bücher-Brocky,a store that only sells second-hand titles which are in good nick. Almost every genre can be found here, plus there is a good mix of modern and classic, so there’s something to suit everyone. The content of their shelves is always rotating so it’s doubtful you’ll see the same book twice.

Bidder & Tanner

You’ll find one of the biggest book collections in Basel is Bidder & Tanner, Basel’s ‘culture house’ which also sells CDs and music by Swiss artists. While the focus of the book section is predominantly on Swiss language books (German and French) there is a good collection of English titles too.

Bidder & Tanner, Aeschenvorstadt 2, 4010 Basel, Switzerland, +41 61 206 99 99
Wir werden ihn vermissen, unseren Polo! ?
A post shared by Kulturhaus Bider & Tanner (@biderundtanner) on Jul 26, 2017 at 4:44am PDT

2. Bücherwurm

Bookstore, Store

Bücherwurm, or Bookworm, is a curious little shop in Basel’s Old Town that’s full of interesting antique and second-hand books. They specialise in Japanese and Chinese stories as well as fairy tales. But they also buy collections so you’ll find a variety of styles and genres.

3. Antiquariat Libelle mit H&B

Another literary gem in Basel’s Old Town, Antiquariat Libelle’s shelves are well-stocked with antique and aged books. Alongside their antiques they also have a large collection of posters, pictures and other artwork. Taking a bit of time to browse through is recommended as some of the best pieces are often hidden.

Antiquariat Libelle mit H&B, Schnabelgasse 6, Basel, Switzerland, +41 61 381 35 56

I Never Read

I Never Read is a must visit for anyone who is even slightly literary minded. This massive book fair brings together dozens of international independent authors under one roof. Taking place every June in Basel it is open to the public and completely free. Check out the I Never Read website to find out where and when the next edition is due to take place.
I Never Read, Art Book Fair Basel 2017
A post shared by I Never Read, (@ineverreadartbookfairbasel) on Jul 5, 2017 at 9:19am PDT

4. Stampa

Stampa is your go to place for all books concerning Swiss and international art. Founded back in 1969, Stampa has been a mainstay of the famous Basel art scene for some time and alongside its fine collection of art books they regularly host exhibitions and bring in artists for signings.

Stampa, Spalenberg 2, Basel, Switzerland, +41 61 261 79 10

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