I was reading The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen but lost the book halfway through during a trip to the Black Sea mountains. When I got back to Istanbul, I had to buy a new copy. It was a bit expensive, but I found it without too much trouble by going to different bookstores in the city. It felt good to have the book again.
Istanbul is a city that has been attracting travelers for centuries with its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. For book lovers, Istanbul is also a treasure trove of bookshops that offer a vast selection of books in different languages, covering various topics from history and art to literature and poetry. In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 bookshops in Istanbul that travelers might make use of.
Pandora Kitabevi
Located in the vibrant and trendy neighborhood of Kadikoy, Pandora Kitabevi is a must-visit bookshop for anyone who loves literature. The shop has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere and offers a vast selection of books in different languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish. In addition to books, the shop also sells journals, art supplies, and handmade paper products.
Address: Caferaga Mahallesi, Sakiz Sokak No:17, Kadikoy, Istanbul
Robinson Crusoe 389
Named after the famous novel by Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe 389 is a charming bookshop located in the heart of Istanbul’s historical district, Beyoglu. The shop offers a vast selection of books in different languages, including English, French, and German. Robinson Crusoe 389 also hosts literary events, book launches, and poetry readings.
Address: Asmalimescit Mahallesi, Sofyali Sokak No: 28, Beyoglu, Istanbul
Homer Kitabevi
Homer Kitabevi is another fantastic bookshop located in Beyoglu, Istanbul. The shop offers a vast selection of books in different languages, including English, French, and German, covering various topics such as history, philosophy, and literature. Homer Kitabevi also has a cozy reading corner where visitors can sit and read their favorite books while enjoying a cup of Turkish tea.
Address: Mesrutiyet Caddesi No:62/B, Beyoglu, Istanbul
Minoa Kitap
Minoa Kitap is a unique bookshop located in Istanbul’s historic district of Sultanahmet. The shop specializes in books on archaeology, history, and art, making it a favorite among history buffs and art enthusiasts. Minoa Kitap also has a selection of books on Istanbul’s history and architecture, making it an excellent place for visitors who want to learn more about the city.
Address: Binbirdirek Mahallesi, Klodfarer Caddesi, Salkim Sogut Sokak No:4/1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Alman Kitabevi
Alman Kitabevi is a German bookshop located in Istanbul’s historic district of Beyoglu. The shop offers a vast selection of books in German, including literature, history, philosophy, and language learning materials. Alman Kitabevi also has a cafe section where visitors can enjoy German-inspired baked goods while browsing through the books or chatting with friends. The cafe section also hosts cultural events, making it a great hangout spot for locals and travelers alike.
Alman Kitabevi is not only a bookshop but also a cafe, making it a great place to spend a lazy afternoon or an evening with friends. The cafe section has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere and offers a variety of German-inspired baked goods, including cakes, cookies, and pastries. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while browsing through the books or chatting with friends. The cafe section also hosts events, such as live music and art exhibitions, making it a popular hangout spot for locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re looking to buy books or simply want to relax with a cup of coffee, Alman Kitabevi’s cafe section is a great place to do both.
Website: alman-kitabevi.com
Address: Istiklal Caddesi, Balyoz Sokak No:2, Beyoglu, Istanbul
Arka Bahçe – Days comics and collectibles
Days comics and collectibles, aka Arka Bahçe is a charming little bookshop located in Turkey that offers a diverse range of comic books in both Turkish and English. Their selection caters to all tastes, from classic superheroes to independent graphic novels, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Whether you are a seasoned comic book enthusiast or a casual reader, Arkabahçe’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to provide recommendations and help you find the perfect read. With its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, Arkabahçe is the ideal spot for any comic book lover to browse, discover, and indulge in their favorite stories.
Address: Cihangir, Pürtelaş Hasanefendi Mahallesi, Cihangir Cd. no:13/A, 34000 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
In conclusion, Istanbul is a paradise for book lovers, and the city’s bookshops offer a vast selection of books in different languages, covering various topics. Whether you’re interested in literature, history, or art, some of the best bookshops listed above are must-visit places for foreign travelers who want to explore Istanbul’s literary scene.
I highly recommend The Sympathizer by the way 🙂
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