If you’re traveling for a long time and you’re like me, you always end up schlepping around more books than you should but not enough for the entire trip.
While you could certainly leave a few books at the hotel for other travelers to peruse, why not make a couple of Euros off them at a used book store? Here are some suggestions to both buy and sell English books in Berlin.
1. St. George’s
St. George’s is close to Heaven on Earth. Seriously, if anyone were to ask me my top 10 favorite bookstores in the world, St. George’s would figure in there somewhere, matching up even with obvious classics like Powell’s in Portland, Oregon, USA. Compact yet bursting from the seams with a great selection of new and used books that are all reasonably priced, St. George’s is THE English bookstore in Berlin. They carry a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction titles, including your up to the date recommended titles from the Guardian or the New York Times as well as unknown, overlooked classics that have been culled together by Paul (owner) and Jonathan (resident grumpy book sleuth). Tell them what you’re into and they’re bound to clue you in on 50 other things you might also want to read. Another bonus is their great selection of books about Berlin with classics like Berlin Alexanderplatz and other rarities. St. George’s also buys books, so, again, bring those paperbacks you’ve been hauling around on your travels and trade them in.
Also worth noting is St. George’s Tuesday night movie program, where they show art house classics and obscure international gems (with English subtitles), all for 2 Euros and a complimentary beer or glass of wine.
Wörtherstrasse 27 (Prenzlauerberg)
M – Fr: 11 am -8 pm
Sa: 11 am -7 pm
2. Another Country
To be honest, Another Country is nowhere near Heaven on Earth. Pretentious, disorganized, stuffy and outdated, Another Country’s selection is wanting, if not despicably pathetic. It’s worth mentioning, however, not only for its location in the heart of Kreuzberg 61 but also for its wide selection of detective novels and science fiction. Seriously, if you want to pick up a copy of everything L. Ron Hubbard ever published, then this is the place for you (just don’t come looking here for any poetry/fiction/social sciences/philosophy/history from the last 50 years). Check out their web page and join their newsletter, in case you want to go to one of their events, which are quaint and amusing.
Riemannstrasse 7 (Kreuzberg)
3. Pro Qm
Pro Qm is another amazing bookstore in Berlin and probably the coolest. Though daunting in its laissez-faire organization, Pro Qm focuses on cities, city planning, art, theory, architecture, feminism, queer theory, fashion, pop and culture. They offer a great selection of magazines and books from small publishing houses, artist catalogues and monographs as well as up to the minute art books. Even if these topics don’t interest you, a visit is recommended nonetheless for their selection of books about Berliner graffiti and the Berlin of today and yesterday. While other places will give you a view of history concerning the city, Pro Qm can show you Berlin as Berliners (and new Berliners) see the city.
Almstadtstrasse 48-50 (Mitte)
M – Sa: 11 am – 8 pm
4. Dussmann’s
Dussmann’s is a must for book lovers, music fans, film freaks and those of you who can read German. Although it’s mildly reminiscent of American chains like Borders, Dussmann’s has a wonderful selection of travel books, books about Berlin, and just about everything else on five floors. They have a wonderful philosophy and sociology selection as well as all the recent hits from the English (and, to some extent, French and Spanish) market(s). Dussmann’s DVD selection is nothing to frown at and neither is their music selection, though, admittedly, their classical and jazz selection is far superior to their pop and electronica selection. If you have children, the kids corner on the second floor should prevent a rainy from turning into a disaster. Also, if you want to learn German (or any other language for that matter), this should be your first stop.
Friedrichstrasse 90 (Mitte)
M – Sa: 10 am – 12 am
5. Do You Read Me?
Sick of reading? Isn’t that why you came on vacation anyway? To get away from the stress of university or your mind numbing job? Just want something to flip through? To ogle at? Something that will make you scratch your chin but not strain your eyes? Then stop by, Do you read me? for their wonderful selection of fashion, art and cultural magazines in a beautiful, austere setting. A stop here should make any train ride or airport visit pleasant; or as pleasant as it can be.
Auguststrasse 28 (Mitte)
M – F: 10 am – 8.30 pm
Sa: 10 am – 7.30 pm
Photo of books in Berlin, Germany, originally posted by Jacob Botter
5 responses to “Top 5 English Bookstores in Berlin”
Report an inappropriate commentDecember 31st, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Hello:
I discovered your site on line. I am interested in being considered for your reading list/book store.
My book The Healing(true tales of a food addict) is NOT a diet book. Diet books make women feel even worse than they already do about their bodies, from society.It is a voice of compassion, truth and insight into the “dis-ease”
of compulsive/binge eating
You may view excerpts and my bio at Trafford.com. That is my publisher. My book has sold all over the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. I look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at mksets@aol.com.
Best regards,
Mari Keating Schofield
author: The Healing(true tales of a food addict)
Trafford.com
February 18th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
totally agree – st george’s is a h(e)aven in B! but J – a resident grumpy book sleuth?? i very much disagree … resident hot cake i’d say ;o)
August 10th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
As one who has visited Another Country frequently, and knows its selection quite well (no, I don’t work there–I’m just a tourist), Shane’s comments on Another Country are complete, utter bullshit. His choice of St. George’s Bookstore as being #1 (when their selection is virtually identical to that of Another Country, which has been having movie nights for years) probably reflects his yuppie hipster predilection for Prenzlauer Berg, which is where they (yuppie-hipsters) mostly congregate, anyway.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:37 am
I also have no association with Another Country, but go over there as often as I can. I love to rummage through and find gems. No it’s not squeaky clean and impeccably ordered but that’s the fun of it. If you choose your books from their return section it’s a good deal.
December 5th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
For English children’s books and activities for german-english bilingual families, also try mundo azul (http://www.mundoazul.de) in Prenzlauer Berg at Choriner Strasse 49.
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