The best bookshops Amsterdam

Here's the perfect place to discover that bouquinistes aren't just a French thing: discover them in the Oudemanhuispoort passage. This gallery has been used since 1757 by traders in gold and other metals. In the heart of the "Latin Quarter", book dealers have taken up residence in this passageway, which was once the entrance to the city's most important hospice. An unmissable market for lovers of fine literature. Collectors will find some very fine bindings, first editions and antique engravings.

Le Temps Retrouvé is the French bookshop in the heart of Amsterdam's historic center. Opened a few years ago by a true enthusiast, Pierre-Pascal Bruneau, the place is a veritable embassy of French and Francophone culture in the city. It makes sense: sound advice, a relaxed atmosphere, prices just slightly higher than those in France. An added bonus for French visitors: a selection of French-language books on Amsterdam and the Netherlands. An address to pamper. A children's section is also available.

Attention modern book collectors: Mendo calls itself a "confectionery" for art book lovers. It's a store with a very sophisticated design, housed for some time now in the perfect setting of the magnificent Hôtel de l'Europe. Our favorite feature is the pleasant, designer setting, perfect for discovering books. A wide selection of books on architecture, photography, graphic design, design and fashion are on permanent rotation. An address that we love and that always surprises, a must in Amsterdam!

Misc. is a magnificent Jordaan boutique specializing in writing instruments and pencil accessories. It's a superb store, very much inspired by Japan, with many items coming from there. The presentation is very well thought-out and everything will make you want to buy. Art and travel books are also sold, but it's the accessories that will make you want to buy: fountain pens, designer erasers, superb scotch tape, inspiration will come immediately. Our favorites are the Traveler's Company notebooks, infinitely customizable.

On the city's literary square, this is probably the most authentically Amsterdam-style shop in the capital. This is the place to buy a magazine or guidebook, a foreign newspaper (most of the major French dailies can be found here, as in the majority of Amsterdam's good press houses), the latest bestseller or a work of sociology. Of particular note is the foreign-language literature section, which is better stocked with Anglo-American literature than French. This is where you'll find free publications on the city's cultural agenda.

In the heart of the Jordaan district, a stone's throw from the popular Noorderkerk, which hosts the Monday second-hand market and the Saturday organic market, this is a bookshop as we like them, with a varied range of magazines and newspapers (French too, of course), literature, art books, cookery books, tourist guides and even a special children's section. The staff are friendly and helpful. Come and buy your newspaper or magazine before enjoying the Noordermarkt apple pie.

For over a decade, the Place du Spui has been home to this bookshop, a veritable institution in the town. It's the temple of American literature, as well as comic books, travel books, cookery books and calendars. The magazine section is simply incredible. We also love the art books and the section devoted to books on Amsterdam or the Netherlands! The knowledgeable staff at ABC (the store's acronym) are at your service. Simply the best English-language bookshop!

This bookshop is located in the imposing entrance hall of the no less imposing De Bazel building. You really must visit it, both to see all the books about the city of Amsterdam and in several languages. All genres are covered: fiction, comics, cookery books, travel guides and more. An interesting address that can be used as an excuse to visit the archives and enjoy a pie and coffee in the adjoining brasserie. Wide selection of second-hand books and gift ideas.