If you’re looking for a book to read or that “just right” guidebook you will find plenty of bookstores in Rome that only sell English language books. Many of the Italian bookstores also have a smaller English section. Do know that English books ARE expensive here in Rome. At these stores, you can also buy local publications in English or English language newspapers and magazines. Listed below are a few of the many bookstores in Rome that may have English language materials.
Almost Corner Bookshop
This bookstore is located in Trastevere. It has a variety of literature and guidebooks. Formerly known as The Corner Bookstore, this shop moved to a larger and better lit location. The owner Dermot O’Connell has created an intimate, cozy location. The store has best sellers and also great classics. There are also biographies, history books, novels – all in English.
Open daily from 10:00-13:30 and 15:30-20:00.
Via del Moro, 45
Tel: 06 583 6942 (Trastevere)
Anglo American Bookshop
This bookstore is located near the Spanish steps. It has a great many novels, books on art and architecture, and also academic books detailing the history and culture of Rome. It is an established bookstore with more than 45,000 books and has been in business in Rome for more than 25 years. A separate address down the street specializes in books on science and technology
Via delle Vite,102
Tel. 06 679 522 Fax: 06 6783890 (Spanish Steps)
Scientific/Technical Section at Via delle Vite, 27
Tel: 06. 678 9657 Closed Monday morning and Sunday
http://www.aab.it/
Arion Bookstore
This bookstore is a location where you can sit and enjoy wonderful books, while sipping a drink or cappuccino in an incredible environment. Hotel Majestic houses the Arion bookstore, one of Rome’s largest. There are readings by prominent Italian authors in the ballroom, and the bookstore holds autograph sessions and other promotions in the hotel.
Open Mon-Thu from 10am to midnight, Fri-Sat from 10am to 1am, Sun from 11am to 9pm.
Via Veneto, 42
Tel: 06 679 5222
Bibli
Bilbi is a spacious Italian bookstore where concerts, lectures, readings and panel discussions are often held. There is also Internet access, a tearoom, a courtyard dining area, and a baked goods counter. Most of the books are in Italian, but there are some English titles.
Via dei Fienaroli, 28 (Trastevere)
Tel: 06 5814534 / 06 588 4097
http://www.bibli.it/
Bookàbar Bookshop
A large bookshop located at the corner of Via Nazionale and Via Milano in the Palazzo delle Esposizioni, the largest exhibition area in central Rome. The Palazzo also includes a cinema, an auditorium, and a Forum. The bookshop has a café, books, CD’s, and DVD’s. English titles are available.
Mon – Closed
Tue-Wed 10.00-20.00
Fri-Sat 10.00-22.30
Sun 10.00-20.00
Via Milano 15/17
Tel: 06 48913361
http://english.palazzoesposizioni.it/canale.asp?id=14
Borri Bookstore
The Borri is a huge bookstore located inside the Termini Train Station. On the third floor (top floor) there is a very large selection of titles in English. Open from 07:30-23:00 all week.
Termini Station
Tel: 06 482 8422
http://www.grandistazioni.it/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=5f7eb63813afb110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD
Daseia
This music and bookstore has a variety of sheet music and books from international publishers. The shop features small music concerts and book presentation. There is free internet access and wine, coffee and snacks are also available.
Via di San Francesco a Ripa 60, Trastevere
Tel: 06 454 22111
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rome-Italy/Daseia-Music-Bookshop-Cafe/31794135047
la Feltrinelli
The Feltrinelli’s are the Italian version of Barnes and Noble. Their stores are everywhere in Rome. Most of the stores have an extensive selection of books, CD’s, DVD’s, video games, video gaming units, etc Many have a café (such as Largo Argentina). There is often a small selection of English and Spanish titles, including a comprehensive collection of Rome guide books and maps in most of la Feltrinelli bookstores.
http://www.lafeltrinelli.it/fcom/it/home.html
- la Feltrinelli at Fiumicino
- Arrivals Terminal
- Satellite Terminal
- Departures Terminal
- Terminal A - la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
Viale Guglielmo Marconi 190 – 00146 Roma RM - la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
Viale Libia 186 – 00199 Roma RM - la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
A selection of English language books available in store along with a wide choice of music, DVDs and stationary. Open Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-21:00 and Sun 10:00-13:30 and 16:00-20:00.
Viale Giulio Cesare 88,
Tel: 06 377 2411 Fax: 06 375 14023 - la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
Piazza Colonna, 31/35 – 00187 Roma RM - la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
Via Appia Nuova 427 – 00181 Roma RM - la Feltrinelli Librerie
A selection of English-language books available. Open Monday from 14:00-19.30 and Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-19:30.
Via del Babuino 39/40
Tel: 06 360 01842 Fax: 06 360 01929 - la Feltrinelli International
Feltrinelli opened a large international section in its flagship Piazza Exedra shop in 1996, offering a wide selection of English-language books on a variety of topics: literature, art, health, self help, gardening, religion. Books in English, Spanish, French and German. They also carry dictionaries and reference books for many languages.
Via V.E. Orlando, 84/86 (Piazza Exedra near Piazza della Republica)
Tel: 06 482 7878 Fax: 06 4827878 - la Feltrinelli Libri e Musica
Largo Torre Argentina, 11 – 00186 Roma RM - la Feltrinelli Librerie
via V.E. Orlando, 78/81 – 00185 Roma RM
Herder Buchhandlung
Herder Buchhandlung is a historic German bookshop specializing in theological and philosophical works. You will also find a small selection of books in English and some children’s books.
Piazza di Montecitorio, 117
Tel: 06 679 46 28
http://www.herder.it/
Il Mare – International bookshop
This bookstore specializes in nautical maps and accessories. It has books and also CD/DVDs, video games, and software. Open Monday to Saturday from 09:30-19.30, closed Sunday.
Via di Ripetta, 239
Tel: 06 3612155 / 06 3612091
http://www.ilmare.com/
Libreria del Cinema
This bookstore features items dedicated to film. It sells books and DVDs, mostly in Italian. There are a few English titles. Here you can issues of Variety and other English-language film-industry publications..
Via dei Fienaroli, 31/d (Trastsevere)
Tel. 06.581 7724
http://www.libreriadelcinema.roma.it/
Libreria del Viaggiatore
This small, packed, bookstore is filled with maps and travel books, many of them available in English. If you’re looking for guidebooks on Rome, or the latest books on travel, this is a great placed to start. There are also rare volumes, coffee tables books, and vintage editions.
Open Monday from 16:00-20:00 and Tueday to Saturday from 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00.
Via del Pellegrino, 78
Tel. 06.68801048 (near Campo de’ Fiori)
Libreria Godel
This shop features rare editions and out of print books. It also had calendars, postcards, posters, dictionaries, tourist guides and souvenirs. Open daily from 09:00-20:00.
Via Poli, 46
06 6798716 Fax: 06 6790331
http://www.libreriagodel.it/ita/home-eng.asp
Libreria Internazionale Gremese
The Liberia Gremese is an international publisher of high quality reference books, illustrated manuals and travel guides. They offer a wide variety of books on cinema, fashion, sports, art, and photography.
Via Cola di Rienzo, 136
Tel: 06 3235367 Fax: 06 3235374
Libreria Internazionale San Paolo
This bookstore, located near St. Peter’s, specializes in theology. Here you will find a huge selection of books in English, French and Spanish. Open daily from 09:00-13:00 and from 15:15-19:15, closed on Saturday afternoon.
Via Conciliazione, 16-20
Tel: 06 6864872 Fax: 06 68807651
Libreria Mondadori
This large store has a section containing English-language books. There is also an audio-video department. The store also sells greeting cards, gadgets, and toys. Open Monday to Saturday from 09:30-20:00.
Piazza Cola di Rienzo, 81
Tel: 06 3220188
http://www.negozimondadori.it/
The Lion Bookshop & Cafe
The Lion is the oldest English bookstore in Rome, dating back to 1947. There are more than 30,000 English titles in stock. There are sections on literature, art, cuisine and photography, and books on Rome and Italy. There is a small café with tea, coffee, and pastries. An excellent children’s section is available. The bookstore is conveniently located halfway between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo.
Via dei Greci, 33/36 (near Piazza del Popolo)
Tel. 06.32654007 – 06.32650437
Fax. 06.32651382
http://www.thelionbookshop.com/script/index.php?l=uk&AffNo=0
Mel Bookstore
Here you will find English books, CDs and DVDs. There is a small coffee shop on the upper level. Open Monday to Saturday from 09:00-19:30 and Sunday from 10:00- 13:30 and 16:00-20:00.
Via Nazionale, 254-255
Tel: 06 4885405 Fax: 06 4885433
http://www.melbookstore.it/
Mel Giannino Stoppani – Children’s Bookstore
Probably the best children’s book store in Rome. There is a small collection of books in English.
Piazza Apostoli, 59/65, Rome
Messaggerie Musicali
This store has one of the biggest selections of CDs, DVDs, video games and books in Rome. If you’re looking for a foreign language magazines and newspapers, this is the place to start.
Via Del Corso, 472
Tel: 06 684 401
Open Door Bookshop
This book shop has been operating in Rome for more than twenty years. Most of the books are art related books in English, Italian, French, German and Spanish. They buy and sell books here.
Via della Lungaretta, 25
Tel: 06 5896478 Fax: 06 5896478
http://www.books-in-italy.com/;
Ricordi Mediastores
A huge selection of CDs, DVDs, video games and books right on the Corso. Open Monday-Saturday 09:30-20:00 and Sunday from 10:00-13:00/15:00-20:00.
Via del Corso, 506
Tel: 06 361 2370 Fax: 06 321 6860
Santa Susanna Library
This library is run by volunteers from Rome’s English-language Catholic Church. The library has more than 20,000 English titles. There is a good selection of current novels, books about Rome and Italy, and a children’s section. You can purchase a “Single membership” for €35 per year. You also pay a €25 returnable deposit. You are allowed to borrow up to five books for a period of two weeks, which can be renewed for an additional two weeks by telephone.
Open Tues and Thurs 10 am – 1 pm, Wed 3 – 6 pm Fri. 1-4 pm, Sun 10 am – 12:30 pm.
Via Venti Settembre, 15
Tel: 06. 482 7510 (near Piazza della Repubblica)
Touring Club Italiano
Store creates driving maps and guides. A great place to stop at before you take a trip through Italy/Europe.
Monday-Saturday 9:30 am-6:30 pm.
Via del Babuino, 20
Tel: 06-3600-5281
http://www.touringclub.it
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