Where to Find English Books in Rome: 4 Must-Visit Bookstores
The Open Door Bookshop
I must admit, when it comes to the number of books I read each year, I feel like I might have peaked. In 2023, I read 43 books. In 2024, that number dropped to 17, and so far in 2025, I have only read 5. It’s not that I enjoy reading any less. I have simply spent more time on other hobbies lately, which has left me with a rather sad-looking Goodreads page.
However, it is my goal to start reading more again, so I thought this would be the perfect moment to share my favourite English-language bookshops in Rome. When I first moved to Rome, I was a little afraid I wouldn't find bookstores with a good selection of English books, but over time I found some great spots. If you're in Rome and looking for English books, here are the shops I recommend.
Otherwise Bookshop
Located in the centre of Rome, very close to Piazza Navona, you can find the independent store Otherwise Bookshop. Since it is so conveniently located, I often stop by for a quick look, and every time I have to hold myself back from leaving with a pile of books. They have a great selection of English titles, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and even books on philosophy and politics. In addition to new books, they also have a small section of second-hand books at the back of the store. I always love it when shops offer this kind of service, because I hate seeing books go to waste. Second-hand books have a special kind of charm, as if the book itself carries its own story beyond the one written inside.
Otherwise Bookshop has very extensive opening hours. They open every day at 10:00, and depending on the day, close at 23:00, 23:30 or even at midnight! For me, this is a huge plus, and I can definitely recommend paying them a visit.
La Feltrinelli
I already talked about La Feltrinelli in an earlier blog post, where I called it an essential place for international students, and I still stand by that. La Feltrinelli is a very famous bookstore chain in Italy, also selling stationery, music, and multimedia products. While it’s not an independent bookstore like the others on this list, I still love it very much, and I often come here when I need something specific, like a newly released follow-up in a series.
There are around ten locations of La Feltrinelli in Rome, but my favourite is still the one in the centre, on Largo di Torre Argentina. As far as I know, they have one of the biggest selections of English books, and I always manage to find what I need. I’ve also used their ordering system once or twice, where you ask the staff to order a book for you if it’s not currently in stock, and you can pick it up on your next visit. Since La Feltrinelli is such a big chain, you can also order books through their website and have them sent to your chosen store for pickup.
All locations may have slightly different opening hours, but for example, the store at Largo di Torre Argentina is open every day from 9:00 to 20:30, except on Sundays, when they open at 10:00.
The Open Door Bookshop
Located on Via della Lungaretta 23 in Trastevere, you can find The Open Door Bookshop. This bookshop has been in business since 1976 and sells only second-hand books. They offer carefully selected used books in English, Italian, and French. If you enjoy a good treasure hunt like I do, I can highly recommend this shop.
Stepping into The Open Door Bookshop always excites me. It just feels so authentic and a little magical. It smells like the possibility of finding the book you needed at exactly that time in your life, you know? It is not a very big shop, but there is a lot to see and to feel, and when I can, I always like to stop by.
If you want to know beforehand what kind of books they offer in store, you can check their website, where they have a catalogue of their books. Opening hours are extensive. On Mondays, they open from 16:00 to 20:00, and from Tuesday to Saturday, they are open from 10:30 to 19:30, with a break from 14:30 to 15:30.
Almost Corner Bookshop
Also in Trastevere, but located on Via del Moro 45, you can find Almost Corner Bookshop. This cozy bookshop has been selling English books, both new and second-hand, since 1990. They also organize events in the shop, and if you follow them on Instagram, you can stay up to date.
Personally, I really like the selection of books in this store, and the staff is super friendly too. Like I mentioned earlier, I always appreciate the combination of new and second-hand books, and it is always worth taking a peek at the second-hand shelves.
Almost Corner Bookshop opens on weekdays from noon to 19:00 and on weekends from noon to 20:00.
Conclusion
Otherwise Bookshop
I hope this blog post has inspired you to visit these bookstores and maybe even pick up reading again, just like I’m trying to do. I really love the mix of new and second-hand bookshop options, so I hope there’s something here for everyone.
If you have a favourite bookstore in Rome that I should visit, please let me know in the comments. I’m always ready to be inspired!
