A comprehensive guide to Utrecht's bookstores

To some, Utrecht is known as the birthplace of Nijntje, the adorable rabbit, or for the historic Dom Tower (which for the last five years has been fashionably decorated in scaffolding), or even as the proud home of FC Utrecht, a football club that is not doing all that bad as of now. 

To others, albeit very few, Utrecht is known for its bustling literary scene and deep appreciation for literature. It was baptized as “The City of Literature” in 2017 by UNESCO, consequently making it the first city in the Netherlands to receive this title. Evidence in support of Utrecht’s deserving of this title can be seen in the city’s hosting of The International Literature Festival (ILFU) and The Dutch Poetry Night, the most popular poetry festival in the Netherlands. 

And when it comes to books, Utrecht has a lot to offer. 
 

Photo: Broese's Instagram page

Broese Booksellers 
Broese is located in the heart of the city and is basically the Waterstones or Barnes&Noble of Utrecht. It is massive, housing three stories worth of literature of all genres. You can find almost everything there, especially new releases. If you read primarily in English, they have a collection of relevant works that you can spend hours scaling. Broese also offers music for CD or vinyl lovers, and a cafe on the third floor where you can stop for a drink. 

Best at: English collection

Books 4 Life Utrecht 
Books 4 Life is a small but mighty second-hand bookstore run by volunteers, where 90 percent of all proceeds go to charity. This bookstore is one of my favourites, with books in Dutch ranging from fiction, poetry, sci-fi, religion, politics, and thrillers. The selection of books in English takes up a small part of the store but changes frequently, made up of books on Greek mythology, classics, romance, and memoirs, amongst other things. All books cost between one and five euros, so no matter what you pick up it's sure to be a bargain. Most importantly, when proceeds go to charity, you’re reading for a good cause! 

Best at: Prices

Photo: Boekhandel Bijleveld's Instagram page

Boekhandel Bijleveld 
Bijleveld is not just popular, but beloved to me and many literature students at UU alike. Very conveniently placed across the street from Drift, Boekhandel Bijleveld has a diverse and expansive selection of books lining the walls. You can find just about any book there, and if you can't the very friendly members of staff can order a copy for you. (And, they also carry books for all age categories!)

Best at: Customer service & general selection

Savannah Bay 
Founded in the 70s as a feminist bookstore, Savannah Bay offers a diverse selection of literature, ranging from post-colonial studies, LHBTQIA+ fiction, poetry, feminist studies, fiction, young adult, climate studies, philosophy in both Dutch and English, the list goes on. Run by volunteers, this bookstore also hosts an array of activities every month, such as their feminist book club, author talks, and various workshops that can be found on their website. In addition to books, they also sell an array of non-book items that make great gifts. Only a two-minute walk from Drift, Savannah Bay is absolutely worth the visit. 

Best at: Intersectional queer bookstore 

The Book Bar/ De Utrechtse Boekenbar
The book bar is a complete delight when it comes to reading and a warm cup of coffee. Their selection covers both Dutch and English books, trending literature as well as local publications. Book Bar features a cafe where you can sit and get some coffee and tea. When the sun is out, you can bask in it and have your drink outside, when it's raining, you can cosily sit amongst the books.

Best at: Coffee 

Aleph
Aleph is a second-hand bookstore that feels like it is oozing with knowledge. Old books cover every centimetre of every wall, and those that don't fit are stacked on the floor or chairs. Statistically, it is guaranteed you’ll find hidden gems within the piles of literature, or at least some of your study books for an affordable price. Another store like it is Hinderickx en Winderickx (Oudegracht).

Best at: (Academic) atmosphere & unique editions

Photo: Steven Sterk

Bookstore Steven Sterk
Steven Sterk is located right under the Dom Tower and right across the street from some popular student bars. Every time I leave the bar after a night out, I make sure to leave fingerprint smudges on the glass window of Steven Sterk while I ogle the beautiful books they have. For this I am sorry. This bookstore sells works in Dutch and English and is a good place to get classics and non-fiction works. Steven Sterk is also a great place to find “ramsj” or remainder books, which are no longer in print and sold at reduced prices. 

Best at: Dutch selection & “ramsj”

Last year, the Neude library hosted Festival Europa, a festival organised by UU. Photo: DUB

Honourable mention: Bibliotheek Neude
An honourable addition to the list is the Utrecht public library, found in the centre of Utrecht. Built as a post office in 1924, the library interior is both historic and beautiful. There are many spaces to sit and study, and a cafe to grab a coffee or snack. Bibliotheek Neude is an affordable (and sustainable) way to gain access to an endless stream of literature. 

Best at: Books!