Finding a great bookstore while traveling can be just as satisfying as spending the day at a beloved museum or sacred monument—and that’s certainly the case in Istanbul. The city is packed with hidden second-hand bookstores and flea market-style book alleys. The thing is—the majority of these places sell books written in Turkish, which, while beautiful to look at, mightn’t be the most practical if you’re looking for something to bring back to your hotel and read (unless of course, you speak Turkish).
That said, there are a handful of really good bookstores in Istanbul where you’ll find a huge variety of English-language books—from cookbooks and coffee table books to novels and nonfiction. Here are some of the best places to check out if you’re hoping to find a great read while in Istanbul:
Minoa Books & Coffee
Minoa Books & Coffee in Beşiktaş is a stunning spot to explore—whether you’re looking for a new book, fancy stationery, or you just want a pretty spot to stop and have a cappuccino. The independent bookstore and cafe has been around for over a decade and amassed a huge fan base thanks to its great selection of fiction and nonfiction and Instagram-friendly interior decor and art installations.
D&R
This massive bookstore chain in Istanbul might not be the most charming—but D&R is still one of the best spots in the city to find English language books and other media (including vinyl, video games, DVDs, and more). You’ll find this bookstore all over the city, including at the Istanbul Airport.
Robinson Crusoe 389
Robinson Crusoe 389 on İstiklal Caddesi is a must-visit while you’re exploring the bustling shopping street. This stunning bookstore is a great spot to stop and read (there are even cozy seating nooks to encourage patrons to stop and sample a book) and while most of the books are in Turkish, you’ll still be able to find a fair amount of English titles.
Homer Kitabevi
Homer Kitabevi is going to be your best bet if you have a specific book in mind that you’re hoping to source. The sprawling space is probably the most comprehensive collection of English titles in the city and also includes a huge variety of children’s literature as well. This shop also has—true to its name—a great selection of philosophy and classic literature that will be worth seeking out as well.
Kadikoy Istanbul Bookstore
This beautiful bookstore is located just above the ferry terminal in Kadikoy—and it’s well worth checking out while you wait for your ferry to the European side of the city. The selection of English titles at the Kadikoy Istanbul Bookstore is on the smaller side but the views from the second-story bookstore are bar none.