Looking for a good read, a glossy coffee table book or an essential textbook or travel guide in English or another language but not sure where to find it in Athens? Well, we come bearing good news. Several excellent bookstores in the capital sell a gratifyingly wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, travel, philosophy, children’s books and more.

These are places with some history, nice atmosphere and helpful staff, where you can spend hours browsing or simply pop in to buy exactly what you need. If you’re strapped for time, give them a call in advance to see if they have what you’re looking for, or check them out online. Here, we select the best bets for book-hunters.

 

 

 

 

 

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Little Tree Bookstore

A bookstore, café, bar and cozy out-of-office workplace, Little Tree, on the border between Koukaki and Makriyianni, is always busy and buzzy. Here you’ll find Greek literature translated into English, beautiful photo books and a range of cookbooks (mainly presenting Greek cuisine). Little Tree has developed its own loyal tribe, hosting book presentations two to three times per month and staging live music performances on an almost monthly basis. Follow them on Facebook to find out about upcoming events.

 

 

 

 

 

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Lexikopoleio

A “community” bookshop with a warm and welcoming vibe and a regular stream of repeat customers, this popular Pangrati haunt sells an impressive array of books in English, Spanish, and Italian, not to mention a great range of books in French (the native language of its owner). The store (with books also accessible online) regularly hosts book launches and literary and poetry readings, as well as other book-related activities and even musical performances.

 

 

 

 

 

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Polyglot

This store sells a broad variety of mainly (but not only) educational book; here, you’ll find everything from literature and dictionaries to textbooks and children’s books, all in a remarkable range of languages, from English and Hebrew to Norwegian and Urdu. It also has an online presence in Greek.

 

 

 

 

 

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Free Thinking Zone

An “activism-inspired” bookstore that sells Greek literature and history books translated (mainly) into English (some are also in French). It also stocks an array of art books (including volumes from the popular publishers Taschen and Cube Art) and coffee table books in English or in bilingual editions.

At the core of Free Thinking Zone, what differentiates it from other bookstores, is its ongoing human rights activism on issues involving feminism, the LGBTQI community, individual freedom, xenophobia and more. Through in-store live events and book sales, it raises funds towards several notable causes, including the return of the Parthenon marbles, environmental protection practices, and the campaign for gender equality in the workplace. Follow them on Facebook (in Greek).

Bookpath

At this shop, you’ll find an impressive selection of English-language books on the social sciences, business and business management, the law and economics, along with a section on personal well-being and positive thinking/self-help, all in keeping with the store’s description of itself as a “Road to Knowledge.” It also has an online presence.

 

 

 

 

 

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Ianos

Ianos, which first opened in Thessaloniki in 1984, now has seven stores in Thessaloniki and Athens. This reputable chain sells textbooks in English, French, Spanish and German as well as a few books in Russian, Turkish and Chinese, and a variety of fiction and non-fiction books, mainly in English but with some in French as well. Since 2013, it has been organizing workshops and seminars on topics such as creative writing. It also has an online presence.

 

 

 

 

 

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Public

Selling everything from the latest high-tech gadgets to furniture and beautiful stationery, Public is a multi-store chain where you’ll also find a quality selection of books in English. Online, on the chain’s Greek-language website, you can find an even more extensive range of books that includes educational resources, comic books and graphic novels, children’s books, literature and books on business, all of which can be ordered via its partner stores.

Public has 58 stores in Greece and Cyprus, but its largest location in Athens is on Syntagma Square.

Anavasi

Travel lovers will feel right at home here, as the store specializes in guides to nearly everywhere on the planet and offers an all-embracing range of books about Greece – including volumes on rock climbing in Athens, walking on Patmos, and cooking in Crete. The store, which has globes dangling from the ceiling, also sells an excellent selection of maps to guide you on your adventures, as well as travel-themed gift items such as the “Adventure Fund Money Jar” and the “World Anti-Stress Ball.” Check out its website here.

 

 

 

 

 

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Booktique

This stylish and cozy Kolonaki bookstore sells a broad selection of children’s books, from fictional series to educational volumes and books about Greece, as well as adult fiction and non-fiction. Books not currently in the inventory can be ordered, too (by phone or online), but Booktique’s owner would like to point out that shipping from the UK is not as hassle-free as it once was.

 

 

 

 

 

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Evripidis

With three branches in Halandri and one in Nea Erythrea, Evripidis sells an excellent range of stationery, gift items, art accessories, calendars, foreign newspapers and magazines, and books for all ages in English, including fiction and non-fiction. It also has an online presence (in Greek).

Kaktos

A historical publishing house with a large following, Kaktos sells a large variety of Greek philosophy books translated into English, Spanish and French, as well as a limited number in Italian and their own nine-volume English-language series on ancient Greek philosophy. You’ll also find a good choice of bestsellers and children’s books, chiefly about Greek mythology or Greece. Follow them on Facebook (in Greek).