There’s something magical about book-shopping while travelling—especially in Italy. I’ve been fortunate to visit this beautiful country multiple times, and one of my favourite things to do (besides indulging in pasta and gelato) is popping into bookshops. As someone who speaks Italian and loves bringing books home as souvenirs, exploring Italy’s bookstores feels like a literary treasure hunt. From grand flagship stores to quirky little nooks, Italian bookshops have their own unique charm. Here are five of my absolute favourites, all of which have made my trips even more memorable.

1. La Feltrinelli – Various Locations

La Feltrinelli is a household name in Italy, something like Waterstones in the UK, or Hugendubel in Germany, and stepping into one of its many branches always feels familiar and welcoming. I still remember my first visit to the massive Milan store on Via Alessandro Manzoni—I wandered through the aisles for hours, trying to decide which Italian novel to bring home. La Feltrinelli has an extensive collection of Italian and international books, plus a fabulous selection of gifts.

Fun Fact: La Feltrinelli started as a publishing house in 1955 and published the first Italian edition of Boris Pasternak’s Doctor Zhivago.

2. Libreria Acqua Alta – Venice

This place is pure magic. Libreria Acqua Alta is an enchanting maze where books are stacked in bathtubs, gondolas, and boats to keep them safe from Venice’s high tides. On my last visit, I sat in the back courtyard on a staircase made of old books, soaking in the canal-side atmosphere. It’s a bookshop like no other, and every corner is Instagram-worthy.

Fun Fact: The name Acqua Alta means “high water” in Italian, referencing the seasonal floods that Venice experiences.

3. Hoepli – Milan

If you love sprawling, multi-level bookstores, Hoepli in Milan is a must-visit. I was blown away the first time I stepped inside—so many floors, so many books! Established in 1870 by Ulrico Hoepli, it has become one of the largest bookstores in Italy and Europe. Hoepli spreads across four floors, housing a massive collection of over 100,000 books, out of which approximately 20% are in foreign languages – I was thrilled to find both English and German books on my visit to Hoepli. This historic bookstore has everything – whether you want a classic Italian novel or an obscure academic text, you’ll find it here.

Fun Fact: Hoepli has its own publishing house and is known for producing specialised academic and technical books.

4. Otherwise Bookshop – Rome

Sometimes, while travelling, I crave a good English-language book. That’s how I stumbled upon Otherwise Bookshop in Rome, nestled near Piazza Navona. It’s a cozy little haven for English-speaking readers, and I’ve spent some delightful hours here browsing novels and chatting with fellow book lovers. The staff is always ready with great recommendations, and they often host readings and discussions.

Fun Fact: Otherwise Bookshop is Rome’s first and only independent bookstore dedicated entirely to English-language books.

5. Libreria Giunti al Punto – Florence

Florence has no shortage of literary charm, and Libreria Giunti al Punto is a perfect example. I love its warm, inviting atmosphere—it’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time flipping through books about art, history, and literature. On one trip, I picked up an Italian edition of Pinocchio as a souvenir, a nod to the country’s rich literary heritage.

Fun Fact: The Giunti publishing house dates back to 1841, making it one of the oldest in Italy and a key player in Italian literary culture.

Final Thoughts

Italy’s bookshops are more than just places to buy books; they are windows into the country’s culture and history. For me, visiting a bookshop in Italy isn’t just about finding something to read—it’s about experiencing the joy of discovery, connecting with the language, and bringing a piece of Italy home with me. Whether you’re browsing the grand La Feltrinelli, climbing the book staircase at Libreria Acqua Alta, or chatting with fellow travellers at Otherwise Bookshop, each visit is a story in itself.