The first cold snap of autumn in Budapest is here…so of course I want nothing more than to cozy up with a cup of honey-ginger tea and a good book! The thing is, when I first moved to Budapest, I had such trouble finding physical books in English. And I was getting so sick of staring at my e-reader’s screen all day. But thankfully, after years of exploration and recommendations from friends, I’ve finally found some good options! So here’s a list of English bookstores in Budapest!

English Bookstores in Budapest

1. Massolit

Massolit is a unique combination of a second-hand bookstore and a café, making it an ideal spot for book lovers to relax with a cup of coffee and a good read. This place is like a peaceful oasis in the heart of Budapest’s party district, and I love cozying up next to their book-lined walls (or in their delightful back garden, when the weather is nice). However, Massolit is not a library, so if you’re going to read a book from their shelves, they ask that you buy it first. If you don’t have time to settle down for a coffee, you can always browse their discount box out front–who knows what paperbacks are waiting for you?

2. Libra

Libra (not to be confused with the chain, Libri) is an independent bookstore located just off of the 4/6 tramline. This sprawling shop takes up both sides of its tiny street, and you’ll find a wide selection of books of all sorts of languages. The dedicated English book section gives you plenty of fiction and non-fiction books to choose from, making sure you won’t leave emptyhanded!

3. Bestsellers

If you’re in the heart of Budapest and looking for a haven of English literature, Bestsellers is the place to be. Located centrally in the city, this independent bookstore specializes in English-language books, including fiction, non-fiction, classics, and more. The catch? As you can guess from the name, this English bookshop only sells bestselling titles. Get ready to stock up on absolute page-turners!

English Libraries in Budapest

Call me Matilda, but I think there’s nothing quite as exciting or relaxing as a good library. While the libraries on this list are Hungarian, I’ve found both of them to have an extensive selection of English books. So if you’d rather invest money into a library card instead of numerous paperbacks, get ready to borrow books to your heart’s content! And bonus–both of these libraries are absolutely gorgeous!

When registering for a library card, bring your documents with you, such as ID (residency card/passport) and address card.

Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library

My nickname for this jaw-droppingly gorgeous library is the “Versailles of Budapest”, and as soon as walk into its ornate halls, you’ll see why. (You can take a closer look here!). Housed in Budapest’s Palace Quarter, it’s no surprise that part of the library was once indeed a palace. While you’ll find the main selection of English books on the ground floor of the Ervin Szabo library, I suggest making time to head upstairs and settle into one of the ornate reading rooms. Feel like royalty for a day!

Annual Registration fee: 7300 HUF (~20)

National Library for Foreign Languages

Located on a quiet street parallel to the river, the only thing that would give this library away from the outside is its playful mosaic of blue tiles. Once inside, however, you enter a world of grand staircases and statues. As you can guess from its name, the library houses many foreign language books, which include an extensive selection of English books.

Annual Registration fee: 3500 HUF (~$10)

So my darlings, I hope that between these libraries and bookstores, you can get your hands on all the English books in Budapest that your heart desires. Curl up, grab a mug of tea, and dive in!

Happy reading!

Xx Denae