Florence is a city that has inspired writers, poets, and intellectuals for centuries. It’s no surprise, then, that its bookstores reflect this rich cultural tradition. In Florence, you can discover unique bookstores, each with its own history, atmosphere, and specialization. Some are nestled in extraordinary architectural settings, while others are havens for book lovers, specializing in rare or niche texts.
Here’s a guide to what we consider the best bookstores in the city.
Giunti al Punto Bookstore
Libreria Giunti al Punto is a historic Florentine publishing house. It has two stores in the city center: one near the Duomo, on Via Cerretani, and the other in the Oltrarno, on Via Guicciardini. The bookstores are spacious, well-organized, and offer a wide selection of books in every genre, from fiction to non-fiction, children’s literature to academic texts. In addition to Italian books, Giunti al Punto has a section dedicated to English books, including both classics and contemporary best-sellers.
In the Oltrarno store, a small room is dedicated to Florence: various guides, informative books, maps, and curiosities.
La Feltrinelli Bookstore
La Feltrinelli is another famous bookstore in Florence. Located on Via de’ Cerretani, Piazza della Repubblica and inside the Santa Maria Novella train station, La Feltrinelli offers a wide range of books as well as stationery items. Though part of a large Italian chain, it retains a distinctive character thanks to its vast selection of titles, ranging from fiction to essays, children’s books to international literature. La Feltrinelli is also an excellent place to find English-language books, with a dedicated section that includes both classics and new releases. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with numerous chairs and armchairs where you can sit and browse a book before purchasing.
IBS – Il Libraccio Bookstore
Located in the heart of Florence, on Via de’ Cerretani, this cozy and well-organized bookstore offers a wide selection of new and used books, making it an ideal destination for those looking for bargains or rare editions. In addition to fiction and non-fiction, Il Libraccio offers a wide range of school texts, university manuals, and second-hand books, providing students with affordable options. The bookstore’s atmosphere is lively and informal, with shelves filled with volumes ranging from classics to contemporary best-sellers. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to offer advice and guide you to the perfect book. IBS Il Libraccio is a place where every reader can find something special, immersing themselves in the joy of reading.
Cinema Odeon Bookstore
Libreria Cinema Odeon in Florence is a hidden gem located inside the famous Odeon Cinema, one of the city’s most iconic buildings, in Liberty style, in Piazza Strozzi. This charming bookstore specializes in cinema, theater, visual arts, and photography, offering a carefully curated selection of books dedicated to the world of art and entertainment. It’s the perfect spot for cinema and culture enthusiasts, with rare texts and international volumes that are often hard to find elsewhere. In addition to books, the bookstore also offers DVDs of auteur films, documentaries, and cinematic essays. The setting is unique because, while browsing books, you can watch films projected on the big screen, sit in comfortable chairs, and read and study…. It’s a welcoming and relaxed environment, ideal for exploring its shelves. This bookstore is truly a meeting point between literature, art, and the city—a must-visit.
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Paper Back Exchange
For lovers of English literature, Paperback Exchange is a true paradise. Located on Via delle Oche, near the Duomo, this bookstore specializes in English-language books and offers a wide range of titles, from literary classics to contemporary best-sellers. Paperback Exchange is a cozy bookstore with an informal atmosphere that invites exploration of its shelves. In addition to new books, the store also has a section for used books, allowing customers to exchange their volumes for others. This exchange system makes the bookstore particularly popular with foreign residents and international students.
Todo Modo Bookstore
Libreria Todo Modo
Libreria Todo Modo, located in the Santa Maria Novella district, is one of the most innovative bookstores in Florence.
As the saying goes, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” since its exterior is quite plain, but inside…
In addition to a wide selection of books, Todo Modo offers a café space and a room for cultural events! It’s a beautiful place for reading and studying! The bookstore specializes in contemporary fiction, non-fiction, art books, and children’s literature. Todo Modo also stands out for its focus on independent publishers. The environment is modern and creative, with raw wooden shelves and minimalist design that invites discovery and reading. The bookstore’s name is inspired by Leonardo Sciascia’s novel “Todo Modo,” a tribute to Italian literature and book culture.