• About LocalHolland
  • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook

Local Holland

The 6 best English bookshops in the Hague by a local

Shopping in the Hague· the Hague

15 Jul

Share this post!

2shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

As a book lover, I am very fond of spending my Sunday afternoons book browsing in the Hague! As a native English speaker, these are my favorite bookstores for finding books in English in the Hague! Although my Dutch is actually decent, there’s nothing like curling up with a book in my native tongue.

american book center

Man browsing for english books at the American Book center in the Hague

I love the American Book Center. This mostly English bookstore in the center of the Hague has an amazing selection of books of all different genres with some discounted books upstairs. I always find a great non-fiction book although lovers of fiction will enjoy the careful selection of fiction books that line the many walls.

I always love browsing the mystery picks although I’m not yet brave enough to take the chance. They accept credit cards in addition to Maestro cards and give teacher/student discounts. This is definitely my favorite bookstores in the Hague as a foreigner hands-down.

Stanza Bookshop

In the place of one of the Hague’s oldest bookshops, you’ll find the Stanza Bookshop on Noordeinde. This bookshop caters to the expat population of the Hague with a good selection of books in English, Spanish, and French. Expect good and friendly service!

Bookstor

Beautiful wooden interior of Bookstor, a beautiful bookstore in the Hague

One of the beautiful bookstores in the Hague is the aptly named Bookstor. This cozy bookstore and cafe on Noordeinde has stunning windows and a cozy back garden, perfect for sitting with a secondhand or new book that you find here. They stock quite a few books about the history of the Hague in English, which makes for a nice read as you sip on a coffee and maybe nibble on a snack. (The shelves are not just for decoration!)

READ  The best bubble tea in the Hague

De Vries Van Stockum

I often end up stepping into De Vries van Stockum. Although it doesn’t look this way, it’s one of the oldest bookshops in the Hague. The selection of English books is adequate at best, however, I do always enjoy the selection on the history of the Dutch colonies and the cookbooks. At least browse for books after getting a coffee at the Bagels and Beans.

Stanley & Livingstone Reisboekhandel

Beautiful travel-themed bookstore in the Hague!

For fans of travel or those traveling to obscure countries, Stanley & Livingstone is a dream come true. This cute travel-themed bookshop stocks mostly English travel books with a handful of Dutch maps and books.

I often come here when hunting for travel guides for new destinations and memoirs. The owner is very friendly and happy to chat about travels. It’s also a great place for travel-related gifts, including maps. They’ve now moved to Herengracht 60.

paagman

I know, Paagman. However, the Paagman in Centre near the Binnenhof has a surprisingly decent selection of English books, including secondhand English books. I particularly like their cafe drinks in the holiday season, making it the perfect place to curl up while trying to decide which book you’ll buy this time. Not every Paagman is this good, but most have a sprinkling of English books, typically bestsellers.

do you recommend any other bookstores in the hague with a good english selection?

4 Comments

About Karen

Resident of the Hague who loves coffee, cats, pancakes, taking photos, and Zumba!

Previous Post: « How to rent a bike in the Hague for tourists and locals
Next Post: 10+ interesting things to do on a rainy day in the Hague by a local »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Aurelie says

    November 15, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    For kids the little book shop in Wassenaar

    Reply
    • N. says

      May 28, 2020 at 8:22 am

      Hi Karin,
      Thank you for this insight into the bookshops.
      Would you happen to know in which shops English is the language that is spoken by employees? I really would like to know.

      Reply
      • Karen says

        July 12, 2020 at 10:23 am

        A shop can have a good selection even if the employees aren’t native English speakers. American Book Center is your best bet, but some staff is Dutch.

        Reply
  2. Jelle Hoekstra says

    September 29, 2020 at 9:47 pm

    Well since your review Paagman has upped the ante as it were. There is a new English section, quite good actually although it does need some more errm bite I think, a little less of just the current best sellers (like that Seven sisters or whatever it’s called. But it isn’t all bad, the other day I found a biography on Wonder Woman :). Another rather disappointing feature is the non fiction session, a few surprises but far too many self help books (which I find awful).
    And now there is a new store in Leidschenhage’ new mall It’s called something else but that is such an abominable name I won’t repeat it here. Anyhow, the new Paagman store is huge. Let’s say I wish them luck.

    And there is one other rather new store next to the Royal Academy of Art, called Douwes. Lovely staff and also a nice collection of English books.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Karen photo

Behind the scenes

Karen is a local obsessed with finding the best places to eat and drink in the Hague. She hopes that it inspires you to explore the Hague!

Karen: View My Blog Posts

Like us on social media

  • Facebook

Popular blogs about the Hague

  • Woman using her Dutch SIM card to make phone calls in Holland How to buy a Dutch SIM Card in the Netherlands by a Dutch expat
  • Custom cake from one of the best bakeries in the Hague The best bakeries in the Hague for cakes and pastries
  • Beautiful black bicycle rental in the Hague How to rent a bike in the Hague for tourists and locals
  • Balayage by Kapnah, a popular English-speaking hairdresser in the Hague The best English-speaking hairdressers in the Hague for expats
  • Vegan donut from Donut & Co, one of the best places to eat vegan in the Hague! 15x Vegetarian & vegan cafes and restaurants in the Hague by a local

Recent Posts

  • 15x Vegetarian & vegan cafes and restaurants in the Hague by a local
  • The 15 best cafe terraces in the Hague to enjoy on a sunny day
  • The best ramen in the Hague by a local: 3x good ramen restaurants in Den Haag
  • The best beaches in the Hague to visit by a local
  • The best English-speaking hairdressers in the Hague for expats

Copyright © 2022 · Refined theme by Restored 316

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy