8 bookstores in Bucharest that will enhance your imagination

8 libraries worth visiting in Bucharest

You want weapons? We’re in a library. Books are the best weapon in the world. This room’s the greatest arsenal we could have. Arm yourself! – Doctor Who

Doctor Who may be a science fiction television series, but they do get things so right and in accordance with reality sometimes. Books are the driving force that keeps us exploring the world and being constantly curious is certainly a very important quality you can have. Books can be a good companion in various places – be it when travelling to a festival or just exploring and finding out new places in town.

If you’re looking to arm yourself, here is a list of the best places to do so in Bucharest.

As always, we’re open to suggestions and you can leave a comment with your favourite bookstore in Bucharest so it can be added to the list.

 

Anthony Frost English Bookshop – CLOSED

Address: Calea Victoriei, 45
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
More info http://anthonyfrost.ro

If you stop by Anthony Frost, prepare to get international: you will find literature, arts, non-fiction and comic books from all around the world. This is one of the feeder insider bear’s favorite places and you can find there the feeder insider booklet #02 filled with entertaining conversations with local and international artists alike.

 

Cărturești Carusel

Adress: Lipscani street, 55, the old center
Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00 – 22:00, Friday – Sunday 10:00 – 23:45
More info http://carturesticarusel.ro

Situated in the old historical centre of the Romanian capital, Cărturești Carusel is a monument-building which reopened its doors after a quarter of a century. Over 10.000 books call Carusel their home, but there’s more: at the last floor, you can find Carusel Bistro, downstairs in the basement there is a multimedia space and on the first floor a contemporary art gallery will get you in a creative mood. If creative is your thing, look for the feeder insider booklet #02 filled with sparkling conversations with your favourite artists. Music lovers be aware: vinyl can be found at the premises!

 

Humanitas Cișmigiu

Address: Queen Elisabeta Boulevard, 38
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 21:00, Sunday: 10:00 – 19:00
More info http://humanitas.ro

Right at the crossway between Bulandra Theatre, University of Bucharest and the Romanian Opera, Humanitas Cișmigiu has a massive variety of books on its hands and you can often attend very interesting events there. Just next week there is a lecture by Mircea Cărtărescu and the launch of The Course of Love by Alain de Botton with speakers Denisa Comănescu, Radu Paraschivescu and Dan C. Mihăilescu.

 

Cărturești Fandom

Address: Edgar Quinet, no. 9
Hours: Monday – Saturday 12:00 – 20:00, Sunday 11:00 – 18:00
More info http://carturesti.ro // https://www.facebook.com/CarturestiFandom/

This one is for all the nerds out there! Cărturești Fandom, located where the very first Cărturești opened its doors many years ago, is full of comic books, manga, and collectables.

 

Humanitas Kretzulescu

Address: Calea Victoriei, 45
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 21:00, Sunday 11:00 – 19:00
More info http://humanitas.ro

Humanitas Kretzulescu is situated on the old bridge of Mogoșoaia and it is part of the larger Humanitas family. Since February is the month of love, there are some sentiment-fueled sales going on with books on this theme and our recommendation is that you don’t miss this opportunity and buy Alain de Botton‘s Essays in Love, a book that goes through all stages of a relationship with a realism that makes it captivating and relatable.

 

Kyralina

Address: Biserica Amzei street, no. 10
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 20:00, Sunday 12:00 – 18:00
More info http://kyralina.ro

Kyralina, l’unique librairie française de Bucarest (pardon our French), is a bookstore where you can come with friends and family and find both classical authors and the lesser-known contemporary ones. Franco-Belgian comics and graphic novels also can be spotted on the shelves. Search carefully and you will find a surprise on the shelves – the feeder insider booklet #02.

 

Cărturești Verona

Address: Pictor Arthur Verona, 13
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
More info http://carturesti.ro

At Cărturești Verona you can find a large selection of English books, from fiction to speciality publishing, a generous selection of CDs and DVDs, stationery and gifts. Besides the tea room, there is also a cafe and a large terrace, serving food and drinks. The feeder insider booklet #02 will be also waiting for you.

 

Librarium

Address: Calea Văcărești, 391, Sun Plaza Shopping Center
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
More info http://librariumgrup.ro

Librarium Sun Plaza is the sixth bookstore of the Librarium Group along with others from Timișoara, Cluj, Iași. Situated on the first floor of the Sun Plaza Shopping Center, it offers a generous and carefully crafted selection of books, music, and films.

 

Open Art Library

Address: George Enescu 8
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00
More info https://www.facebook.com/LibrariaOpenArt/

Open Art Library is a cosy place on George Enescu street where you will find the newest books. It’s a perfect place for meetings and debates. By the way, they offer a lovely tea on the house.

 

Which one is your favourite?

Words by Vlad Dumitrescu
Photos Alex Iacob

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