Just like any trip abroad, or even a short escape out of town, there is one obligatory itinerary I never skip: visiting local bookstores. For me, bookstores are a way of understanding a city beyond its museums and landmarks. They tell you what people read, what they treasure, and how they think.

During my four days in Stockholm, I managed to explore eleven bookstores scattered across the city. In this post, I’m sharing my personal impressions and honest opinions of each place.

Hopefully, if your time in Stockholm is limited, this post can help you choose which bookstores to prioritize, based on your taste and reading preferences.

1. Gamla Stan Bokhandel

Located right in the heart of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, this bookstore is almost impossible to miss if you’re playing tourist in the city. As expected, most of the collection is in Swedish, but there is one shelf dedicated to English titles with it’s impressive collection considering its size.

The English selection leans heavily toward award-winning and highly rated books, making it a reliable stop if you’re looking for quality over quantity. They also offer thoughtful recommendations for readers interested in Swedish and Scandinavian authors, including my favorite authors, Fredrik Backman.

A lovely bonus: they sell well-curated local souvenirs for book lovers, the kind you won’t usually find in generic tourist shops.

2. Science Fiction Bokhandeln

Still located around the touristy Gamla Stan, this has been one of my favorite bookstores for years. True to its name, this shop is a paradise for science fiction and fantasy lovers, though you’ll also find some classics inside the shop.

It’s not just about books here. You’ll also come across tabletop games, figurines, dolls, and all kinds of geeky merchandise. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit!

If you love sci-fi or fantasy, this bookstore should be at the very top of your priority list. The selection is vast, thoughtful, and genuinely exciting.

3. Drottninggatan Bok & Bild

Also located in a tourist-heavy area, this bookstore does carry English books, but only in a very small section. Personally, I didn’t find the selection particularly interesting.

If you’re short on time, this might be one you can comfortably skip.

4. Rönnells Antikvariat

As the name suggests, this bookstore specializes in antikvariat (antiquarian and secondhand) books. English titles are mixed in with Swedish ones by genre, though I also found a dedicated English shelf in the basement.

The store itself is a joy to explore: three floors filled with bookshelves, narrow paths, and the feeling that you could stumble upon something special at any moment. They also sell a few pieces of merchandise, perfect if you want a literary memento out of this bookstore.

5. Adlibris

Adlibris is best known as an online bookstore, and that identity is reflected in its physical space. The store has two floors, with the vast majority of books in Swedish.

There is only one row of English books, mostly fiction. Unfortunately, even with this limited selection, I didn’t find the curation particularly strong or surprising. Well, maybe because they offer more in their online shop.

6. Bysis Bok & Papper

This is a densely packed bookstore, with noticeably more children’s books compared to many others I visited. English titles are scattered across several shelves, and the selection is surprisingly interesting.

If you enjoy the thrill of browsing and don’t mind digging a little, there’s a high chance you’ll walk away with something unexpected.

7. Papercut

An amazing bookstore with an equally amazing collection. Papercut focuses on art, design, and lifestyle, offering not just books and magazines (like Monocle) but also artist-made products, including works by David Shrigley, Kehvola, mugs from Arhoj, and more.

They also carry film collections, along with a genuinely strong selection of English fiction and nonfiction. Thoughtfully curated and beautifully presented, this bookstore is an absolute must-visit.

8. S:t Pauls Bok & Pappershandel

A small secondhand bookstore, where books seem to spill into every shelf and corner. The space feels slightly chaotic, in the best way.

If you’re an antikvariat enthusiast who enjoys hunting for hidden treasures, this place is worth a stop. The collection is mostly in Swedish.

9. NordBooks

Not far from S:t Pauls Bok & Pappershandel, this bookstore is pure magic. From the outside, it looks modest, almost easy to overlook. But step inside, and you’ll quickly realize how deep and rich the collection truly is.

Every book here feels carefully selected, reader favorites, award winners, and titles with lasting impact. If you ask me to name one bookstore you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Stockholm, this would be it.

10. Akademibokhandeln

This well-known bookstore chain consistently delivers, especially the branch on Mäster Samuelsgatan. The selection is huge, with a wide range of genres and generous shelf space for each.

I spent a long time here, slowly browsing and getting lost between sections. So if you plan to visit, make sure you leave yourself enough time.

11. Adlibris Pocket

Short on time but still want to squeeze in a bookstore visit? Or do you want to purchase a book to accompany you during your trip from Stockholm? Adlibris Pocket has you covered. You’ll find branches at Stockholm Central Station and even two spots at Terminal 5 at Arlanda Airport.

Most of the books are in Swedish, but the English pocketbook selection is surprisingly good for perfect travel companions for your journey home.

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If I have to give you small number of bookstores recommendation out ot those, I’ll recommend Science Fiction Bokhandel, Papercut, and Nordbooks.

I wish you enjoy the list and have a nice trip in Stockholm!