An Amsterdam book can mean three different things to a traveller: a book to read before you go, a bookshop worth browsing once you arrive, or a book to bring home. This guide covers all three, so your Amsterdam book list leaves you with more than a guidebook and a canal-side photo.
Which Amsterdam book should you read first?
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. The most famous Amsterdam book of all, and the best preparation if you plan to visit the Anne Frank House. Read it before you book your visit.
- Max Havelaar by Multatuli. A classic Dutch novel from the nineteenth century about colonial Indonesia, written by an author who lived in Amsterdam. It gives useful context for the Dutch past.
- Amsterdam: A Brief Life of the City by Geert Mak. A readable history of the city from its marshy beginnings to modern times.
- Nescio’s short stories. Short, wry and loved in the Netherlands; his stories about young Amsterdammers are a gentle way into Dutch literature.
- Ian McEwan’s Amsterdam. Despite the title, it is a British novel and only partly set in the city, so treat it as a story, not a guide.
If you prefer practical books, a current walking guide or cycling map is a better companion than any heavy tome. Editions change, so check that the version you buy is recent.
Where to buy a book in Amsterdam
Around the Spui
The Spui square is the old heart of book buying in the city. On Fridays there is a book market on the square, with second-hand and antiquarian stalls; check locally for the current schedule. Nearby you will find the American Book Center, which has a large English-language selection, and Athenaeum Boekhandel and its newsstand, a longtime favourite for newspapers and magazines from around the world.
Second-hand and antiquarian
The covered passage of the Oudemanhuispoort, near the university, has traditionally hosted second-hand book stalls. It is a pleasant spot for a short browse, particularly on a wet day. Amsterdam also has many small antiquarian shops scattered through the canal belt and the Jordaan if you enjoy old maps, prints and Dutch-language volumes.
English-language shops
English books are easy to find. Besides the American Book Center, other central chains and independents stock a mix of fiction, travel and Dutch history in English. Most staff will speak English and are glad to recommend something.
Museums and libraries for book lovers
- Anne Frank House. Book timed tickets ahead through the official site; they are in high demand.
- Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam (OBA). The central public library near Central Station has a spacious top-floor cafe with views over the city. It is a free, relaxing break.
- Rijksmuseum shop. If you love art history, the museum shop is a good place for art books.
Reading while you travel
Amsterdam is compact, and the tram, ferry and train connections are good, so you can read for short stretches. The free ferries behind Central Station are a calm place to read for a few minutes. A park bench in Vondelpark is another good option in good weather.
If you are collecting an Amsterdam book as a souvenir, consider a photo book of the canals, a Dutch cookbook or a small illustrated history. They pack flat and cost less to ship than ceramics.
A simple plan for a bookish day
- Start at the Spui and browse the bookshops.
- Walk through the Oudemanhuispoort and look at the second-hand stalls.
- Take lunch in a cafe in the Nine Streets.
- Spend the afternoon at the Anne Frank House if you have booked a slot.
- Finish with a coffee at the OBA library’s top-floor cafe.
For more travel ideas across the Netherlands, see our Netherlands travel notes, and for background on the city itself there is a helpful Wikipedia article on Amsterdam.
FAQ
What is the best Amsterdam book for a first visit?
Anne Frank’s diary is the one most visitors read, followed by a general history such as Geert Mak’s. Pick one story and one practical guide.
Are English books expensive in Amsterdam?
Prices vary by shop and edition, and imported titles can cost more than at home. Second-hand stalls are the cheapest option.
Is the Friday book market on every week?
It has been a regular fixture, but weather and events can affect it, so check before you plan around it.
