Florence is known for its stunning buildings and Tuscan culture that lines every street and back alley. However, the city has some hidden gems buried among the bustling stores and gelaterias: lively bookstores can be found throughout Florence, each possessing its own warm elegance and unique flair. These spots are the perfect places for students needing a place to study, tourists looking for some quiet from the crowds, or book lovers in search of their next great story. Every shop is one of a kind, offering live music, coffee, and pastries, or even movies playing on a big screen while you shop. Anyone can lose themselves among the shelves for hours, browsing between murder mysteries and Italian history. It is a great way to become immersed in knowledge, Florentine culture, and support local businesses. No matter what you’re looking for, you can find it at one of Florence’s bookstores.
Odeon Giunti
Mix the grandeur of Italian architecture with a cozy and cheerful spirit, and you get Odeon Giunti. Originating as a grand theater, the cinema bookstore is the perfect place for students, bookworms, and even tourists. Stepping inside the massive bookstore feels like you’ve been thrown into a fairytale, with thousands of books lining each shelf of every genre imaginable. The English section, though a bit confusing to locate, is enormous and modern. While shopping, customers can watch a movie that is playing on the movie-theater-sized screen at the front of the store. Odeon boasts three stories, the second containing movie theater seats to relax, while the third is filled with study tables and complete with director-style chairs. The bookstore has a cafe and eatery to the right of the entrance, and a movie theater concession stand on the left. The building itself, lined with gold walls, life-like statues, and a rainbow mosaic roof, is enough to warrant a visit on its own. Odeon Giunti is a place of magic and a must-visit while in Florence.
Piazza degli Strozzi, 50123 Firenze FI
Todo Modo
Nestled on a small street near the Arno, Todo Modo is innocuous at first glance. Look inside, though, and you will see that there is much more than meets the eye. The front half of the shop holds a check-out area, but once you round a back corner, you’ll enter another world. The back half of the shop is complete with a full dining area, a large book collection, and the dazzling study stairs, where hanging desks are a popular spot for students. The entire shop is littered with books along the walls, modern paintings, and warmth that seems to come from the shop’s ambiance. The English reading section in the store is small and mainly composed of the classics. Todo Modo also provides the perfect place to study and grab a coffee or even an aperitivo with friends.
Via dei Fossi, 15R, 50123 Firenze FI
Paperback Exchange
Around the corner from the Duomo, this cozy bookstore holds an amazing selection of English-language books from many genres. The store has a hip, modern vibe with a personal feel. Plants line every corner, and the walls are filled with both new and used books that are resold for a bargain price. Paperback Exchange feels like a little slice of home in Florence — perfect for American tourists and study abroad students. Along with their books, the shop also sells Paperback Exchange merchandise and textbooks for many students. While it has minimal study and sitting spots, the bookstore has good Wi-Fi; its windows are perfect for people watching the small but busy Italian street just outside. Paperback Exchange is the perfect home for those wanting casual shopping, an enriching book that is loved by locals and a warm welcome.
Via dell’Oche, 4-red, 50122 Firenze FI
La Feltrinelli Red
La Feltrinelli Red shows itself perfectly upon arrival with a grand piano located in the corner, wafting out sweet jazz music as people search among thousands of books. The store, conveniently located in Piazza Della Repubblica, boasts three stories with more to explore on each level. The first contains the main English section, which is neatly organized and wide-ranging. A massive spiral staircase leads up to the second and third floors, both having study and sitting spots, and even a reading nook and fort in their kids’ section. The windows look out onto the Piazza, which makes it a perfect place to watch from above while browsing books. La Feltrinelli Red does not have the most personal vibe, but it makes up for it in the number of options book buyers have and the wondrous experience of simply exploring the vastness of the shop.
Piazza della Repubblica, 26-27-28-29 R, 50123 Firenze FI
Libraccio
If you’re looking for a bookstore that has everything, Libraccio is the place to go. A European chain, Libraccio, is on a busy street close to the Duomo. Book buyers can come inside to escape the busy tourism, though it sometimes follows you in. Containing every genre imaginable, including many of those in English, Libraccio is an amazing place to scout for your next book. The shop has two stories, with books stretching for miles against a backdrop of white walls and fluorescent lighting that enhances the cleanliness of the store. Shelves around the store also hold puzzles, paintings, school supplies, music, and more. There is no seating for studying or people-watching, but for someone in need of a new book, board game, or trinket, Libraccio has anything your heart desires.
Via de’ Cerretani, 16 rosso, 50123 Firenze FI
Written by Spring 2024 student Addi Loftis
Prepared for website by Fall 2025 intern, Lydia Behler