If you're looking for something new to read or the perfect guidebook to Rome, you have plenty of options as Rome is full of well-stocked English and Architectural bookstores. Some Italian bookstores also have an English section. Most of these stores are closed for several hours in the afternoon, so aim to shop before 1pm or after 4pm. Keep in mind that English bookstores are also a great place to pick up local publications (in English) about current goings-on about town.
If you are unable to find the books you need in Rome, you might want to try some of the Internet Booksellers listed below.
Dedalo
- Viale Liegi 7
- phone: (06) 85.42.568
Bookstore specializing in architectural books, way up north on the other side of the Pincian/Borghese Gardens.
Libreria della Casa dell’Architettura all’Acquario Romano
- Piazza Manfredo Fanti 47 (continuation of via Amedeo, two blocks SW of Termini)
metro stop: Termini
- phone: (06) 97.60.45.31
- hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-13:00, 14:30-18:30
Architectural bookstore near the main train station, run by Rome’s “Order of Architects” (local architects’ professional organization)
Anglo-American Bookstore
- Via delle Vite 102
- phone: (06) 67.95.222
- hours: Mon 15:30-19:30, Tues-Sat 9:00-13:00, 17:30-19:30
Near the Spanish steps, this store is particularly useful for art and architecture books, and academic books regarding the history and culture of Rome.
The Almost Corner Bookshop
- Via del Moro 45 (in Trastevere)
- phone: (06) 58.36.942
- hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-13:30, 15:30-20:00; Sun 11:00-13:30, 15:30-20:00. Closed Sun in August.
Long a standby for English-language books in Trastevere, the Almost Corner Bookshop also carries a good stock of books on art, architecture, archaeology, etc. If you can't find what you are looking for, their extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff can order it for you. Previously known as The Corner Bookshop, the owners dutifully changed the name when they moved from their previous address on the corner at Via del Moro 48.
Open Door Bookshop
- Via della Lungaretta, 23 (Trastevere)
- phone: (06) 58.96.478
An eclectic shop that has operated in Rome for more than twenty years, it emphasizes literature and books on art (mostly used), but has an ever-changing collection that can include old maps and photos, books in a variety of languages, “the unusual and even the bizarre.”
The Lion Bookshop
- Via dei Greci 33/36
- phone: (06) 32.65.40.07
- hours: M 15:30-19:30, Tue-Sun 10:00-19:30
Perhaps the largest of Rome's English bookstores, this one includes a cafe. The fiction, cooking, art and architecture, as well as children's selections are especially good.
Bibli
- Via dei Fienaroli 28
- phone: (06)58.84.097
- hours: Mon 17:30-24:00, Tue-Sat 11:00-24:00
Bookstore, cultural centre and café that only has a small selection of English books, but they do have Internet access.
Feltrinelli International
- Via Emanuele Orlando 84
- phone: (06)48.27.878
- hours: Mon-Sat 9:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-13:30 & 16:00-19:30
This branch of the large Italian chain stocks books in German, French, Spanish, Portuguese - and, downstairs, in English.
Italica Books
- Via dei Giubbonari 30/9
- phone: (06) 68.80.52.85
- hours: Thur 15:00-19:00
If you can't find the old editions you're searching for, then drop by Italica Books - not actually a bookstore but the home of Louise McDermott, who has a large collection of out-of-print books in English about Italy, and encourages visitors to stop by for a browse once a week. Just off Campo de' Fiori.
Libreria la Strada
Via V. Veneto 42
- phone: (06) 48.24.151
- hours: Daily 9:30-24:30
Excellent Italian-language bookshop that boasts a fine stock of books about Rome - in English and Italian - in the pavilion outside: everything from tourist guides to well-selected fiction in English.
Rizzoli International
Largo Chigi 15
- phone: (06)67.96.641
- hours: Mon-Sat 9:00-19:25, Sun 10:30-19:55
Central branch of the Italian chain, with a great stock of books on Italy, and a reasonable stock of books in English.
If you are unable to satisfy your book cravings at any of the Bookstores in Rome, you might want to try the following sources. Keep in mind that shipping times may vary.
The Internet Bookshop
The Internet Bookshop is one way to obtain books in Italy. This site is in Italian, but if you click on the "Books" icon at the top of the screen, it will switch over to their English-language books section.
Amazon UK
It might be easier to use Amazon UK, which is Amazon's British site. They do ship to Italy.
William Stout Architectural Books
libri@stoutbooks.com
William Stout Architectural Books of San Francisco is another fine bookstore that will ship to Italy. They ship via US Postal Service and will give quotes for shipping upon request. For more information, email them at libri@stoutbooks
