Scheltema

Scheltema, the Netherlands' largest bookstore founded in 1853, is a reader's haven. Its first floor boasts an extensive English book collection. We saw some captivating National Geographic globes, including a remarkable 360-degree moving globe. Personally, as a globe enthusiast, this was a highlight. The cozy café offers ample seating for book browsing and reading, with the added convenience of an in-store toilet. Don't miss the elegant glass paintings on the staircase. Head to the top floor for discounted books, where you might score your desired reads at half price or less. Keep an eye out for these fantastic deals.

This is probably the most homey, comfortable, delightful bookstore I have been to for a while! The building is really big, five floors full of books. Despite having mostly Dutch books (because, duh), the English section is huge and well-stocked (they have Happy Place by Emily Henry on the release date) and they also have books in other languages like French or Spanish. But what I love most about this bookstore is how comfortable I feel in it: there are many sitting places, with ridiculously comfortable armchairs. Not to mention the coffee shop with its excellent drinks. The staff are very helpful and lovely!! I would come back here if I happen to be in Amsterdam again.

The store is very large and modern, with many floors and a cafe. The second floor boasted a wide collection of English literature, from classics to fantasy and sci-fi, where I purchased a couple of novels. The top floor rewards you with an interesting roof top view of the city. The store felt lively and fun to experience, tucked down a side street off the main road in the city, Scheltema was an overdue trip I was more than happy to indulge in.

Always loads of newly published books in English on the first floor, with staff comments and recommendation tips. Got tons of inspiration for my to be read list.
The top floor has a discount section, also in both languages (NL/EN).

Friendly and very helpful staff. Visited here on my first visit to Amsterdam. Plenty of collections of books and facility to sit and enjoy reading too.

Very nice bookstore with a large selection spanning four floors. The medium-sized computer science / ICT sections were a pleasant surprise which distinguished it from the likes of Broese which usually have only one shelf for such topics.

A must visit for any book related interest. In the center of Amsterdam, a marvelous experience of presenting and selling books. Nice designed store and all the liberty to read / feel / experience your favorite book.

This store also features a in-store coffee outlet with nice cakes.

Scheltema is an institute of selling / promoting books.

Nice book store. Larger than you expect. A lot of selections and well known to the locals. Great little cafe. Friendly and helpful staff

I searched every store, every gas station, but I couldn't find any magazines anywhere. But being near Dam Square I discovered Scheltem. When I came here, I knew I had come to the right place. A real paradise for fashion magazine collectors. I was like a child in a candy store, I didn't know what to choose. After choosing what I was interested in, I went to the checkout. The saleswoman was very nice and even (which surprised me, because no one had ever offered me such a thing) wrapped them in foil so that they wouldn't get wet because, unfortunately, it was raining. To sum up - I highly recommend this place.

Billing itself as "Holland's greatest bookstore", Scheltema have been selling books since 1853. (For those not in the know, Holland is not the same as The Netherlands. Netherlands is made up of 12 provinces. The provinces of Noord- and Zuid Holland together form Holland, which is often mistakenly used to describe the entire country).

With over one million titles in stock, Scheltema is one of the oldest and one of the largest bookstores in Europe. The store has been styled on the world famous Foyles bookshop in London. Spread over 5 floors, with 2.2 kilometres of shelving, packed with new and second hand books in Dutch, English and the major European languages.

The ground floor is home to a huge variety of multilingual international magazines. Each floor is connected by escalator, but the staircase is more than worth the climb as it is adorned with stunning stained glass windows.

Vascobelo Café-Brasserie on the 1st floor, is a great place to read the papers while enjoying coffee and a snack. The 5th floor has stunning views of the city.

Throughout the building, there are many delightful reading areas with comfortable armchairs and settees. You can usually find one for yourself if you look around.

Books can also be purchased on-line with free shipping to any address in Holland and The Netherlands on all orders of €15 or more.

An amazing bookstore, 4 large floors, new and pre-owned books, comics, at least 5 languages, friendly service at information desks, cafeteria. In a historic building at 3 minutes walking from the Dam square.

Amazing store, they don't stock After Bruegel by Samuel McNair (yes me- lol) maybe if you go in and ask for it they'll order it for you ;)
LoL.
Honestly lovely store and good vegan apple pie at the cafe.
Enjoy;)

Five floors of books. Mostly Dutch, but there are English books on the second floor along with a coffee spot. Top floor has sale and discounted books. Wide variety of literature. Great bookstore.

The biggest bookstore of The Netherlands!! Have you ever visited a bookstore which has a yearly event called the food-market! You can taste the food and buy the books to try at home yourself! Every week there is an event happening here, for adults or kids. This bookstore is exceptional and special, and you must put it on your list of must-visit when traveling to Amsterdam!

I love this place so much

Big and pretty store, don't forget to visit all the floors. One area is all English. Beautiful collection books and other small gift items and a big children book collection. Staff is friendly. There is a coffee corner, it's a lovely place only whilst my visit it was way to busy for only one person in staff, so it was all bit hectic and a long wait.

A bookstore with a long tradition in the hearth of Amsterdam. You can find different books, magazines, maps or even calendars on the four floors of this bookstore. The top floor offers say second hand books. On each floor you find chairs and tables where you can go through any book. On the 2nd floor is located Vascobelo café where you can also unwind with a book.
Toilets on the 3rd floor is the only hygienic facility, therefore it looks like it.

Loved the feel and aesthetic of the store. Absolutely cozy.

Very good caffeteria i side the bookstore. The service is very professional and it is a quiet place in the craziness of Amsterdam. They have a variety of coffees that you can enjoy seated in one of their tables or carrying it through the bookstore. Don't miss the apple strudel.

Absolutely love this bookstore. Great place to study as well, with plenty of tables and spots to charge your laptop.