The Best Independent Bookstores In Mexico City

Despite an uncertain market worldwide, independent bookstores in Mexico’s capital are still thriving. From quirky conceptual stores to English-language-oriented and highly specialized, these are the best of Mexico City’s independent bookstores that you need to see.

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Under The Volcano

Bookstore
A classic bookstore recommendation on the Mexico City scene, Under The Volcano Books has a loyal following of foreign and local fans, as it is the most used English-language bookstore in the capital. Pretty much any popular tome can be found here, although it’s always crying out for (paid) donations to meet demand from customers. While it only accepts cash payments for purchasing, if you’re looking to get rid of some old books, this might also be the place to check out.

Bookstore
If you’re sensing (and liking) the trend with these bookstore-coffee shop combinations, then you won’t be disappointed by Librería Urbe. Here you can nestle in to browse your recently purchased book while sipping on a good coffee at the same time. As well as a small selection of English language texts, Librería Urbe also offers many old, rare and out of print copies of Spanish language favourites too. This is a great place to find that elusive title you’ve been searching for forever.

EXIT La Librería

Store, Shop
Not only one of the best bookstores in the city, EXIT La Librería is one of the best independent bookstores to check out on your next visit. This is a specialized destination, admittedly, given that it sells some excellently curated art volumes and titles. If you’re looking for your next coffee table talking point, then EXIT La Librería is definitely one of the best places to check out. Even if you’re not looking to buy, go and browse the fantastic covers.

Casa Bosques

Bookstore
If independent art bookstores are right up your street, also consider paying a visit to the reputable Casa Bosques. Located in one of the coolest destinations in Mexico City, the quirky Córdoba 25 which also plays host to numerous clothing boutiques, Casa Bosques is a treasure trove of rare and well-put-together art book collections available for purchase. From architecture to fashion, photography to music, there is a title for every art fan to be found here, and the roster of titles is constantly being renewed.

Un Lugar de la Mancha

Restaurant, Mexican, $
For that traditional bookstore look, Un Lugar de la Mancha is the place you should be making a beeline towards. Weighty-looking, wooden shelves line the walls which are overflowing with an array of titles across all types of genres. Aside from the great selection of texts to browse and buy, the welcoming atmosphere in this quaint spot is a distinct bonus, as is the café offering up hot beverages and light lunches. Every now and again it hosts events that might be of interest, too.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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