Vienna has been a literary capital for centuries, and its bookshops reflect this heritage. From antiquarian treasures to contemporary independents, the city offers book lovers an embarrassment of riches. Here is our guide to the shops worth seeking out.
Historic and Antiquarian Bookshops
Antiquariat Inlibris
Located in the heart of the first district, Antiquariat Inlibris specializes in rare and antiquarian books, with particular strength in Austrian literature, art books, and historical documents. The knowledgeable staff can guide collectors to hidden gems, while casual browsers will enjoy the atmosphere of literary history.
This is the place to find first editions of Austrian classics, historical maps of Vienna, and beautifully bound volumes that make perfect gifts for bibliophiles.
Best For: Collectors, literary history enthusiasts, unique gifts
Buchhandlung Kuppitsch
Operating since 1789, Buchhandlung Kuppitsch claims to be Austria's oldest bookshop. While it has modernized over the centuries, it retains an old-world charm that transports visitors to Vienna's literary golden age. The shop maintains excellent selections in philosophy, humanities, and Austrian literature.
Best For: Academic books, philosophy, experiencing Viennese book culture history
Contemporary Independent Bookshops
Buchhandlung Walther Konig
The Vienna branch of this renowned German bookseller focuses on art, architecture, photography, and design books. Located near the Museumsquartier, it draws visitors interested in visual culture. The carefully curated selection includes many titles difficult to find elsewhere in Austria.
Best For: Art books, design, photography, architecture
Shakespeare and Company
Not to be confused with the famous Paris shop, Vienna's Shakespeare and Company has served English-language readers since 1980. Located in the Sterngasse, it stocks fiction, non-fiction, and children's books primarily in English, making it essential for expats and international visitors.
The shop regularly hosts readings and events featuring visiting English-language authors, creating a community space for Vienna's anglophone book lovers.
Best For: English-language books, international fiction, community events
Phil
Part bookshop, part cafe, part design store, Phil defies easy categorization. Located on Gumpendorfer Strasse in the sixth district, this hybrid space offers second-hand books alongside new titles, vintage furniture alongside coffee. The eclectic atmosphere attracts a younger, creative crowd.
Phil exemplifies Vienna's knack for combining book culture with coffeehouse tradition in contemporary form.
Best For: Casual browsing, cafe culture, design-conscious readers
Buchhandlung Seeseiten
Specializing in travel literature and world literature in translation, Seeseiten offers an alternative to mainstream bookshops. The owners are passionate readers who can offer thoughtful recommendations. It is an excellent resource for readers interested in exploring literature from beyond the usual European and American focus.
Best For: Travel writing, translated literature, adventurous readers
Specialty Bookshops
Krimibuchhandlung
Vienna's dedicated crime fiction bookshop stocks mysteries, thrillers, and detective novels from around the world, with particular attention to German-language crime writing. Staff recommendations help navigate the genre's enormous output.
Best For: Crime fiction enthusiasts, German-language mysteries
Buchhandlung Lia Wolf
This feminist bookshop has served Vienna's progressive literary community since 1978. It stocks women's literature, gender studies, and LGBTQ+ titles, along with a broader selection of socially conscious writing. The shop functions as a cultural space as much as a retail outlet.
Best For: Feminist literature, gender studies, LGBTQ+ writing
Practical Information
Shopping Tips
- Opening Hours: Most bookshops close by 18:00-19:00 on weekdays, with reduced Saturday hours and Sunday closures
- Payment: Credit cards widely accepted, though smaller antiquarian shops may prefer cash
- Language: Staff at most shops speak English, especially in tourist areas
- Book Prices: Austria maintains fixed book prices (Buchpreisbindung), so new books cost the same everywhere
Beyond Vienna
Other Austrian cities also offer rewarding bookshop exploration:
- Salzburg: The historic old town contains several excellent antiquarian shops
- Graz: University city with strong independent bookshop scene
- Innsbruck: Mountain literature specialists alongside general bookshops
Related Resources
- Buecher.at - Austrian book trade directory
- Wien.info - Official Vienna tourism bookshop listings