Dedicated to the sea, fashion or Japanese literature, Milan is home to some very special libraries. These spaces are not just sales outlets, but real places to immerse oneself in reading, discovering great classics and unknown books that transport readers to a thousand different worlds. For a morning or afternoon dedicated to reading and peace of mind, we recommend you stop by one of these 7 bookstores in Milan.
Milan Fashion Library
From Elle to Cosmopolitan, fashion reigns supreme here. The Milano Fashion Library is a bookstore and archive where fashion lovers can find real gems, such as vintage editions of the most famous magazines, but also little-known independent magazines, lookbooks and fashion books. The real highlight? The minimalist room entirely dedicated to Vogue.
Where: Via I Maggio, 13, Vanzago 20010
Sea Bookstore
Sea people… This bookstore is for you! Fairy tales set among the oceans and navigation manuals-everything here evokes the sea, even the decor. Whether it’s a book about sharks or a novel where the sea is the protagonist, you’ll find it at Libreria del Mare.
Where: Via Brotoletto 28, 20121 Milan, Italy
Esoteric Bookshop
Established in 1968 as Libreria Ecumenica, today this particular bookstore continues to be a meeting point between the various religions and occult arts. Inside you can find books of all kinds regarding spirituality and philosophy, from the most popular volumes to the oldest books. They also have a large section of themed items. A mystical place, truly one of a kind.
Where: Via dell’Unione 7, 20122 Milan
Verso Bookstore – Ticinese
Verso is located near the columns of San Lorenzo. It is a two-story bookstore that allows you to discover even little-known writers. It periodically organizes writing classes and events to meet authors. Cute book club dedicated to poetry. There is also a bar inside.
Where: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 40, 20123 Milan.
My Book – Milan Porta Romana
A short walk from the Milano Porta Romana station, you will find “my book” (the lilac box). This lovely bookstore organizes creative writing courses, workshops with editors and writers to help people better understand the craft of writing. It gives space to new authors and small independent publishing houses. In addition, there is a children’s area in the little lilac box: many of them have left their own mark on the walls, to say “I’ve been here too.”
Where: Via Sannio, 18, Milan.
Hummingbird Literary Café
Not far from Unimi is this bohemian-style literary café that we cannot fail to mention. Colibrì Caffè Letterario is a great place to study or for a lunch break surrounded by the great classics. Besides enjoying a well-deserved coffee, here you will find many interesting titles to choose from and you can participate in one of the activities offered by the independent bookstore, such as reading groups.
Where: Via Laghetto 9/11, Milan, Italy 20122
Tanabata Bookstore
A haven for lovers of Japanese literature. Tanabata is a small Japanese bookstore in Milan, where you can find texts in the original language, in Italian and also in English. Novels, historical books and manga dominate the shelves, while pretty gift items, such as traditional tea cups, pop up scattered around the bookstore.
Where: Via Adige 7, 20135 Milan