Curious about the kinds of book cafés and bars you can find in Rome? Here’s a list of 9 you don’t want to miss.
If you ever needed confirmation that Rome isn’t just for history buffs, here’s a list of our favorite book cafés, book bars, and literary landmarks for all the bookworms out there.
Libreria Caffè Bohémien
Here’s a book café that is exactly what it says on the tin. With decor that’s an eclectic mix of historic pomp and modern bohemia, this place has a retro-chic atmosphere both disarming and endearing. You can slip into a vintage armchair with a cocktail and buy a book (in Italian) from a nearby shelf, or order some craft beer and soak up the vibe.
Open every day except Tuesday, it’s an ideal spot for creative minds and those seeking a quiet evening retreat in one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
Spazio Sette Libreria
Though we’ve mentioned Spazio in a previous post, this three-story book café is too gorgeous not to bring up again. Spazio’s most eye-catching features are the beautiful 17th-century frescoes painted on the ceilings of upper floors.
The bookstore is on the first floor. Most of the collection is in Italian, but there’s a small English section as well. You can find the café on the second floor, offering a delightful menu of salamis, cheeses, and various desserts, plus wine or coffee. Finally, the third floor is a dedicated venue space that hosts regular events.
Lettere Caffè
Lettere Caffè is an eclectic book café and bar that combines poetry, vegan dining, and live music. It has a chill, bohemian vibe, perfect for leisurely browsing Lettere’s selection of books (mostly in Italian). Its biggest draws are the events it regularly hosts, ranging from jazz nights to poetry meetings.
Its vegan-friendly menu makes it a favorite of locals and tourists alike, who enjoy the vegan takes on offer.
Assaggi Bookstore and Cafe
This book café keeps guests coming back with its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t be deceived by its casual appearance; this place is serious about books. More specifically, books on science, though it has its fair share of other nonfiction titles as well as fictional literature.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything in English, but hey, that’s the benefit of the café side for foreigners. The staff will be happy to set you up with a light meal or flaky pie. If you’re lucky, you might even get to witness a live piano performance while you’re there.
Giufà Libreria Caffè
This bookstore and café stand out as a literary haven that combines the pleasures of books with coffee, wine, and light bites. Its collection is in Italian (though staff have mentioned adding English titles as well), plus a decent selection of illustrated books and graphic novels.
Just note that although it is part bookstore, it’s really not a place designed for long study sessions or leisurely reading. There are only a few tables, so it’s important to be mindful and take any newly-purchased books with you once you’re done with your drink and/or meal.
Biblio Bar Roma
While not all cafés have to be indoors, Biblio Bar Roma is a rare example of an outdoor book café. Seated right next to Castel Sant’Angelo along the Tiber River, this café is set up like an outdoor food court—except with only one stall and lots and lots of books.
It’s a refreshing change of pace and a great way to take advantage of good weather. (Plus a canopied seating area when the weather’s a bit more inclement.) The excellent coffee it serves makes it a favorite of regulars, as well.
Altroquando
Speaking of underground digs, Altroquando is an independent bookstore with an underground pub. With words scrawled across archways and walls, this book bar’s unique design and bright colors (particularly the vibrant red accents in the pub) help create a lively, fun atmosphere.
On the ground floor, you can find a slew of books by independent Italian authors alongside graphic novels, stationery, and calendars. Down below are regular events, including live music, author readings, and comedy shows.
Blue Room
Though it may seem small at first glance, Blue Room’s bright interior and delicious drinks (coffee, tea, or wine) make this a welcoming stop for any road-weary wanderer. Its collection specializes in independent publishers and niche titles you won’t find in mainstream book chains, even coming with a shelf of children’s books.
Blue Room also hosts literary events like workshops and book discussions. Overall, it’s a cozy place to settle down and browse books.
Antico Caffè Greco
While this one is not technically a book café, Antico Caffè Greco is bound to pique any literature buff’s interest. Not only is it the oldest café in Rome, having been founded in 1760, but it has been a popular gathering place for many important literary figures—Byron, Hans Christian Andersen, and Friedrich Nietzsche, to name a few.
Possessing opulent interiors adorned with vintage paintings and memorabilia, it honestly feels more like an art gallery than a café. But then, that’s likely part of what has attracted so many artists and intellectuals over the centuries.
The menu is quite pricey, but for an opportunity to visit such an important literary site, the experience is worth it.
Join our community of 1.5M readers
Like this story? You’ll love our weekly newsletter.
K Lou
K. Lou is a writer born in the U.S. who found her way to Japan through a spiritual calling—or, more precisely, better access to tea. She writes about travel, culture, and the occasional creative piece, inspired by her enduring love of books. This love began in high school when K. Lou carried books around to avoid seeming odd while lost in thought. Once she started reading, she never stopped. With zero regrets, she continues to explore the written word and invites others to join her in celebrating its varied forms.
