FAQs About Athens Libraries & Athens Bookshops

Athens is a literary city with historic libraries and independent bookshops that cater to all kinds of readers. Whether you're looking for public libraries in Athens, searching for English books in Athens, or hoping to attend a literary event, this guide has the answers. Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about Athens libraries and bookshops, including tips on where to find the best bookstores in Athens and hidden gems that locals love.

Is there a book district in Athens?

Yes! Athens has a hidden Book District located behind the National Library of Greece, mainly around Ippokratous and Solonos streets. This area is home to over 30 bookstores, ranging from second-hand bookshops and academic bookstores to independent literary shops.
Walking through this area, you’ll find stalls filled with budget-friendly books, historic shops that specialize in philosophy and Greek literature, and even niche bookstores that focus on rare editions. If you’re passionate about books, this district is a must-visit.
Some bookshops in this district specialize in antique and out-of-print books, so if you're a collector, be sure to ask around because you might just stumble upon a rare literary treasure!

Are there public libraries in Athens?

Yes! Athens has several public libraries, including the Municipal Library of Athens and the National Library of Greece. Both offer free access to their reading rooms and thousands of books, though borrowing policies may vary.
The Municipal Library of Athens, located near Larissa Station, has a collection of 55,000+ books and historic newspaper archives dating back to the 19th century. Meanwhile, the National Library of Greece, located in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), is home to over 450,000 books, including rare Greek manuscripts.
While the SNFCC location is modern and spacious, don’t miss the original neoclassical building on Panepistimiou Street, which is an architectural masterpiece.

Are libraries in Athens free?

Yes, most libraries in Athens are free to visit, but some may require registration or a visitor pass for access to certain collections.
The National Library of Greece is free to enter, but some archives require permission for research purposes. The Municipal Library of Athens is completely free, making it a great place to read, study, or work. Specialized research libraries, such as the Gennadius Library, allow free entry but may have restrictions on borrowing and access to rare manuscripts.
If you plan to use the library as a study space, arrive early because some reading rooms fill up quickly, especially on weekdays.

Is the National Library of Greece open to tourists?

Yes, the National Library of Greece Athens welcomes visitors, but access to certain collections is restricted.
The modern SNFCC location offers free public access to reading areas and digital resources, while the historic neoclassical building is mainly for research and archival purposes. However, even if you can’t access all the books, visiting the original National Library is worth it for its stunning architecture alone.
If you love Greek history and literature, ask the staff about guided tours. Sometimes, the library hosts special exhibitions and cultural events.

Is the public library open on Sunday?

If you’re wondering about Greece library hours, especially for public libraries in Athens, here’s what you need to know.

• National Library of Athens (SNFCC location) is closed on Sundays. It operates Monday to Friday from 09:00-20:00 and Saturday from 09:00-14:00.

• National Library of Greece (Historic Neoclassical Building) is also closed on Sundays.

• Municipal Library of Athens or Athens Public Library hours say it's closed on Sundays, but open Monday to Friday from 09:00-19:00 and Saturday from 09:00-14:00.

If you're looking for an open library Greece on a Sunday, most public libraries in Athens are closed, but some Athens book stores with reading spaces, like Public in Syntagma Square or Little Tree Books & Coffee, are open on Sundays and offer a cozy alternative.

Does Athens have a library book sale?

Yes! Athens hosts library book sales where you can find discounted books, rare editions, and second-hand academic materials. While there isn’t a permanent Athens library book sale, the National Library of Greece and the Municipal Library of Athens occasionally hold book clearance events where older or duplicate books are sold at low prices.
Additionally, Politeia and Evripidis bookshops sometimes offer discounts on Greek and English books, and seasonal book fairs in Athens (such as the Zappeion Book Festival) are a great place to find affordable books from local publishers.

What is the Athens Drive Public Library?

The Athens Drive Public Library is not a library in Athens Greece, but in Athens, Georgia (USA). However, if you're looking for a drive-up library service in Athens, Greece, most public libraries and bookstores do not currently offer drive-thru book services.
For convenience, many Athens bookstores, including Public, Evripidis, and Anavasi, provide online ordering with in-store pickup. Additionally, some public libraries in Athens allow online reservations for books, which can be picked up at designated counters.

Where can I find English books in Athens?

Finding English books in Athens is easier than you might think! The best English bookstores Athens include Politeia (the largest bookstore in Athens, with an entire section dedicated to English books), Evripidis (a classic bookstore in Halandri and Kifisia, with a great selection of English fiction and non-fiction), Little Tree Books & Coffee (a cozy bookshop café offering Greek literature in English translation), Booktique (a stylish bookstore in Kolonaki, specializing in modern and classic English books), and Public (a department store in Syntagma with a large English book section and a rooftop café).
If you’re looking for Greek literature in English translation, Aiora and Lexikopoleio are great options.

Are there any bookshop cafés in Athens?

Yes! Athens has some wonderful bookshop cafés, perfect for reading and relaxing. Little Tree Books & Coffee is the most famous bookstore café in Athens, offering English and Greek books, amazing coffee, and a charming outdoor seating area. Little Tree’s outdoor patio is one of the best reading spots in Athens, especially in spring and autumn.
Evripidis in Halandri & Kifisia features in-store cafés, making it a great place to browse books and enjoy a coffee in a peaceful setting. Books Plus has a small café inside the store, making it a nice spot to grab a book and unwind near the National Library.

Where can I find book events in Athens?

Athens has a thriving literary scene, with book launches, author signings, and literary discussions happening throughout the year. The best places to find book events in Athens include: Public in Syntagma Square (hosts author talks, book launches, and cultural events), Lexikopoleio in Pangrati (a favorite spot for literary events and small poetry readings), and Free Thinking Zone (a politically engaged bookstore that frequently hosts discussions on activism, philosophy, and current events).
Check bookstore websites or social media pages for event schedules. Some events require pre-registration.

Does The Travel Bunny collaborate with bookstores in Athens?

Absolutely! I love supporting independent bookshops in Athens, and I'm always open to collaborations. If you own a bookstore in Athens and would like to be featured on The Travel Bunny, feel free to reach out. I’m passionate about helping travelers discover the best bookstores, libraries, and literary spots in Greece.
👉 Contact me via The Travel Bunny for collaborations, bookstore reviews, or social media partnerships!

Athens is a paradise for book lovers, offering historic libraries, independent bookstores, and bookish cafés where you can relax with a good read. Whether you're searching for English books in Athens, planning a visit to the National Library of Athens Greece, or hoping to attend a literary event, this guide has all the answers.