What comes to mind when I think of the American Book Center a pretty average bookshop that does not…read morestand out from the rest, despite them speaking English. I always try to stop in here every once in a blue moon to see if a book will stand out for me to purchase. Once in a while, I get lucky to find a book that strikes my interest. However, most of the time I try to check out other bookstores that have that warm, cozy, and friendly feeling because half of the time I feel they definitely don't got it.

This will be the best selection of English and American books in Amsterdam. It's very sterile, but…read morehas a wide selection. Especially in a city that really celebrates Dutch book shops, if you need an English book this place will have it.

Quite a few bookstores in Amsterdam, and this one caught our eye just because the books are used…read moreand in English. Three floors with books stacked floor to ceiling on bookshelves with 10-12 shelves each. They even have a staff recommendation area, which was fun to peruse. Excellent organization of available books, separated nonfiction and fiction (also separated into genre). The owner was very knowledgeable and patient and kind. Ahead of me in line, he listened to a gentleman who was eager to tell him about the books he's read. Then he helped the next lady to find fiction in Morocco, even suggesting several authors to look up. I bought a fiction book that looked interesting (my stack of books to read grows faster than I can keep up--it's awesome). If you're in Amsterdam, this is a great place to visit to find a book to enjoy as you drink. coffee, between people watching, of course! Highly recommend!!

I work in a book store by the same name back in the states (Virginia Beach, VA) so I had to come…read moreby. I love the layout and the feel (and smell) of a used bookstore and this one did not disappoint. The sci-fi/fantasy section was wonderful and I wish I had more time to peruse, though I did find a nice paperback for the flight home. The person working, Fred (I think that was his name) was pleasure to converse with (pic attached). Again, I wish I had more time. Definitely recommend to anyone who visits the city and loves to read.

Wow what a delightful bookstore and good selection of books. I especially liked an entire section…read morededicated to romance - even had a shelf for sports romance! Service was friendly and good value for books and magazines. Some seating available. I wish they had souvenirs if their store to buy like bags or mugs etc. Highly recommended!

This bookstore just keeps getting better. And now they have gotten bigger. I thought it was my…read moreimagination that the warren of books seemed to be a little Alice in Wonderland like...down the rabbit hole I went...and then another door opened to another room and upstairs! It has gotten bigger. I used to go in after a trip to the cheese shop, just for the magazines. The magazines are beyond the mundane. Quarterlies, niche, design and other interesting perusal opportunities that will make you much smarter at your next cocktail party. Love. This. Bookstore.!

I am a big fan of this store. I usually go to pick up a package, mail a package or go to the ATM…read more But they have books, magazines, cards, office supplies and games. It's a larger post office-type store (compared to others I have been to), it's bright with move to walk around. There are multiple registers and sometimes people form one line and sometime two...just depends on the day. The staff has always been friendly and now that I have encountered the same woman a few times, she recognizes me. She's happy to speak English to me, or Dutch if I prefer. Yes, some things are pricey, but it's not a discount store. It's just one of those neighborhood stores where people know people and they know how to be helpful. My advice for here is to always bring an ID (Dutch ID or a Passport) to pick up packages.

Five stars for what the Bookieman represents - the freedom to look at and buy used books whenever…read moreyou want and at whatever price you want. Take that digital. While you could plan a trip especially to come here, the best way to visit is to accidentally drop in while on your walk back home. The books are placed outside, rain or shine, and all you have to do is replace them with a token amount of €1.50 per book. There are more books in the entrance of the owner's living quarters. All it takes is a little bit of luck and spontaneity to land yourself a good read for the weekend. Line up here!

I collect books from each country that I visit, so I always research a place to go prior to my…read moretrip. I found this place through a yelp search and I loved it! The concept is amazing (and helpful since we got there early), so we were able to pick out a book, and put the required amount of money in the mailbox. The outside selection was great, I just wish we had visited later in the day, so I could have seen the inside as well!

Such a great place!…read more The owner is very nice The records are in great condition and the prices are decent, like they should be :) I'll be happy to come back there

...i don't want to share... ...I don't want to write, how…read moregreat this place is... ...it's not just dirty, old, stale enough, vintage without the price tag.. doesn't have maybe-the-best-collection in town... ...the owner isn't the nicest guy... ...i'm so a regular here... every saturday or sunday, when im in town, to dust of the new old records he gets in every week. Stay away! I don't want you to come here... Not for old and older Jazz, Funk, Soul, Rock'n Roll, 78's, expert advice from Jan him self on the best funk, soul and gospel, jazz and more. And he knows who-is-who-did-whome-with-what-else-in-what-way...? Damn you Yelp, I love this place!

Beautiful bookstore with lots of American titles and a staff that speaks English. Unfortunately,…read morethey don't have my book club books. There were four English bookshops in this area.

Waterstone's is a British bookstore that I love. If you need or want a book in English while in…read moreAmsterdam, this is the place. The store is several stories with many flights of stairs which makes browsing around a little more difficult than some. Since this is a smaller store, the selection and depth within each category of books is more limited. You may find books at better prices with other retailers but it is so nice to walk into a bookstore and walk out with your purchase. Waterstone's also has a frequent purchase card.

A great local spot for lunch. We had bitterballen and fries and sandwiches. Also good for a solo…read morelunch - they have free books to read and a cat.

This is a wonderful, big bookstore right off Dam Square. The majority of books are in Dutch, but…read morethey do have a large selection of English titles, as well as a smaller selection in other languages. There is a small used book area on the top floor where I have found few gems. Any book lover should stop by here if they are in town!

this place was amazing go get son records super awesome business owner nice and helpful fullread more

Easily One of the very best vinyl stores in Amsterdam. Great selection of used soul, indie and…read morepop. Records are all high condition. Taco, the owner, is simply one of the nicest guys you'll meet. If you are a collector, you need to stop here!

Second Life Music was a great find while I was shopping in Amsterdam. I love going and looking for…read moreold vinyl and cds, especially when I'm out of the country. This place is jammed full of vinyls at a decent price. I feel like you could spend an entire day combing through the racks. The gentleman that works here was really nice and of course offered help along the way. Fortunately, I tend to know what I'm looking for or hopefully stumble upon something I didn't know I needed until I find it. They've got a wide variety of genres and I think there really is something for everyone here. If you're a music lover, it's definitely a great place to spend some time and definitely spend some money, but if you're traveling make sure you make room in your luggage for your finds.

This was also a last day discovery but a very fruitful one!!! I got to find great music and great…read morerecords in here! They have a wide range of stock so you will probably find what you're looking for, here! The man who's managing the place is very nice and he also helped me out to discover more record shops by handing me a map and marking the shops on the map. Great finds, great music, great atmosphere inside... A denifitely-need-to-visit place in Amsterdam! :)