Best Bookstores & Libraries in Saint Petersburg, Russia
1. Dom Knigi (House of Books)
A classic, spacious bookstore offering a vast collection, including Russian and foreign literature. It's located in the heart of Saint Petersburg.
- Wide Selection: Houses one of the largest collections in the city.
- Central Location: Conveniently located near Nevsky Prospekt, a major tourist attraction.
- Friendly Staff: Known for their assistance and recommendations to visitors.
2. Sadovaya Kniga (Garden Bookstore)
Nestled in a beautiful park, this bookstore offers a cozy atmosphere with a variety of books and a charming café.
- Park Setting: Located within the picturesque Summer Garden.
- Café Corner: Offers a peaceful café for readers to relax and enjoy their books.
- Rare Book Collection: Features a selection of rare and antique books.
3. Literaturny Koin (Writers' Lane)
A charming street lined with literary-themed shops, including bookstores and cafes dedicated to famous Russian authors.
- Literary Themes: Each store is themed after a famous Russian writer.
- Unique Shopping Experience: Provides a unique, immersive shopping experience for literature lovers.
- Close to Other Attractions: Located near the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and other tourist spots.
4. Sankt-Peterburgskaya Kniga (Saint Petersburg Book)
A modern bookstore offering a wide range of Russian and foreign literature, as well as stationery and gifts.
- Modern Design: Features a sleek, contemporary design.
- Stationery & Gifts: Offers a selection of stationery and gifts related to books and reading.
- Central Location: Located on Nevsky Prospekt, a major tourist area.
5. Rodionov Knigi (Rodionov Books)
A small, cozy bookstore specializing in art and photography books, with a focus on Russian artists.
- Art & Photography Focus: Specializes in books about art and photography.
- Russian Art Emphasis: Features a focus on Russian artists and art movements.
- Intimate Atmosphere: Offers a comfortable, intimate shopping experience.
6. Knizhnaya Liniya (Book Line)
A chain of bookstores offering a wide range of books in Russian and foreign languages. It's known for its affordable prices.
- Chain Store: Part of a popular local chain.
- Affordable Prices: Known for competitive, affordable prices.
- Variety of Languages: Offers books in multiple languages, including Russian and English.
7. Rossiiskaia Gosudarstvennaya Biblioteka (Russian State Library)
A vast library housing millions of books, documents, and manuscripts. It's one of the largest libraries in Russia.
- Size: One of the largest libraries in Russia.
- Historical Significance: Houses rare and historical documents, including manuscripts by Leo Tolstoy.
- Research Opportunities: Provides opportunities for academic research and study.
8. Universitetskaya Biblioteka (University Library)
Located within Saint Petersburg State University, this library offers access to academic resources and a quiet study environment.
- Academic Resources: Offers a wide range of academic resources.
- Study Environment: Provides a quiet, focused study environment.
- Architectural Beauty: Located in a beautiful, historic building.
9. Knizhnaya Sobrka No. 1 (Bookstore No. 1)
A quaint bookstore offering a variety of books, including Russian classics and contemporary works.
- Quaint Atmosphere: Offers a cozy, charming atmosphere.
- Russian Classics: Features a wide selection of Russian classics.
- Local Favorites: Carries many local favorite books and authors.
10. Knizhnaya Sobrka No. 2 (Bookstore No. 2)
A smaller, specialized bookstore focusing on Russian literature and scholarly works.
- Specialized Selection: Specializes in Russian literature and scholarly works.
- Rare Books: Features a selection of rare, hard-to-find books.
- Intimate Setting: Offers an intimate, personal shopping experience.
11. Sankt-Peterburgskaya Knizhnaya Magazin (Saint Petersburg Bookstore)
A well-stocked bookstore offering a variety of books in Russian and English. It's known for its knowledgeable staff.
- Wide Selection: Offers a wide range of books in both Russian and English.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Staff members are knowledgeable and helpful to customers.
- Convenient Location: Located near major tourist attractions for easy access.
12. Knizhnaya Fabrika (Book Factory)
A large, modern bookstore offering a vast selection of books, gifts, and stationery.
- Size: One of the largest bookstores in Saint Petersburg.
- Gift & Stationery Selection: Offers a wide selection of gifts and stationery related to books.
- Friendly Staff: Staff members are known for their friendly, helpful service.
13. Knizhnaya Usadba (Book Estate)
A unique bookstore located in a beautiful, historic building. It offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of books.
- Historic Building: Located within a charming, historic estate.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Offers a comfortable, cozy shopping experience.
- Variety of Books: Carries a wide variety of books in Russian and foreign languages.
14. Knizhnaya Ploshchadka (Book Square)
An outdoor bookstore located in a beautiful square, offering books, gifts, and café options.
- Outdoor Setting: Located in a picturesque open-air setting.
- Café Options: Offers café options for readers to relax and enjoy their books.
- Variety of Books: Carries a wide variety of books in Russian and foreign languages.
15. Knizhnaya Sobrka No. 3 (Bookstore No. 3)
A small, intimate bookstore offering a variety of books, including Russian classics and contemporary works.
- Intimate Setting: Offers an intimate, personal shopping experience.
- Russian Classics: Features a wide selection of Russian classics.
- Local Favorites: Carries many local favorite books and authors.