Israeli bookshops hold their ground against the ebook tide with stubborn grace. Steimatzky ranges Hebrew and English titles, design books, an Israeli literature section, all under one roof. Pomeranz Bookseller works English-language Jewish religious texts, fiction, academic works in Jerusalem. Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv Shop attaches to the Bauhaus Center, ranging architecture books, prints, design gifts that celebrate White City heritage. Ask about the local literature shelf before you default to bestsellers.
A Muna family bookshop specializing in Arabic- and English-language literature and nonfiction concerning Palestine, Israel, the Middle East, politics, history, and identity. The bookseller operates multiple Jerusalem locations and hosts readings, launches, discussions, and other literary events. Established 1984.
Best for Arabic and English books on Palestine, Israel
The Educational Bookshop opened in Jerusalem in 1984, through what its owners call a simple twist of fate. It has grown into a bookstore focused on Middle Eastern culture and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Its two shops face each other on Salah Eddin Street in East Jerusalem. Books & Coffee at number 19 is the flagship, three floors that also house the first Segafredo cafe in Jerusalem. The Stationer at number 22 handles paper goods and office supplies. The book stock is largely research-based work from established institutions and publishers worldwide, alongside Arabic literature. Guidebooks and dictionaries sit with Arabic teaching books. Maps and local and foreign magazines sit with the stationery, along with newspapers and a selection of DVDs and music. The shop offers photocopying and laminating as well as binding and a delivery service. Book launches and talks run through the year, as do film screenings and other cultural events, announced by a mailing list. The shop quotes writer Leyla Zuaiter on the resilience and generosity Palestinians carry from one era to the next, with an endless supply of stories that never make it into print. It calls that the real story of the Educational Bookshop. Titles on the front table range from Palestinian food to the history of Jerusalem's holy sites.
Pomeranz Bookseller carries Jewish religious texts, English-language fiction and academic titles in central Jerusalem. Its specialist strength is Judaica and study material, supported by an online catalogue for checking editions before visiting.
Best for English-language Jewish religious texts, fiction, and academic works in Jerusalem
An independent English-language secondhand bookshop carrying used and rare books across fiction, history, religion, politics, and other subjects. Shai and Judy Robkin established the shop in 1981; its former café closed in 2002 while the bookstore continued.
Best for Secondhand and rare English-language books spanning fiction, history, religion
Steimatzky sells Hebrew and English books, bestsellers, children’s titles, Judaica and gifts through multiple Jerusalem branches. A specific store should be chosen because branch stock and opening hours differ.
Best for Bestsellers, Judaica texts, and gifts in Hebrew and English
6 Schatz (Shatz) Street, off 26 King George Street, Jerusalem, Israel / Jerusalem / Israel
Largest second-hand bookstore in Israel, operating since 2000, several hundred thousand titles in four public rooms plus a closed antiquarian room (official FAQ; NileGuide).
Best for Second-hand books across four public rooms, operating since 2000.
HaSifriya is an independent Tel Aviv bookshop specialising in art, photography and architecture monographs. Author events and launches add context, while the focused catalogue serves readers beyond general trade fiction.
Best for Art, photography, and architecture monographs, with regular author events.
The Bauhaus Center shop in Tel Aviv connects design objects with books about architecture and the city. The centre is on Dizengoff Street and combines a bookstore with exhibitions and a design shop. Its retail selection includes work by local artists and designers, giving visitors a way to explore design beyond the buildings themselves.
Best for Architecture books and design objects at the Bauhaus Center
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