Stop in at the American Book Center if you ever run out of fresh English-language lit of any persuasion. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for literature, fantasy/sci-fi, travel guides, self-help books, children’s books or an entertaining coffee table book, their winding bookshelves have it all. For those new to the lowlands, don’t forget to also check the section with Dutch literature translated in English (our advice: skip the Mulisch, go straight to Grunberg).

ABC’s friendly salespeople speak perfect English and are always willing to give advice or help you find the book you’re looking for. Students get 10% off and everybody over 55 gets the same discount on Mondays. If you’re somewhere in between these two groups a discount card can be yours for just 7 euro.

One downside, the owner of ABC was probably afraid people would never leave the store if they put out some comfortable chairs, so there’s hardly a place to sit down, but otherwise it’s a true haven for booklovers.