5x Books at unique bookshops

For former history teacher Jarco, having his own bookstore was always a dream. He has a love for finding unique books and hidden gems. In 2018, it was then. Jarco's treasure trove opened its doors in Haarlem city centre. Bookstore Huijsing Books may not have a very rich history in its walls, but certainly on its shelves.

Because what could be better than the smell of an old book? This cosy bookstore in Haarlem has a special atmosphere. Besides buying a good book, you can also dive straight into all the stories here. At the back of the shop, you will find a small coffee bar where you can disappear into your book while enjoying a cappuccino, tea or a small espresso. At Huijsings Books, second-hand books are given a new life, which is another good story. Maybe the previous owner left a message for you in it.

According to The Guardian, this bookshop in Maastricht is the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Located in the church between the Vrijthof and the Markt, Dominican bookshop is hard to overlook. A visit to this Gothic church is an activity in itself. The bookshop has a great history in the city. Once a monastery, a slaughterhouse and a buck temple, it is now a place where bookworms indulge.

When you step inside, it feels like one big bookcase. You can search for all kinds of books here, but bookshop Dominicanen is also much more than that. It is a place for events, lectures or exhibitions. A place where literature and art come together. Taking someone in tow who is not so keen on reading? Then they also have a delicious coffee bar located in the old priest's office. So you can finally start the search for that one good book.

You can find this cosy bookshop in Noordwijk. Cultuurcafé en Boekhandel Van Der Meer calls itself a real bookshop. Why? Here you can find all kinds of books you can imagine. Big, small, thick or very thin. Each book has its own place on the shelf here. Find a new recipe, your favourite old children's book or a loving novel here. One thing is for sure, plenty of choice.

This bookshop has much more than just books. In the past ten years, Cultuurcafé & Boekhandel Van Der Meer has expanded into a place for games and music. So for an old-fashioned game night, this is a great place to replenish the games cupboard. Don't need books? Or can't stand to lose? Then in the middle of this bookshop you also have the culture café. A nice place with fair trade coffee and delicious organic sandwiches. So it is not only a place for bookworms, but also a place you can lick your fingers at.

This 'international feminist bookshop' opened its doors in Utrecht in December 1975. This earned it the title of second feminist bookshop in the Netherlands. By, for and about women. At Savannah Bay bookshop, you will find books all about feminism and women themselves. Modern that this bookshop is, it already added books on LGBT+ in the 80s and 90s.

Meanwhile, they have expanded their collection even more and everyone is welcome in their small white building in the heart of Utrecht. Search the bookshelves for books about all kinds of people. Even when it doesn't fit into a pigeonhole for you. It is a special shop where you can learn a lot about gender studies and sexuality. So for many people, this is a nice meeting place where they feel connected to each other. So it is not just another bookstore, but a bookstore with its own story.

Tens of thousands of second-hand books hide behind the walls of bookshop Antiquariaat Hovingh. When you step inside this small bookstore in Haarlem, a blanket of history falls over you and small suddenly seems very big. Old maps, brochures, magazines and books made long before you were born. This bookshop has plenty of choice in different themes. It is a place where young and old can learn a lot. Think you've already seen or read everything? This bookshop regularly sweeps the dust off its shelves and replenishes them with new stories.

For the real sleuths among us, you can find four shafts behind the shop's beautiful façade. Here, even more books are waiting for you. Every bookworm is welcome to explore this treasure trove.