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While Mexico City may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about literary destinations, this vibrant metropolis is teeming with independent bookstores. In fact, many new indie bookshops have emerged and thrived even during the pandemic.
Whether you’re interested in browsing used books in the neighborhoods of La Juárez and Condesa, exploring La Roma’s indie gems, or enjoying a cup of coffee while perusing books at cafés with attached bookstores, Mexico City has something special for every book lover.
Here’s a curated list of my top 13 charming indie bookstores across Mexico City, from Coyoacán to Santa María la Ribera.
BEST INDIE BOOKSHOPS IN MEXICO CITY
Casa Tomada | Pachuca 146a, Condesa
Casa Tomada in Condesa is a fantastic spot for discovering books from indie publishers in Mexico and across Latin America. The store is not only aesthetically pleasing, but its collection of Spanish-language books is exceptional. I’ve even had the chance to interview the owners—check out my conversation with them here. If you’re unable to visit in person, they offer an online platform to browse and order titles.
Related Post: Casa Tomada is Mexico City’s Hub of Indie Editorials and Literary Workshops
Cafeleería | Calzada Taxqueña 1832-B, Coyoacán
Cafeleería, one of Mexico City’s original café-and-bookstore combinations, has continued to thrive more than ten years after its launch in Coyoacán. As the name suggests, it’s not just a café or a bookstore; it’s a welcoming space for mutual aid, laughter, and community. Of course, their selection of books and coffee is excellent too.
El Hallazgo | Mazatlán 30, Condesa
There’s something uniquely satisfying about exploring a well-stocked used bookstore, and El Hallazgo in Condesa does just that. While most of their collection is in Spanish, they also feature a corner with a plethora of used English titles, all with fresh finds each time I visit.
Casa Tomada and Cafeleería. Photos courtesy of Casa Tomada and Cafeleería.
Librería Jorge Cuesta | Liverpool 12, Juárez
Another beloved used bookstore, Librería Jorge Cuesta in Juárez, offers towering stacks of books, board games, DVDs, and records. Most of their used books are in Spanish, but the engaging atmosphere and eclectic décor—with items like mannequins and typewriters—make it a must-visit.
Related Post: A Guide to Colonia Juárez, Mexico City: Where to Eat, Drink, Sleep + Shop
El Desastre | San Francisco 521, del Valle
This indie bookstore, which opened during the pandemic, is thriving against all odds. Hats off to the owners for their courage! El Desastre is a café and bookstore featuring an exciting range of titles from indie publishers, which resonates with my taste. I also optimistically hope to run into literary figures like Ana Negri or Isabel Zapata there someday.
La Increíble | Amsterdam 264, Hipódromo Condesa
Having moved from Roma Norte to Hipódromo Condesa, La Increíble remains stylish and features an impressive selection of Spanish-language books from prominent publishers and indie presses. Although I haven’t visited the new location yet, online reviews suggest it’s just as stunning as before. They also have a website where you can order your to-be-read titles.
La Moraleja Books | Tonalá 261 A, Roma Sur
I am less familiar with La Moraleja, but it has caught my attention. I’ve yet to order anything from them, but their reputation for budget-friendly books priced at 30 pesos and table-tops stacked high with them makes it a place I need to visit post-vaccination.
Casa Bosques | Córdoba 25, Roma Norte
It’s been a while since my last visit to Casa Bosques, but I remember it as a beautifully curated space filled with art books and magazines, as well as titles covering architecture and design.
Related Post: Must-Read Books About Mexico
U-Tópicas | Aguayo 37, Coyoacán
During the pandemic, U-Tópicas became a go-to for online orders. This feminist bookstore specializes in feminist literature, offering a treasure trove of critical feminist theory in Spanish, as well as excellent novels, poetry, and essays. It’s definitely one of my top five bookstores in Mexico City.
EXIT La Librería | Río Panuco 138, Cuauhtémoc
Though EXIT La Librería’s focus on contemporary art titles isn’t aligned with my personal interests, it remains a popular choice for many readers. It’s the place to explore books on design, architecture, art, music, theory, and film.
La Moraleja (courtesy of La Moraleja) and Casa Bosques (Lauren Cocking).
Ranzö | Salvador Díaz Mirón 128, Santa María la Ribera
A recent newcomer to the Santa María la Ribera neighborhood—one I was eager to explore in 2020 before the global situation changed—Ranzö is a delightful café and bookstore serving a variety of teas, coffee, and beer. The lovely converted casona features high ceilings and chic velvet seating that offers a cozy ambiance.
Murciélaga Librería | Cuauhtémoc 838, Narvarte Poniente
While I have yet to make a purchase at Murciélaga Librería—can we take a moment to appreciate that name?—I actively follow them on Twitter, where the owners frequently share updates on new arrivals. Rumor has it that they are excellent for scouting rare first editions and signed copies.
Peripheria Librería | Agricultura 28, Ecatepec
Though it’s technically outside the boundaries of Mexico City in Ecatepec, I couldn’t help but include Peripheria Librería. Specializing in genre fiction (think sci-fi, thrillers, horror, and fantasy), this bookstore is definitely worth the trip.
Have you visited any of these bookstores? Are there any I missed? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
