Berlin for Book Lovers

Exploring the International Literature Festival 2025 and Hidden Bookstore Gems

Every September, Berlin becomes the global capital of literature. The International Literature Festival Berlin (ILB) will celebrate its 25th edition from 11–20 September 2025 at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele. Under the motto “GLOW”, more than 200 authors from 50 countries will present their works across 100+ events, including readings, discussions, and workshops. The Young Programme (15–24 September 2025) will focus on young audiences and emerging voices.

ILB Berlin 2025 – Dates, Motto & Highlights

The festival explores urgent social themes, world literature, and artistic freedom. Visitors can expect a diverse program featuring:

• Readings by internationally renowned authors
• Panel discussions on global issues and literature’s role in society
• Workshops for aspiring writers and young readers

Main venue: Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstraße 24, 10719 Berlin (U3/U9 Spichernstraße). Additional events will take place at cultural institutions like the Literaturhaus Berlin, Fasanenstraße 23, 10719 Berlin (U1/U2/U3/U9 Zoologischer Garten or U1/U9 Kurfürstendamm), and in independent bookstores across the city.

Literary Landmarks in Berlin

To deepen your festival experience, explore Berlin’s rich literary history:

• Brecht-Haus: The former home of playwright Bertolt Brecht, now a museum and research center.
• Literaturhaus Berlin: A cultural hub for readings, exhibitions, and debates all year round. Literaturhaus is located in a 19th century townhouse and holds readings and other literary events around their fireplace in the villa’s parlour regularly. A good coffee drink can be found here too.

Independent Bookshops in Berlin You Shouldn’t Miss

Berlin’s independent bookstores are not just places to buy books, but cultural spaces where the festival atmosphere continues. Here are some of the best:

1. Saint George’s (Prenzlauer Berg) A cosy English-language bookstore offering philosophy, fiction, poetry, and German history. Daily shipments from the UK and US keep the shelves fresh.
   Address: Wörther Straße 27, 10405 Berlin – Website
2. Ocelot, not just another bookshop (Mitte) A stylish bookstore and café near Weinbergspark with a wide range of books in German and English, plus a children’s section and regular literary events.
   Address: Brunnenstraße 181, 10119 Berlin – Website
3. Another Country (Kreuzberg) A queer-owned second-hand bookstore known for community events such as film nights, queer readings, and dinners.
   Address: Riemannstr. 7, 10961 Berlin 
4. Shakespeare & Sons with Fine Bagels (Friedrichshain) One of Berlin’s largest English-language selections combined with delicious bagels and coffee in a welcoming library-style space.
   Address: Warschauerstraße 74, 10243 Berlin – Website
5. about bookshop (Mitte) Curated by an art historian, this bookshop focuses on changing themes every three months – from philosophy to children’s literature. A café invites you to linger.
   Address: Linienstr. 114, 10115 Berlin – Instagram
6. Prinz Eisenherz (Schöneberg) Founded in 1978, one of Europe’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstores, specializing in queer literature, gender studies, poetry, and cultural events.
   Address: Motzstraße 23, 10777 Berlin – Website

Explore More with BertaBerlin Maps

If you’d like to continue your literary journey through Berlin, many of these bookstores also stock my BertaBerlin Neighborhood Maps. These curated guides help you discover hidden gems, from cozy cafés and inspiring bookstores to cultural highlights off the beaten track.

You can also order them directly from my online shop to plan your literary adventure in advance.

Berlin in September 2025 is a true paradise for book lovers – from the International Literature Festival to independent bookstores and hidden gems across the city.