Discover Bilbao’s specialised bookshops: temples of reading for restless minds
Bilbao is a vibrant city that breathes culture on every corner, and its specialised bookshops are proof of this. From spaces that embrace Solarpunk literature to corners devoted to comics, from antique shops with centuries-old copies to shops that place sustainable fashion and education at the centre of their universe. If you are a book lover and you are enthusiastic about immersing yourself in unique stories, join us on this tour of the most special bookshops in our town.
Read on to find out about seven specialised bookshops in Bilbao, undisputed leaders in their fields of knowledge, with proposals that go beyond recent publications. You will be surprised by the quality and originality of what they have to offer.
NAUBIS: BILBAO’S SOLARPUNK BOOKSHOP – Santa Lucía, 11 (Santutxu)
Naubis is not just any bookshop, it is a space of cultural resistance that is committed to a sustainable and egalitarian future. Its specialisation in Solarpunk literature, environmentally friendly based science fiction and egalitarian awareness makes it a unique benchmark in Bilbao. Here you will find works on sustainability, feminism, pedagogy, magical thinking, speculative fiction, naturalism, digital culture, etc. all selected with a clear purpose: to inspire positive change, to build a better world. Moreover, its activities programme is a magnet for inquiring minds.
LA iLUSA: ART, CINEMA AND LITERATURE IN AN INSPIRING SPACE – Hernani, 8 (Bilbao La Vieja)
For those who enjoy art in all its forms, La Ilusa is a cultural haven in the heart of Bilbao La Vieja. Its specialities are photography, film, art and thought-provoking literature, open to the diversity of thought with works by authors from near and far away lands that provide us with the knowledge required to understand the world we live in. Beatriz and Sergio, promoters of this project, have turned this space into a place of inspiration for creative and curious minds. Book presentations, workshops, talks and book clubs are part of their daily routine. If you are looking for inspiration, you will always find it here.
JOKER: A PASSION FOR COMICS
Euskalduna, 7 (BilbaoCentro)
If you are a comic book fan, Joker is your paradise. With more than 30 years of history, this bookshop is a genuine benchmark for lovers of graphic novels and manga. Its shelves are packed with games and titles for all ages, from must-have classics to the latest releases. But the best thing about Joker is not only its impressive catalogue, but the passion with which the entire Joker team shares its knowledge. Whether you are an experienced reader or someone who wants to get started in the world of comic books, you will always find the perfect recommendation here.
ASTARLOA: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND PAPER – Astarloa, 4 (BilbaoCentro)
Entering into the Astarloa antique bookshop is like opening a time capsule. Its shelves hold real treasures: old books, engravings, posters and manuscripts dating back to the 15th century. It has a collection of more than 50,000 books, some of them true gems, unique editions. It is a place that smells of history and each copy holds its own story. As a result of its recent extension, unique works by Basque and international artists can be admired up close, making this space a paradise for collectors, antique dealers and experts and lovers of antique books.
SERIE B: SUSTAINABLE FASHION LIBRARY
Lotería, 2 (Casco Viejo)
Serie B is a very special urban, contemporary and functional fashion shop with main features being Nordic style, independent and local design, and sustainability, quality and durability of the garments. But what does a clothes shop have to do with a route of specialised bookshops in Bilbao? The answer is clear: Serie B, in its aim to promote sustainable fashion and responsible consumption, has created a library with titles in Spanish and English on these subjects, which it lends out free of charge or if you prefer you can consult them in the shop where there are always things going on, concerts, presentations, parties, etc.
PSIKOLAN: EDUCATION AND HEALTH THROUGH READING – Luis Power, 4 (Deusto)
Psikolan is much more than a bookshop, it is a training space and an early care centre. Specialising in psychology, speech therapy and education, this technical bookshop located in Deusto has educational titles that help and accompany individuals in their development at personal and family level. It has a carefully selected selection of children’s literature, and it also offers a bibliographic collection of psychology and pedagogy aimed at professionals. On the other hand, Psikolan is a centre that specialises in Comprehensive Development and Care in Bizkaia.
SGEL LIBURUDENDA: THE ADVENTURE OF LEARNING LANGUAGES – Plaza San Pedro, 2 (Deusto)
If learning a new language is one of your goals, Sgel Liburudenda is the best place to start. With over 40 years of experience, this bookshop, which is located next to the Bilbao Official Language School (EOI), provides all the material required to learn English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Basque, Chinese, Arabic and Spanish. They also have the textbooks and supplementary resources for the courses taught at the EOI, the British Council and other institutions. No matter what language you want to learn, here you will find a whole storehouse of teaching resources and books to help you get started and succeed.
This is the end of our route through the specialised bookshops in Bilbao, establishments that not only sell books, but also create a community. Each with its own essence, each with its own history, but all with the same passion: to promote reading and knowledge. Which one will you be visiting first?
