Boekhandel Dominicanen
A medieval church transformed into a breathtaking bookstore, offering a unique literary sanctuary with a vast collection of books.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful browsing
Boekhandel Dominicanen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A medieval church transformed into a breathtaking bookstore, offering a unique literary sanctuary with a vast collection of books.
"It's not just a bookstore; it's an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Pure magic!"
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera! The architecture is stunning and perfect for photos.
☕ Grab a Coffee
The cafe offers a great spot to relax and enjoy your new book amidst the historic ambiance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Nave
Main floor
Marvel at the soaring Gothic arches and intricate details of the former church, now filled with books. A truly awe-inspiring sight.
The Choir Loft Cafe
Upper level
Enjoy a coffee with a view from the cafe nestled in the choir loft, offering a unique perspective of the bookstore.
Diverse Book Selection
All levels
Explore a vast collection of Dutch and English titles, from bestsellers to classics, in this literary sanctuary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit Wisely
Embrace the Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera! The architecture is stunning and perfect for photos.
☕ Grab a Coffee
The cafe offers a great spot to relax and enjoy your new book amidst the historic ambiance.
📚 English Section
Find a good selection of English books, a rarity in some Dutch bookstores.
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Give yourself plenty of time to get lost among the shelves and discover hidden gems.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Magic
Don't forget your camera! The architecture is stunning and perfect for photos.
☕ Grab a Coffee
The cafe offers a great spot to relax and enjoy your new book amidst the historic ambiance.
📚 English Section
Find a good selection of English books, a rarity in some Dutch bookstores.
🚶♀️ Wander and Explore
Give yourself plenty of time to get lost among the shelves and discover hidden gems.
🗳️ Vote for Beauty
Help nominate this beautiful bookstore for 'Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World'!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Boekhandel Dominicanen as a breathtaking and unique destination, often calling it a 'literary sanctuary' or 'heaven on earth.' The stunning architecture of the former church combined with a vast book selection creates an unforgettable atmosphere. While some note it can get crowded, the overall experience is highly recommended for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
"Walking into Dominicanen feels like entering a literary sanctuary. The moment you step inside this former church, you're struck by the incredible atmosphere - centuries-old stone walls, soaring Gothic arches, and thousands of books creating the most inspiring environment for book lovers.
I spent hours here just wandering through the different sections, each level offering new perspectives of this architectural marvel. The café is perfect for settling in with a new purchase and soaking in the unique ambiance.
What impressed me most was how they've managed to create a fully functional modern bookstore while maintaining the sacred, contemplative feeling of the original space. The staff clearly takes pride in this special place.
Whether you buy anything or not, this bookstore offers an experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Pure magic for anyone who loves books, history, or beautiful spaces."
Julieta Resch
"Lovely.
A beautiful bookstore.
Enclosed in an old church. It is magnificent.
I was struck by the number of books they have in German, French, Spanish, or English. Bookstores in the Netherlands usually have at most books in English.
It has a variety of books (classics, manga, contemporary...) even when it is crowded, you can browse through them...
They also have a small cafe inside."
Laura CC
"Nice bookstore constructed within a cathedral. Good utilization of a heritage with quite a wholesome range of books and a coffeeshop"
Ellen Brigitta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Boekhandel Dominicanen is centrally located in Maastricht, easily accessible by public transport and on foot. From Maastricht Central Station, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk through the charming city center. Several bus lines also stop near the bookstore.
Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park at one of the city's parking garages, such as Q-Park Maastricht, and walk to the bookstore.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to get around Maastricht. There are bike racks available in the vicinity, though they can fill up quickly during peak times.
The main floor is generally accessible, but some upper levels or specific areas might have stairs. It's advisable to check with the bookstore directly for detailed accessibility information.
Opening hours can vary, but typically the bookstore is open daily. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Boekhandel Dominicanen is free. It's a public bookstore, and you're welcome to browse the shelves and soak in the atmosphere without purchasing anything.
The building is a functioning bookstore, so there is no separate admission fee for the church. Your visit is centered around the bookstore experience.
While there aren't formal tours, the staff are knowledgeable and can often provide insights into the history of the building and the bookstore. The experience of browsing is the main attraction.
Boekhandel Dominicanen occasionally hosts events, author signings, and exhibitions. It's worth checking their website or social media for any upcoming happenings during your planned visit.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Weekends and holidays can get quite busy with both locals and tourists.
🎫 📖 Onsite Experience
You'll find a vast selection of books, including Dutch and English titles, as well as a charming cafe. The highlight is the stunning architecture of the former church.
Yes, there's a lovely cafe located in the choir loft, offering a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or tea while surrounded by books and history.
The bookstore primarily sells books in Dutch, but they also have a significant collection of English titles, and sometimes books in German, French, and Spanish.
Absolutely! The unique setting makes it a photographer's dream. Capture the grand scale of the church and the intricate details of the bookshelves.
Most visitors recommend spending at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the bookstore, browse the shelves, and perhaps enjoy a coffee.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers a selection of coffees, teas, pastries, and light snacks. It's a great place to take a break and refuel during your visit.
Maastricht has a vibrant culinary scene with numerous restaurants and cafes surrounding the bookstore, offering a wide range of cuisines.
It's generally not permitted to consume outside food and drinks within the bookstore to maintain the ambiance and cleanliness. Please use the designated cafe area.
The cafe is suitable for both. You can grab a quick coffee to go or find a cozy spot to sit and enjoy a longer break with a book.
While specific options can change, cafes in the Netherlands often have some vegetarian choices. It's best to inquire directly at the cafe for current offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The main nave with its towering bookshelves, the view from the choir loft cafe, and the intricate architectural details of the church are all prime photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in a way that might disturb them.
While personal photography is welcome, commercial photography or extensive photoshoots might require prior permission from the bookstore management.
Natural light can be beautiful, especially during the day. However, the atmospheric lighting in the evening can also create dramatic and unique shots.
Yes, you can take photos of the books and shelves. Many visitors enjoy capturing the sheer volume and unique arrangement of the books within the church setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to explore and discover new stories. The novelty of a bookstore inside a church is often a memorable part of a family trip to Maastricht. Consider bringing a small notebook for them to jot down favorite book titles or draw what they see.
📚 Book Lovers & Bibliophiles
Don't miss the opportunity to grab a coffee at the cafe in the choir loft and settle in with your latest find. The nomination for 'Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World' is well-deserved, and the experience of browsing within a historic church is unparalleled.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of other visitors and try to capture shots that showcase the scale and atmosphere without being intrusive. Early morning visits can offer softer light and fewer people, making for ideal photography conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Church Transformed: The History of Boekhandel Dominicanen
The transformation was a significant undertaking, aiming to honor the historical integrity of the building while creating a functional and inviting space for book lovers. The result is a harmonious blend of the sacred and the secular, where the echoes of centuries past meet the contemporary world of literature. Visitors often remark on the profound atmosphere, describing it as a 'literary sanctuary' or 'heaven on earth.'
This innovative approach has garnered international acclaim, with Boekhandel Dominicanen frequently nominated for and winning awards for its beauty and unique concept. It stands as a prime example of how historical structures can be revitalized to serve new purposes, offering a rich cultural experience that appeals to both bibliophiles and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Navigating the Literary Aisles: What to Expect Inside
You'll find an extensive collection of books, catering to a wide range of interests. While the primary language is Dutch, there's a notable selection of English titles, which is a welcome feature for international visitors. From contemporary fiction and bestsellers to classics, art books, and children's literature, there's something for everyone.
Beyond the books, the bookstore features a charming cafe situated in the choir loft. This provides a perfect opportunity to pause, perhaps with a newly purchased book, and soak in the unique ambiance from a higher vantage point. The blend of architectural grandeur and the quiet rustle of pages creates an unforgettable atmosphere that many describe as magical.


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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit