When I went to Prague last November there was an unassuming little book shop near my hotel that caught my eye every time I went past, but each time it was either shut or we were rushing off somewhere. I finally got my chance to go in as we were leaving for the airport. When I entered I was a little disappointed: it was just like a book shop in England. There were lots of new English books, they were pretty pricey, and there were two rather surly-looking book sellers at the till. My boyfriend picked up an old National Geographic to read on the plane for €3. I’m glad I decided to go downstairs, however, flight times be damned, as it was on the stairs that I first got an inkling that this place was something special. I loved the presentation of the books on the wall, not to mention the stone steps themselves.

Downstairs was where the second hand books were, and best of all, comfy chairs. I wish I had had time to stop and read a little, especially if I could have read one of the Penguin books from the display in the corner.

Sadly the shop was a little bit pricey (or maybe I was poor), and I really did have a plane to catch, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a visit to Shakespeare Asynové.

I stumbled upon this bookshop when I went to Prague last year too. It’s located right next to the Kafka museum but, like Nicola, I didn’t have much time to browse through its shelves. In fact, I wasn’t even aware of the existence of a downstairs section at all.  It was nearly night time, I wanted to make it to the Lennon wall before nightfall and  running on the icy roads would have made me break a leg or three. Good place to visit if you’re ever stuck in Prague without something to read, though.