Book lovers will be happy to know that Playa del Carmen has a handful of bookstores that cater to those who love to read. Whether you are after a beach paperback in English, a Spanish novel, or a quiet corner to trade titles, the town has you covered.
New books
Several shops in the town centre stock new releases, magazines and stationery. Selection in English is smaller than in Spanish, so keen readers often supplement their finds with a well-loaded e-reader.
Used books and exchanges
The real treasures are the second-hand shelves. Hostels, cafes and a few dedicated shops run take-one-leave-one exchanges, a perfect way to refresh your holiday reading for next to nothing.
Reader tips
- Bring books you have finished to trade rather than throw away.
- Prices for imported English titles run higher than at home — exchanges are the budget-friendly option.
- Ask locals; some of the best used stock is word-of-mouth only.
Yes, mostly through used-book exchanges at cafes and hostels, plus a limited selection of new titles in town.