For a great atmosphere for unwinding with a cup of coffee or tea and a large selection of books (though mostly in Spanish), try Sophos (4a Ave. 12–59 Zona 10, tel. 2419-7070, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun.).

Also with plenty of books in Spanish is Artemis Edinter (www.artemisedinter.com) with several locations including Galerías Miraflores, La Pradera, Pradera Concepción, and the 4 Grados Norte pedestrian thoroughfare.

A number of bookstores cater to the expat community, stocking a variety of English-language books on their shelves.

Vista Hermosa Book Shop (2a Calle 18-50, Vista Hermosa II, Zona 15, tel. 2369-1003, vhbookshop [at] intelnet [dot] net [dot] gt, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat.) has books in English and Spanish and is in a quiet residential sector east of Zona 10.

Another good option for books in English is Géminis Bookstore (3a Avenida 17-05 Zona 14, Edificio Casa Alta, tel. 2366-1031, geminisbookstore [at] hotmail [dot] com, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri. and 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Sat.).