As the world becomes more digital, the experience of walking into a physical bookstore has become a rare and cherished experience. Bookstores around the world have adapted to the changing times and have become more than just a place to buy books. They have become a community hub, a cultural center, and a place to find inspiration. In this article, we will explore the best bookstores to visit around the world.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Livraria Lello & Irmão – Porto, Portugal
- Shakespeare and Company – Paris, France
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Powell’s City of Books – Portland, Oregon
- Libreria Acqua Alta – Venice, Italy
- The Last Bookstore – Los Angeles, California
- Atlantis Books – Santorini, Greece
- Bart’s Books – Ojai, California
- Libreria Alta Acera – Santiago, Chile
- Boekhandel Dominicanen – Maastricht, Netherlands
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Special Lifetime Offer
- Introduction
Bookstores are a wonderful place to lose oneself in the pages of a good book. The following bookstores offer much more than just that. They are places of beauty, culture, and history. Each of the bookstores on this list has its unique charm and character. Visiting them should be on the bucket list of every book lover.
- Livraria Lello & Irmão – Porto, Portugal
Livraria Lello & Irmão is a stunning bookstore in the heart of Porto, Portugal. The bookstore has been in operation since 1906 and is a work of art in its own right. Its ornate façade and interior, complete with a grand staircase, stained-glass skylight, and intricate carvings, make it one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
- Shakespeare and Company – Paris, France
Shakespeare and Company is an iconic bookstore in Paris, France. It was opened in 1951 by George Whitman and quickly became a cultural hub for writers and artists. The bookstore is located in a 16th-century building and has a cozy, bohemian feel. The bookstore has a rich history and has hosted famous writers like Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and Ernest Hemingway.
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a bookstore in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that was opened in 1919. The bookstore is housed in a grand theater that was built in 1919 and has a stunning interior that includes frescoes on the ceiling and ornate carvings. The stage has been turned into a café where visitors can enjoy a coffee and a pastry while perusing the books.
- Powell’s City of Books – Portland, Oregon
Powell’s City of Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world. It covers an entire city block and has over 1 million books for sale. The bookstore is located in Portland, Oregon, and has become a cultural icon in the city. The bookstore hosts author events, book clubs, and has a rare book room for collectors.
- Libreria Acqua Alta – Venice, Italy
Libreria Acqua Alta is a unique bookstore in Venice, Italy. The bookstore is located in a 17th-century building that backs onto a canal. The bookstore’s owner has created a whimsical interior that includes gondolas filled with books, a staircase made of books
7. The Last Bookstore – Los Angeles, California
The Last Bookstore is a popular bookstore in Los Angeles, California. The bookstore is located in a former bank building and has an impressive collection of books that span two floors. The bookstore’s unique décor includes book arches, book tunnels, and book sculptures, making it a popular destination for book lovers and Instagrammers alike.
8. Atlantis Books – Santorini, Greece
Atlantis Books is a charming bookstore on the beautiful island of Santorini, Greece. The bookstore was opened in 2004 by a group of friends who wanted to create a space for literature and culture. The bookstore has a unique layout, with books stacked on top of each other and narrow passages between the bookshelves. The bookstore has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
9. Bart’s Books – Ojai, California
Bart’s Books is a unique bookstore in Ojai, California. The bookstore is housed in a series of outdoor bookshelves, making it the largest outdoor bookstore in the world. The bookstore has a wide selection of books, from rare first editions to bargain-priced paperbacks. Visitors can browse the books while enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
10. Libreria Alta Acera – Santiago, Chile
Libreria Alta Acera is a beautiful bookstore in Santiago, Chile. The bookstore has a unique interior, with wooden shelves and a skylight that fills the space with natural light. The bookstore has a wide selection of books, including many titles in English. The bookstore also hosts literary events, making it a popular destination for writers and readers alike.
11. Boekhandel Dominicanen – Maastricht, Netherlands
Boekhandel Dominicanen is a stunning bookstore in Maastricht, Netherlands. The bookstore is housed in a former Dominican church, giving it a grand and awe-inspiring atmosphere. The bookstore has a wide selection of books, including many titles in English. The bookstore also has a café where visitors can enjoy a coffee or a meal while surrounded by books.
12. Conclusion
Visiting a physical bookstore can be a memorable and inspiring experience. The bookstores on this list offer much more than just books, they are cultural landmarks, community hubs, and places of beauty. Each bookstore has its unique charm and character, making them worth visiting for any book lover.
