16 Beautiful Bookstores Around The World Every Book Lover Needs To Visit
Photo by Camila Raso
Every book lover knows that reading itself isn’t the only thing we love when it comes to books. For many, discovering a new bookstore is just as exciting as beginning a new novel — the glorious, endless rows of books, the smell of brand new pages, the nooks in which to curl up with your new finds.
There is an undeniable magic in bookstores. And we’ve gathered a list of 16 bookstores all around the world to put on your bucket list.
01 | The Strand — New York, NY
The famed New York City bookstore boasts “miles” of bookshelves that span across multiple floors. Be sure to check out their rare books section, and grab a tote on your way out.
02 | The Last Bookstore — Los Angeles, CA
Right in the heart of downtown LA, this gorgeous old bookstore is filled with winding aisles, imaginative displays, and local art.
03 | Topping & Company — Edinburgh, Scotland
Grab a complimentary coffee or tea while you browse the soaring aisles (and admire the rolling ladders).
04 | Daunt Books — London, England
Is there anything more stunning than this London bookshop? Old wood, stained glass, and skylights — yes, please.
05 | Shakespeare and Company — Paris, France
Stop by this world-famous bookstore after your visit to Notre Dame, and get lost in its old, crammed aisles.
06 | Powell’s City of Books — Portland, OR
As the world’s biggest independent bookstore (it takes up an entire city block), Powell’s is a must-see and must-wander for every bookworm.
07 | Books Upstairs — Dublin, Ireland
Dublin’s oldest independent bookstore boasts a cozy cafe that’s perfect for getting lost in a new story, and a basement filled with second-hand books.
08 | Daikanyama Tsutaya Books — Tokyo, Japan
Once you get past the stunning exterior, this Tokyo bookstore is easy to spend hours in, with its vintage books, music and movie section, and cafe.
09 | Cafebreria el Pendulo — Mexico City, Mexico
The lush plants and vibrant colors make this gorgeous, multi-level bookstore feel alive. So do the frequent live music events, book presentations, and bustling cafe.
10 | Cărturești Carusel — Bucharest, Romania
The books are just one of the reasons you’d find yourself wandering around this elegant bookshop for a few hours. Stop by its bistro with a pile of books and you’ve got yourself a perfect afternoon.
11 | El Ateneo Grand Splendid — Buenos Aires, Argentina
Originally a grand theatre, this stunning bookstore came to be in 2000 and has been leaving visitors in awe ever since.
12 | Chongqing Bookstore — Chongqing, China
With its dark wood, perfect symmetry, and mirrored ceiling, Chongqing Bookstore doubles as a piece of art.
13 | Livraria Lello — Porto, Portugal
It’s no surprise that this otherworldly bookstore served as the inspiration behind the Harry Potter series’ Hogwarts library. Have you ever seen a more stunning staircase?
14 | Munro’s Books — Victoria, British Columbia
This beautiful old bank-turned-bookshop is a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike.
15 | Libreria Acqua Alta — Venice, Italy
It’s safe to say you’ve never been to a bookstore like this one. Books are kept crowded in boats and bathtubs to keep them safe from flooding, as is expected in Venice.
16 | Wuguan Books — Kaohsiung, Taiwan
In this Taiwanese bookstore, the only lights used are to illuminate the books, making for a unique yet calming sensory experience.