For bookworms, exploring unique and fascinating bookstores can be as unforgettable an experience as visiting museums or historical monuments. These literary oases are not just places to buy books, but true temples of culture that combine extraordinary architecture, innovative design, and a magical atmosphere. In this article, we will take you on a discovery of the 15 most beautiful bookstores in the world, true hidden gems that deserve a place of honor on any travel itinerary.
From ancient churches transformed into bookstores to modern futuristic structures, each stop on this virtual tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Prepare to be enchanted by frescoed ceilings, majestic staircases, dizzying shelves and creative solutions for displaying books. Whether you are a die-hard bibliophile or simply curious in search of unusual places to visit, these bookstores will amaze you with their beauty and originality. Let's begin our journey through the most fascinating pages of the world, exploring bookstores that are true works of art. From Venice in Buenos Aires, from Porto to Seoul, each stage will give us unforgettable emotions and suggestions. Get ready to daydream and plan your next literary adventure!
In the heart of Serene, hidden among the streets and canals, is one of the most particular and fascinating libraries in the world: the Libreria Acqua Alta. This little Venetian gem owes its name to the peculiar solution adopted to protect the precious volumes from the frequent floods that afflict the lagoon city. Crossing the threshold of this enchanted place, you find yourself immersed in a surreal and poetic atmosphere. Books, magazines, maps and vintage postcards are kept inside old gondolas, bathtubs and even in a real boat moored in the center of the store. This arrangement not only protects the volumes from high water, but also creates an extraordinary visual effect that leaves visitors speechless.
The bookshop is spread across several spaces, each with its own personality. You go from rooms where books are stacked from floor to ceiling, creating real paper mazes, to internal courtyards where old tomes form stairs and walls on which to sit and read. A particular attraction is the “staircase of books” that leads to a small terrace overlooking the canals: a unique panoramic point of its kind, built entirely with volumes ruined by water. The Libreria Acqua Alta is not just a shop, but a real museum of printed paper. Among the shelves you can find rare editions, ancient books, vintage comics and a vast selection of titles in different languages. The owners, passionate and knowledgeable, are always ready to guide visitors to discover hidden treasures or tell anecdotes about the history of the bookshop.
This magical place has become over time an unmissable stop for tourists and book lovers from all over the world. Its uniqueness lies not only in the extraordinary setting, but also in its ability to perfectly embody the soul of Venice: a city where art, culture and adaptation to nature blend in perfect balance.
In the heart of Buenos Aires, capital Argentina famous for its lively cultural scene, it is home to one of the most spectacular bookshops in the world: El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore. This extraordinary temple of reading is located in what was once a prestigious theatre, and still today retains all the charm and grandeur of its origins. Entering El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, one is immediately struck by the majesty of the environment. The imposing frescoed vault, the decorated boxes and the elegant columns create an atmosphere of great suggestion, transporting the visitor to an era of pomp and refinement. The original structure of the theater has been expertly preserved, with the shelves of books that occupy the spaces once intended for the seats of the stalls. The stage, still intact, today hosts a welcoming literary café where you can enjoy an espresso or a mate while browsing a book. The old boxes have been transformed into small reading lounges, offering quiet and private corners where you can immerse yourself in the pages of a novel with a privileged view of the entire environment.
The bookstore is spread over several levels, connected by stairs and elevators that allow you to explore every corner of this unique space. Over 120.000 volumes are displayed on the shelves, ranging from fiction to non-fiction, from international bestsellers to local literature. A special section is dedicated to the rich Argentine literary tradition, with works by authors such as Jorge Luis Borges e Julio Cortazar on display.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore is not just a place to buy books, but a true cultural center. Events, book presentations and meetings with authors are regularly organized, transforming the former theater into a stage for contemporary culture. The fusion of historic architecture and modern function creates an unforgettable visiting experience, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. This extraordinary bookstore perfectly represents the spirit of Buenos Aires: a city that knows how to combine tradition and innovation, past and present, in a fascinating and always surprising mix. El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore It is much more than just a bookstore: it is a monument to culture, a tribute to the beauty of architecture and a tribute to the eternal power of books.
In the heart of the city of Porto, in Portugal, there is an authentic architectural jewel which is also one of the most beautiful and photographed libraries in the world: the Livraria Lello. This neo-Gothic building, inaugurated in 1906, is a true masterpiece that combines a love of books with breathtaking design. The facade of the Livraria Lello It is already a work of art in itself, with its elaborate decorations and stylish details. Art Nouveau. But it is when you cross the threshold that you are truly left breathless: the interior of the bookshop is a triumph of carved wood, stained glass windows and plaster decorations that create an almost fairy-tale atmosphere.
The most iconic and photographed element of the Livraria Lello is undoubtedly its majestic central staircase. This sinuous structure in red wood, with its carved steps and elegant curves, almost seems to float in the air creating a surprising optical effect. The staircase connects the two floors of the library and offers a panoramic view of the entire room. The ceiling of the Livraria Lello is another marvel to admire: a colored glass vault lets natural light filter through, creating plays of color that change throughout the day. The walls are entirely covered with dark wood shelves that house thousands of volumes, from classics of Portuguese literature to the latest international releases.
The beauty and uniqueness of the Livraria Lello have made it a real tourist attraction, to the point that it was necessary to introduce an entrance fee to manage the flow of visitors. However, the cost of the ticket can be discounted from the purchase of books, thus encouraging tourists to experience the bookshop not only as a museum but as a true temple of reading.
The fame of Livraria Lello has grown further in recent years thanks to rumours that it was a source of inspiration for JK Rowling in the creation of the universe of Harry Potter. Although the author has denied this direct connection, it is undeniable that the magical and somewhat mysterious atmosphere of the bookshop can evoke the settings of the famous saga. Visit the Livraria Lello is an experience that goes beyond the simple purchase of books: it is a journey through time, an immersion in the beauty of architecture and a tribute to literary culture. This extraordinary bookstore perfectly represents the spirit of Porto, a city that knows how to combine tradition and modernity in a fascinating and always surprising mix.
On the Left Bank of Paris, a few steps from Notre-Dame Cathedral, is one of the most famous and beloved bookstores in the world: Shakespeare and Company. This little corner of paradise for bibliophiles is not just a shop, but a true cultural institution that has marked the literary history of the twentieth century. The history of Shakespeare and Company begins in 1919, when the American bookseller Sylvia Beach opens the first incarnation of the store in Dupuytren Street. The bookshop soon became a meeting point for writers and artists of the time, hosting figures of the calibre of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald e James JoyceIt is here that the revolutionary work of Joyce, "Ulysses".
After being forced to close during the Nazi occupation, the bookshop was reborn in 1951 thanks to George Whitman, which opens a new store in Rue de la Bûcherie with the same spirit and name as the original. Since then, Shakespeare and Co.y has become a beacon for the international literary community, keeping alive the tradition of hospitality and cultural exchange. The bookstore's exterior, with its green facade and wooden signs, has remained virtually unchanged over the years, becoming an icon of the Parisian landscape. Inside, the narrow, labyrinthine spaces are an invitation to explore: shelves overflowing with books extend from floor to ceiling, creating a welcoming and slightly chaotic atmosphere that is part of its charm.
One of the most particular features of Shakespeare and Company It is his tradition to host young writers and artists, offering them a bed between the shelves in exchange for a few hours of work in the bookshop. These "tumbleweed” (as they are called) help keep the bohemian and international spirit of the place alive. In addition to the large selection of English-language books, ranging from classics to the latest releases, the bookshop regularly hosts cultural events, poetry readings and author talks. The small adjacent café offers a quiet place to read or write, overlooking the Seine and Notre-Dame. Shakespeare and Company is not just a place to buy books, but a piece of living history. Every volume on the shelves, every writing left by visitors on the walls, every hidden corner tells a story. Visiting this bookstore means immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere, where the past and the present merge in a continuous homage to literature and creativity.
In the heart of the Dutch city of Maastricht one of the most surprising and suggestive libraries in the world is located here: Bookstore Dominicanen . What makes this place unique is its extraordinary location: a 13th century Gothic church transformed into a temple of culture and reading. The building, originally a Dominican church, has had several destinations of use over the centuries before becoming a bookshop in 2006. The reconversion project was able to enhance the original architecture by creating a perfect union between the sacred and the profane, between history and modernity.
Entering in Bookstore Dominicanen , one is immediately struck by the grandeur of the space. The high Gothic vaults, majestic columns and ancient stained glass windows create a highly evocative atmosphere, while the modern black steel shelves integrate harmoniously with the original structure. The heart of the library is an imposing three-story structure that extends along the central nave. This “tower of books” makes the most of the height of the church, creating different levels of exploration and offering ever-changing perspectives on the surrounding environment. Stairs and walkways connect the various floors, inviting visitors to lose themselves among thousands of volumes.
Despite the transformation, many original elements of the church have been preserved and enhanced. The 13th-century frescoes on the ceiling have been carefully restored and are now visible from the upper floors of the library. The old altar houses a selection of valuable books, while the choir has been transformed into a cozy café where you can relax with a book and a cup of coffee. The selection of books by Bookstore Dominicanen is large and varied, with titles in several languages, ranging from fiction to non-fiction, from art to local history. A special section is dedicated to books on the history of Maastricht and the surrounding region, offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about the place.
The bookstore is not just a place of sale, but a real cultural center. Events, book presentations and concerts are regularly organized, taking advantage of the natural acoustics of the building. The unique atmosphere of this space makes each event an unforgettable experience. Bookstore Dominicanen represents a perfect example of how historical heritage can be reinvented and valorized for new uses. This extraordinary bookstore not only offers a unique shopping experience, but also invites reflection.
Other libraries not to be missed
6. Atlantis Books: Oia in Santorini, Greece
Atlantis Books is a hidden gem on the island of Santorini. This shop is known for its wide selection of books and its unique architecture. The bookshop is located in a Cycladic house and offers a cozy atmosphere, with books filling every corner, even the panoramic patio. Atlantis Books It is famous for its selection of titles in different languages, reflecting the multiculturalism of the island.
7. El Péndulo Cafe Bookstore, Mexico City
El Pendulum Cafe is a bookstore that combines books, coffee and food. With several locations in Mexico City, it is an ideal place for book lovers. Each location is characterized by a cozy design, with green spaces and wooden furniture. In addition to selling books, El Pendulo hosts cultural events, making it a point of reference for the local community.
8. Cărturești Carusel Bookshop, Bucharest
Opening in 2015, Carousel Carts has quickly become a symbol of the Romanian capital. This bookstore is an example of modernity combined with historical charm. Featuring a bright and open design, the bookstore offers large windows and curved balconies. The layout of the spaces is designed to encourage discovery and exploration. In addition to books, Carousel Carts It houses a café and a space for cultural events, making every visit a complete experience.
9. The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles
The Last Bookstore is a gem in the heart of Los Angeles. This independent bookstore occupies a former bank building and spans 22.000 square feet. The decor features unique nooks and crannies and art installations, like a tunnel of books that invites you to explore. With a selection of new and used, The Last Bookstore It is a place where every reader can find what they are looking for, accompanied by a lively and stimulating atmosphere.
10. Hay Castle Bookshop: Hay-on-Wye,UK
Located in the picturesque village of hay-on-wye, this bookstore is famous for its honor system. Customers can take books and pay at a special box. With over 40 bookstores in a small town, hay-on-wye It's a real paradise for readers. Hay Castle Bookshop offers books in a charming setting. The bookstore is located in a castle and offers spectacular views, making every visit an unforgettable experience.
11. Strand Bookstore, New York City
La Strand bookstore is a New York icon, famous for its slogan “18 miles of books.” Founded in 1927, it is the last remaining branch of the historic “Book Row.” With a vast selection of over 2,5 million titles, the Strand is a place where every reader can find their ideal book. The bookstore is a cultural hub, hosting events and readings that celebrate literature and community.
12. Hatchards Bookshop, London
Hatchards is the oldest bookshop in London, founded in 1797. Located in Piccadilly, it is a place rich in history and culture. With a clientele that includes members of the royal family, Hatchards is a symbol of elegance and tradition. The bookstore offers a curated selection of titles, making it a must-visit destination for book lovers.
13. City Lights Bookstore, San Francisco
C is a historic bookstore that has played a key role in publishing works by authors such as Allen Ginsberg. Founded in 1953, it is a symbol of literary culture in San Francisco. With three floors filled with books, City Lights offers a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere for readers and writers. The bookstore is known for its literary events and commitment to literature and the arts.
14. Powell's City of Books, Portland, USA
Powell's City of Books is the world's largest independent bookstore, occupying an entire city block. Founded in 1971, it is a true paradise for readers. With over a million titles, Powell's offers a selection that ranges from new to used books. The library is divided into colorful rooms, each dedicated to a specific genre, creating a unique reading experience.
15. Arc.N.Book Bookstore, Seoul – South Korea
Although Arc.N.Book has closed, its memory lives on as an example of innovative design in the book sector. Located in the neighborhood Euljiro, this bookstore was famous for its art deco decoration. The cinema-like entrance and the curved tunnel of books were just some of the features that made it memorable. Arc.N.Book offered a selection of books in English and Korean, making it accessible to an international audience.
Search for last minute offers
We compare airlines and travel agencies in search of the best priceIf you want to stay updated on the destination MONDO Sign up to our newsletter
Comment first