Unveiling the Most Captivating Bookstores Across the Globe
From historic churches to repurposed theatres, these six bookstores around the globe offer more than just books – they provide immersive, beautiful experiences for visitors.
Boekhandel Dominicanen, Netherlands
Nestled in the heart of Maastricht, this bookstore stands out for its unique location – a restored 13th-century Gothic church. With soaring vaulted ceilings and vivid medieval frescoes, Boekhandel Dominicanen offers a multi-level bookstore, music sections, and a cafe hosting readings and live performances.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Argentina
Located in Buenos Aires, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a testament to the beauty of repurposing. Originally built as a theatre in 1919, it has been transformed into a bookstore while retaining its elegant grandeur. Ornate murals and a painted domed ceiling adorn the interior, with viewing boxes now serving as reading nooks and the stage turned into a cafe with a view. This bookstore is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Shakespeare and Company, France
Founded in 1951, this historic English-language bookstore in Paris is famous for its literary heritage. Located near Notre-Dame Cathedral, Shakespeare and Company has welcomed patrons like James Baldwin, providing a charming atmosphere and significant contribution to the city's literary scene.
Livraria Lello, Portugal
Renowned for its intricate neo-Gothic and art nouveau design, Livraria Lello in Portugal is said to have inspired Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. With an iconic central wooden staircase and stained glass windows, this bookstore is a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide.
Ler Devagar, Portugal
Formerly a printing warehouse, Ler Devagar in Portugal has been transformed into a bookstore and cultural hub. Retaining its industrial design, the bookstore features books from floor to high walls, a massive old printing press, an art installation of a flying bicyclist, plus vinyl records and a café.
Maison Assouline, United Kingdom
Located inside a former bank in London, Maison Assouline exudes luxury with elegant sofas, a stylish bar, and tasteful art and antiques. This bookstore blends high-class design with a bookstore ambiance, offering a unique shopping experience.
Other Notable Bookstores
Bart's Books, California
Located in Ojai, California, Bart's Books is the world's largest open-air bookstore. It began as a man's way of sharing his excess of books with his community and operates on an honor system, allowing patrons to select books and leave payment of their own volition.
Jimbocho, Japan
Tokyo's Jimbocho neighbourhood hosts more used bookstores than any other location in the country. Many bookstores primarily sell books written in Japanese, but there are shops specializing in foreign titles, particularly English books, at affordable prices.
The Old Library of Trinity College, Ireland
Not a bookstore but a library, the Old Library of Trinity College in Dublin houses over 200,000 volumes, some of Ireland's oldest books. Visitors can walk through the library and explore Ireland's literary history, as well as view the famous medieval manuscript, the Book of Kells.
Each of these bookstores offers a unique experience, whether it be through their unique architecture, historical context, cultural significance, or a blend of bookshop and cafe/arts spaces. These bookstores are more than just places to buy books – they are destinations for book lovers and tourists alike.
- Boekhandel Dominicanen in Netherlands, a bookstore housed in a 13th-century Gothic church, also features music sections, cafe hosting readings, and live performances, showcasing an immersive lifestyle experience.
- Maison Assouline in the United Kingdom offers more than books, with its luxurious design, stylish bar, and art and antiques, making it a unique entertainment destination in a former bank.
- Jimbocho, Japan's popular neighborhood, provides a travel experience with its abundant used bookstores, including those offering foreign titles, particularly English books, at affordable prices, making it a must-visit for book enthusiasts.
