‘A town isn’t a town without a bookstore. It may call itself a town, but unless it’s got a bookstore, it knows it’s not foolin’ a soul.’
These words, from writer Neil Gaiman in his 2001 novel American Gods, might sound a tad outdated. With the rise of audiobooks, e-readers, Kindles and social media, you might think a bookshop is a thing of the past.
But with the rise of book-inspired travel, and the prevalence of ‘BookTok’ on social media driving a rise in sales, it’s clear reading is far from dead.
Visiting a bookshop might not be at the top of your agenda while travelling to a new country or city. But you’d be missing out.
Around the world, these literary hotspots provide not only a cosy hideaway for bookworms, but also a real hint into the tastes and interests of a local community.
That’s not to mention that they are, in many cases, a city’s crown jewel, with incredible architecture, often housed in world-class buildings that rival major tourist attractions.
With World Book Day coming up this week on Thursday, March 5, it’s the perfect time for a deep dive into some of the world’s most glamorous, intricately designed and ingenious bookshops.
Here’s our guide to the most beautiful bookshops around the world – including seven that can be easily visited here in the UK.
Livraria Lello, Porto, Portugal
Golden glow: Lello bookshop (Livraria Lello) in Porto, Portugal is one of the most beautiful in the world
The Livraria Lello & Irmão, commonly known in English as the Lello Bookshop, is found in one of the most eye-catching buildings, famed for its ornate staircase, stained glass windows and golden ceilings.
Built in 1906, the Livraria Lello is packed with unique architectural details, as well as exhibitions on everything from precious jewels to rare and luxury books.
Often described as the ‘prettiest bookshop in the world,’ it has recently become an officially recognised national monument in Portugal, and is set to close for the time being to undergo preservation works.
Word on the Water, London, UK
Water way to buy a book: Word on the Water, the bookbarge bookshop in London that sits on the water
Many tourists and locals discover Word on the Water entirely by accident. The quirky bookshop has a real unique selling point – it’s located on a barge.
Also known as the London Bookbarge, it can normally be found on Regent’s Canal in the King’s Cross area at Granary Square, London.
While you can browse books from the outside, especially in summer, the chance to peek inside should not be missed – with quaint furnishings, it’s arguably the cosiest spot in London.
Cărturești Carusel, Bucharest, Romania
Fairytale find: In Bucharest, Romania you’ll find the majestic Cărturești Carusel bookshop
More often associated with stag dos and party holidays, Bucharest in Romania is actually also home to one of the most incredible bookshops.
Its aim? To make reading ‘cool’ again. With an inviting space for customers to meet, displays, fragrant teas, music, book launches and exhibitions, there’s plenty going on here.
Visitors have sung its praises, with one Tripadvisor review saying: ‘Walking into Cărturești Carusel feels like stepping into a storybook. The white spiral staircases, open balconies, and soft light make it one of the most beautiful bookstores I’ve ever visited.
‘It’s not just a shop – it’s an experience. You can wander through endless shelves of books, music, and gifts, then relax upstairs in the café with a view over the whole magical space. It’s the kind of place where time slows down and you just want to soak in the atmosphere. A must-visit in Bucharest!’
Barter Books, Alnwick, UK
Railway reads: In Alnwick, Northumberland you’ll find the unique Barter Books store
Set inside a former Victorian railway station in Alnwick, Northumberland, Barter Books is not your average bookshop.
Complete with restored station features, open fires and a model railway running above the shelves, it’s the perfect place to browse for second-hand books.
There’s also The Station Buffet and an ice cream parlour which offer refreshments.
Daunt Books, London, UK
Cool classic: Daunt Books bookshop in Marylebone, one of its many branches
You might have seen many commuters wielding Daunt’s popular tote bag, filled to the brim with books.
Daunt Books is a household name for many London-based bookworms, and visiting any of the chain’s branches makes it easy to see why.
Founded in 1990 by a former banker, the interiors of each chain retain a real ambience of old-school London.
Originally a specialist travel bookshop, nowadays it sells popular fiction and most other mainstream books.
Livraria Ler Devagar, Lisbon, Portugal
Street art spot: Livraria Ler Devagar in Lisbon, Portugal draws in tourists and locals alike
In Lisbon’s impossibly cool LX Factory lies this bookshop, decorated with street art and graffiti and more reminiscent of an underground night club than a place to buy books.
But with rows upon rows of books, it’s a vibrant hub, popular among young people in the city.
One visitor last month wrote in a Google review: ‘Such a great-looking setup. This store appeals from the moment you enter it. It has a wonderful and unique layout, with a good variety of books. There’s some sections of English books (both new and classics) that you can spot when you browse the tables and shelves.’
Another added: ‘Very unique experience in the heart of LX factory. The decor of the place is equal parts retro and neo-garage fusion.
‘Aside from books they also have a surprisingly large collection of vinyl records and vintage DVDs as well, the Tarantino fan in me loved the pulp fiction availability. They’re also stocked with other memorabilia.’
Shakespeare & Co, Paris, France
For the Frenchies: Tourists often gather outside the famous Shakespeare & Co bookstore in central Paris
If you visit Shakespeare & Co in Paris, you’re sure to find a queue going out the door full of excited tourists seeking a glimpse inside the French capital’s iconic English bookshop.
The independent store, just a stone’s throw from the Notre-Dame, has long been a meeting spot for English-speaking readers and writers – in a city full of, well, readers and writers.
If you pay a visit, be sure to try out the attached café and grab a sweet treat.
Hatchards, London, UK
Historic monument: Hatchards is London’s oldest bookshop, having been established in 1797
Founded in 1797, Hatchards is the oldest bookshop in the UK – and, after a quick glimpse inside, you won’t need convincing.
With beautiful historic interiors and seemingly endless floors, nooks and crannies, it’s located right in the heart of the UK capital.
It also has major credentials, as the official booksellers to the royal household.
Maison Assouline, London, UK
Posh selection: Maison Assouline bookshop, St James’s, Piccadilly, London
Once you step inside Maison Assouline, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in an upmarket cocktail bar rather than a simple bookshop.
But it’s actually both – describing itself as a ‘cultural salon and cabinet de curiosités’, it’s a great place to browse elegant coffee-table books, the latest Assouline brand releases and rare first editions of classic titles.
While you’re there, grab a cocktail at the Swans Bar – it might be pricy, but the ambience is beyond compare.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Theatricality: El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop is located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Further afield, the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop in Buenos Aires looks much more like a concert hall than a shop.
And that’s because it is – or was. Built in the former Gran Splendid theatre/cinema, it’s now filled with around 120,000 books.
There’s even a bar on the former stage, perfect for a coffee in unique surroundings.
Naturally, it’s drawn in many intrigued visitors, with one rave Tripadvisor review saying: ‘If you’re visiting Buenos Aires, you absolutely must stop by El Ateneo Grand Splendid.
‘I spent eight weeks living in the city while studying, and this is hands down the most beautiful bookstore I’ve ever set foot in. It’s a former theater that was converted into a bookstore, so it still retains the original frescoed ceilings, ornate carvings, and even the velvet curtains.’
Boekhandel Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands
Church setting: The shop is located inside a 13th century Gothic Dominican church in Maastricht
Perhaps located in one of the most unique spots of any bookstore, Boekhandel Dominicanen’s church home creates an imposing, jaw-dropping impression on anyone who enters.
In fact, last year it was voted the most beautiful bookshop in the world, TimeOut reported.
It’s been described as ‘a magical place for bookworms,’ a ‘must-see’ and ‘unique’.
One visitor noted: ‘It’s wonderful how they’ve given this church a second life. There’s something for everyone, including books. It’s great to browse and enjoy a cup of coffee, too.’
Leakey’s Bookshop, Inverness, Scotland
Second-hand steal: Leakey’s Bookshop, Scotland’s largest second-hand bookstore
With more than 100,000 books to peruse, Leakey’s Bookshop is not only impressive because of its large selection but also its location inside an old church in Inverness.
Complete with stained glass windows, a spiral staircase, and a wood burning stove, literary enthusiasts could easily spend a full day in this beautiful bookshop.
To make a staycation out of it, bookworms could stay at Mary Ann Villa, a stylish four bedroom property sitting in the heart of Inverness. Guests can read their new novels in the free-standing bathtub…
Open Door Bookshop, Rome, Italy
Come on in: The Open Door Bookshop is an old English bookstore along Via della Lungaretta
Many readers and writers have graced the streets of Rome.
Arguably the city’s prettiest offering, Open Door Bookshop has titles in English, Italian and French, and has a quaint, vintage feel to it, a far cry from the chain bookstores found across European capitals.
One reviewer wrote: ‘This place has a book for everyone.
‘An excellently stocked small bookshop in the Trastevere area of Rome city centre. Far from the crowds, step inside. Diverse range of books on many topics and not at rip-off prices.’
The English Bookshop, Rabat, Morocco
Hidden haven: The English Bookshop in Rabat, Morocco is a real hidden gem
Rabat’s English Bookshop is so easy to miss, located on a side-street near Rabat Ville train station.
Its charm lies in its slightly chaotic display of books, strewn every which way as the kindly owner chats to customers about their reading habits.
While the Moroccan capital is hardly on the tourist map, there are plenty of reasons to visit – and if you get the chance, stop at this bookshop for an insight into the city’s culture. Combine your excursion with a coffee and cookie at nearby Boho Café, for a buzzing atmosphere and quality brunch.
Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye, Wales
The home of books: The front facade of the famous Richard Booth’s bookshop in Wales
Located in Hay-on-Wye, famously associated with all things reading as the UK’s first ‘Book Town’, Richard Booth’s Bookshop has a charming tiled exterior and an even more inviting interior, with high ceilings and wooden finishings.
Offering new and second-hand books, as well as a selection of arts and crafts supplies, it’s the perfect place to nurture your creative side.
A visit to Richard Booth’s Bookshop followed by dinner overlooking the countryside makes for the perfect tranquil break.
The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles, US
Downtown destination: The Last Bookstore is an iconic bookstore housed in the grand atrium of an old bank in downtown Los Angeles
When you think of LA, it’s unlikely a visit to a bookshop will be on your mind.
But this one is like no other.
California’s largest new and used book and record store, in downtown LA, is housed in a former bank, and boasts an immense 22,000-square-foot space.
With much to explore – including a sort of ‘book alleyway’ – it’s a must-visit.
With ‘a special hang loose vibe’, according to one visitor, and maze-like interiors, it’s a unique spot to round out our list of the world’s most beautiful bookshops.
Time to get reading!
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