Wherever we are in the world, one activity that will always be a hit with my family is exploring bookshops. Zoe and I are both simple bookworms and as soon as we arrive in a bookstore, I will pick something up and be looking for a seat and a coffee. By this time Zoe will already be sitting on the floor with an open book, which inspire wanderlust next to some shelf of stories. Meanwhile Nick and Tania will be exploring illustrated books, comics and art books. We always go in saying we are just browsing but we leave with an armful to take with us. From Kinokunia in Dubai, to the charity shops of Shrewsbury, where we have our home in the UK, the location doesn’t really matter. You will find us there. We will be browsing, reading, and loving the feel and smell of paper.
When we travel we use as well our favorite kindle Paperwhite, which is waterproof, which means I can read books in a bath, though not at Maroccan bath.
We recently discovered we are tsundokists. Yes I made that word up, but the phenomenon of tsundoku (Japanese: 積ん読) has been described by that name in Japan since 1879. So how did we qualify as tsundokists? We buy more books than we read, and they pile up. I have a feeling we are not alone . . . How about you?
On a recent visit to Venice with kids we found ourselves in Libreria Acqua Alta and I had the idea of researching some of the best bookstores in the world, both those where we have been, and those which we should put on our bucketlist. If you have any favourites I haven’t mentioned, please do leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.
Best bookstores in the world
Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice, Italy
In a tiny cul-de-sac in Venice, we found a sign asking us to leave dogs outside the shop. The sign said that the proprietor likes dogs but his cats have a different viewpoint.
We had arrived (without dogs) at the doorway of Libreria Acqua Alta. This unique bookshop may be the only one on earth that uses a full sized Venetian gondola as a book stand. Not just a gondola, either, but we find ourselves inside the long narrow store squeezing past several other small boats. Each is heaving below a crazy mass of new and second-hand books. I have heard that the inspiration for this is so that the books will be protected in case of flooding, but I doubt that would work in practice. In any case many more books line the walls on normal shelves and countertops too.
This store is a crazy branching tunnel system piled high on every side with books, pamphlets, cards, posters more books, and of course overseen by cats. Press on past the gondola to the back yard, and its walls are lined with books arranged as a stairway. Apparently these are old volumes damaged in previous flooding. Climb to the top for a view over the wall to one of Venice’s waterways. Over on the other side another Gondola is moored and accessible through a different doorway from another one of the shop’s tunnels. You can sit in this one for a selfie, if you can find your way to it past the people crowding the narrow passageways of the shop.
This enchanting independent library was launched about 10 years ago by Luigi Frizzo who still owns and runs the shop. It has clearly grown over the years into a rambling labour of love and attracts both tourists and locals. At least 40% of the books are used and include collections of art books, travel books, vintage Italian comics, books on cinema, food, sport, music and of course books on Venice.
Shakespeare and Company Paris France
The Shakespeare and Company bookstore has a long and fascinating history. It was originally opened in 1919 by Sylvia Beach, an American expat who was living in Paris. Beach was a huge fan of Shakespeare, and she named her bookstore after him in honor of his work. The store quickly became a popular gathering place for artists and intellectuals, and it attracted some of the biggest names in literature, including James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, and Gertrude Stein. The store closed during World War II, but it was reopened in 1951 by George Whitman. Whitman is the current owner of the store, and he has made it into a cultural Paris landmark.
This beautiful bookstore is established as an English language literary hub in the heart of Paris. It is not only that however, as a motto over an inner door states: “be kind to all strangers lest they are angels in disguise”. So Whitman chose to assist writers searching for a place to stay while in Paris. He would invite them in as personal guests to stay in his bookshop.
Over six decades later, this independent bookstore is now under the management of Sylvia, Whitman’s daughter. But the tradition still leaves on, with over forty thousand people having slept in the bookshop over the years. Shakespeare and Company is the only bookstore that operates fully in English in the city. Thus, it attracts not only English speaking clients but also English speaking authors who find themselves in Paris for whatever reason.
The Shakespeare and Company bookstore is a must-visit for any book lover or literary enthusiast
The bookshop was originally named “Mistral” but was renamed Shakespeare and Company on the Bard’s 400th anniversary in honour of an earlier establishment in Paris which had been frequented by famous early twentieth century writers.
The independent bookstore Shakespeare and Company has impressive collections of literature including antiques, first editions, classic poems, and beautiful illustrated historic works.
For Google, map direction click here
El Ateneo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Characterized by its flamboyant style, El Ateneo Grand Splendid , Buenos Aires, Argentina is one bookstore you should visit wearing your best outfit.
The bookstore was initially a theater before being bought in 2000 by Grupo Ilhsa at the time when it was facing demolition. Thereafter, it was refurbished and turned into a beautiful bookshop that draws a million visitors annually.
This marvellous bookstore – El Ateneo Grand Splendid was formed from an old theatre. The original interior design retains ornate theatre boxes, frescoed ceiling, exclusive round balconies, plush red stage curtains and detailed trimmings. It all makes for a stunning setting.
Even though most of the books are in Spanish, it’s a great pleasure to tour around this glamorous bookstore exploring the various sections. With four tiers of galleries containing about 120,000 books, you can hardly get bored. Finally, you can complete your visit with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine literally at center stage while you take the final view of this jewel of a bookstore.
For Google Map direction click here
Oia Santorini bookshop
Atlantis bookshop in Oia (blue town of Santorini Island) Greece, is not famous because its the biggest bookshop. It’s remarkable because it has a unique history. Everything started when in 2002 two friends Oliver and Craig visited Santorini and as much they liked the place they realized that its missing something. It was missing a bookshop. Two years later (in 2004) with the help of friends and locals, they opened an Atlantis books shop.
The bookshop has mainly foreign books (not greeks) and specializes in literature and philosophy. Recently they are as well publishing novels and print postcards.
Atlantis bookstore is created by love and passion, and it is definitely unusual, so if exploring Greece and are in Santorini visit the blue town of Oia, and Atlantis bookstore.
Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore (Chonqing, China)
Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore design takes bookshops to a whole other level. This bookstore original interior has been designed to captivate anyone, whether a book lover or not. A visit to this bookshop may take longer than expected, and it’s not because of searching for what to read. Allow time for admiring the mesmerizing interior design, whether the overhead reflection or the fascinating staircase.
The design is functional too. It provides quiet spots exclusively for adults to get away, and a children’s book collection and reading spot. The kids’ section has been crafted with colorful designs; drawings and unique child-friendly shelve designs. Of course, there is also an opportunity to relax with a cup of coffee or tea as you read your selection of books.
Livraria Lello Porto, Porto, Portugal
Just a couple of minutes from the centre of beautiful Porto, is this most magnificent bookstore. The elegance and the variety of book collections have constantly made this bookshop appear among the world’s top bookstores list.
Dating from 1906, the neo-gothic and art nouveau design by Xavier Esteves draws visitors from all over the world. Set out about a curving art nouveau stair, the decorative bookshelves are integrated into the stunning interiors, and then are further embellished with bronze statuettes of literary figures from Portuguese history.
The store offers a variety of book collections, with the majority being in Portuguese but also in French and English. Upstairs, you are provided with a quiet reading space as well as the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Due to an increasing number of visitors who come to see the interior only – which is popular mostly among Harry Potter fans, the bookstore is now charging an entry fee. However, if you buy a book, you are exempted from the entry fee.
For Google Map direction click here
Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen in Maastricht, Holland
Do you worship books? Then Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen in Maastricht should top in your bucket list. This 700 year old building was once a church before being transformed into a storage facility by Napoleon in 1794.
Later when he deserted the place, it was turned into a warehouse, and a couple of hundred years later, in 2005 it was transformed into a bookshop. The design was by Merkx plus Girod Architects. The bookshop has been the subject of some controversy owing to the use of 13th century church for commercial use and perhaps because of this there are religious design elements integrated into the interior.
After restoration into a bookshop, Boekhandel Selexyz Dominicanen not only attracts book lovers but also those who come to appreciate the architecture of the building. The new interior includes a three-storey tower of black steel integrating structure and book shelving in a modern vision.
But that’s not all, the premises also houses a fashionable coffee shop. You can enjoy a coffee or tea to enjoy your favorite book as well as admiring the building.
For Google Map direction click here
Cafeteria El Péndulo, Mexico City, Mexico
Cafeteria El Pendulo is a beauty hidden in plain sight. Situated in a trendy and pretty city neighborhood, the bookshop entrance is somehow hidden with a narrow archway. The interior of the bookstore includes spiral stairs and arched windows and incorporates both natural and artificial foliage. With floor to ceiling book arrangements, the bookstore may be reminiscent of Hogwarts library.
Apart from the design of the bookshop, the huge selection of books ranges from old and classic or recently published. On these shelves, you will find books in both Spanish and English. Expect to find modern culture coffee table books, TV series specials, pop culture, and movies among other collectibles.
In addition to the bookstore, Cafebreria El Péndulo also offers cafeteria services. Here you can get breakfast, lunch or even snacks to satisfy your appetite. Come on Thursdays and Saturdays for live music in the afternoon. And check weekends events including special book presentations.
Cafebreria El Péndulo Google Map location
The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles, California
The Last Bookstore is the largest bookshop in California covering over 20,000 square feet of space. The bookshop trades in both new and old books.
The bookshop is known for its gravity-defying book displays. On a visit to the mezzanine level you will encounter books suspended in air while defying the force of gravity.
But that’s not all, there are also tunnels created from book arrangements, tens of thousands of second hand books in hidden rooms plus sculptures and free-standing mobile displays.
As well as new and used books, the Last Bookstore offers vinyl records and both original and poster art.
For Google Map direction click here
Cook and Book – Brussel, Belgium
As a special treat for foodie readers, Cook and Book comprise both a bookstore and restaurant. The bookstore offers a great shopping experience in an area as large as a supermarket.
For example one of the sections contains English books only. The design of the room is in the form of an old school British library. Other sections include lifestyle books, graphic novels, travel books, cookbooks, children’s literature, general fiction, music, and fine art.
Therefore whether your choice for visiting Cook and Book bookstore is to get a unique shopping experience or a taste of a delicious meal, it’s a great spot with no regrets.
For Google Map direction click here
Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City – Singapore
Kinokuniya is a well-renowned bookshop chain from Japan with branches in the USA, throughout the Far East, and in Australia and the UAE too. Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City is not only the biggest Kinokuniya in the world but the biggest bookshop in Singapore and South East Asia. We loved browsing through the books in there while visiting Singapore with kids
When we lived in Dubai we used to visit the branch in Dubai Mall (in the shadow of Burj Khalifa) regularly and loved its range, especially of art books, so when we were visiting Singapore it was natural for us to pay a visit to the branch there which is known as the largest bookstore in Asia.
Nick and the girls were especially fascinated by the great comics section, not just Japanese and Manga, but American comics and illustrated books too. However whatever you want, I guess they have it. I spent ages browsing travel writing.
Scattered around the store are small pop up boutiques selling Japanese and international stationery and models, which adds an interesting slant, but overall it is just a nice light space. You can buy here as well as various gifts for map lovers.
The featured books always seem a good selection for us, the environment is comfortable to browse, and it’s easy to find what you want with computer points everywhere. This store and its sister branches conspire shamelessly to feed our tsundoku inclinations on every visit.
For Google Map direction click here
Waterstones Piccadilly, London UK
Claiming to be the biggest bookshop not only in London but in the whole of Europe, Waterstones is a paradise for book lovers. With 6 floors and over 8 miles of bookshelves, Waterstones attentive staff will always help you browse your subject and find any specific titles you are searching for.
The shop boasts a children’s section accounting for over two-thirds of the space on the second floor. And Importantly for us it includes two food and coffee outlets, the Waterstone Piccadilly bar and food place on the 5th floor and a cafe on the first floor too.
Bookstores that offer us coffee before we buy always get our vote and end up selling us more. Why doesn’t everyone do this?
For Google Map direction click here
Honesty Bookshop, Hay on Wye, Wales
Hay is a tiny South Welsh border town on the edge of the Black Mountains in the beautiful Wye Valley. It seems to be almost entirely dedicated to books and coffee shops. Hay hosts the UK’s most renowned literary festival every summer where you can attend seminars and talks by the famous authors of the moment, and there are literary events throughout the year there too.
Even in Hay, the Honesty Bookshop is truly a fascinating, independent and unique bookshop. Unlike the town’s other forty bookshops, this one is in the open air and without staff. Just browse the shelves, and when you find something that interests you drop a pound in the box. All money goes to the restoration of Hay Castle.
For Google, Maps direction click here
Powell’s Books, Portland, Oregon, The United States
Powell Bookstore is termed a city of Books for a reason. With 68 thousand square feet of space, it has a large collection of used and new books. But that’s not all, the bookshop occupies an entire city block, making Powell’s the largest privately owned bookshop in the country and one of the world’s largest bookstore.
Stepping into Powell’s for the first time is quite overwhelming, with its incredible size and the countless number of book collections you will hardly know where to start. But don’t worry, at the store information counter, you will get a store map that will be handy in locating what you are looking for.
Apart from the size of the store and the book collections that include old and new editions, additionally, for those searching for rare books, there is a special room on the top floor.
According to Miriam Sontz, the store CEO, there are over a million books in the store. But size is not their target; they pride themselves more on the quality of choice as their main aim and accomplishment.
For Google Map direction click here
Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, New York City USA
At one given time, Barnes & Noble owned the indisputable title of the Largest Bookstore in the world. At 105, 5th Avenue NY, the shop covered over 150 thousand square feet with over 12 miles of shelving earning it a position in the Guinness Book of World Records.
For Google Map direction click here
City Lights Bookstore, San Francisco, The United States
Founded in 1953 by a poet and a professor City Lights is an independent bookshop and publishing house which specializes in world literature and art as well as in titles related to the San Franciso area. Being on the market for 70 years, the City Lights Bookstore is not only an Icon of San Francisco but as well official historic landmark.
Best Bookstores in the world – Conclusion
That’s our roundup of some of the world’s biggest, best and most unusual. But you’ll find us in the smallest worst and absolutely ordinary ones too. We have e-book readers, and iPads, we even use audiobooks – especially when on the road, but for us, nothing beats the look and feel of real printed books and the joy of visiting the vast variety of places where they are sold.
The Most Famous Bookshops in the world – Pin it for Later
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