Book lovers see bookstores as places to escape from the world, into hundreds upon thousands of pages filled with numerous adventures. The moment you walk into a store, you are greeted by a subtle silence and the smell of freshly printed pages. There is nothing else in the world that compares to the beauty of a genuine bookstore, and you can take your love for these places on the road.
There are several amazing bookstores you might encounter during your travels that outshine the rest. The design of their shelves, the distinct character of these shops and a whole array of traits besides make these bookstores some of the very best in the world. Keep reading to take a look at our picks!
10 10. The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles, California)
This is the largest used and new book and record store in the state of California, spanning two complete floors and boasting a labyrinth of shelving units. Several decorative art pieces adorn the shop, which were made using old books. They have a rare book section that everyone who loves books has to see.
They host several events throughout the year that you can attend for your own intellectual enjoyment. You can stop by and take a few pictures near their book archway and flying book wall, or curl up on one of their couches with your new favorite book.
9 9. Livraria Da Vila (São Paulo, Brazil)
If you like a mixture of art and reading, then this is one bookstore you have to visit if you happen to be in Brazil. The front doors are turning bookcases that are encased in glass on one side, lit up by a multitude of lights built into its frame.
It encompasses a three-story building and there are several oval or rectangular cut-outs on the floors, letting you see what is going on down below. There are so many books here that you won't know what to do with them all, as it seems every surface area is covered in books from top to bottom!
8 8. El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
This bookstore resides in the former El Grand Splendid theatre, which originally opened back in 1919. Frescoes that were painted by Nazareno Orlandi line the domed ceiling and a coffee bar rests where the stage used to exist.
There are over 120,000 books in the multi-level store and plenty of chairs where you can sit back and enjoy a good read. Even if your friends aren't as addicted to reading as you are, this is one spot even they won't be able to resist visiting due to its grandeur. It's absolutely stunning.
7 7. Libreria El Pendulo Polanco (Mexico City, Mexico)
This establishment began as a combination cafeteria and bookstore, then slowly expanded and evolved into a local cultural center. This is only one of the seven branches open in the area and the on-site cafeteria serves everything from breakfast to dinner.
Bookshelves line every wall of this store and there are plenty of seating areas scattered throughout where you can sit back and relax. The wooden floors and green railing create an atmosphere that is different from anywhere else you have ever been before, which is why you have to add this place to your itinerary.
6 6. Atlantis Books (Santorini, Greece)
Atlantis Books sells products that come in a variety of languages, both used and new. They have their own publishing house called Parovian Press that prints their own books, including a guide to the city of Santorini.
This venue hopes to bring great minds together to discuss art and literature in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. They also love pets and generally have at least one on hand in the shop, because nothing goes better with a good book than a dog or cat.
5 5. Daunt Books Marylebone (London, England)
Daunt Books has several locations, but Marylebone was their first shop and arguably the most beautiful. It is known for its long stretch of shelving that is accented by a beautiful arched window.
Their books are separated by country, rather than by subject, so it creates a unique way to find your next favorite novel or cookbook. The workers at this shop are very well informed, which makes this experience one of a kind. You can ask them to introduce you to some of their personal favorites that they feel you might enjoy.
4 4. Cook & Book (Brussels, Belgium)
This place was made for reading addicts who also have a slight obsession with food. The most notable part of their shop is the floating book ceiling they have created, where some of your favorite novels have been recycled as an art piece.
The food they make is delicious too, with everything from croissants to pasta on offer. This store even sells alcohol, so some patrons decide to grab a glass of their favorite wine and sit back in a chair while they start on a brand new book.
3 3. Libreria Acqua Alta (Venice, Italy)
This bookstore looks to be a bit of a mess, but it is one you will thoroughly enjoy. There are books shoved in every nook and cranny of the shop in different watertight objects, as Venice is known to flood.
These objects include things like bathtubs, bins, and even a gondola which keep their titles safe from the impending flood. It is also home to several stray cats, which have wandered in seeking shelter during the rising tides and decided to make it their regular hangout.
2 2. Daikanyama T-Site (Tokyo, Japan)
This store is very modern and chic, unlike several of the other bookstores that relied on a historic feel to go along with their aging titles. The store boasts a few special sections that no other bookstore can say they offer to their customers.
This store has a travel area, where concierges will aid you in creating a set of travel plans. You can also head over to the stationery area, where you can choose from a wide array of writing materials to send a special letter to the people back home.
1 1. Poplar Kid's Republic (Beijing, China)
If you happen to be traveling with your kids to this area of China, you simply have to stop by this bookstore to jump-start their love of reading. The whole store is a great burst of color, with shelves and walkways that were made for children to explore.
Your child can curl up in one of the many cubbies to read a book they found, or sit on one of the rainbow walkway pads so you can read it to them. It will help them understand that reading can be fun and enjoyable when viewed in the right light, which this bookstore accomplishes with flying colors.