Unearth The Voyage
Bookstores are more than places to pick up a paperback — they’re cultural ambassadors, architectural wonders and community hubs where ideas, history and local life converge. From cathedral-like interiors to floating book barges and historic districts built around literature, these iconic bookstores are destinations in their own right for travelers who appreciate art, heritage and the written word. Whether housed in converted churches, grand theatres or canal-side barges, each offers a unique experience that goes beyond simply buying books.
Livraria Lello — Porto, Portugal
Stepping into Livraria Lello feels like entering a fairytale. The sweeping red staircase curves upward through the center of the store, drawing your eyes toward the ornate ceiling decorated with intricate stained glass. This isn’t just any bookstore — it’s a work of art that has earned its place among the most beautiful in the world.
Located in Porto’s historic centre, the store opened in 1906 and has been dazzling visitors ever since. The Art Nouveau design features detailed woodwork carved by skilled craftsmen over a century ago. Shelves climb the walls, filled with Portuguese classics and international bestsellers alike.
J.K. Rowling lived in Porto during the early 1990s, and many believe this magical space inspired parts of the Harry Potter series. Whether or not that’s true, the bookstore certainly feels enchanted. The atmosphere buzzes with wonder as tourists and locals browse side by side.
Because of its popularity, there’s now a small entrance fee that can be applied toward book purchases. Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. Photography is allowed, so bring your camera to capture the stunning architecture and literary charm that make Livraria Lello unforgettable.
Shakespeare and Company — Paris, France
Across from Notre-Dame Cathedral, a green-painted storefront welcomes book lovers into one of the world’s most famous literary landmarks. Shakespeare and Company has been a gathering place for writers, readers and dreamers since 1951, though its spirit traces back to the 1920s Lost Generation. Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and James Joyce once frequented the original shop that shared its name.
Owner George Whitman recreated that bohemian atmosphere in the current location. He welcomed struggling writers to sleep among the bookshelves in exchange for helping around the shop — a tradition that continues today. These temporary residents are called “tumbleweeds,” and thousands have passed through over the decades.
The narrow aisles overflow with English-language books stacked floor to ceiling. Cozy reading nooks invite you to settle in with a novel, and handwritten notes from visitors cover the walls. The store hosts regular readings, book launches and literary events that keep the creative spirit alive.
Visiting Shakespeare and Company feels like stepping into literary history. The creaky wooden floors, dim lighting and smell of old paper create an atmosphere you won’t find in modern chain stores. It’s more than a place to buy books — it’s a pilgrimage site for anyone who loves literature and Parisian culture.
Boekhandel Dominicanen — Maastricht, Netherlands
Imagine browsing books beneath soaring Gothic arches where monks once prayed. Boekhandel Dominicanen occupies a 13th-century Dominican church in Maastricht, creating one of the most breathtaking bookstore settings imaginable. The building’s religious past adds a sense of reverence to the act of reading that few other stores can match.
After centuries as a church, the building served various purposes — including a warehouse and even a bicycle storage facility. In 2006, architects transformed it into a bookstore while carefully preserving the original Gothic architecture. Tall stone columns rise toward vaulted ceilings, and natural light filters through historic windows.
Modern black steel bookshelves contrast beautifully with the ancient stonework. A three-story structure in the center provides additional display space while maintaining sightlines to the architectural details. There’s even a café where you can enjoy coffee surrounded by history.
The peaceful atmosphere encourages quiet contemplation as you explore sections ranging from Dutch literature to international bestsellers. Many visitors come as much for the architecture as the books, snapping photos of the stunning interior. Recognition from publications worldwide has confirmed what locals already knew — this is truly a sacred space for book lovers, where literature and history merge into something extraordinary.
Cărturești Carusel — Bucharest, Romania
White galleries spiral upward through six levels of literary heaven in Bucharest’s Old Town. Cărturești Carusel opened in 2015 inside a beautifully restored 19th-century building that once fell into disrepair. The transformation took years, but the result is nothing short of spectacular — a modern temple dedicated to books, art and culture.
Bright white walls and contemporary design create a gallery-like atmosphere that feels fresh and inviting. Each floor offers something different, from Romanian literature to international fiction, children’s books to art publications. The open central space allows you to see all levels at once, creating a dizzying sense of possibility.
Art installations rotate regularly, adding visual interest beyond the books themselves. A top-floor café offers refreshments and panoramic views of the store below. The space hosts book launches, readings and cultural events that make it a living hub rather than just a retail shop.
Eastern Europe’s arts scene is thriving, and Cărturești Carusel stands as proof of that creative energy. The store attracts both serious readers and Instagram enthusiasts drawn to its photogenic interior. Whether you’re hunting for Romanian authors or simply want to experience innovative bookstore design, this carousel of culture delivers an unforgettable experience that captures Bucharest’s modern spirit.
Daunt Books — London, United Kingdom
Oak galleries stretch beneath a long skylight in one of London’s most beloved independent bookstores. Daunt Books opened in 1990 in a specially built Edwardian shop on Marylebone High Street. The original location features a stunning gallery design with natural light pouring through the glass ceiling, illuminating shelves packed with carefully curated titles.
What makes Daunt Books truly special is its travel section organized by country rather than by author or genre. Planning a trip to Japan? You’ll find novels set in Tokyo next to Japanese history books and travel guides. This geographical approach helps readers discover connections between literature and place.
The store’s old-world charm transports you back to a time when bookshops were destinations rather than just retail stops. Dark wood, brass fixtures and comfortable browsing spaces invite you to linger. Staff members are knowledgeable and passionate about books, always ready with thoughtful recommendations.
While Daunt Books now has multiple London locations, the Marylebone flagship remains the most architecturally impressive. Serious readers and culture tourists alike appreciate the blend of traditional atmosphere with global literary perspective. It’s the kind of bookstore where you intend to browse for ten minutes but end up staying an hour, lost among shelves that span continents and centuries of storytelling.
Word on the Water — London, England
A converted Dutch barge rocks gently on Regent’s Canal, its deck overflowing with potted plants and its interior crammed with books. Word on the Water might be London’s most unusual bookstore, and certainly its most mobile. The floating shop moves along the canal system, though it’s usually found near King’s Cross or Paddington.
Stepping aboard feels like discovering a secret hideaway. The narrow interior winds through different sections, with books stacked on every available surface. Vintage paperbacks mix with poetry collections and obscure titles you’d never find in chain stores. The ever-changing inventory means each visit offers new treasures.
Owner Paddy Screech created this literary ark in 2011, and it quickly became a local favorite. The barge hosts poetry readings, musical performances and other cultural events on deck during warmer months. There’s something magical about browsing books while water laps against the hull below.
The canal-side setting adds whimsical charm to the whole experience. Cyclists and joggers pass by on the towpath while you explore the labyrinthine shelves. Prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious. Word on the Water proves that bookstores don’t need fancy buildings to create memorable experiences — sometimes all you need is passion, creativity and a boat full of stories.
Libreria Acqua Alta — Venice, Italy
Books float in gondolas and bathtubs inside Venice’s most eccentric bookstore. Libreria Acqua Alta — which means “high water bookstore” — embraces the city’s flooding reality with creative and playful storage solutions. When acqua alta threatens, the books are already safe in their waterproof vessels, ready to ride out the tide.
Owner Luigi Frizzo filled his shop with more than just clever flood protection. Resident cats lounge atop precarious book stacks, adding to the charming chaos. Narrow passages wind between towers of novels, and every corner reveals another quirky detail. A full-size gondola serves as the centerpiece, overflowing with colorful spines.
The back courtyard features a stunning staircase made entirely of books leading nowhere — it’s become one of Venice’s most photographed spots. Visitors climb the book steps for views over the canal, creating Instagram moments while surrounded by weathered paperbacks. The whole place feels like an art installation celebrating literature’s resilience.
You’ll find everything from Italian classics to tourist guides, though organization follows no obvious system. That randomness is part of the adventure. The cats might brush past your legs as you browse, and you might need to step over book piles to reach certain sections. Libreria Acqua Alta reflects Venice’s spirit perfectly — beautiful, quirky, slightly chaotic and absolutely unforgettable.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid — Buenos Aires, Argentina
Frescoed ceilings soar above bookshelves where theatre seats once held audiences. El Ateneo Grand Splendid occupies a converted 1919 theatre in Buenos Aires, creating one of the world’s most dramatic bookstore settings. The original balconies, ornate plasterwork and stage curtains remain intact, transforming book shopping into a performance of its own.
The theatre operated for decades before becoming a cinema, then sat abandoned until 2000 when it reopened as a bookstore. Architects preserved the building’s theatrical grandeur while adapting it for retail use. The former stage now houses a café where you can sip coffee beneath red velvet curtains. Balcony levels hold different book sections, and you can sit in plush chairs where theatre-goers once watched tango shows.
Argentina has deep literary roots, and the comprehensive collection reflects that cultural heritage. You’ll find Argentine authors alongside international bestsellers, with strong sections on Latin American literature and history. The space regularly ranks among the world’s most beautiful bookstores, drawing tourists and locals alike.
Visiting feels like attending a grand performance where books are the stars. The painted dome ceiling depicts cherubs and clouds in soft pastels, and golden details catch the light throughout the space. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, the architectural spectacle alone makes El Ateneo Grand Splendid worth the visit.
Barter Books — Alnwick, United Kingdom
Model trains chug along tracks suspended from the ceiling of a Victorian railway station transformed into book lover’s paradise. Barter Books in Alnwick occupies the town’s former station, preserving its historic character while filling every corner with used books. The result is wonderfully atmospheric — part museum, part library, part cozy reading retreat.
Owners Mary and Stuart Manley opened the shop in 1991 and have created something special. Original station features remain, including platform signs and period details. Comfortable chairs and sofas invite extended browsing sessions, and multiple fireplaces provide warmth during cold northern English winters. The model railway overhead adds whimsical charm that delights children and adults alike.
The vast collection spans all genres, with particularly strong sections on history, fiction and regional interest. Prices are reasonable, and the barter system (trading in your old books) keeps inventory fresh. Staff members are friendly and knowledgeable, embodying the independent bookstore spirit.
Barter Books gained unexpected fame when the owners discovered an original World War II poster in a box of donated books. The “Keep Calm and Carry On” design became a global phenomenon, though it was virtually unknown before their 2000 discovery. That piece of history adds to the store’s cultural significance, making it more than just a great place to find books — it’s where forgotten treasures resurface.
The Bookworm — Beijing, China
English-language books line the walls of Beijing’s most beloved literary gathering place. The Bookworm opened in 2002 and quickly became essential for expats, students and Chinese readers interested in international literature. But calling it just a bookstore misses the point — it’s a cultural hub where ideas flow as freely as the coffee.
The space combines bookstore, lending library, café and event venue into one welcoming environment. Comfortable seating encourages you to settle in with a book and a drink, blurring the line between browsing and reading. The curated selection focuses on quality over quantity, with strong sections on Chinese culture, contemporary fiction and political thought.
Regular programming sets The Bookworm apart from typical bookstores. Author readings, film screenings, language exchanges and discussion groups happen throughout the week. The annual Beijing Bookworm International Literary Festival attracts writers from around the world, making it a highlight of China’s cultural calendar.
For travelers and residents alike, The Bookworm serves as a bridge between Chinese and global literary cultures. You might overhear conversations in multiple languages while Chinese students practice English nearby. The relaxed atmosphere encourages lingering, and many visitors find themselves spending entire afternoons absorbed in books and conversation. It’s proof that bookstores can be true community centers where reading and social connection thrive together.
Armchair Books — Edinburgh, Scotland
Chaotic shelves overflow with literary treasures in a bookstore that feels like exploring your eccentric uncle’s personal library. Armchair Books on Edinburgh’s West Port embodies the independent bookshop spirit — slightly disorganized, completely charming and packed with unexpected discoveries. If you prefer sterile chain stores with computerized inventory, this isn’t your place. But if you love the thrill of hunting through densely packed shelves, you’ve found heaven.
The narrow space maximizes every inch, with books stacked vertically and horizontally wherever they fit. Categories exist, though finding them requires detective work and willingness to squeeze past other browsers. That’s part of the appeal — serendipity rules here, and you’ll stumble across books you didn’t know you needed.
Edinburgh earned UNESCO City of Literature status, and Armchair Books represents the city’s reading culture beautifully. The shop specializes in used and rare books across all subjects, with particularly good sections on Scottish literature and history. Prices are fair, and the staff genuinely loves books rather than just selling them.
Located near Edinburgh Castle in a historic area, the store makes a perfect stop while exploring Scotland’s capital. The West Port neighborhood has character and history that complement the bookshop’s atmosphere. Armchair Books proves that great bookstores don’t need architectural grandeur — sometimes personality, passion and a really good collection are all you need.
Cuesta de Moyano Bookstalls — Madrid, Spain
Wooden bookstalls line a sloping Madrid street that’s been dedicated to books for nearly a century. Cuesta de Moyano isn’t a single bookstore but rather an entire outdoor book market stretching along a tree-shaded avenue near Retiro Park. Dozens of independent sellers operate small stalls that spill onto the pavement with rare finds, second-hand treasures and new titles.
The market dates back to 1925, making it a fixture of Madrid’s cultural landscape. Each stall has its own character and specialization — one might focus on vintage comics, another on Spanish classics, still another on art books. Browsing the entire stretch takes time, but that’s the pleasure of it. You never know what you’ll discover.
The open-air setting creates a completely different bookstore experience. Weather permitting, you can spend hours wandering from stall to stall, chatting with sellers who are often passionate collectors themselves. The location near Retiro Park means you can grab a book and immediately find a bench or patch of grass to start reading.
Cuesta de Moyano reflects Spain’s vibrant literary heritage and local community tradition. It’s where students hunt for textbooks, collectors seek first editions and tourists discover Spanish authors. The market survives because locals support it, keeping alive a tradition that might seem outdated in the digital age but remains essential to Madrid’s cultural identity and bookish soul.
