Grab some reading material or simply look on in awe at these stunning book stores

The Livrario Lello in Porto is frequently named the world’s most beautiful book store | **Sopotnicki / Shutterstock**

There’s something magical about stepping into a bookstore in a foreign city. The scent of ink and old paper, the soft murmur of turning pages, the endless rows of spines promising adventure. Some bookshops go beyond being simple places to buy books; they are experiences in themselves, worth the journey to see their beauty, their history, and the way they bring literature to life.

From opulent theaters turned into literary palaces to whimsical spaces carved into cliffsides, here are 11 of the most gorgeous bookshops around the world that every traveler should visit.

1. Shakespeare and Company – Paris, France

Books on a shelf — The cosy Shakespeare and Company has become one of Paris’ must-visit bookshops | **wjarek / Shutterstock**

Shakespeare and Company, perched on the banks of the Seine in Paris, is more than a bookstore—it’s a literary legend. Since its founding in 1951 by George Whitman, this bohemian sanctuary has welcomed writers, dreamers, and travelers seeking stories and shelter. The shop's warren of small rooms is lined with towering bookshelves, each crammed with novels, poetry, and essays in English. Aspiring writers can even sleep among the books as part of the ‘Tumbleweed’ tradition, in exchange for helping around the store.

Time seems to move differently inside Shakespeare and Company. You can curl up in a corner with a book, listen to live readings from some of the world’s greatest contemporary authors, or chat with fellow book lovers in the small café next door. Visit in the early morning to soak in the peaceful ambiance before the crowds arrive, and be sure to browse the hand-stamped editions, a perfect literary souvenir from Paris.

2. El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina

Bookshelves in an old theatre — This Buenos Aires gem is housed in an old theatre | **Antonio Salaverry / Shutterstock**

Walking into El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires feels like stepping onto the stage of a magnificent, century-old theater—because that’s exactly what it once was. Built in 1919 as the Teatro Grand Splendid, this opulent space was later transformed into one of the most breathtaking bookshops in the world. Its grand balconies, crimson curtains, and frescoed ceiling still hint at its theatrical past, making every visit feel like a performance where books take center stage.

The store’s most spectacular feature is the former stage, which now houses a café where visitors can sip coffee while flipping through books beneath the soft glow of golden lights. The original theater boxes have been turned into intimate reading nooks, and classical music drifts through the space, adding to the sense of timeless grandeur. If you love literature and architecture in equal measure, this bookshop is a dream come true.

3. Livraria Lello – Porto, Portugal

An old bookshop — The unique wooden interior of Livraria Lello puts it atop many best bookshop on earth lists | **R.M. Nunes / Shutterstock**

Often cited as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello in Porto is nothing short of a fairy tale. Its stunning neo-Gothic facade gives way to a breathtaking interior filled with intricate wood carvings, stained-glass windows, and an iconic winding red staircase that looks like something straight out of a novel. Rumor has it that J.K. Rowling, who lived in Porto while working as an English teacher, drew inspiration from Lello’s enchanting aesthetic when imagining Hogwarts.

Given its popularity, there’s often a queue to get in, but the experience is well worth the wait. The bookshop now operates on a ticket system, where the entry fee can be used as credit toward a book purchase. Browse the beautifully bound Portuguese and English classics, and don’t forget to look up—the ceiling alone is a work of art.

4. The Last Bookstore – Los Angeles, USA

Bookshelves curving — The quirkiness is ever-present at the Last Bookstore | **FiledIMAGE / Shutterstock**

In a city known for reinvention, The Last Bookstore is a place where books are given a second life. Located in a former bank in downtown Los Angeles, this sprawling literary wonderland combines new and used books with art installations that turn the space into something surreal. The famous book tunnel—an arched passageway made entirely of stacked books—is just one of the many whimsical touches that make this store a must-visit.

Beyond its eye-catching design, The Last Bookstore is a celebration of storytelling in all its forms. Vinyl records, rare books, and local artwork fill every corner, while cozy reading nooks make it easy to lose track of time. The mezzanine level houses a labyrinth of discounted books, perfect for treasure hunters looking for an unexpected find.

5. Atlantis Books – Santorini, Greece

A colourful bookshop on a Greek street — The colourful and quirky Atlantis Books stands out from the whitewashed streets of Oia | **Marina Datsenko / Shutterstock**

Tucked into the cliffs of Oia, Atlantis Books is a dreamlike bookstore with a backdrop of the endless Aegean Sea. Founded by a group of friends who fell in love with Santorini and wanted to create something magical, this shop is an explosion of color, literature, and personality. Its low ceilings and stone walls make it feel like a cozy reading cave, while the rooftop offers a view worthy of a Greek epic.

What makes Atlantis Books truly special is its carefully curated collection of novels, poetry, and philosophy books in multiple languages. The owners, passionate about storytelling, often host literary festivals and film screenings, turning the space into a cultural hub. There’s no better place to pick up a book of Greek myths and read it with the sea breeze in your hair.

6. Boekhandel Dominicanen – Maastricht, Netherlands

Housed in a stunning 13th-century church, Boekhandel Dominicanen is a breathtaking fusion of literature and Gothic architecture. The soaring stone arches, stained-glass windows, and vaulted ceilings create an almost sacred space for book lovers. Originally abandoned and later restored, the church-turned-bookshop now stands as one of the most unique literary destinations in the world.

The store’s collection is vast, offering books in multiple languages, with a particular focus on Dutch and English literature. A café sits beneath the former altar, making it the perfect spot to sip a cappuccino while admiring the grandeur of the space.

7. Daunt Books – London, UK

Daunt Books specialises in travel literature | **Chrispictures / Shutterstock**

A paradise for travelers and literature lovers alike, Daunt Books in London is best known for its extraordinary Edwardian interior and unique curation of books by country. Stepping into this bookshop, located in the charming Marylebone district, feels like entering a bygone era. Its long oak galleries, graceful skylights, and serene atmosphere make it a haven for book lovers who appreciate quiet, immersive browsing.

The shop specializes in travel literature, stocking guidebooks, memoirs, and novels organized by destination rather than genre. This means you can find works of fiction alongside history and travel guides for whichever part of the world intrigues you most.

8. Libreria Acqua Alta – Venice, Italy

Books in a courtyard — The store’s small size means almost every surface hosts books | **Ihor Serdyukov / Shutterstock**

Venice is a city built on water, and its most famous bookstore, Libreria Acqua Alta, embraces that identity wholeheartedly. Books here are stacked inside gondolas, bathtubs, and waterproof bins—an ingenious response to the frequent flooding that affects the floating city. Wandering through its narrow aisles feels like stepping into a whimsical literary labyrinth, filled with vintage postcards, well-loved tomes, and stacks of colorful paperbacks.

A hidden highlight of the shop is the staircase made entirely of books, leading to a picturesque view of the Venetian canals. The resident cats, lounging lazily atop book piles, add to the store’s bohemian charm. Whether you're a collector of rare books or simply a lover of quirky spaces, this one-of-a-kind bookstore is worth getting lost in.

9. Barter Books – Alnwick, UK

Second hand books on shelves — Barter Books occupies a former Victorian railway station | **Brester Irina / Shutterstock**

Stepping into Barter Books in Alnwick, England, feels like walking into a literary time capsule. Housed in a grand Victorian railway station, this bookshop is a wonderland for bibliophiles, featuring endless rows of secondhand books, roaring fireplaces, and even a model train that chugs along the tops of the shelves. The charm of the station’s original architecture remains intact, with beautiful glass ceilings and spacious reading areas that invite visitors to linger.

One of the most famous aspects of Barter Books is its role in rediscovering the now-iconic “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster, which was found buried in a box of old books in 2000. Beyond its fascinating history, the shop operates on a unique barter system where customers can exchange books for store credit. Whether you're after a rare find, a beloved classic, or just a cozy spot to read by the fire, Barter Books offers an unforgettable literary experience in the heart of Northumberland.

10. Munro’s Books – Victoria, Canada

An old building — Munro’s Books was once a bank | **Roshan_NG / Shutterstock**

A gem of the Pacific Northwest, Munro’s Books in Victoria, British Columbia, is a bookshop with a story as compelling as the titles on its shelves. Founded in 1963 by Canadian writer Alice Munro and her then-husband, this shop has since become an institution in the city. Located in a grand neo-classical building that was once a bank, the space is as elegant as it is welcoming, with soaring ceilings and beautifully curated bookshelves that invite leisurely browsing.

Munro’s is known for its deep selection of Canadian literature, as well as its support for local authors. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready with a recommendation. Whether you're looking for a novel to dive into or simply a quiet place to soak in the atmosphere, this bookshop offers an unforgettable experience.

11. Zhongshuge Bookstore – Chengdu, China

A futuristic book store — The surreal Zhongshuge Bookstore is more a surrealist painting | **YueStock / Shutterstock**

For a bookshop that feels like stepping into an optical illusion, Zhongshuge Bookstore in Chengdu is a mesmerizing fusion of literature and design. Designed by the visionary X+Living studio, this bookstore is a visual masterpiece featuring floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that curve into intricate archways, mirrored ceilings that create infinite reflections, and reading spaces that feel like surreal dreamscapes. Every corner of the store is designed to inspire awe, making it one of the most breathtaking bookshops in the world.

Beyond its stunning aesthetics, Zhongshuge in Chengdu offers a carefully curated selection of books across numerous genres. The children's section is particularly enchanting, with whimsical designs that make it feel like stepping into a fantasy world. Whether you're a dedicated bibliophile or simply an admirer of extraordinary spaces, this bookstore is an essential stop in Chengdu, where books and architecture merge into a spellbinding experience.