Whether you are a traveler seeking unique literary destinations, a book lover looking for hidden gems, or a collector searching for first editions, knowing where to go can elevate your reading journey. This guide shares some of the best bookstore recommendations worldwide, highlighting what makes each one special and why they deserve a spot on every bibliophile’s list.
Why Bookstores Still Matter
Before diving into specific recommendations, it is worth exploring why bookstores remain relevant in the digital era.
Bookstores offer a sensory experience. The smell of books, the feel of crisp pages, and the sight of colorful covers create a connection that no e-reader can replicate. Browsing shelves allows for serendipitous discoveries—finding a book you had never heard of or stumbling upon a title you did not know you needed.
Bookstores also foster community. Many host author events, readings, book clubs, and writing workshops. They provide a space for readers to meet like-minded individuals, exchange recommendations, and engage in literary conversations. For writers, they are valuable venues for networking, launching new works, and connecting with their audience.
Additionally, bookstores support local economies and encourage sustainable reading habits. Independent stores often prioritize unique selections, local authors, and carefully curated titles over mass-market choices, allowing readers to engage with books that have cultural or regional significance.
Iconic Bookstore Recommendations Around the World
1. Shakespeare & Company, Paris, France
Shakespeare & Company is a literary landmark in the heart of Paris. This bookstore has been a haven for English-speaking writers and readers since it first opened in 1951. Its narrow aisles and floor-to-ceiling shelves create a labyrinthine experience that invites exploration.
The store is famous for its history with literary greats like Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Sylvia Beach. Today, it continues to offer a unique mix of new books, rare editions, and a selection of works by contemporary authors. Visitors can sit in cozy nooks, write in the store’s guestbook, or attend one of its frequent readings and workshops.
A standout feature is the bookstore’s commitment to fostering aspiring writers. Many young authors have stayed in the store’s small apartments in exchange for helping around the shop and writing daily, keeping the tradition of literary mentorship alive.
2. Ler Devagar, Lisbon, Portugal
Ler Devagar, which translates to “Read Slowly,” is located in the vibrant LX Factory, a repurposed industrial complex in Lisbon. This bookstore is a visual and literary feast, blending high ceilings, old printing machines, and contemporary art installations.
Ler Devagar is known for its eclectic selection, including art books, graphic novels, photography, and literature in multiple languages. It also has a café where visitors can enjoy a coffee while browsing, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely day.
What makes Ler Devagar remarkable is its sense of playfulness. Books hang from the ceiling, stacks of oversized volumes invite curiosity, and the layout encourages wandering rather than rushing. For visitors, it is not just about buying books but experiencing literature as an immersive activity.
3. Daunt Books, Marylebone, London, UK
Daunt Books is an Edwardian-style bookstore in Marylebone, London, famous for its travel-focused collection. The shop’s oak galleries, skylights, and wooden floors create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
While Daunt Books carries general fiction and nonfiction, its real treasure lies in its travel section. Books are organized geographically rather than alphabetically, allowing readers to explore literature alongside travel guides. This unique arrangement encourages discovery and sparks wanderlust.
The store also hosts events and author talks, making it a hub for both locals and visitors interested in literature and travel. Daunt Books exemplifies how a focused specialty can make a bookstore unforgettable.
4. Maruzen & Junkudo, Tokyo, Japan
For lovers of both Japanese and international literature, Maruzen & Junkudo in Tokyo is a must-visit. This massive store spans several floors and offers an impressive range of books in multiple languages, from manga to classic literature to contemporary fiction.
What sets Maruzen & Junkudo apart is its dedication to quality and organization. Sections are carefully curated, making it easy to navigate despite the sheer size of the collection. The store also offers stationery, notebooks, and literary gifts, allowing visitors to indulge in bookish shopping beyond reading material.
Japan’s appreciation for bookstore aesthetics is evident here, with clean lines, orderly shelves, and a focus on presentation, creating a browsing experience that is as peaceful as it is engaging.
5. El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is often hailed as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Housed in a former theater, the building retains its ornate balconies, chandeliers, and stage, which has been converted into a café.
The experience of visiting El Ateneo is theatrical. As you wander through the aisles on the main floor, climb balconies to browse upstairs, or sip coffee on the former stage, the sense of history and grandeur is palpable. The selection includes both local Argentine literature and international titles, making it a cultural hub as well as a bookstore.
The combination of architecture, ambiance, and book curation makes El Ateneo a bucket-list destination for readers and travelers alike.
6. Powell’s City of Books, Portland, Oregon, USA
Powell’s City of Books in Portland is one of the largest independent bookstores in the United States. Spanning an entire city block, it boasts over a million new and used books across various genres.
Powell’s is organized into color-coded rooms, which makes it easier to navigate the vast collection. Beyond books, the store emphasizes community engagement through author events, book clubs, and reading programs.
What makes Powell’s especially noteworthy is its commitment to sustainability and used books. Visitors can explore rare finds, signed editions, and second-hand treasures, all in a space that encourages long hours of browsing and discovery.
Specialty Bookstore Recommendations
While iconic bookstores offer unforgettable experiences, specialty stores provide focused, curated selections for readers with particular interests.
1. Comic and Graphic Novel Stores
Comic book shops and graphic novel stores are perfect for those who love visual storytelling. These stores often carry manga, indie comics, and limited edition prints. Recommendations include stores like Forbidden Planet in London and Kinokuniya in New York, both known for their extensive international selections.
2. Children’s and Young Adult Bookstores
Specialty children’s bookstores create immersive spaces for young readers. Stores like The Bookworm in Beijing or Books of Wonder in New York offer playful environments with reading nooks, storytelling sessions, and carefully selected literature for various age groups.
3. Rare and Antiquarian Bookstores
Collectors often seek antiquarian bookstores for first editions, signed copies, and rare prints. Stores like Hatchards in London or Raptis Rare Books in Athens specialize in curated collections that appeal to bibliophiles and serious collectors. These bookstores often combine historical knowledge with literary passion, making browsing a learning experience as well.
4. Independent Local Bookstores
Local independent bookstores are the heart of most communities. They may not be as famous as international icons, but their curation, community events, and personalized service make them invaluable. Examples include City Lights Books in San Francisco, Word in Toronto, and Ler Devagar’s smaller offshoots across Portugal. Supporting these stores ensures that local culture and literary traditions thrive.
Tips for Exploring Bookstores
- Plan but Be Open to Discovery: While having a list of must-visit bookstores is helpful, the joy of browsing often comes from stumbling upon unexpected titles and hidden corners.
- Attend Events and Readings: Many bookstores host events that provide insight into authors’ creative processes and allow you to meet other readers.
- Look Beyond Bestsellers: Exploring sections outside mainstream lists can lead to discovering niche authors, local voices, and unique genres.
- Embrace the Senses: Take time to smell the books, feel the textures of the pages, and enjoy the atmosphere. Bookstores are as much about experience as they are about purchases.
- Support Independent Stores: Independent bookstores often rely on community support. Buying a book, attending an event, or simply sharing recommendations online helps keep them thriving.
Bookstore Recommendations for Online Exploration
While nothing replaces the tactile experience of visiting a bookstore in person, many independent and specialty stores now offer online shopping. Some provide curated subscription boxes, rare book searches, or virtual events. Recommended online-friendly bookstores include:
- Powell’s City of Books Online: Offers used and new books, with worldwide shipping.
- Strand Bookstore Online: Known for rare books and signed editions.
- Word Bookstore Online: Provides a curated selection of contemporary fiction and nonfiction.
- Book Depository: Features free worldwide shipping and a broad international catalog.
These platforms allow readers to access unique selections even when traveling is not possible.
The Emotional Value of Visiting Bookstores
Beyond the books themselves, visiting a bookstore can have emotional and psychological benefits. Wandering among shelves encourages mindfulness, creativity, and curiosity. Bookstores often serve as safe, comforting spaces where readers can reflect, relax, and be inspired. For many, they are places of nostalgia, sparking memories of childhood reading experiences, school libraries, or a first love of literature.
Bookstores also nurture a sense of belonging. Being part of a community of readers, participating in book clubs, or attending author talks can foster meaningful connections. For aspiring writers, bookstores are an environment where imagination and ambition are encouraged, making them spaces of both inspiration and action.
The Enduring Magic of Bookstores
Bookstore recommendations are more than just lists of places to buy books. They are gateways to literary experiences, cultural exploration, and personal discovery. Whether you visit iconic international stores like Shakespeare & Company, Ler Devagar, or El Ateneo Grand Splendid, or explore local independent shops, the act of browsing, discovering, and connecting with books is irreplaceable.
By seeking out these spaces, you engage with literature in a way that goes beyond reading alone. You immerse yourself in community, history, aesthetics, and inspiration. In a world that often prioritizes speed and convenience, bookstores remind us to slow down, to savor stories, and to appreciate the tactile joy of books.
No matter where you are in the world, there is likely a bookstore that will surprise, delight, and inspire you. From rare finds and independent gems to specialty shops and literary landmarks, these bookstores ensure that the magic of books remains alive and accessible for generations of readers to come.
