Unlocking Literary Treasures: Must-Visit Bookshops Around the World
In the age of digital reading, there's something undeniably enchanting about stepping into a traditional bookshop, surrounded by the scent of aging paper and the promise of literary adventures. Bookshelf wealth, as the oldest decorating trick, continues to captivate bibliophiles and travelers alike. Join us as we embark on a literary pilgrimage to some of the world's most extraordinary bookshops, each offering a unique blend of history, charm, and literary allure.
1. Shakespeare and Company - Paris, France
Nestled in the heart of Paris's Left Bank, Shakespeare and Company is more than just a bookstore—it's a literary institution. Founded in 1951 by George Whitman, the shop has welcomed generations of writers, poets, and artists through its doors, including the likes of James Baldwin, Ernest Hemingway, and Allen Ginsberg. Today, visitors can browse the store's extensive collection of English-language books, attend readings and events, and even spend the night in the cozy upstairs quarters known as the "Tumbleweed Hotel."
How to Get There: Shakespeare and Company is located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, just steps away from Notre-Dame Cathedral. The nearest metro station is Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame (Lines 4 and RER B).
2. El Ateneo Grand Splendid - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Housed in a former theater dating back to 1919, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a book lover's paradise in the heart of Buenos Aires. The grandeur of the original theater has been preserved, with ornate balconies, velvet curtains, and a stage that now serves as a café. Visitors can peruse the store's vast collection of books, enjoy a coffee in the opulent surroundings, and even attend concerts and performances held in the theater's atmospheric space.
How to Get There: El Ateneo Grand Splendid is located at Avenida Santa Fe 1860, in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The nearest subway station is Callao (Line D).
3. Atlantis Books - Santorini, Greece
Tucked away in the whitewashed village of Oia on the island of Santorini, Atlantis Books is a hidden gem for book lovers seeking refuge from the sun-soaked beaches. Founded by a group of young bibliophiles in 2004, the shop exudes a laid-back charm, with shelves overflowing with carefully curated titles in multiple languages. Visitors can browse the books while enjoying stunning views of the Aegean Sea from the shop's outdoor terrace.
How to Get There: Atlantis Books is located at Main Marble Street, Oia, Santorini. The village of Oia is easily accessible by bus or taxi from the island's main towns, Fira and Thira.
4. Libreria Acqua Alta - Venice, Italy
In a city known for its canals and gondolas, Libreria Acqua Alta offers a whimsical escape from the crowds of tourists. Housed in a former Venetian palace, the bookstore is famous for its creative displays of books stacked in gondolas, bathtubs, and even a full-size gondola-turned-bookcase. Visitors can navigate the maze of books while enjoying views of the adjacent canal, and may even encounter the shop's resident cats lounging among the shelves.
How to Get There: Libreria Acqua Alta is located at Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa, 5176/B, near the Rialto Bridge in Venice. The nearest vaporetto stop is Rialto (Lines 1 and 2).
In a world of e-readers and digital libraries, the magic of traditional bookshops continues to endure. From the literary haven of Shakespeare and Company in Paris to the theatrical splendor of El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, these enchanting bookshops invite travelers to step into a world of imagination and exploration.
