1 / 8El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires | Once a lavish theatre from 1919, and later a cinema, El Ateneo now ranks as one of the globe’s most stunning bookstores. Its ornate balconies, original frescoes, and a collection of over 120,000 books invite visitors to explore beneath a tango-era ceiling or enjoy coffee on a stage where performances once thrived. (Image source: Reuters)
2 / 8Peter Harrington, London | Starting as a small stall in Chelsea Antiques Market in 1969, this antiquarian bookstore has evolved into a celebrated destination. Its elegant London locations are filled from floor to ceiling with rare and vintage books, guided by a friendly team that encourages a welcoming atmosphere for collectors. (Image source: Official website)
3 / 8Shakespeare and Company, Paris | This iconic English-language bookstore, established in 1951 on Paris’s Left Bank, embodies the spirit of its predecessor founded by Sylvia Beach. Nestled in a 17th-century building, its shelves have borne witness to readings by literary icons and continue to host writers who stay among the books, upholding the store’s unique “tumbleweed” tradition. (Image source: Official website)
4 / 8The Strand, New York City | Established in 1927, The Strand is the only remaining bookstore from the era when Fourth Avenue was known as Book Row. A family-owned establishment, it features 18 miles of new, used, and rare books, alongside bargain carts on the sidewalk and its renowned “books by the foot” service that transforms literature into home décor. (Image source: Instagram)
5 / 8City Lights Bookstore, San Francisco | Founded in 1953, City Lights was the nation’s first all-paperback bookstore, dedicated to making books accessible to all. It quickly turned into a vibrant literary hub and later became a publisher, most notably releasing Allen Ginsberg’s Howl, a pivotal moment in its cultural significance. (Image source: Official website)
6 / 8Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice | Established in 2004, this unique Venetian bookstore safeguards its collection from floods by storing books in bathtubs, plastic bins, and even a gondola. The result is a wonderfully chaotic space where the rising waters have influenced both its layout and local lore. (Image source: Official website)
7 / 8Powell’s City of Books, Portland | Frequently referred to as the largest independent bookstore globally, Powell’s spans an entire city block. Established as a family venture in 1970, it combines new, used, and rare books under one expansive roof, earning its title as a city constructed from shelves. (Image source: Official website)
8 / 8Livraria Lello, Porto | Since its opening in 1906, Livraria Lello has been lauded for its vintage charm and majestic staircase. Designed by architect Xavier Esteves, its popularity has grown so much that visitors are now required to pay for admission. (Image source: Official website)
