1 / 8El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires | Originally a lavish theatre from 1919, which later became a cinema, this venue now ranks among the most stunning bookstores worldwide. Adorned with original frescoes, grand balconies, and housing over 120,000 books, El Ateneo invites visitors to indulge under a ceiling once enjoyed by tango enthusiasts or savor coffee on a stage that once pulsated with performance. (Image source: Reuters)
2 / 8Peter Harrington, London | Emerging from a humble stall in Chelsea Antiques Market in 1969 to a celebrated antiquarian bookstore, Peter Harrington has evolved remarkably. Now established in elegant London townhouses filled to the brim with rare and vintage books, a knowledgeable staff ensures collecting feels accessible rather than daunting. (Image source: Official website)
3 / 8Shakespeare and Company, Paris | Established in 1951 on the Left Bank, this iconic English-language bookstore continues the legacy of its predecessor, founded by Sylvia Beach. Nestled in a maze-like 17th-century building, its shelves have been the backdrop for readings by literary legends, and it remains a haven for writers who find sanctuary among its books, honoring the store’s unique “tumbleweed” tradition. (Image source: Official website)
4 / 8The Strand, New York City | Established in 1927 when Fourth Avenue was known as Book Row, The Strand stands as the last remaining bookstore from that era. Family-owned and operated, it features 18 miles of new, used, and rare books, along with bargain carts outside and the famous “books by the foot” service that transforms literature into decorative elements. (Image source: Instagram)
5 / 8City Lights Bookstore, San Francisco | Founded in 1953, City Lights was the first bookstore to feature all-paperback offerings, designed to make books accessible to all. It quickly transformed into a literary hub and later embraced publishing—most notably releasing Allen Ginsberg’s Howl, a pivotal moment in its cultural impact. (Image source: Official website)
6 / 8Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice | Established in 2004, this Venetian bookstore employs whimsical flood protection methods, using bathtubs, plastic containers, and even a gondola to store its books. The result is an enchanting space that feels wonderfully chaotic, shaped by the city’s waterways and its own rich narrative. (Image source: Official website)
7 / 8Powell’s City of Books, Portland | Renowned as the largest independent bookstore globally, Powell’s occupies an entire city block. Founded in 1970 as a family business, it merges new, used, and rare books within one expansive location, earning the moniker of a city made entirely of bookshelves. (Image source: Official website)
8 / 8Livraria Lello, Porto | Opened in 1906, this bookstore is renowned for its timeless beauty and magnificent staircase. Designed by architect Xavier Esteves, it has gained such popularity that entry now requires a ticket. (Image source: Official website)
