Many things may vary from city to city, but one thing is for sure: you can always count on bookshops to be treasure troves of knowledge and entertainment. Cherished both as a place to buy reading materials and as a comfy, calm, and coffee-friendly space to relax, the bookstore has become an integral part of modern life. It’s no wonder architects have paid close attention to the potential of these scholastic sanctuaries. Some of the best bookstores offer unique experiences, just upon entering.
Though the sites carry like merchandise, their styles and histories are drastically dissimilar. Some of the shops have taken up residence in refurbished spaces like a spectacular old theatre and even a 13th century Gothic church. Other stores’ designs are completely contemporary, featuring futuristic architecture, bright color palettes, and creative, built-in lounges. Still, some simply put a creative twist on the classic and cozy bookshop aesthetic.
Virtually visit (and curl up in) some of the world’s coolest and most beloved bookstores below.
Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal
Photo credit: Ullises
Photo credit: Vortex Mag
Hangzhou Zhongshuge Bookstore in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Photo credit: Shao Feng
Read more: Unique Bookstore in China Offers Optical Illusion Experience of Endless Halls of Books
Kid’s Republic in Beijing, China
Photo credit: Sako
Read more: Kid’s Republic in Beijing: The Coolest Kids Bookstore
Selexyz Dominicanen Maastricht in Maastrict, Holland
Photo credit: Merkx + Girod
Read more: Old Church Converted into a Modern Bookstore
Shakespeare & Company in Paris, France
Stock Photos from Mo Wu/Shutterstock
Photo credit: Books Combined
9 3/4 Bookstore and Café in Medellín, Colombia
Photo credit: Plasma Nodo
Read more: Colombian Bookstore’s Design Changes as You Explore Its Interior
Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice, Italy
Photo credit: Venezia
Read more: Venice’s Nautical Bookstore Is One of the Most Unique Literary Spots
El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo credit: Ryan Poole
Photo credit: Jorge Láscar
Read more: 100-Year-Old Theatre in Buenos Aires Is Turned Into a Thriving Bookstore
Book and Bed Kyoto in Kyoto, Japan
Photo credit: Book and Bed Kyoto
Read more: Sleep Inside a Comfy Bookshelf at Kyoto’s New Bookstore-Themed Hostel
Cafebrería El Péndulo in Mexico City, Mexico
Photo credit: Sequel Magazine
Cook and Book in Brussels, Belgium
Photo credit: Cook and Book
The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles, California
Photo credit: The Last Bookstore
Rizzoli Bookstore in New York City, New York
Photo credit: Rizzoli Bookstore
Book and Bed Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan
Photo credit: Book and Bed Tokyo
Read more: Bookstore-Themed Tokyo Hotel is a Charming Literary Haven Lined with Shelves of Books
Assouline at the Bauer Hotel in Venice, Italy
Photo credit: Rizzoli Bookstore Press Office
Le Bal des Ardents in Lyon, France
Photo credit: biphop
Photo credit: Le Bal des Ardents
Brattle Bookshop in Boston, Massachusetts
Photo credit: Brattle Bookshop
Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street in London, United Kingdom
Photo credit: Daunt Books
Photo credit: Her Favourite Food