Top 10 Most Beautiful Bookstores Around the World

The Livraria Lello bookstore, once the Chadron library in the late 19th century, is now one of the most iconic landmarks in Portugal. This bookstore is known for its stunning architecture, with spiraling staircases and intricate wood carvings, seamlessly blending the wall paneling with ornate columns. Additionally, its colorful stained-glass doors and skylight, bearing the name of its founder, add to its charm. Visiting Livraria Lello is like stepping into a warm and majestic cathedral, exuding a classic and reverent atmosphere.

Bart's Books is known globally as the largest outdoor bookstore in the world. Visitors here can enjoy reading books while basking in the fresh air, surrounded by nature’s beauty, offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Founded in 1964 by Richard Bartinsdale, the bookstore began as an outdoor shelf for trading and selling second-hand books. Today, it houses approximately one million books, featuring works by famous authors from around the globe. Patrons can also unwind with leisure activities, offering a perfect escape from daily stresses.

Shakespeare & Company is not just a place to buy and sell books but also a beloved sanctuary for writers and artists from around the world. As poet W.B. Yeats once wrote: "I must lie in a place where the steps begin, Where the heart is full of scattered fragments and bones.”

Founded in 1951 by American bookseller George Whitman, Shakespeare & Company passed into the hands of his daughter, Sylvia, after his death in 2011. The bookstore has long been a gathering place for poets and authors, fostering cultural exchange and artistic collaboration.

El Péndulo offers a serene escape from the heat of Mexico's bustling streets, with its lush greenery and unique layout. Visitors can stroll through the corridors, browse the shelves, or ascend to the second floor to relax and enjoy live music. In 2013, El Péndulo marked its 20th anniversary by giving away 1,000 free books to lucky guests as part of a special celebration.

Librairie Avant-Garde, often called the "most beautiful bookstore in China," was once a bomb shelter. The bookstore’s pathways are marked by yellow lines, guiding visitors through a vast 4,000-square-meter space beneath the Wutaishan Stadium. One of its standout features is a replica of Rodin's iconic 'The Thinker,' placed beside a money box made from old books, surrounded by towering columns etched with famous literary texts.

Corso Como was founded in 1991 by Carla Sozzani, former editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia. She cleverly designed a space that combines a bookstore with a fashion boutique, café, hotel, and garden, creating a unique cultural destination. This harmonious blend of architecture, fashion, and entertainment has made it a major attraction for visitors from all over the world.

Honesty Bookshop is considered an ideal stop for travelers passing through Hay-on-Wye, especially for those with a passion for literature and the arts. This unique bookstore is made up of over 30 small bookshops that stretch along the narrow streets of the Welsh town.

Visitors can enjoy browsing books, reading, and admiring the ancient, dignified ruins of medieval history. All proceeds from the book sales go toward the preservation and conservation of these historic landmarks.

Polare Bookstore was founded in 2006 by architects Merkx and Girod within a Dominican church complex that dates back to the 13th century. Often referred to as a "temple" of books, this space offers a sacred, almost religious experience for readers.

However, in the digital age, the rise of online book sales has led to a decline in foot traffic to Polare. Yet, for the people of the Netherlands, Polare remains a source of pride and is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

El Ateneo is a bookstore that embodies the essence of art and theater, blending romantic inspiration with literature. Originally built as Teatro Grand Splendid in 1919, it became a cinema in 1929 before being transformed into the bookstore it is today. What makes El Ateneo so captivating is its artistic design, which reflects a deep philosophical expression of creative inspiration.

With its elegant architectural details and intricate carvings, El Ateneo truly deserves its place among the most beautiful bookstores in the world today.

The unique feature that has made Libreria Acqua Alta world-famous is that it is located right on the water. Situated next to a canal in Venice, the bookstore has to raise its books higher during the seasonal floods to prevent them from getting soaked. Visitors and tourists are always fascinated by this unusual setup and often take photos to capture the memory of this one-of-a-kind bookstore.