Historic Bookstores: Bookstores have always been more than just a place to buy books. They’re havens for dreamers, sanctuaries for thinkers, and quiet escapes for wanderers. But some bookstores have gone beyond their role as literary spaces—they’ve become icons, attracting tourists from all around the world. These historic bookstores have stories to tell not just through the books they sell but through the walls, shelves, and aisles themselves.
In this article, we’re going to take a literary journey through some of the most historic bookstores that became tourist destinations, blending history, culture, and charm. So, if you’re a book lover or a traveler with a taste for quirky landmarks, buckle up—we’re turning the page on an epic adventure.
1. Shakespeare and Company—Paris, France
This is probably the most famous bookstore on Earth—and for good reason. Perched on the Left Bank of the Seine, right across from Notre-Dame, Shakespeare and Company is a literary legend. Originally opened in 1919 by Sylvia Beach, the original store was a hub for expat writers like Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Ezra Pound.
Today’s incarnation, opened by George Whitman in 1951, maintains the bohemian vibe. Writers and travelers are still allowed to stay overnight in exchange for helping out. Yep, you can literally sleep among the books!
2. El Ateneo Grand Splendid—Buenos Aires, Argentina
Step inside El Ateneo Grand Splendid, and you’ll feel like you’ve walked into an opera house—and that’s because you have. Once a grand theater, it’s now considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
The original architecture is breathtaking. Think crimson stage curtains, ornate balconies, and frescoed ceilings—all lovingly preserved. The stage now serves as a reading area, and the boxes are perfect for curling up with a book.
3. Livraria Lello—Porto, Portugal
Livraria Lello is often referred to as the most beautiful bookstore in the world. And once you step inside, you’ll understand why. Its neo-Gothic façade is just the beginning. Inside, there’s a stained glass skylight, intricate wood carvings, and a majestic red staircase that spirals like a cinnamon twist.
Rumor has it that J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from Lello while writing Harry Potter during her time in Porto. Whether that’s true or not, this place feels straight out of a fantasy novel.
4. The Strand—New York City, USA
“18 miles of books.” That’s the slogan of The Strand, and yes, they’re serious. This iconic New York bookstore has been around since 1927 and is a paradise for anyone who gets a high from the scent of old paper.
Located near Union Square, it attracts tourists, writers, students, and celebrities alike. The Strand offers a wide range of items, from rare first editions to quirky book-themed gifts.
5. City Lights Bookstore—San Francisco, USA
Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, City Lights became the beating heart of the Beat Generation. It’s not just a bookstore; it’s a symbol of rebellion, poetry, and intellectual freedom.
It’s where Allen Ginsberg’s Howl was first published—and faced an obscenity trial. Today, it’s still fiercely independent, politically active, and stacked with thought-provoking reads.
6. Daunt Books—London, UK
Walk into Daunt Books in Marylebone, and you might think you’ve wandered into a gentleman’s library from another era. Specializing in travel literature, this Edwardian-style bookstore is organized by country—so you can find novels, guidebooks, and memoirs about, say, Japan, all in one place.
The oak galleries, stained glass windows, and skylights make it a serene and timeless spot for book lovers and curious travelers alike.
7. Atlantis Books—Santorini, Greece
What could be more dreamy than a bookstore perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea? Atlantis Books, founded by a group of friends who fell in love with Santorini, is a slice of paradise for literature lovers.
Its hand-painted signs, whitewashed walls, and cozy nooks are perfect for hiding from the midday sun. Plus, the view? Absolute magic.
8. Leakey’s Bookshop—Inverness, Scotland
Housed in an old Gaelic church, Leakey’s Bookshop is straight out of a fairy tale. With stained-glass windows, spiral staircases, and rows upon rows of second-hand books, it feels like a Hogwarts common room.
And when it gets chilly (which it often does in Scotland), there’s a wood-burning stove to warm your hands while you browse.
9. Boekhandel Dominicanen—Maastricht, Netherlands
Imagine browsing books in a 13th-century Gothic church. That’s what Boekhandel Dominicanen offers. Once an abandoned religious site, it’s now a sacred space for readers.
Vaulted ceilings, ancient columns, and a modern, multi-story book display create a unique blend of old and new. It’s not just a bookstore—it’s a pilgrimage for the soul.
10. Bart’s Books—Ojai, California, USA
Claiming to be the largest outdoor bookstore in the world, Bart’s Books is an open-air book haven in sunny California. Bookshelves line the outside walls of the store, and customers can buy books even after hours by dropping coins into a box—on the honor system!
Inside, you’ll find rare titles, vintage editions, and a laid-back, artsy vibe that perfectly suits Ojai.
11. Powell’s City of Books—Portland, Oregon, USA
Covering an entire city block and boasting over a million books, Powell’s is the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. It’s so big they give you a map when you walk in!
You’ll find everything here—from first editions to zines and even a rare book room for collectors. It’s a must-visit for any bookworm visiting Portland.
12. Cook & Book—Brussels, Belgium
This bookstore is part bookstore, part restaurant, and all parts amazing. Cook & Book features multiple themed rooms—one looks like a 1950s diner, another like a music store. You can eat gourmet food while you read, and every room feels like a new adventure.
It’s a place where foodies and book lovers unite—and it’s wildly Instagrammable, too.
13. John K. King Used & Rare Books—Detroit, USA
Tucked away in an old glove factory, John K. King Books is a hidden gem with four floors of books—nearly a million of them. It’s a labyrinth of shelves and literary surprises.
Collectors from all over the world come here to dig through the chaos in search of out-of-print gems and rare editions. It’s a book hunter’s dream come true.
14. Cafebrería El Péndulo—Mexico City, Mexico
What do you get when you combine a bookstore, a library, and a jungle-themed café? Cafebrería El Péndulo, of course. With lush greenery, art installations, and towering shelves, this bookstore is a feast for all the senses.
It’s the perfect spot to sip a coffee, munch on chilaquiles, and get lost in a good book.
15. Selexyz Bookstore—Maastricht, Netherlands
Yes, the Netherlands gets two entries—and deservedly so. Selexyz, also called Bookstore Dominicanen, reclaims sacred space for sacred texts. Think chandeliers, modern bookcases that complement ancient walls, and a café tucked behind the altar.
Even non-readers fall in love with this architectural marvel.
Why These Bookstores Matter
Sure, you can buy a book online in seconds. But these bookstores offer something the internet never can: experience. They are spaces where culture, history, architecture, and community intersect.
They invite you to slow down, look around, and connect—not just with words on a page, but with the world around you.
These aren’t just places where books are sold. They’re where stories come to life—literally and metaphorically.
In Conclusion, If you’re the kind of person who gets goosebumps walking into a library, imagine stepping into a theater-turned-bookstore or sleeping among first editions in Paris. These historic bookstores that became tourist destinations aren’t just for bibliophiles—they’re for anyone who loves stories, beauty, and a little bit of magic.
So next time you’re planning a trip, maybe skip the generic souvenir shop. Instead, find the nearest historic bookstore. You’ll come home with a story worth telling—and probably a few books, too.
FAQs About Historic Bookstores
1. Why are historic bookstores considered tourist destinations?
Because they combine literature, architecture, and culture, creating unique and immersive experiences that go beyond shopping.
2. Are these bookstores still functioning as traditional bookstores?
Absolutely! While some double as cafés or museums, they all primarily sell books and often host events, signings, and readings.
3. Do I need tickets or reservations to visit these famous bookstores?
Most are free to enter, though some, like Livraria Lello in Porto, charge a small entrance fee that can be credited toward a purchase.
4. Can I buy rare or first-edition books in these stores?
Yes! Many historic bookstores have rare book sections or entire departments dedicated to collectors.
5. What’s the best time to visit these bookstores to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings are usually the quietest. Tourist hotspots like The Strand or Livraria Lello can get very crowded during weekends or holidays.
