The 10 Most Amazing Bookstores in the World

 True book lovers go to bookshops when they travel and, even if they do not buy books in other languages, they simply admire them. And if they are lovers of beautiful interiors and buildings, they also pay attention to those. After comprehensive research on popular websites like Tripadvisor, Pinterest and Instagram, we have made a list of the most impressive bookshops in the world.

1. Boekhandel Dominicanen, Maastricht

This store is noteworthy for being in the building of a former Dominican church built in the 13th century. The shop was opened in 2005, after the restoration of the building. It is located in the city’s center, it has unique book editions on offer, and they are spread across three floors of the building. There is also a cafe in the shop.

2. Livraria Lello, Porto

They say that this store inspired J.K. Rowling while she was writing her Harry Potter books. It has already become a landmark in Porto, and everyone who comes to the city is eager to go there. The shop was opened in 1906 and designed by Francisco Xavier Estevez. The building was restored many times, but it has retained its original appearance. There is an entrance fee, but it is refunded when you purchase any books. A very beautiful wooden spiral staircase with carvings on it leads to the second floor. The store is emblazoned with a stained glass window with a "Decus in Labore" inscription, which means "Sense is in work." Another nice feature of the store are the rails, which are used to carry trolleys filled with books.

3. Hatchards, London

Tourists call this place the coziest store in London. But it is also the oldest bookshop in the city. It was opened in 1797, but this building, on Piccadilly Street, has existed since 1820. Oscar Wilde and Queen Charlotte bought books from here. The store occupies six floors filled with books. Each floor is divided into small rooms connected to each other and lined up around the staircase. The interior of the store has been preserved in its 19th century design – furniture, book shelving, panels on the walls, etc.

4. El Ateneo, Buenos Aires

Prepare to admire this building, it deserves it! The store is located inside a former theater. The theater was built in 1919 by the architects Perot and Torres Armengol, and 81 years later, it became a shop. But the scene, balconies, high and painted ceilings, and even the theatrical curtain are preserved. There is a respectful silence in the store, like before a theater performance. On the stage, there is a café. In the boxes, there are small rooms where you can look at books.

5. Livraria Ler Devagar, Lisbon

The name of the store is translated from Portuguese as "Read slowly." This is the coolest and largest bookstore in Lisbon, and is built inside some former manufacturing facilities. The room is filled with books from the floor to the ceiling and they are its main decoration. Also worth paying attention to are the front staircase, the antique printing machines and the sculptures, of which one is a flying bicycle located under the ceiling. The store is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world by Time Magazine and Lonely Planet. Here you can have a cup of coffee, meet friends and attend concerts and other events.

6. Bookabar, Rome

The store was built by the architect Firouz Galdo and covers an area of about 450 m2. This white modern space is often compared to a space station. There are three large departments in the store and they sell books and CDs. The store is located inside the Exhibition Palace but has a separate entrance.

7. Zhonghuge, Hangzhou

The most interesting thing in this store, opened in China, are the optical illusions that create the sensation of an endless labyrinth filled with books. The space inside the store is divided into several sections, each of which invites visitors to get lost in a separate puzzle. Among the sections, there is a reading room with benches for resting, a children's area with attractions, and even a Ferris wheel. An incredible and creative space where you can spend lots of time.

8. Cărturești Carusel, Bucharest

The store is dubbed "the Carousel of Light," because it is bathed in light. It is located in a 19th century building in the Old Town. In this building, there are wonderful openwork rails, beautiful columns and a white interior. People come here not only for the books, but also to drink a cup of coffee and enjoy an amazing atmosphere.

9. Kid's Republic, Beijing

An amazing bookstore that does not leave children or adults unmoved. It revives children's fairy tales. Book shelves here loop and twist, form grottoes, and, in niches, it is possible for them to be arranged comfortably in order to make reading easier. On the second floor of the building, there is a children's playroom with a "wooden" design.

10. Daikanyama T-Site, Tokyo

The store consists of three buildings and six departments, and sells books about everything: travelling, cooking, engineering, architecture and art. There are many books sold in English. A modern and spacious interior that combines black and white synthetic materials with natural wood in its decoration. The lace facade forms a big letter T. The store has a cafe, a stationery store and a tourist center. In this store, you don't just buy a book and go. Instead, you take your time, choose slowly and enjoy reading here.

Of course we did not mention all the beautiful bookshops in the world. Perhaps we will return to this topic and tell you about other buildings worthy of your attention. In the meantime, write to us, in the comments, which bookstores you admired in your travelling experiences.