We all know the beauty of turning the pages of a good book. Perhaps even better is the beauty of a good bookshop. In a digital age where independent bookshops seem to be shrinking, they are especially now something important to support.
In this list I’ve selected some of the most beautiful bookshops in Europe, each one of them unique in their own way. Some small, some big, some modern, and some old.
Livraria Lello | Porto
Small but exquisitely formed, Livraria Lello in Porto is how you imagine a bookshop would look like in fairy tales. It’s housed in a beautiful historical building with a sweeping wooden staircase that takes centre stage. Boasting unique architecture that blends elements of Neo-Gothic, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau styles the craftsmanship that has gone into creating this bookshop is no surprise why it’s commonly listed as the most beautiful bookshop in the world.
The place was also a regular haunt for J.K.Rowling when she lived in the city whilst writing the first book in the Harry Potter series. For this reason, it has been immortalised into literary history.
Read more → Livraria Lello In Porto: Not Your Average Bookstore
Daunts | London
Cărturești Carusel, Bucharest
Opened in 2015, Cărturești Carusel has fast become recognised for its startling beauty after adorning popularity across Instagram. Located in a stunning 19th-century building which has been elegantly restored after the building became abandoned after the fall of the Communist regime. As for the collection, well you could easily whittle away hours by exploring its six floors that are home to 10,000 books, as well as a bistro on the top floor – because we all know how well books and coffee together!
For more information about this incredible bookshop, hop over to travel blogger Cheryl Howard’s blog and read about her visit.
Shakespeare and Company | Paris
Possibly the most famous bookshop in Europe. The reason being its frequent visitors who were among the most important writers of their time. Generations of notable literary patrons have frequented the early 17th century building overlooking the south side of the Notre Dame, from Voltaire to Ernest Hemingway. Established by Sylvia Beach in 1919, the current location was opened by George Whitman in 1951 and today, Shakespeare and Company is run by his daughter, who continues the bookstore’s tradition of providing a welcoming retreat for writers and visitors alike. Stop by in the early morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds and browse through thousands of titles – most of which are in English.
Leakey's Bookshop | Inverness
What do you get if you turn a church into a bookshop? You get Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness, often hailed the most beautiful bookshop in Scotland, and quite possibly the UK. Back in 1982, Leakey’s stock was spread out in two small shops in Inverness (a small city in the Scottish Highlands if you’re wondering). Then 1994, they began the process of converting an old Gaelic church into their present business of one huge, magical bookshop. Also, I think I’m noticing a trend – a really beautiful bookshop ought to have a spiral staircase.
Read more → Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness: a Church Full of Books!
Golden Hare Books | Edinburgh
This small bookshop doesn’t have room to stock endless titles, so you can tell a lot of effort is put into carefully selecting which books will take room upon their beautifully arranged shelves. Fiction and nonfiction, poetry, art books and graphic novels are among the selection as well as a little room dedicated to illustrated children’s books.
Ler Devagar | Lisbon
Ler Devagar translates to ‘Read Slowly’ in English and is located at the cool and contemporary LX factory in Alcântara. Built inside an old printing factory with the original iron framework and machinery, and spruced up with a couple cafés, it is often cited as one of the most visually-appealing bookstores in the world. The shop’s hipster location also makes Ler Devagar a site for many events.
Libreria Acqua Alta | Venice
I don’t think there’s another bookshop quite like this pot of gold in Venice. Books appear to flow out of every corner, in fact they have, in some cases, become part of the furniture – specially piled to create steps and chairs. Quirky probably best describes this gorgeous place located only a stone’s throw away from St Mark’s Square, especially when you notice the random boats, and even baths (yes, you read correctly!) filled with books. It’s these little touches that add up to an extremely fun and memorable browsing experience.
Atlantis books | Santorini
This place is the stuff of dreams and has a wonderful backstory as well. In 2004, two Oxford students were on holiday in Santorini, got drunk and decided they wanted to open a bookshop after running low on material to read once they had whittled through what they had brought with them. As might have been expected with most ideas that are coined when drunk, they woke up in the morning and their plan on opening a bookshop in Santorini hadn’t washed away with the waves. Instead they went about turning their dreams into reality. After graduating they filled up a van and drove back along with a couple more friends to help them get started. It was by no means an easy feat, but eventually they also established a small printing press to make the whole operation more financially viable during off peak season.
Unfortunately, I’ve not visited this one myself yet, but I still had to include it in my list. If you want to know more about Atlantic books, Vanity Fair has written a great story about how it came into fruition here.
Cook & Book | Brussels
If you happen to be both a foodie and a book lover, Cook & Book will be nothing short of heaven for you. This huge eccentric bookshop is laid out in nine themed rooms, each with a dining area surrounded by gorgeously arranged bookshelves. One of the rooms contains an entire English section and is decorated as an old-school British Library – other sections include fine arts, music, general fiction, children’s literature, cook books, travel, graphic novels and lifestyle. In addition to its many rooms there is a terrace where you can relax whilst turning the pages or your new purchases. Bliss!
Polare Bookstore | Maastricht
This impressive Maastricht landmark opened its Gothic doors in 2007. Similarly to Leakey’s Bookshop in Inverness, its unique location was the site of a former church, established in 1294. After being in a state of abandonment for over 200 years, and briefly taking home as a bicycle warehouse, the Dutch architectural firm MERKX + GIROD was commissioned to renovate the old church. The impressive finish earned them the 2007 Lensvelt Award for Interior Architecture. As you can see from the photo, MERKX + GIROD preserved the building’s original elements, whilst adopting a minimalist style of the interior design.
Barter Books | Alnwick
Selling second-hand books inside a huge old Victorian railway station in a small Northumberland town, Barter Books is everything you could want from a bookshop. Filled with character, there’s a fire that you can curl up beside with a book, an old fashioned railway style café and endless rows of shelves. Adding a smile to your face are the literary quotes decorating the walls and bookcases, as well as the functioning model railway that runs across of the bookshelves. The only problem is you’ll never want to leave!
Bookabar | Rome
One of the largest art, architecture and design bookstores in the city, Bookabar is situated in Rome’s evocative exhibit complex – the Palazzo Delle Esposizioni. It comprises of three large, airy rooms that could be likened to a contemporary art gallery. Two are devoted to books and magazines, while the third contains a stylish museum store. Next to the bookstore is a café, with a menu inspired by current collections on view at the museum.
Plural Bookshop | Bratislava
If you’re a fan of minimalism, you’ll be impressed by the interior of Plural Bookshops. Visitors begin browsing on ground level and gradually climb the stairs as they head towards the back of the shop which at this point is on an elevated level. You can choose from the selection and then sit, read and relax on the stairs next to the shelves.
As well as visiting for the book collection, this really is a place for design enthusiasts too – by incorporating clever design features this small space manages to fit in a lot whilst still looking incredibly light and airy. And like all great bookshops, there’s even a cafe located at the back.
