Independent bookstores offer much more than just shelves of books – they provide unique experiences that capture the heart and soul of their communities. From hidden literary gems tucked away in historic buildings to architectural wonders housing rare collections, these special places make reading magical. Pack your bags and book your flights because these 19 independent bookstores around the world are worth every mile of your journey.
1. Shakespeare and Company (Paris, France)
Nestled along the Seine River with a view of Notre-Dame, this legendary English-language bookshop has been a haven for writers since 1951. The charming store features floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, hidden nooks, and typewriters for visitors to use.
Aspiring writers can even stay overnight as “Tumbleweeds” in exchange for helping around the shop and reading a book per day. The spirit of literary Paris lives within these walls, where countless famous authors have found inspiration.
2. Livraria Lello (Porto, Portugal)
Crimson staircases wind through this architectural marvel that reportedly inspired J.K. Rowling during her time in Porto. Founded in 1906, the neo-Gothic façade gives way to stunning wood carvings, stained glass ceilings, and the famous red spiral staircase that seems to float in mid-air.
Books in multiple languages fill ornate shelves beneath a breathtaking stained-glass skylight. The small entrance fee is redeemable against purchase, making this literary wonderland both a visual and literary feast.
3. El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Once a grand theater, this breathtaking bookstore preserves its theatrical glory with frescoed ceilings, ornate carvings, and red stage curtains. The former theater boxes now serve as intimate reading nooks where visitors can browse in style.
The stage has transformed into a charming café where you can sip coffee surrounded by literary treasures. Original details like the caryatids and gold leaf remain intact, creating a shopping experience that feels like stepping into another era of Argentine cultural history.
4. Powell’s City of Books (Portland, Oregon)
Occupying an entire city block, this book lover’s paradise houses over a million volumes across nine color-coded rooms. New and used books share shelf space, creating unexpected discoveries as you wander through the labyrinthine store.
Maps guide visitors through different sections spanning multiple floors. The rare book room showcases literary treasures for serious collectors, while the coffee shop provides the perfect spot to plan your next reading adventure. Many locals consider Powell’s not just a bookstore but a Portland institution.
5. Boekhandel Dominicanen (Maastricht, Netherlands)
Housed in a 13th-century Dominican church, this bookstore marries Gothic architecture with modern literary culture. Soaring stone columns and vaulted ceilings create a cathedral-like atmosphere for bibliophiles browsing thousands of titles.
A sleek black multi-level structure houses books without disturbing the original architecture. The choir area now hosts a café where readers can enjoy coffee beneath centuries-old frescoes. The building’s transformation from sacred space to literary sanctuary perfectly preserves its historical significance while creating a uniquely peaceful shopping experience.
6. Strand Book Store (New York City, USA)
Famous for its claim of “18 Miles of Books,” this Greenwich Village institution has been family-owned since 1927. Towering shelves filled with new, used, and rare books create a treasure hunt atmosphere for literary explorers.
The rare book room upstairs showcases first editions and signed copies for serious collectors. Iconic red tote bags and knowledgeable staff add to the authentic New York experience. Weather permitting, the outdoor book carts offer budget-friendly finds that have launched countless personal libraries for generations of New Yorkers.
7. Atlantis Books (Santorini, Greece)
Carved into the cliffside of Oia, this whimsical bookshop offers literary treasures with breathtaking Aegean Sea views. Founded by friends in 2004, the cave-like space features handmade bookshelves, colorful decorations, and a terrace perfect for sunset reading.
First editions mingle with paperbacks in multiple languages. Handwritten notes from staff offer personal recommendations throughout the store. The shop hosts readings and small literary festivals, creating a vibrant cultural hub on the island where writers and readers from around the world connect over their shared love of books.
8. Libreria Acqua Alta (Venice, Italy)
Books stored in gondolas, bathtubs, and even a full-sized boat protect the precious inventory from Venice’s notorious flooding. Self-proclaimed as “the most beautiful bookshop in the world,” this chaotic yet charming store is a labyrinth of literary treasures.
Cats roam freely among the stacks, adding to the quirky atmosphere. The back courtyard features a staircase made entirely of damaged books, offering views over a quiet canal. Owner Luigi Frizzo has created not just a bookstore but a whimsical art installation celebrating Venice’s unique relationship with water and literature.
9. Daunt Books Marylebone (London, UK)
Housed in an Edwardian building with an impressive two-story galleried main room topped by a stunning stained-glass window. This travel-focused bookshop organizes its collection by country rather than genre, creating a unique browsing experience that feels like planning a journey.
Oak balconies and long oak galleries create a warm, scholarly atmosphere. The store specializes in travel literature but also carries excellent fiction and non-fiction selections. Founded in 1990 by James Daunt, the shop’s thoughtful organization and beautiful setting have made it a beloved London literary landmark.
10. Cafebrería El Péndulo (Mexico City, Mexico)
Part bookstore, part café, part jungle – this Mexico City gem combines literary pursuits with lush greenery hanging from wooden balconies. Plants cascade from the second floor, creating a verdant reading environment unlike any other bookstore.
Live music often fills the space during evening hours. The excellent café serves traditional Mexican dishes alongside perfect reading companions like coffee and pastries. Multiple locations exist throughout the city, but the Polanco branch remains the most spectacular with its combination of natural elements and thoughtfully curated book selection.
11. Zhongshuge Bookstore (Chengdu, China)
Mirrored ceilings and curved bookshelves create an optical illusion of infinite books in this architectural marvel. Designed by X+Living, the space transforms book shopping into an immersive art experience that plays with perception and space.
Children’s areas feature whimsical panda-themed reading spaces honoring Chengdu’s famous residents. The store’s dramatic use of light, reflection, and curved lines makes it as much an Instagram destination as a literary one. Despite its modern design, the store maintains a reverent atmosphere that celebrates China’s deep literary traditions.
12. Barter Books (Alnwick, UK)
Housed in a Victorian railway station, this second-hand bookshop features original waiting rooms now filled with comfortable chairs and working fireplaces. Model trains chug along tracks installed near the ceiling, adding playful charm to this literary haven.
The “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster was rediscovered and popularized here. Visitors can trade in their own books for store credit, continuing the barter tradition that gives the shop its name. During winter months, the roaring fires and cozy reading nooks make this possibly the most comfortable bookstore in Britain.
13. Ler Devagar (Lisbon, Portugal)
A giant flying bicycle hangs from the ceiling of this former printing factory turned literary wonderland. The name means “Read Slowly” – perfect advice for exploring this multi-level industrial space filled with books, art installations, and a café.
White walls contrast with colorful book spines creating a gallery-like atmosphere. Located within the LX Factory, a creative hub in a revitalized industrial area, the store hosts regular cultural events. The combination of industrial architecture, artistic elements, and carefully selected books makes browsing here a multi-sensory experience.
14. Bart’s Books (Ojai, California)
America’s largest outdoor bookstore began in 1964 when Richard Bartinsdale’s collection outgrew his home. He built bookshelves facing the street so neighbors could browse and leave payment in coffee cans – a system still partially in use today.
Pathways wind through garden-like settings with books protected from the elements by roofed alcoves. Specializing in art books, cookbooks and classics, the store’s outdoor setting creates a uniquely Californian literary experience. The central courtyard features citrus trees providing shade for readers enjoying the perfect Southern California climate.
15. Munro’s Books (Victoria, Canada)
Founded by Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro and her husband in 1963, this bookstore occupies a former bank designed in the Neo-Classical style. Soaring ceilings, impressive columns, and custom-made tapestries create a space that feels like a literary temple.
The magnificent building in Victoria’s Old Town features original architectural details preserved during conversion. Staff expertise is legendary, with personalized recommendations that keep locals returning. The store maintains a perfect balance between bestsellers and literary treasures, reflecting the founder’s own literary sensibilities and commitment to quality writing.
16. Carturesti Carusel (Bucharest, Romania)
Six floors of literary wonder spiral around a central atrium in this restored 19th-century bank building. The name translates to “Carousel of Light,” perfectly capturing the airy, bright atmosphere created by the white interior and central skylight.
The top floor houses a bistro where readers can relax after book hunting. Art galleries and media spaces complement the book selection, making this a cultural center as much as a bookstore. The dramatic spiral staircases and minimalist white design create countless photo opportunities, but the thoughtfully curated book selection remains the true star.
17. Parnassus Books (Nashville, Tennessee)
Co-owned by novelist Ann Patchett, this independent bookstore proves that new bookshops can still thrive in the digital age. Named after Mount Parnassus of Greek mythology where literature, music and poetry were celebrated, the store embodies Nashville’s creative spirit.
Shop dogs greet customers, adding to the homey atmosphere. Author events regularly feature major literary names thanks to Patchett’s connections. The carefully curated selection reflects literary excellence rather than just commercial appeal, and staff recommendations often highlight overlooked gems and local authors alongside bestsellers.
18. Topping & Company Booksellers (Bath, UK)
Georgian elegance meets bibliophile heaven in this shop featuring rolling library ladders and complimentary tea served in bone china cups while you browse. The store occupies a beautiful building in historic Bath, with original architectural features complementing custom-made wooden bookshelves.
Author events occur almost nightly in the intimate setting. Each book comes wrapped in a protective plastic cover – a small touch showing their reverence for books. The combination of exceptional service, beautiful surroundings, and literary expertise has made this family-owned business a destination for book lovers throughout the UK.
19. Gertrude & Alice (Sydney, Australia)
Named after literary legends Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, this cozy Bondi Beach bookstore combines Australian beach culture with serious literary credentials. Mismatched vintage furniture creates inviting reading nooks among shelves packed with new, used, and rare books.
The excellent café serves locally-sourced food and coffee. Beach-goers mix with writers and intellectuals in this unpretentious literary salon. The carefully selected inventory focuses on quality literature, philosophy, and arts, creating a cultural hub that feels worlds away from the nearby surf despite being just steps from Australia’s most famous beach.
