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Lose Yourself In These Breathtaking Images Of The World's Most Iconic Bookstores

Wanderlust worthy - by Isobel Larkin
  • 08 May 2020

For literary lovers, there is truly no greater pleasure in life than an afternoon spent curled up in a chair with a book... Soaking up the knowledge and stories contained within, all the while, inhaling the antiquated scent of precious historic editions or taking in the crisp fragrance of newly published reads.

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Although we're now living in the digital age, the intrigue of a hardcopy publication will never be lost. There is nothing quite like turning the pages of an excellent read, drinking in the words and monitoring your progress by the movement of your bookmark.

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As important as the books are the stores who safeguard them until they're taken to their new homes to be devoured.

Below, we've rounded up nine of the world's most iconic independent bookstores.

Shakespeare & Company, Paris, France

Arguably the world's most famous independent bookstore, Shakespeare & Company has served not just as a shop but also as a library and even a place to sleep for writers willing to trade some time working in the establishment over the years.

Shakespeare & Company, Paris, France

Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice, Italy

This one-of-a-kind bookstore is named 'high water bookshop' in Italian referencing the extreme flooding Venice experiences each year. In addition to high shelves, a variety of imaginative storage options including bathtubs, rowboats, canoes and a gondola are tasked with keeping the books safe from water damage. The store also features stairs fashioned from books with a sign imploring visitors to climb to the top and be rewarded with a magnificent view of Venice's famous canals.

Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice, Italy

Livraria Lello, Porto, Portugal

Livraria Lello is not only one of the world's oldest bookstores, it is also regarded as one of the most impressive. Built in 1906, it features an enchanting blend of neo-Gothic and art nouveau design elements including a fairytale-esque forked spiral staircase. It will come as no surprise to learn it's one of author JK Rowling's favourite bookstores and is said to have served as inspiration for the  Flourish and Blotts magical bookstore in Harry Potter.

Livraria Lello, Porto, Portugal

Word on the Water, London, United Kingdom

This quirky floating bookstore is homed inside a 1920s Dutch barge. In past years, it moved along Regent's Canal but it's now permanently docked by Granary Square in King’s Cross. If you time your visit to Word on the Water right, you might even be treated to a live jazz performance.

Word On The Water, London, United Kingdom

Powell’s City of Books, Portland, United States

Claiming the title of being the largest used and new bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books occupies an entire city block in Portland, Oregon. No matter how niche your topic of interest is, you're likely to find something within the labyrinth of books on display here.

Powell’s City Of Books, Portland, United States

Polare Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands

If you're searching for the world's most beautiful bookstore, Polare Maastricht, formerly known as Selexyz Dominicanen, may very well be it. Housed inside a Dominican church dating back to 1294 A.D, this 700-year-old architectural wonder is an absolute feast for the eyes.

Polare Maastricht, Maastricht, Holland, Netherlands

El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina

As the name would suggest, this incredible bookstore is a cavernous trove of literary splendour. Originally designed by architects Peró and Torres Armengol as the Gran Splendid theatre and cinema, today the space is inhabited by an incredible bookshop preserving the original features of the building.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Daunt Books Marylebone, London, United Kingdom

Occupying a former Edwardian bookshop built in 1910, Daunt Books Marylebone boasts exquisite oak galleries stacked with a dizzying array of fiction and non-fiction books. A magnificent arched window and ornate skylight flood the store with sunlight. When you visit, ensure you pickup one of the iconic Daunt Books canvas book bags on your way out. 

Daunt Books Marylebone, London, United Kingdom

The Strand, New York City, United States

New York City's most celebrated bookshop, the Strand has been home to new, used and rare books since 1927. Stacked to the roof with wares, the store promises '18 miles of books' for customers to pore over. 

The Strand, New York City, United States

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Isobel Larkin
Isobel Larkin
Isobel is a Digital Content Editor at BEAUTYcrew, marie claire and InStyle. She's completely obsessed with skincare and when she's not hunting for the latest news, you’ll find her arranging her product collection in search of the perfect “shelfie.”

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