Being an avid reader, bookshops are always in my travel itinerary, especially if I’m traveling abroad. I could spend hours in a bookstore, they are my happy place. Sometimes, I even keep myself from entering because otherwise I’ll mess up the travel plan for the day… Thanks to Instagram and Pinterest, I’ve discovered plenty of unique and beautiful bookstores around the world that don’t appear on your average travel guide and which combine endless rows of books and incredible decor. Can we ask for more? On this post I’m sharing 3 beautiful bookshops you must visit in Europe and 3 more that I can’t wait to see with my own eyes.
Without further ado, let’s check out some of Europe’s best bookstores.
MADRID – Cuesta de Moyano
Old books to buy from tiny wooden shops. It doesn’t get much cooler than that, right? If you walk past the Botanic Gardens, you will find this cute vintage book market on Cuesta de Moyano. It is easy to find because it’s very close to Retiro park and Atocha train station. If you like those iconic booksellers along the Seine in Paris, you are going to love this hidden gem.
This is a permanent book fair and it’s open from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Google Maps
Read Secret Places in Madrid you Need to Know About
Read about The Most Instagrammable Places in Madrid
Oh, and there is much more than books, there’s also an impressive cacti exhibit!
Image above via Pinterest
After visiting Shakespeare and Co., I recommend you stop by the beautiful restaurant Au Vieux Paris -pictured below- which is just 5 minutes away.
Read My Complete Travel Guide to Paris
ON MY BUCKET LIST…
- Daunt Books, Marylebone in London, England. It’s considered one of the most instagrammable bookshops in London.
- Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal. This bookshop is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling when she was writing the Harry Potter series.
- Carturesti Carusel in Bucharest, Romania. Located in a restored old bank building from the early 1900’s.
I hope you enjoyed this post and that you’ll help me discover new unique bookshops too! Do you know any other ones that I should add to my list?
GET THE LOOK
Like this post? Pin and share it!
these bookstores all look really unique and special. Book stores and shops are definitely my happy place too. I'm a bookworm myself. Thanks for sharing.
What a neat idea! When we were in Tbilisi in the Republic of Georgia there were many book vendors on the streets. But I usually do not think to visit bookstores. I may need to remedy that! That bookstore in Paris looks really worth the visit!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Fabulous! I was in Zwolle, in the Netherlands, recently and there was a lovely bookshop + restaurant in an old church.
I'm a book lover, but have mostly transitioned to e-reader books. They take up so much less space. But your photos made me feel a bit nostalgic for the smell of books in a bookstore.
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2019/04/somethings-squirrely-on-april-fools-day.html
Wow the book shop in Venice looks so unique! What fabulous and unique pieces!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
I am obsessing over these book stores! Such a great idea!
I could get lost in these little bookshops for hours. They really look beautiful and a must visit.
Those places look so neat and rich in history of books. I like the colorful pics.
Oh I love this so much. I can spend HOURS in a used book store (or any book store really.) I love those book steps! http://www.thedarlingdahlia.com
Bookstores are my favorite, especially the small, older ones. I would love to go there!
I love book stores and have gone to many on my travels.
I LOVE this! I have been to a couple but I want to see them all. I'll PIN for later – great post xx Maria
https://www.passionfruitpawsandpeonies.com
I really do wish I knew about these cute little bookshops before I visited! However I have the one in Paris on my list for sure for my next visit! Thanks for finding these little gems Cristina!
Great choices. Shakespeare & Co and Acquaria LIbrerio Acqua Alta are two of my favourites too. I'm always on the hunt for good bookshops – I could spend hours in them. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles
I have spent many a happy day wandering around Shakespeare and Co, but kicking myself I have never been to Libreria Acqua Alta. What a beauty. I can vouch for Daunt Books – it's a must-visit for booklovers in London – I also recommend Hatchards on Piccadilly and John Sandoe in Chelsea. #farawayflies
I haven't visited any of these but they are gorgeous. I'm smitten with the one in Venice. I have been to Livraria Lello which is beautiful but very busy. #farawayfiles
What finds, thanks so much for sharing these!
I considered stopping by Shakespeare & Co last time I was in Paris, but I was afraid it was a tourist trap. Glad to see another recommend. Maybe next time I go to Paris, I'll make a point of visiting. 🙂
The bookshop in Venice looks really awesome. I love that book wall!
With Love,
Mandy
I love this list! I remember when I lived in Sarajevo, one of the first things I did when I moved was tried to find a place to buy books! Happy travels! Saw your blog though the blog hop 🙂
I wish I had known about these places when I traveled Europe several years ago. I am a fan of reading and bookstores are a nice way to stop and slow down. My family and I are traveling to Portugal this Summer and also visiting Porto, I'll make sure to visit the bookstore you listed!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
That Venice bookshop looks so cool! Lovely shots.
WOW! Those bookstores are amazing, especially the 2nd and 3rd one!
Oh wow what awesome bookshops! They look like a great place for a browse and are so pretty in the photos too! 🙂
Hope you have a good start to your week 🙂 Thank you so much for joining the #weekdayWearLinkUp 🙂
Away From The Blue
This is wonderful. The Venice book shop looks fabulous I'm a huge bookstore fan too and always seek them out when travelling. If you are in London I can highly recommend Daunt Books, its my absolute favourite. Hay on Wye is fun too as its absolutely full of bookstores #farawayfiles
Thanks, Mireille! I'd love to visit Georgia some day.
I don't think I can change to e-readers. I just love the feel of books and turning pages… But I also think they are great for taking less space and being lighter!
I agree, it's so unique!
Thanks, Clair!
Me too, I find them so special!
Thanks!
Me too! I could pretty much live in a library 🙂
oh yes, those are so charming!
Any cool ones you can recommend?
Glad you like it, Ivana. What's your favorite book?
There are many tourists at Shakespear and Co but it's still a nice place to visit 🙂
Thanks for stopping by! Glad you liked the post!
Porto is so beautiful, Maureen! You are going to love it
Thanks!
It means a lot to me that you like it, Maria!
I'd love to visit the Netherlands!
These are sooo adorable indeed! Thanks a lot for sharing dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Aren't they dreamy?
You are very welcome! I hope you get to see them soon
Oh me too, Clare!
Thanks for the recommendations, Scarlett! I'll be sure to check them out next time I'm in London
Thanks for stopping by, Trish!
You are welcome!
Thanks for stopping by, Mica! Looking forward to the next linkup 🙂
Thanks a lot, Jess!
Thanks for the recommendation, Angie! I will check it out.
These all look amazing! Shakespeare & Co. has always been on my list. Can't believe I still haven't made it to Paris!