There’s something undeniably special about stepping into a bookstore or library in a new city. No matter where you are in the world, they all technically offer the same thing – books – but somehow, each one feels completely different. Some are grand and architectural, others quiet and intimate. Some feel like museums, while others feel like hidden neighbourhood gems.
Over the years, I’ve made it a point to visit bookstores and libraries whenever I travel. They’ve become some of my favourite “slow travel” moments; places to pause, wander, and soak in a city in a completely different way. Without further ado, here are a few of the most memorable ones I’ve visited (plus a couple that are firmly on my list).
Livraria Lello — Porto, Portugal
Often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, this one truly feels like stepping into a fairytale. With its dramatic red staircase, stained glass ceiling, and intricate woodwork, it’s easy to see why it’s become such a global attraction, and why it’s frequently ranked among the world’s most iconic bookstores.
What to know before you go:
- Entry fee: ~€5–€8 (redeemable against a book)
- It’s very busy and can feel quite cramped while you’re inside
- Expect lines (booking ahead will allow you to secure your timeslot)
My take:
It’s absolutely stunning, but also very much a tourist experience. It’s worth visiting once for the architecture alone, but go in with tempered expectations if you’re hoping for a quiet, leisurely browse.
Daunt Books — London, England
A complete contrast to Porto’s grandeur, this shop is small, curated, and incredibly charming. Specializing in travel books, maps, and destination-based reads, it feels like a bookstore designed for wanderers.
What to know:
- Entry: Free
- Focus: Travel literature, guidebooks, and niche finds
- Location: Tucked into the charming Marylebone neighbourhood
My take:
This is the kind of place you pop into “just for a minute” and end up staying for an hour. It feels personal, thoughtful, and very London. A must-visit, in my opinion!
Biblioteca Vasconcelos — Mexico City, Mexico
This is not your typical library, but rather an architectural “museum” experience. Often referred to as the “megabiblioteca,” it’s massive, futuristic, and filled with floating bookshelves that seem suspended in mid-air. The design is very impressive! If you want more Mexico City recommendations, check out this blog!
What to know:
- Entry: Free
- Size: ~38,000 square metres (Wikipedia)
- Highlights: Open-air garden, central whale skeleton installation
My take:
This one genuinely stopped me in my tracks. It feels more like an art installation than a library. It’s quiet, surreal, and incredibly inspiring. It’s worth the trek out to see it!
El Ateneo Grand Splendid — Buenos Aires, Argentina
This is a bookstore nestled inside a former theatre. Originally built as a performance space, it still retains its stage, balconies, and ornate ceiling. Today, the stage is a café, and the theatre boxes are filled with books. My kind of venue!
What to know:
- Entry: Free
- Built: Early 1900s (was converted to bookstore in 2000)
- Often ranked among the most beautiful bookstores globally
My take:
It’s dramatic in the best way. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth visiting just to sit on the old stage and take it all in.
Trinity College Library — Dublin, Ireland
Home to the famous “Long Room,” this is the kind of library that feels straight out of a movie. Think towering wooden shelves, arched ceilings, and the scent of centuries-old books.
What to know:
- Entry: ~€15–€20 (includes Book of Kells exhibition)
- Houses over 200,000 historic books
My take:
Quietly breathtaking. It’s less about browsing and more about experiencing history. Want to explore Ireland like a local? Here’s a blog to get you started!
New York Public Library — New York City, USA
A classic, and for good reason. With its grand reading rooms, chandeliers, and painted ceilings, it’s one of the most iconic libraries in the world, and a staple of New York culture.
What to know:
- Entry: Free
- Famous for: Architecture + film appearances
- Multiple branches, but the main one is on Fifth Avenue
My take:
It feels cinematic in the best way. Even a quick visit makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
If you’re someone who loves interiors, storytelling, or simply slowing down while you travel, bookstores and libraries are such an underrated way to experience a place. They’re not just about books – they’re about atmosphere and culture, and each one offers a completely different kind of magic.
Safe travels book worms,
Linnea
