Calling out to all the bookworms in the world! We have something you desperately want. There are places around the world with the ability to teleport you to any fictional world of your choice. We are talking about some of the unique and beautiful bookstores in the world that are no less than a paradise for all book lovers. Visiting a bookstore and browsing through tonnes and tonnes of books to find your next read is a phenomenal activity and these are simply perfect!
8 Most Unique & Beautiful Bookstores In The World
1. Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore, China
This is the Zhongshuge Bookstore in Chongqing, China. All looks are in alphabetical order as per the Chinese alphabet! https://t.co/B09A0tsCuy #bookstore #chinesealphabet #magicalspaces pic.twitter.com/KpaWiQOccq
— Thomas Frey CSP (@ThomasFrey) March 11, 2019
Walking into this 36,000-square-foot unique and beautiful bookstore is like stepping right into a Harry Potter page! This architectural marvel is so pretty with mirrored ceilings, it looks like an infinite loop of libraries when you look up. The showstopper of this library in China is its zigzag staircases, which showcase a plethora of books on the shelves. They even have lampshade-shaped bookshelves— cute, right? An eternity will pass but you will still want to stay here a bit longer.
2. Boekhandel Dominicanen, Netherlands
Boekhandel Dominicanen is where history, architecture and books come together to enlighten you in one of the most magnificent bookstores in the world! This is because the 700-year-old Dominican church houses this distinctive and exquisite bookstore. It was restored as a bookstore in 2006, hence the high arched ceilings and the pretty medieval vibes. It is filled with English and Dutch language books.
3. El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Argentina
Girls don’t want boys, girls want to visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Argentina. pic.twitter.com/5xaYRLLr1Z
— bren ♡ (@debnamslipz) October 17, 2021
You might just declare this unique and beautiful bookstore as one of the most splendid ones in the world! Picture this, a theatre place from 1919 with one of the most gorgeous Beaux-Arts décor, balconies and a stage still intact, filled with over 1,20,000 books all over. That is what this stunning place is all about!
4. Livraria Lello, Portugal
Livraria Lello’s stunning architecture and design are well worth a visit, but the real eye-catcher in this library is the deep, glossy red double helix staircase, which perfectly contrasts with the bookstore’s dark brown colour. You can easily recreate some gothic pictures here or have a fun goth-themed photoshoot! It opened its doors (and staircase) back in 1906 and is usually called by book lovers the Staircase to Heaven.
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5. The Academic Bookstore, Finland
The famous Academic Bookstore. Books glorious books. pic.twitter.com/qagR8swpKO
— Antony Slumbers (@antonyslumbers) October 25, 2018
Enough of neo-Gothic, medieval and historical structures contributing to bookstores. Now, we step into the minimalist and modernist view of a bookstore and the Academic Bookstore is the best one. One of the most unique and beautiful bookstores in the world, it was designed by Alvar Aalto, a renowned Finnish architect. This work is a true masterpiece, with angular glass skylights for ample lighting and greyish-white-coloured walls to not distract the readers from their magical and fictional worlds. What is crazy is that it houses over 4,50,000 books—a dreamland for bibliophiles!
6. El Péndulo, Mexico
This is such a cute bookstore, and by the looks of it, it has everything you need from an ideal bookstore. It also has lush green vines hanging at some corners to give it natural vibes. Small potted plants are all over the bookstore and if you are someone who loves to read a book and do gardening during the afternoons, this place is calling you. Also, there is a cafe here, so sip on that coffee and flick through the thick books.
7. Atlantis Books, Greece
This is one of the dreamiest bookstores in the world. Let’s do a checklist, shall we? It’s set in Santorini, so is the colour bright Santorini blue with white? Yes. Is it set against the glistening ocean of Santorini, hence the spectacular views? Yes. Can you find every kind of book here? Yes! What else could you possibly need, bookworms?
8. The Last Bookstore, United States
Keeping the last for The Last Bookstore! You might have come across many pictures online of this bookstore because of its popular gravity-defying bookshelves. Yes, you read that right! With an area of more than 1,850 square metres, they have created magical tunnels with books. Stepping into this unique bookstore is like opening the magical door of Narnia! Books range from crime thrillers, mysteries, literature, classics and more.
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Here is a list of some of the most unique and beautiful bookstores in the world. Have you visited any of these? Let us know in the comments below!
Every reader ever: ‘I like big books and I cannot lie!’
Cover Image Credits: Instagram/turistaenbuenosaires
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