Books are portals to places we’ve never been but sometimes, the journey begins before the first page. Around the world, there are extraordinary bookshops that are not just stores, but masterpieces of culture, architecture, and storytelling. These spaces have history whispers from the walls, staircases bend like fantasy worlds, and cafés sit beneath stained-glass windows. Travelers cross oceans just to step inside, breathe the paper-scented air, and discover books they may never find again. Whether set in old churches, theatres, or cliffside caves, these shops prove one truth: for true book lovers, a great bookstore is a destination all on its own.
Below are 20 bookshops worth flying across continents for, each with stories, beauty, and experiences that make readers feel like they belong.
1. Shakespeare & Company – Paris, France
Inside Shakespeare & Company, you feel the spirit of Parisian literature immediately. Writers, dreamers, and artists have been gathering here since the 1950s. The owner George Whitman once let struggling writers sleep inside the shop in exchange for helping with books, a tradition that continues today. What most people remember from their visit are the handwritten notes, the shelves full of old classics, and the small reading room with a lovely view of Notre-Dame. It feels far more than just a bookstore; it’s a peaceful place where stories, writers, and creativity are still valued every single day. Visitors from all over the world come here to enjoy the atmosphere and discover new favourite books. That is why many readers describe it as one of the best bookshops in the world, a place that truly represents the artistic heart of Paris. Don't forget to check their tiny upstairs library and attend poetry nights that still attract young authors and curious minds.
- Crazy find: Handmade poetry books by young writers who stay in the shop
- Fun fact: Over 30,000 authors have slept here as “Tumbleweeds”
2. El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is housed in a 1919 opera house, making it one of the most visually stunning bookstores on Earth. The stage has now been turned into a cosy café, and the old balconies are lined with thousands of books. Soft lighting and the original theatre decorations give the whole place a warm and grand feeling. You can still notice the velvet curtains, the painted ceiling, and the elegant design that once welcomed large theatre crowds. Sitting here with a book feels like being part of a story yourself. As a truly must-visit bookstore globally, it welcomes over a million visitors every year. Spend time wandering each level, soaking in the magic, and maybe enjoy a tango performance inside the shop when lucky.
- Crazy find: Tango-themed photo books found nowhere else
- Fun fact: Performers once used the same stage where the café now stands
3. Powell’s Books – Portland, USA
Powell’s Books is proudly known as the world’s largest independent bookstore, covering an entire city block. Readers receive a map to explore the different colour-coded rooms full of new and used titles. Founded in 1971, the store has become a cultural landmark and a meeting point for Portland’s creative crowd. You will feel of belonging with staff picks and community readings. Its huge Rare Book Room houses first editions that collectors adore. For many travelers, Powell’s is the ultimate stop for finding books you never knew you needed. No wonder people call it one of the iconic bookshops worth flying for — you can easily spend hours here and still not finish exploring.
- Crazy find: First-edition, rare signed copies hidden in the Rare Book Room
- Fun fact: It stocks over one million books at a time
4. Livraria Lello – Porto, Portugal
Livraria Lello is famous for its stunning red staircase and Neo-Gothic style — many believe it inspired J.K. Rowling while she wrote Harry Potter in Porto. Founded in 1906, it feels like stepping into a grand fantasy world, with its stained-glass ceilings and beautifully carved wooden details everywhere you look. Yes, the line outside is usually long — but the moment you enter, you instantly understand the hype. The ticket you buy even turns into a discount coupon if you purchase a book inside. For photographers, book lovers, and fans of magical film settings, this place is a true bucket-list stop. Elegant and artistic, the shop defines world-famous bookstores that make you feel you’re walking inside a novel.
- Crazy find: Limited-edition Harry Potter covers sold only here
- Fun fact: Its famous staircase is said to have inspired Hogwarts
5. The Last Bookstore – Los Angeles, USA
This creative LA bookstore is known for its art installations made from books — a tunnel of novels, book sculptures, and hidden rooms filled with indie sellers. Opened in 2005, it revived interest in physical books during the rise of e-books. It supports secondhand shopping and local artists. The high ceiling and warehouse vibe give it a cinematic look. Many authors hold events here, making it a favorite among the city’s art community. A trip to California feels incomplete without a photo inside the book tunnel. Its playful style makes it one of the top spots for art-loving readers searching for independent bookshops abroad.
- Crazy find: Art books made entirely from recycled materials
- Fun fact: Every year, they rearrange the layout to keep a “mystery maze”
6. Daunt Books – London, UK
Located in a beautiful Edwardian building, Daunt Books has long oak balconies and skylights that let in natural light — perfect for peaceful reading. Founded in 1912, it is known for arranging books by country, which makes travel books feel like an adventure map. You can explore the world through stories before booking flights. It hosts strong cultural events and author evenings. Quiet, refined, and full of charm, Daunt Books represents the elegance of London’s literary past while staying loved today. That is why many travellers see it as a wonderful famous bookshop café substitute even though the vibe comes from its warm reading spaces.
- Crazy find: Travel diaries from explorers of the early 1900s
- Fun fact: Still uses the original Edwardian oak gallery shelves
7. City Lights Bookstore – San Francisco, USA
City Lights was home to the Beat Generation, and writers like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac changed literature here. Founded in 1953, it became the first American bookstore to focus fully on paperbacks. It later published banned poetry, defended free speech in court, and won. Today, it remains an activist bookstore that supports bold, political writing. Its energy is revolutionary and welcoming. Travelers who love literature’s power to change the world call it one of the best bookshops in the world, especially for poetry fans looking for emotion, honesty, and history in one room.
- Crazy find: First banned version of “Howl” by Allen Ginsberg
- Fun fact: First US bookstore to sell only paperbacks in 1953
8. Zhongshuge Bookstore – Shanghai, China
This futuristic bookstore looks like a hall of mirrors — with curved shelves that reflect endlessly, it feels like stepping into a dream. Designed to celebrate imagination, it attracts visitors for its architecture as much as its books. Zhongshuge believes that reading should be a visual journey, not only a quiet activity. Families love its playful children’s spaces. Opened in 2013, it quickly became a modern landmark. Visitors who enjoy design and creativity call it a must-visit bookstore globally during a trip to China. Every corner is photo-worthy, and you leave wanting to read more.
- Crazy find: Children’s books printed in dual languages, only in-store
- Fun fact: Its mirrored design changes visually each season
9. Atlantis Books – Santorini, Greece
Created by travelers in 2004, Atlantis Books sits inside a cliffside cave house overlooking the Aegean Sea. Hand-painted signs, rooftop views, and a selection of international literature make it a dream for tourists and expats. It hosts outdoor film screenings and literary festivals in the summer. The founders simply wanted a good bookstore in Santorini — now it’s a beloved cultural spot. Buying a book here feels like taking home a part of the island’s spirit. It stands proudly among iconic bookshops worth flying for, thanks to its romance and breathtaking location.
- Crazy find: Hand-drawn book covers by artists living on the island
- Fun fact: Founded by two friends during a holiday — never left
10. Boekhandel Dominicanen – Maastricht, Netherlands
This bookstore is built inside a 700-year-old church. Sunlight streams through stained glass as visitors browse books under ancient arches. Once abandoned, the church was transformed into a cultural treasure rather than torn down. Classical music plays softly and creates a peaceful spiritual feeling. A café stands where the choir once sang. The mix of religion, history, and literature makes it incredibly special. Travelers who love architecture and reading say it is one of the world-famous bookstores that feels almost holy.
- Crazy find: Theology books from centuries-old monasteries
- Fun fact: Choir-loft café serves pastries named after saints
11. Bart’s Books – Ojai, USA
Known as the world’s largest outdoor bookstore, Bart’s Books sells books in open air with shelves lining the street. It began in 1964 when the founder placed used books outside his home with a simple honesty box system and the same tradition continues. The sunny weather of Ojai makes browsing outdoors enjoyable all year. It has cozy corners for reading and discovering rare finds. Visitors appreciate how relaxed and community-friendly it feels. Truly an unforgettable stop for lovers of independent bookshops abroad who enjoy fresh air with their stories.
- Crazy find: Sun-bleached paperbacks only sold outdoors
- Fun fact: At night, shelves stay open — you pay through an honesty box!
12. Books Actually – Singapore
This independent bookshop focuses on Southeast Asian writers, giving a strong voice to local literature. Started in 2005, it has helped many young authors publish their first works through its own press. The shop features retro décor, a typewriter collection, and tiny literary souvenirs. Events and book launches keep it active in Singapore’s creative scene. Readers who want to explore the region’s unique storytelling culture will love this place. It has earned a respected place among the must-visit bookstores globally, especially for those who enjoy discovering new voices.
- Crazy find: Experimental mini-fiction in matchbox-sized books
- Fun fact: They run their own micro-press to support local writers
13. Librairie Avant-Garde – Nanjing, China
Built inside a former underground parking lot and bomb shelter, this bookstore feels like a dramatic tunnel full of ideas. Minimalist design and long, quiet aisles give it a calm and mysterious tone. A large Christian cross reminds visitors of the site’s past connection with a nearby church. Students and artists gather here to study and browse thousands of books. Its surprising location and atmosphere make it one of the iconic bookshops worth flying for if you enjoy hidden and unusual spaces.
- Crazy find: Rare books on Chinese modern art hidden in basement rooms
- Fun fact: Built in a former military bunker and parking lot
14. Cook & Book – Brussels, Belgium
This bookshop is divided into themed rooms — dining with books everywhere. Each area is a playful surprise: a flying-book ceiling, a vintage décor space, a music-filled section. Visitors can enjoy tasty meals while surrounded by stories. Opened in 2006, it pushes the idea that books and food are the best companions. Families, kids, and couples love exploring the different zones. The creativity and fun experience make it stand out as a top choice among famous bookshop cafés worldwide.
- Crazy find: Books that match menu themes — including a “dessert novel” shelf
- Fun fact: One room has 1,000+ vinyl records alongside music books
15. Selexyz Dominicanen – Haarlem, Netherlands
Inside another beautifully restored church, this bookstore shows how literature can help preserve heritage. Gothic columns and arches create an incredible atmosphere for browsing. It once won Architectural Digest's award for the most beautiful bookstore in the world. The peaceful feeling attracts tourists who enjoy slow travel. Visitors admire how this world-famous bookstore protects history and culture while promoting reading in a majestic setting.
- Crazy find: Antique religious prints found only in this region
- Fun fact: Saved from demolition purely because readers protested
16. Boekhandel Selexyz Eindhoven – Eindhoven, Netherlands
Known for its modern glass architecture inside a traditional old building, this bookstore creates a striking contrast between old and new. It highlights how innovation and reading can exist together. This design concept has won multiple architectural awards. Readers walk through bright, spacious aisles filled with the latest releases and design books. Because of its creative approach to preserving heritage, travelers view it as one of the best bookshops in the world for design lovers.
- Crazy find: Architecture books signed by Dutch designers
- Fun fact: Famous for its award-winning floating-style staircases
17. Cafebrería El Péndulo – Mexico City, Mexico
A beautiful combination of bookstore and café, El Péndulo feels like a garden thanks to the plants spread across balconies and shelves. Soft music performances make evenings unforgettable. Established in 1993, it has grown into a cultural chain where readers enjoy peace in the middle of a busy city. The atmosphere encourages slow reading and long conversations. Many tourists now list this among the famous bookshop cafés they hope to experience once in a lifetime.
- Crazy find: Spanish editions of cult fantasy novels unavailable outside Mexico
- Fun fact: Green plants are watered by a built-in rain-style system
18. Munro’s Books – Victoria, Canada
Founded in 1963, Munro’s Books is loved for its beautiful setting and well-chosen collection of books. Jim Munro and his wife, Alice Munro who later won the Nobel Prize in Literature opened this cosy store in downtown Victoria. The building has lovely classical-style features and colourful murals that show the four seasons, giving the place a warm and welcoming feel. People enjoy how easy it is to browse and how friendly the atmosphere is. Many visitors say it feels like a calm reading home away from home, which is why it is proudly considered a must-visit bookstore globally for anyone travelling through Canada’s west coast.
- Crazy find: Books personally recommended by Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro
- Fun fact: The mural inside was donated by a local artist who refused payment
19. Boekhandel Hijman Ongerijmd – Arnhem, Netherlands
This independent bookstore has been at the heart of its community for more than 125 years. People come here not only to buy books but also to enjoy poetry readings, author meet-ups, and local cultural events that happen throughout the year. The space feels bright, cheerful, and easy to explore, with staff who love recommending great reads to anyone who asks. There is a strong sense of belonging here, which keeps both locals and travellers coming back. Its warm and personal atmosphere is why many book lovers around the world recognise it as a wonderful example of independent bookshops abroad that truly care about their readers.
- Crazy find: Tiny-press poetry chapbooks from Dutch street poets
- Fun fact: Survived wars and economic crises to stay open 125+ years
20. Akateeminen Kirjakauppa – Helsinki, Finland
Designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto, this bookstore loves natural light — wide-open spaces and clean design make reading feel modern and refreshing. Opened in 1969, it became a meeting point for Finnish writers and intellectuals. Its café is a great spot to enjoy a pastry while reading something new. Visitors admire the calm atmosphere in the heart of the city. Many cultural travelers list it as one of the iconic bookshops worth flying for because of its rich architectural heritage and excellent Nordic literature collection.
- Crazy find: Finnish mythology books with hand-painted covers
- Fun fact: Architect Alvar Aalto designed the lamps to look like daylight
Conclusion
These twenty bookshops show us how beautifully the world celebrates reading. Because the best souvenirs are the ones that keep telling stories long after the journey ends. Every one of them has a tale that has been preserved, created, or reimagined to inspire the next generation of dreamers. They keep the love of print alive in a speedy digital world, delivering calm moments, warm talks, and wonderful shelves filled with adventure. Put a book you brought home in your suitcase if you ever have extra room.
