The Coziest Bookstores Around The World

These snug bookstores are well worth travelling to! Discover more than 30 of the world's cutest, coziest bookstores.

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Outside Shakespeare and Company in Paris.

Is there anything that rivals a bookstore when it comes to that perfect combination of smooth paper, fragrant coffee, and superb people watching? I think not! Bookstores are such a snug, warm, homey way to settle into a new destination and learn what the locals are reading, drinking, and talking about. They're the perfect spot for when you want a quiet moment, yet also ideal when you want noise, hustle, and bustle. There's no other word for it: Bookstores are cozy.

Some of my best cozy travel memories are set in bookstores, like the rainy day I visited the now-closed Mainly Murder in Cork, Ireland, to get some recommendations for an on-the-road mystery. Or my frequent visits to the Maneno Bookshop in Lilongwe, Malawi, where I gorged on every available Jeffery Deaver thriller to help pass the time during quiet nights on the road. I'm not alone in my love of these cushy, intimate, cheerful spots either. Several of my travel blogging friends feel the exact same way about bookstores and they have kindly shared some of their personal recommendations for the best bookstores around the world.

So go turn on the kettle and get ready to settle in with a hot drink. Here are more than 30 cozy bookstores from around the world to inspire your next travel adventure.

Shakespeare and Co, New York, United States

It feels fitting to begin this list of the world's coziest bookstores with a visit to Shakespeare and Co in New York City's Upper East Side. It checks all the cozy boxes, from a wee little cafe tucked into the front of the building, to having a small but sweet collection of notebooks and novelties, to displaying a beautifully curated offering of books. It also affords budding authors a print-in-store feature, allowing them to create custom books of their choosing, turning their children's stories into a published piece or even simply making personalized custom notebooks. Neat!

Fittingly, this is where I picked up a copy of Isabel Gillies' exceptional book, Cozy, the tome which in a round about way inspired this post!

​~Vanessa

Barnes and Noble in the Pratt Street Power Plant, Baltimore, United States

Photo credit: Daily Adventures of Me

Although it is a chain, Barnes and Noble Booksellers in Baltimore, Maryland is a gloriously unique setting for a bookstore. The bookshelves are built around the remnants of the old Pratt Street Power Plant. Structures from the plant are left in place, probably since the building is on the National Historic Registry, which enhances the bookstore’s charm. The terra cotta and steel Neo-Classical building sits on Pier 4 in the active Inner Harbor. If you get a chance to visit Baltimore, you will want to spend time exploring the stores and restaurants of the Inner Harbor, being sure to include a trip to this Barnes and Noble. It is the perfect spot to read a story to inspire your next trip.

Jamie: The Daily Adventures Of Me

Word on the Water, London, England 

Photo credit: Stephanie Mayo

My favourite cozy bookshop in London is not found in your typical storefront. Word on the Water is a set in an old Dutch boat, with books stacked to the ceiling inside and precariously adrift outside on makeshift shelves, I immediately fell in love with its unique charm. I browsed the dark, wood-accented interior as one of the owners sat in a comfy maroon leather chair in the corner. Whether you’re looking for a one of a kind bookstore or a book about London to read on your travels then Word on the Water, London’s book barge, should be on your list.

Stephanie: The World As I See It

Faulkner House Books, New Orleans, United States

Photo credit: Ashley Hubbard

New Orleans has a charm about it, that's for sure. But, did you know that it is also home to what has been described as America's most charming book store? Faulkner House Books is nestled on the outskirts of Jackson Square and is adorned with adorable blue shutters. What was once the home of William Faulkner, and where he wrote his first novel, is now a sanctuary for fine literature and rare editions and, naturally, William Faulkner novels.
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Ashley: Wild Hearted 

Gibson's Bookstore, Concord, United States

Shopping in Concord, New Hampshire, isn't like most other cities. There are so many fantastic independent shops. The best of all is Gibson's Bookstore. In business since 1898, Gibson's is the largest independent bookstore in northern New England. It's home to a massive kid's section, quirky gifts, a good selection of local authors, and the delightful True Brew Cafe. An indie cafe within an indie bookstore? Love! Gibson's also maintains a busy calendar of events, featuring a book club and a lot of author readings. 

~ Vanessa

Oudemanshuispoort Used Book Market, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Photo credit: Flickr user G. Maybaum under Creative Commons

My favorite place to shop for second-hand books, antique sheet music, old maps and prints in Amsterdam is the Oudemanshuispoort, an almost-secret passage that runs from Oudezijds Achterburgwal to Klovenierburgswal. Part of the University of Amsterdam, the site was originally an entrance into an old people’s retirement home—thus the name: Old Man’s House Passage. In 1602, some 100 old people called it
home. The ancient passageway is lined with 14 large “cabinets,” now filled with the booksellers’ wares. These stalls were even frequented by Vincent van Gogh, looking for inspiration. It’s rumored he discovered here the antique Japanese prints that inspired many of his own paintings. Most of the stalls open Monday-Friday from 11:30-ish to about 6. Cash only.
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Donna: Nomad Women

El Ateno Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Photo credit: Once In A Lifetime Journey

Buenos Aires has more bookstores per capita than anywhere else in the world with around 730. The award for most grandiose goes to El Ateno Grand Splendid. The massive bookstore usually tops the list of the most beautiful in the world and has even become an attraction in Buenos Aires. The structure was originally constructed as a theater in 1919 with the interior design, sculptures and ceiling frescoes being completed by notable artists of that time. So it's more like the Sistine Chapel than Barnes and Noble. After transforming into a cinema in 1925, it metamorphosed into a bookstore in 2000 after the seats were replaced with bookshelves. Don't forget to take a coffee and snack at center stage to snuggle into a new book or partake in some people watching. 

​Mar: Once In A Lifetime Journey

Talk Story Bookstore, Hanapepe, United States 

Photo credit: Trip Advisor

Photo credit: Trip Advisor

Talk Story is the westernmost bookstore in the United States, situated in a small community on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. It's home to new, used, and rare books, vinyl records, collectables, and perhaps the coziest thing that any bookstore can have - a resident cat! Celeste the cat rules the roost at Talk Story and apparently her management style is working, as the store has won numerous awards. Visiting here was a ray of sunshine in what was otherwise a cold, rainy week on Kauai for us.

~Vanessa

Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice, Italy

Photo credit: Our Escape Clause

What’s it like to be in a bookstore that constantly prepares for floods? At Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice, it means being consumed by a cluttered and beautiful interior that is a delight for any bibliophile.

In this cozy bookshop set right up against a canal, books are stored with the idea of keeping them safe from Venice’s high water each year (in Italian, “acqua alta”, hence the name). That means stacks of books in bathtubs… and rowboats… and even in a gondola, in addition to high shelves. And as for the books that do get damaged, or that are outdated and need a second purpose in life? They definitely don’t go to waste: one of Libreria Acqua Alta’s most famous features is the literal staircase of books build on its back porch which, when climbed, gives a beautiful view over one of Venice’s canals!

Kate: Our Escape Clause 

Munro's Books, Victoria, Canada 

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

One of my favourite cozy bookstores is Munro’s Books in Victoria, British Columbia.
 
Founded in 1963 by Jim Munro and Alice Munro, the 2013 Nobel Prize winning short-story writer, this beautiful bookstore is a fixture of downtown Victoria.  One of the reasons I love visiting is the beautiful setting of the store.  It’s housed in a 1909 neo-classical building with a 24-foot coffered ceiling.  What better place to peruse a fabulous selection of all the latest books as well as well-loved classics?
 
Munro’s Books was recognized by National Geographic as the 3rd best bookstore in the world in 2016.

Lesley: Freedom 56 Travel

Brattle Book Shop, Boston, United States

Photo credit: Ashley Hubbard

Every book lover needs to visit one of the oldest and largest used bookstores in the US, established in 1825. Brattle Book Shop is located in Boston and houses three stories of used and rare books including first editions. One of the most endearing things about Brattle Book Shop is the sidewalk sell area. In the large alley directly outside, you'll find rows and rows of used books amongst the common brick buildings in Boston all for very inexpensive prices. ​

​Ashley: Wild Hearted

The Bookstores Of Central Reykjavik, Iceland

Mál og Menning bookstore. Photo credit: http://www.inreykjavik.is

Whether you're recovering from jetlag or just taking a break from sightseeing, Reykjavik's amazing bookstore scene will make your spirits soar. There's no better place to recharge and refuel - and don't be shy about asking for recommendations. Both staff and patrons alike will be happy to point you in the direction of their favourite novel (likely translated into English), as well as great souvenirs, including postcards, bookmarks, and tote bags. 

Here are 4 Icelandic bookstores in Reykjavik not to miss.

Mál og Menning - This huge bookstore has a yummy cafe upstairs that's decorated with local art.

Eymundsson Austurstræti - This Icelandic chain is the closest you'll come to the "big box" bookstore experience you'll find in other countries. Their coffee shops are great places to sit with a few magazines and they have a respectable English-language selection.

Bókin - Part bookstore, part treasure chest, the piles of used books here aren't for claustrophobic travelers. But those who don't mind digging will find a great foreign language selection (along with some books written in Old Norse) and other cool items.

Ida Zimsen - This cute bookstore has great views and (like most Icelandic bookstores) a great cafe as well.

~Vanessa

Skoob Books, London, England

Photo credit: Trip Advisor

Photo credit: Trip Advisor

One of my favourite bookshops that I found was while living in London was undoubtedly Skoob Books located not too far from Russell Square. It has an unbelievable selection of second-hand books that are stacked up in piles on the floor or organised by genre on the shelves. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the friendly staff is always there to help and has a lot of books stored in the back rooms that they can dig out. It also has a lot of academic books which makes it a popular place for students. 

Michael: Books Like This One 

Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, USA

Photo credit: Two Dusty Travelers

Elliott Bay holds a special place in my heart because my book-nerd friends and I always make it our final stop on Independent Bookstore Day (Seattle runs a challenge each April for geeks like us to visit 21 indie bookshops in a single day). The staff helps us celebrate our literary marathon by cheering us on through the colored-streamer finish line, snapping our photos with book-themed props, and even handing out hard-earned jello shots. With our quest complete, I love to disappear into the aisles to read the personalized notes Elliott Bay's passionate booksellers have tagged to their favorite books - their recommendations have led to many a beloved read.

Emily: Two Dusty Travelers

This is a bookstore & Bookbug, Kalamazoo, United States

Photo credit: Jessie Voigts

"This is a bookstore & Bookbug" (yes, that's really it's name!), in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a long-beloved independent bookstore. Comprised of a children's bookstore, cafe/bar, and bookstore, it features plenty of places to sit, discover, read, play (there's a playhouse!), and connect with friends (or a good book) on one of the many couches (there's a wall nook in the YA section). I love the opportunity to hear interesting authors, browse books and quirky gifts, the expertise of the staff to match reader to interesting new books, and a friendly space to hang out, listen to good music, and discover treasures on my own.

Jessie: Wandering Educators

Shakespeare and Synove (Sons), Prague, Czech Republic 

I heard about Prague's Shakespeare and Sons bookstore long before my visit. It's arguably the city's most famous bookstore and it comes highly recommended by all guidebooks. Still, my heart skipped a few beats when I saw it for the first time as I explored the cobblestone streets  of Prague at dusk. Here it was! ​

Shakespeare and Sons was established in 2002 and has a second branch in Berlin (which has a bookstore cafe - with bagels!) While their website and social media is a bit slow to update, it looks like they've hosted plenty of cool events in the past and I think it would be well worth the effort to get in touch and see what's happening while you're in town. They stock a wide selection of English language titles as well as local authors. They also sell cute, store branded cloth shopping bags for a few dollars each and they're the perfect travel souvenir. 

~Vanessa

The book bazaar of Koti, Hyderabad, India.

Photo credit: LBB.com under creative commons licensing

Koti, a small part of Hyderabad, India was a book lover's dream. It used to be home for a huge book bazaar that included grand multi-level book shops, stalls on small side streets, book stalls right on the pedestrian path and even push trolleys. Now the huge stores are still open, but they mainly cater to engineering/medical students. The old stalls used to have an amazing collection of used fiction books that were sold at dirt cheap rates. You could find a treasure there; if you had a few hours to browse through those street stalls, you would have left with a great assortment of cool books!

Priyadarshini: Glorious Sunrise

The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles, United States

Photo credit: The Amateur Traveler

If you a book lover looking for things to do in Los Angeles then check out The Last Bookstore in downtown LA. This is a temple to books that is in a converted bank. The motto of the bookstore is "What are you waiting for? We won't be here forever". But they are making the best of it while they are here. The bookstore has a great collection of new and used books in a spacious and very cool setting. The store has a small stage for events like author events. It holds practically one event a day.  The book store has some great unexpected extras like one of the two vaults in the building is used to house the horror section.

Chris: Amateur Traveler

Page & Panel, Toronto, Canada

Photo credit: Steph Spencer

I’m frequently asked “What’s your favourite place in the world” and people are often taken aback when I respond that it’s the Toronto Reference Library. It’s my happy place for a variety of nerdy reasons, including that it houses my favourite book store.

Page & Panel is a geektastic emporium that is so much fun to browse especially if you love books, comics, or graphic novels. It is a year-round retail outpost of the Toronto Comic Arts Festival and I love that it supports authors and artists. It’s a great place to shop for work by local creators and find memorable souvenirs and gifts.

Steph: A Nerd At Large

The Midtown Scholar, Harrisburg, United States

You need to visit the Midtown Scholar to soothe your soul and fill your heart. THIS is what other bookstores dream of being when they grow up. This independent, vibrant, community-loving, high-end second hand bookstore is actually the gateway to a number of businesses-within-a-business, including a bakery, coffee shop, rare print seller, and art gallery. You could get lost for hours among the stacks as you admire their rare tomes on art history, American art history, and American and world history - they're among the most extensive collections in the United States. 

~Vanessa

Tra Le Righe, Rome, Italy

Photo credit: Marta Correale

Rome has many beautiful bookshops but my favourite is a small, independent one called ‘Tra le Righe’ (literally "In between the lines"), a delight of a place with a welcoming atmosphere and lovely staff. 

It has a good selection of books, some in English, and a gorgeous little café in the back. A cozy room with blue walls and colourful chairs, the café feels like a good friends’ living room:  you can spend hours here using the free wifi, eating cake or reading, all while being lulled by the soft notes of a Beatles album, usually playing in the background!

Marta: Learning Escapes

Unity Books, Wellington, New Zealand

Photo credit: Flickr user R. Feuz

Unity Books is the go to place for trusty cookbooks, New Zealand fiction or the latest bestselling fiction.  

The best thing about Unity is that they support local writers and host events and book launches.  And if you ever have a question about that book with the blue cover and the silver writing - THEY WILL KNOW! 
​
And there are plenty of Wellington Cafes to have a cup of coffee and read a book.

Nicole: Nicole LaBarge Travel Blog

Parnassus Books, Nashville, United States

Photo credit: Trip Advisor

Photo credit: Trip Advisor

Parnassus Books is probably one of the most loved bookstores by locals in Nashville. It is an "independent bookstore for independent people." Parnassus is full of an extensive selection of books and is a great place to get a taste of Nashville in the large selection of books by local authors. One of the more exciting aspects of Parnassus Books is that it is co-owned by well-known and beloved author Ann Patchett - and you can pretty easily get a signed copy of her books! If you're making a quick trip through Nashville and don't have time to visit the original store, you can visit the new smaller version inside the airport. They also have lots of events, special author events, and book signings. 

Ashley: Wild Hearted

Book in Bar, Aix-en-Provence, France

Photo credit: Nadine Maffre

Imagine the perfect French café & merge it with an old English bookstore. Now add in a sprinkling of international books and the quiet hum of people conversing in several languages around you… You’ve just described the Book in Bar.

This café-cum-bookstore in the heart of Aix-en-Provence is a favourite with the locals and a popular hangout spot for ex-pats too. It’s a quiet retreat where you can lose yourself in a good book, get some work done (although there’s no WiFi), or meet up with friends. Books written in over 15 languages line the walls of the two-story bookstore, and there’s a separate section for kids to do some reading too. The old wood paneling and traditional furniture give the space a very cocooning feel, and the selection of teas and coffee will warm you up on a cold winter’s day.
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Nadine: Le Long Weekend

The UK Phone Box Library "Bookstores"

Photo credit: Jessie Wolf

Spread all throughout the UK, phone box libraries, or more accurately book exchanges, are my absolute favourite place to find books. Due to the popularity of the landline telephone, and later the mobile, old fashioned phone boxes became defunct, so what better way to re-purpose them, then to use them as book exchanges?

Many people can spot the iconic British red telephone boxes but not many people know that BT sold many of them (for £1!) to charities and groups for use in a variety of manners. Some house emergency defibrillators and first aid kits and others became home to local history exhibitions. And some filled up with books that anyone can pop in and swap out. The premise is very simple, you leave a book and you take a book. There a wide variety of books in all the boxes I’ve visited as you never know what someone might want to give up. I’ve found some real treasures in these phone boxes.

Some are definitely more well-kept than others but there a great little find in loads of small towns and villages around the country. I’ve visited all of the ones in the Nottinghamshire/Derbyshire areas and you can find maps online of where others are in the country. Beware though some can be difficult to spot or may no longer be there or been re-purposed into something different so don’t be too disappointed if you can’t find one - when you do, I guarantee it’s worth it. The very first was actually set up in Lewisham, London and is still there today so it’s worth a visit if you’re in South East London and want to see the very first phone box library. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

Jessie: The Travel Fairies Blog

Portsmouth Book and Bar, Portsmouth, United States

I discovered this location when it was Portsmouth New Hampshire's Breaking New Grounds, a beloved indie bookstore and I was enraptured with the great selection of books, cool cafe, and funky little touches like poems and drawings on the wall. Now that it's a new business, I'm thrilled that Portsmouth Book and Bar has retained so much of the charm that I love and has expanded to offer even more for customers, including evening music and bar service. To me, this shop is emblematic of just how snug and cozy Portsmouth is as a city - there are so many charming buildings, delightful small businesses, and great nooks and crannies to discover. 

​~Vanessa

Livraria Cultura, São Paulo, Brazil

Photo credit: Bruna Venturinelli

I was an early bookworm. When I was about 10 years old, I had read way more books that most kids about my age. And once a month, my mom and I would go to the Livraria Cultura in São Paulo, Brazil, to buy me a new one.

There were plenty of bookstores near our home, but we would always go to this one because the whole place is a unique experience. As a former theater, the main hall’s raked floor has a few big pillows where customers can read their favorite books. Decoration-wise, the brown shelves, together with the wooden statue of a Chinese dragon flying over the books only make this bookstore even more special.

Bruna: I Heart Brazil 

Matilda Bookshop, Stirling, South Australia

Photo credit: Natalie & Steve Klein

Matilda Bookshop is in Stirling, a leafy village in the Adelaide Hills. The shop’s plain façade hides a store full of wood bookcases that bring to life Matilda’s motto – just beautiful books.

It’s owned and run by locals who know every customer by name. The staff, all avid bookworms, need little encouragement to tell you about their latest favourite read. Any of these things could ‘bring the cozy’, but it’s the book groups and author events they run that does it. These bring people together and what can be better than a community built on its shared love of books?
 
Natalie & Steve: Curious Campers

Tropismes, Brussels, Belgium

Photo credit: Stephanie Mayo

While in Brussels I stumbled upon a lovely bookstore in the Royal St. Hubert’s Gallery which, was built in 1847. Unlike some of the old shops in the Gallery, Tropismes bookstore is only a few decades old. But I was mesmerized by its grandiose interior, mirrored walls reaching up to the ceiling with its stunning stucco design and gilded eagles watching over the books. It still maintains the atmosphere of the old Jazz club that once called this space home. But also gives off the welcoming vibe of a century old library instead of a bookstore.

Stephanie: The World As I See It

The Spanish Library, Montreal, Canada

Welcome to my favourite new (old) spot in Montreal. Librairie Espagnole - The Spanish Library - is indeed a bookstore but you'll have to make your way to the back for their small selection of Spanish magazines, newspapers, and books. The front of the store is filled with fine imported foods, kitchen supplies like paella dishes, beautiful gifts including colourful pottery, and - best of all - a small deli counter. Hey, who says bookstores have to carry nothing but books and only serve coffee!?

The Spanish Library carries cheesy treats like "Murcia al Vino", a red wine soaked goat cheese traditionally served with quince paste, as well as a large selection of fine Iberian ham. They may just make the most luxurious ham and cheese sandwiches in the city. Before you leave, check the counter for a container of freshly made churros. I'll admit that this is one 'bookstore' that's really more like a multi-purpose space these days but the food is too good, the gifts too pretty, and books too unique not to include!

​~Vanessa

The Gutter Bookshop, Dublin, Ireland

Photo credit: Carol Guttery

Oscar Wilde once said that “We’re all in the gutter, but some of us are looking up at the stars”. That quote, and Wilde’s love of literature, are what inspired the name of the Gutter Bookshop. It’s located in the Temple Bar area of Dublin. Dublin is full of great bookshops but the Gutter Bookshop is notable for its airy atmosphere, on-point staff and a well-curated selection of Irish literature, general fiction and kids books. 
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Carol: Wayfaring Views

Bart's Books, Ojai, United States

Photo credit: Trip Advisor

If you love books and a laid-back California vibe, the magical town of Ojai near Ventura, California, is the place for you. And perhaps no other shop says more about the gentle spirit of Ojai than the open-air Bart's Books. Owner Richard Bartinsdale started the ‘store’ in 1964 when his collection of books had grown so large that he built book cases along the sidewalk so that passersby could browse the titles. Coffee cans left on top of the cases started his tradition of selling books via the honor system. Today, browsing Bart's Books is one of the fun and free things to do in Ojai, where the $.35 specials are still available outside, and you can also find rare, out of print first editions, and valuable art books as well.  

Lori: Travlin Mad

Face & Fiction, Missoula, United States

Fact & Fiction in Missoula, Montana, is proof that cozy attracts cozy. It's just one of many delightful independent businesses along Higgins Avenue. Inside, there's a larger-than-expected selection of magazines, including local titles, literary selections, and periodicals, as well as a great children's section, good representation for local authors and topics, and a nice assortment of the usual best sellers. There's a real sense of community here, inside and out. 

~Vanessa

The King's English Bookshop, Salt Lake City, United States

Photo credit: Carol Guttery

The King’s English is hands down the best indy bookstore in Salt Lake City. It doesn’t have the vast scale of Powell's in Portland or the beat poet history of City Lights in SF. But it does offer a cozy setting in an old Victorian home with a brilliant staff and an amazing selection of fiction and kids books. They devote a lot of real estate to staff pics and their suggestions are dead on. They even have a small reading room with a wicker chair perfectly situated next to a sunny window. As a former bookseller myself, I dearly appreciate the warm atmosphere and helpful staff.

Carol: Wayfaring Views

Shakespeare and Company, Paris, France

It seems only fitting that we end this list the same way it began, with a bookstore named for Shakespeare. But this isn't just any ol' bookstore with "Shakespeare" in the name. It is THE bookstore!

Shakespeare and Company of Paris is hardly a hidden gem - it's actually known as the best and the most popular bookstore in the world! But I'm always amazed by how many people go to Paris one, two, even several times and have never heard about it. This bookstore stocks all English books, has an English speaking staff, and has hosted some of the most notable English literary luminaries of our time. And yet it's utterly unpretentious. In fact, you can even live there as a 'Tumbleweed" in exchange for your labor, provided you're willing to sleep in the little alcoves tucked between the stacks. Talk about the ultimate cozy travel dream! ​

The stores motto, Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise, feels equally appropriate as a travel motto as it does a bookstore one.

~Vanessa