There is something magical about a bookstore. For hundreds of years, the tall stacks of books, winding mazes of bookcases, and comforting scent of old books have captured our hearts and imaginations and made bookstores an ideal spot to curl up and get lost for hours. Here are 5 gorgeous bookstores from around the world that are perfect places to pick up your next novel.

5 Gorgeous Bookstores From Around the World

Shakespeare and Company

This world-famous Parisian institution is well-known for its historic clientele. Just blocks away from the Seine, there is nowhere more romantic to purchase a classic. Its cramped and cozy atmosphere feel timeless and it’s not hard to imagine bumping into Ernest Hemingway while browsing the endless rows of books.

Livraria Ler Devagar

This large and modern bookstore can be found in a renovated intrustrial textile warehouse in Lisbon, Portugal. Whimsical artistic touches abound so you’ll be entertained by more than just the hardcover selection. And on Sundays it transforms into a market where vendors sell crafts and antiques.

Barter Books

Housed in a Victorian train station in rural England, Barter has been open since 1991 and is one of the largest second-hand bookstores in the world. Bring in your old books to trade in for something newer and give yourself hours to explore their extensive collection.

Cook and Book

If you’ve ever wanted to visit a bookstore that is also a restaurant and is the size of a supermarket, Cook and Book in Belgium is your ideal spot. Each of its 8 rooms is uniquely designed and decorated and has its own attached dining area. Quirky touches like 800 books hanging from the ceiling and a vintage Fiat in the cooking section add to the eclectic atmosphere.

Anteneo Grand Splendid

Next time you find yourself in Buenos Aires, be sure to visit what is quite possibly the only bookstore to be found in an old theater. Each of the original balconies has been retrofitted with rows and rows of bookshelves while the stage has been converted into a restaurant where a pianist serenades diners and readers.

The Last Bookstore

For something a little closer to home, the Last Bookstore in Los Angeles is housed in an old bank building. They have taken care to preserve the original architecture of the building and the marble columns and huge doors create a jaw-dropping backdrop when paging through old classics.

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