The Best Bookshops in Europe
From the oldest bookshop in London to a shop that overlooks the Aegean sea!
The Story of Art Without Men is out now in paperback! Get your copy – and come along to some exciting talks we have lined up.
To celebrate, I thought I’d get you in the book-buying mood by bringing together some of the best bookshops in Europe. The ways booksellers fit, style, arrange and curate their shops can be just as mind-expanding and imaginative as the books inside. Scroll on for 15 of the best!
1. Hatchards, London
I visit Hatchards on a weekly (or sometimes daily) basis. Floor 3 (the ‘art floor’), complete with a rare books and a gardening section, is run and looked after by the legendary bookseller, Richard. Do always say hi. Him and his team know everything there is to know about books!
If you came to our Christmas Quiz at Hatchards last year, you’ll know that it was founded in 1797, as the oldest bookshop in England. We’re doing it again – mark 26 November in your diaries!
187 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LE
2. Gay’s The Word, London
This gorgeous store is the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop, nestled in the literary heart of Bloomsbury, London.
66 Marchmont Street, London, WC1N 1AB
3. Daunt Books, London
Surely one of the most beautiful bookshops in London, Daunt Books combines Edwardian charm and breathtaking architecture with an expertly curated collection, focusing on travel. It also serves as a lively cultural hub, hosting regular events for book-and-art-lovers alike.
84 Marylebone High St, W1U 4QW
4. Shakespeare & Company, Paris
Shakespeare and Company is more than a shop; it’s a living legend. This Left-bank literary institution has as its motto, "Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise". True to this philosophy, over the last 70-odd years this magical shop has sheltered over 30,000 artists and writers on beds tucked between the bookshelves, in exchange for helping around the shop. They also have a fantastic podcast.
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
5. Richard Booth's Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye
Located in the Welsh town that hosts the iconic Hay Festival, this is the oldest bookshop in the area. Founded by local legend and eccentric Richard Booth (who styled Hay-on-Wye as a Kingdom of Books, with himself as the King), its vast collection spans multiple floors, and you can enjoy your latest read in its cosy cafe.
44 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5AA
6. Topping & Company, Edinburgh
Toppings is filled with towering shelves of carefully selected books, complete with rolling ladders to help you reach the top, plus reading spaces and complimentary tea and coffee. What more could you want!
2 Blenheim Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5JH
7. Livraria Lello, Porto
This gem of a bookstore is often cited as the most beautiful bookshop in the world, and it’s not hard to see why.
R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto
8. Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice
This quirky bookstore is famous for its whimsical decor and unusual display methods, including books stored in bathtubs, boats, and gondolas to protect them from flooding.
C. Longa Santa Maria Formosa 5176b, 30122, Venice VE
9. Atlantis Books, Santorini
It was founded by a group of friends in 2004. Atlantis’s serene setting offers stunning views over the Aegean sea.
Nomikos Conference Centre, Firostefani 847 00, Greece
10. Boekhandel Dominicanen, Maastricht
Have you ever wanted to book-browse whilst wandering through a breathtaking 700-year-old Dominican church? Well, at Boekhandel Dominicanen, you can.
Dominicanerkerkstraat 1, 6211 CZ Maastricht, Netherlands
11. Librería Bardón, Madrid
Founded in 1947, this family-run bookstore specialises in rare and out-of-print books, some dating back to the 15th century. It’s a must-visit for bibliophiles and history enthusiasts alike.
Pl. de San Martín, 3, Centro, 28013 Madrid
12. Open Door Bookshop, Rome
This name of this second-hand bookshop gestures not only to its friendly atmosphere, but also to its owners’ open-minded and curious approach to all things literary. The store is a treasure trove of old, antique and new books.
Via della Lungaretta, 23, 00153 Roma RM
13. Cărturești Carusel, Bucharest
Another contender for the ‘most beautiful bookshop in the world’ title, this six-floor bookstore in the Romanian capital is adorned with balconies and white spiralling staircases. It offers a vast collection of books, a bistro, and an exhibition space.
14. Books Upstairs, Dublin
The interior of Dublin’s oldest independent bookshop is just as enchanting as its iconic blue facade. The carefully curated selection highlights marginalised and underrepresented voices, and it is also a vibrant literary venue hosting an array of launches, readings, and discussions.
15. The American Book Center, Amsterdam
Since 1972, The American Book Center has been a cornerstone of the international literary community in Amsterdam and has remained, in their own words, ‘fiercely independent’.
That’s it from me! Happy GWA’ing. Thank you for reading this Substack. If you think someone else might enjoy this too, please spread the word. If you have any feedback, please comment below. Love, Katy.
My dream holiday itinerary: to visit each of these bookshops with plenty of room in my suitcase to buy a book (or two) in every one!
I’m on my way to Maastricht right now and I’m going to visit boekhandel dominicanen again! It’s a beautiful bookstore