Dreamy bookshops I haven't been to........ YET

This article is not about the rich and famous or the most glamorous. It’s about the cute, romantic, and interesting hidden gems … and then a bit more. (OK, I confess did include glamour as well. LOL)

Which one would you pick as:

The most beautiful bookshop in the world

Let us know which one you like most, on our: Travel and Home Facebook Group

Pretty & Cozy

Many years ago I fell in love with the romance of a bookstore, while watching the movie You’ve got mail.

Don’t you just wish The Shop Around the Corner was in your neighborhood? Popping in for Storytime (even as an adult) or just getting lost in a romantic love story or suspense novel…

After all you never know when that special someone might walk through the door. LOL

Yip I know, I am a hopeless romantic. But there is hope. One day I might be able to just tick off a few of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, from my travel bucket-list.

Did you know: The children’s bookstore scenes from the movie You’ve got mail, were filmed at Maya Shaper’s Cheese and Antique Shop at 106 West 69th Street, Upper West Side, Manhattan in New York City. Unfortunately, although it is situated in a beautiful street, it is no longer a cheese or bookshop.

For the love of books and architecture, let’s start with something grand:

My dream? To take a photo on that staircase…

Livraria Lello

Porto, Portugal

Built in 1906 by the engineer Francisco Xavier Esteves, the Livraria Lello bookshop is packed with unique architectural details, including a very grand and impressive staircase.

Visit their website for info on how to get there: Livraria Lello

Cafebrería El Péndulo

Mexico City

The shop in Polanco is considered by many, as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. I must say that the smell of coffee and books is a fabulous combination…

One I would very much like to experience in Mexico. If you’re in the area, you just have to stop here.

Photo with compliments from their Facebook page: Cafebrería El Péndulo

OK, so you might have gathered that I’m not a Megastore kind of girl. I love something unique. I love finding hidden gems, and I simply love smaller intimate, and independently owned bookstores. Therefore my next choice would definitely be something unusual…

Bart's Books

California

I love the combination of outdoor seating and books. Maybe this is why I would love to visit Bart’s Books. To any nature-lover, this might be the most beautiful bookshop in the world.

I saw this one ranked by many websites on the internet as one of the most beautiful bookshops in America.

Check out Bart’s Books on instagram @bartsbooksojai.

They are situated in: 302 West Matilija Street
Ojai, California 93023

Travel Tip(s)

You can get up to $700 compensation per passenger on delayed or canceled flights.

Gordon's Bay, South Africa

There is this secondhand bookstore with a car on its roof. It's situated right on the beach and it's one of those places where you need time to search for books. You never know what you'll find. According to the locals, it's kind of a must-do thing in Gordon's Bay.

My personal treat when I need books around me, but I cannot get to a bookshop or library…?

I do this 3d walk through a converted cathedral in Maastricht, Netherlands.

Wouldn’t it be lovely to take a real walk through a place like this?

Ranked by numerous websites on the internet as the most beautiful bookshop in the word. Visit their website: Boekhandel

Take a 3D - walk through one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world

Boekhandel Dominicanen

Maastricht, Netherlands

Click on the photo (or here) to follow the link:

Visit their Facebook Page: Scrivener’s Books

My list is never-ending. There’s also:

Atlantis Books in Oia, Santorini (with views like that who can go wrong)
Librairie Acqua Alta Bookstore in Venice, Italy (you normally see a photo of a boat in the shop)
The book village called Hay-on-Wye in England (recommended by one of my fellow writers)
And then there is Scrivener’s Books and Bookbinding in Buxton, England (just because it looks so cute on the photos)

However, then I still have a few more ‘book venues’ that I need to visit: The most beautiful libraries around the world.

Oh well, until I am able to travel again, you are welcome to visit them on my behalf. LOL Remember to send us photos on Facebook.

By, Jo-Anne Naude

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Jo-Anne believes that a well-prepared traveler is a happy traveler. With a focus on providing practical, detailed guides, Jo-Anne’s articles are packed with all the essential information you need before embarking on your next adventure, making your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul journey, her insights will help you make the most of every trip.