Bookstores Off the Beaten Path

For book lovers, bookstores are more than just places to buy books—they are portals into local culture, hidden sanctuaries of quiet charm, and architectural masterpieces in their own right. While many travelers visit iconic bookshops like Shakespeare and Company in Paris or The Last Bookstore in LA, the world is full of lesser-known literary havens that offer an equally enchanting experience.

From a sunlit, whitewashed bookstore on a Greek island to a centuries-old library tucked inside a former monastery, this is your guide to some of the most beautiful, under-the-radar bookstores that every book lover should add to their travel itinerary.


Lory’s Bookstore - Santorini, Greece

Founded by Lory Demetriades, an Italian who fell in love with Santorini’s artistic and literary culture, the bookstore is more than just a place to buy books—it’s a gathering spot for travelers, creatives, and book lovers. The store’s carefully curated selection includes English, Italian, French, and Greek-language books, making it an ideal stop for international visitors.

The atmosphere inside feels warm and personal, with handwritten recommendations, charming decor, and a mix of new and second-hand books. Unlike big commercial bookstores, every book here feels thoughtfully selected, catering to travelers looking for stories that reflect the magic and mythology of Greece.


Livraria Lello – Porto, Portugal

Livraria Lello in Porto is world-famous for its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and curved wooden staircases, but it’s also known for its never-ending tourist crowds. If you want the same aesthetic without the queue, head to Livraria Esperança in Funchal, Madeira.

This hidden literary treasure is known as the “Library That Sells Books” because it has the largest collection of books in Portugal, stacked floor to ceiling in a maze-like layout. Unlike Livraria Lello, there’s no entrance fee and no long lines.

Tip: If you’re still curious about Livraria Lello, visit before 9 AM to avoid the worst crowds or opt for an off-season visit (January-February) when Porto is quieter.


Ler Devagar – Lisbon, Portugal

If you love industrial-chic spaces and oversized bookshelves, Ler Devagar in Lisbon is a dream. Located inside a converted printing factory, this bookstore is filled with towering bookshelves, floating bicycles, and cozy reading corners.

What sets it apart is its blend of books, art, and culture. It’s not just a bookstore, but a creative space where literature, music, and design come together. Grab a book, enjoy a coffee, and explore the surrounding LX Factory, a hub of indie boutiques and cool cafés.

Tip: Don’t miss the hidden speakeasy bar inside LX Factory, where you can enjoy a cocktail in a secret library-themed setting.


Boekhandel Dominicanen – Maastricht, Netherlands

A bookstore inside a 700-year-old Dominican church? Yes, please. Boekhandel Dominicanen is one of the most breathtaking bookstores in the world, blending Gothic architecture with modern bookshop aesthetics. Instead of pews, you’ll find rows of bookshelves beneath soaring vaulted ceilings, and the former altar has been transformed into a café serving excellent coffee.

The bookstore’s collection includes Dutch and English-language books, art books, and local literature, making it a must-visit for both readers and architecture lovers. The best part? Since Maastricht isn’t as crowded as Amsterdam, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Tip: After exploring the bookstore, take a walk along the Maas River and stop at Café Sjiek, a Maastricht institution serving local comfort food and excellent wines.


Eslite Bookstore – Taipei, Taiwan

Eslite is a bookstore-meets-cultural-hub, known for its beautiful wooden interiors, sleek modern design, and 24-hour locations. Unlike most bookstores, Eslite encourages visitors to stay, browse, and read for as long as they like, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a library than a retail space.

One of the most stunning locations is Eslite Songyan, located in a former tobacco factory in Taipei. Here, you’ll find design-forward reading areas, independent publishing stalls, and a curated selection of literature, design books, and magazines.

Tip: Eslite also has a bookstore hotel in Taipei, where guests can sleep surrounded by walls of books, a dream for literary travelers.


Carturesti Carusel – Bucharest, Romania

If bookstores were cathedrals, Carturesti Carusel would be among the grandest. This bright, airy bookstore in the heart of Bucharest features spiraling staircases, white balconies, and endless shelves bathed in natural light. Unlike dark, cozy bookstores, this one feels like a dream in white, making it a must-visit for lovers of design and aesthetics.

Aside from books, the store also hosts art exhibitions, literary events, and a top-floor café where you can sit with a book and a coffee while overlooking the elegant space below.

Tip: After visiting Carturesti Carusel, walk over to Cărturești Verona, a sister bookstore hidden in a 19th-century mansion, complete with a secret garden café.


Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina

If you love historic theaters and grand spaces, Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires will take your breath away. Housed in a former 1920s opera house, this bookstore preserves its original architecture, with golden balconies, frescoed ceilings, and red velvet stage curtains.

What makes this bookstore so special is that it feels like stepping into a forgotten era of grandeur. Instead of seats, there are bookshelves, and the former theater stage has been converted into a café where you can sip coffee while surrounded by history.

Tip: Buenos Aires is home to dozens of hidden bookstores, so if you’re looking for a quieter spot, visit Eterna Cadencia, a charming independent bookstore and café in the Palermo district.