In Rome, a city that feels like an open-air museum, Spazio Sette is a hidden gem nestled between Torre Argentina and Campo de’ Fiori, redefining the concept of a bookstore. Housed within Palazzo Cavallerini Lazzaroni, a 17th-century palace, this venue blends the grandeur of baroque architecture with the spirit of a modern library. Upon entering, the vast frescoed ceilings and ornate arches create the sensation of wandering through a museum as you browse the bookshelves. Spanning three floors, the space is not limited to books—it is also a meeting point for design objects and art.
Open since 1906 in Porto, Livraria Lello is considered one of the world’s most iconic and most photographed bookstores. With its neo-Gothic façade and the striking red spiral staircase that greets you inside, it feels more like a work of art than a bookstore. While it is widely believed that J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from its magical atmosphere when creating the Harry Potter universe, Lello’s true value lies in its preserved historic character and the light filtering through its stained-glass ceiling.
In the historic town of Alnwick in Northumberland, Barter Books stands as one of the world’s most iconic literary stops. Housed in a converted train station, it is not only one of Europe’s largest second-hand bookstores but also evokes the feeling of stepping into a time machine. As you wander among its towering shelves, the sound of model trains moving along tracks above enhances the sense of being inside a classic English novel. By the fireplace—arguably the heart of the space—you can settle into rustic armchairs and immerse yourself in the spirit of literary greats. For both collectors and curious travelers, Barter Books is a rare and unforgettable destination.
Named after a poem by W.B. Yeats, The Winding Stair has been one of Dublin’s intellectual landmarks since the 1970s and remains one of the city’s oldest surviving independent bookstores. Its aura is immediately captivating. The ground floor features a curated selection of new books alongside a second-hand section at the back, all set within a nostalgic atmosphere shaped by the building’s historic character.
One of its most distinctive features is the view from its tables overlooking the iconic Ha’Penny Bridge. The restaurant upstairs, with its seasonally changing menu highlighting traditional Irish cuisine and an extensive wine list, seamlessly merges literary pleasure with gastronomy.
Trident Booksellers and Cafe – Boston, USA
Located on Boston’s well-known Newbury Street, Trident Booksellers and Cafe has been a cultural staple since 1984. Defying the tides of digitalization, this family-run venue is not just a bookstore but also a restaurant serving all-day breakfast, known for its award-winning kitchen and warm atmosphere. One of its most charming features is the way the scent of freshly prepared food drifts through the aisles of books.
With its spacious two-story layout, comfortable seating, and vibrant energy, it serves as a gathering point for students, writers, locals, and tourists alike. Especially popular on weekends for its all-day breakfast menu, there are few pleasures greater than enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and a delicious sandwich while getting lost in the pages of a newly purchased book.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina
