Best Bookstores for Back to School
Calling all bookworms, bibliophiles, and anyone who has ever fallen asleep with a novel on their face! Whether you're the type who can't resist the allure of a cozy reading nook or someone who loves the smell of fresh pages, this is for you. As the back-to-school season approaches, there's no better time to stock up on new reads to fuel your mind and imagination. From classic literature to the latest bestsellers, these bookstores offer everything you need to get your book fix, whether you're gearing up for school or just looking to get lost in a good story.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the "Paris of South America," exudes passion, culture, and elegance. Known for its European-style architecture, lively tango music, and bustling café culture, it offers a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair. It's no surprise that Buenos Aires is on this list, as it has more bookstores per person than any other city in the world. Located on Avenida Santa Fe, El Ateneo Grand Splendid occupies a former theatre, preserving the grandeur of its past with opulent balconies, a domed ceiling adorned with frescoes, and a stage that now serves as a café. This bookstore is a visual feast, offering visitors a unique experience where they can browse books while soaking in the luxurious ambiance of a bygone era.
Where to Stay: The Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires is conveniently located in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood, composed of two buildings: a contemporary tower, with 158 newly renovated rooms and suites, and the mansion, a spectacular Louis XIII–style edifice built in 1916, which houses the hotel’s most opulent accommodations. The Cielo Spa is outstanding and the hotel’s restaurant, Elena, is just as popular among guests as it is with locals. The heated pool and surrounding garden are the cherries on top.
Shakespeare and Company
paris, france
Paris, the City of Light, is synonymous with romance, art, and history. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the charming streets of Montmartre, Paris offers an endless array of cultural and historical landmarks, making it a dream destination for travelers worldwide. Standing proudly opposite Notre Dame Cathedral, Shakespeare and Company is not just a bookstore but a living testament to the power of literature. As the first combined English-language bookshop and lending library in Paris, it was crucial in providing access to Anglo-American literature for a post-war population with limited resources. With its cozy nooks and crannies, this literary haven is a beloved spot for book lovers, offering a unique and enriching experience in the heart of Paris.
Where to Stay: Nestled within the Place du Trocadéro, with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and an array of five-star services, the La Reserve Paris Apartments offer travelers a sophisticated experience in the City of Lights. Rémi Tessier's warm-toned, airy interiors exude subtle luxury and feature modernist design by the likes of Andrée Putman, Maxalto, Flos, and Vitra. The Varenna kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances. Discreet, private, and exclusive, this is a place to work, relax, or simply live in indulgent comfort.
Livraria Lello
porto, portugal
Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, is no longer Lisbon's weird cousin. Famous for its scenic Douro River, Porto captivates visitors with its picturesque old town, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere—and of course, it is famous for its port wine, one of Portugal's largest exports. Located near the Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello I, It is consistently named one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. When you first enter, you may think you are walking into a church, not a bookstore - this neo-Gothic gem boasts a striking façade, intricate woodwork, and a grand staircase that seems to float. With its stained glass skylight and art nouveau elements, Livraria Lello offers a magical setting that feels like a fairy tale - P.S. be prepared for crowds of Potter-heads.
Where to Stay: Offering unbeatable panoramas of Porto’s Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this lovely hotel located across the Douro river in the small town of Vila Nova de Gaia is equipped to guarantee the best wine-centric vacation possible. The gastronomic options set the Yeatman a step above the rest and their onsite restaurant had a recent streak of Michelin-star wins. Plus, the hotel is designed so that no matter where you are, may it be the pool, spa, restaurant, or on your private terrace, you can’t escape the magical view..
Word on the Water
London, England
London is a global metropolis and a city of luxury. From the iconic Big Ben to the bustling streets of Camden, London offers an array of options that cater to every type of traveler. Despite being the most famous and popular city in England, it is also the smallest—small but mighty. The London Underground is the oldest underground railway network in the world; you won't know just looking at it. Moored on the Regent's Canal, Word on the Water is a floating bookstore housed in a 1920s Dutch barge. This unique bookstore offers a curated selection of new and second-hand books, with live jazz and poetry readings often enhancing the charming atmosphere. The gentle sway of the canal and the surrounding greenery make this a peaceful and enchanting spot for book lovers.
Where to Stay: The Beaumont is superbly located on a quiet, landscaped square, yet within sight of Selfridges and a few minutes' stroll from the luxury shops on Duke Street, Mount Street, South Audley Street and Bond Street, the green spaces of Grosvenor Square, Berkeley Square and Hyde Park, and Mayfair's many art galleries. Built in 1926, it was formerly known as Macy's, a service and parking station for Selfridge's shoppers. The Beaumont was only reopened as a hotel in 2015, but feels like it has been there for decades, as the art deco decor stays true to the building's 1920's roots.
Libreria Acqua Alta
venice, italy
Venice, the city of canals, is a place of unparalleled beauty and romance. Known for its intricate network of waterways, historic palaces, and vibrant arts scene, Venice offers an enchanting experience that transports visitors to a different era. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Venice, Libreria Acqua Alta is a whimsical bookstore that embraces the city's aquatic nature. Books are displayed in gondolas, bathtubs, and waterproof bins to protect them from frequent flooding. With its charmingly cluttered interior and a back door that opens directly onto a canal, this bookstore is a delightful and quirky escape for readers.
Where to Stay: The elegance and old world glamor of La Serenissima are brought to life at the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, one of Venice’s most lauded properties. Located on Giudecca Island, a five-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square, the Belmond feels like a private oasis, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. The hotel’s opulent interiors are matched by its stunning lagoon views, which showcase the dome of St. Giorgio Maggiore and St. Mark’s Campanile. Rooms are sumptuously outfitted with Italian marble and Murano glass, giving them an aura of timeless elegance. A Michelin-star restaurant and an Olympic-size swimming pool grace the Cipriani’s garden-like grounds, tempting guests to linger on property before venturing off toward the canals.
Atlantis Books
Santorini, greece
Oía, located on the island of Santorini, is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters. This picturesque village offers a serene and idyllic escape, perfect for those seeking beauty and tranquility. Perched on the cliffs of Oía, Atlantis Books is a hidden gem with a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea. This cozy bookstore, founded by friends, is filled with a carefully curated selection of books in multiple languages. The store's charming terrace overlooks the Aegean Sea. Bookshelves swing back to reveal hidden, lofted beds where the shop's workers can sleep. Yellowed pages and shelves fashioned from driftwood, you couldn't get more authentic if you tried – who doesn't love the smell of an old book?
Where to Stay: Eschewing Santorini's white-washed aesthetic, Canaves Oia Epitome makes a striking first impression with its black lava rock facade and smokey accents. A nod to the ancient caldera, the volcanic theme is carried out across the hotel, gracing its lobby, restaurant, and common spaces with a certain atmospheric sultriness. Rooms -- all of which boast private plunge pools and sunset views -- overlook Ammoudi Bay instead of the caldera, giving Epitome a more private feel than some of its neighbors. The center of Oia is about a mile away on foot, but once you walk through the doors of this secluded oasis, you'll be hard pressed to find a reason to leave.
The Last Bookstore
Los angeles, United States
Los Angeles is the world's entertainment capital (and maybe traffic, too). From the iconic Hollywood sign to the bustling streets of downtown, Los Angeles offers a dynamic blend of culture, entertainment, and innovation. Located in a historic bank building in downtown L.A., The Last Bookstore is a sprawling and eclectic space that feels like a labyrinth of literary treasures. With its towering bookshelves, whimsical book sculptures, and cozy reading nooks, this bookstore offers a unique and immersive experience. The mix of new and used books, vinyl records, and art installations makes The Last Bookstore a cultural hotspot for locals and visitors alike.
Where to Stay: If the Beverly Hills Hotel is red-carpet ready, see and be seen, extravagant indulgence, all that glitters is gold (or maybe pink?), then its sister property the Hotel Bel-Air, is its undeniable antithesis: a gated sanctuary where discretion is the only thing standing between you and your palm fringed patio. Allow the Hotel Bel Air to prove every presumption you have about city hotels wrong -- here urban din can be chalked up to resident swans (Hercules, Athena, Chloe and Odette) squabbling on the lake.
Selexyz Dominicanen
Maastricht, Netherlands
Maastricht, a city where history and modernity intertwine beautifully, offers visitors cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant culture. Founded by the Roman Empire, Maastricht is the Netherlands' oldest city and the birthplace of the EURO. Situated in the heart of Maastricht, Selexyz Dominicanen is housed within a stunning 13th-century Dominican church. This bookstore is renowned for its breathtaking Gothic architecture, with high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and ancient frescoes. The juxtaposition of contemporary bookshelves against the historical backdrop creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere, making it a must-visit for bibliophiles and architecture enthusiasts alike. Within the space, there is also a cafe. As a nod to the bookstore's past life, there is a long table shaped like a cross in the eating area, conveniently located where the choir formerly situated itself.
Where to Stay: The Château Neercanne, Set within a beautiful estate, 17th-century Château Neercanne is home to a unique collection of seven suites and two Michelin award-winning restaurants offering distinct dining experiences in a stunning location. Styled from the original guest house and inn, the property has been designed with modern interiors, while honoring the heritage of the original logement architecture.