10 Unique European Bookstores
One thing my husband, Lincoln, and I always do in new cities is hunt for the coolest bookstore we can find. Whether we are in Cincinnati or London we can always find a unique spot to settle in and do some shopping. While we prefer used book stores where we can find all kinds of oddities, sometimes we get drawn into shops that take our breath away! If you're anything like us, we highly suggest these 10 unique destinations across Europe. Who knows, maybe you'll find your next favorite novel while awe-struck by gothic architecture, floor-to-ceiling book stacks, or a few fishy friends. Whether shopping in English or looking for a foreign language version of your favorite books, all we know for sure is you'll be enamored with these wicked cool bookish pitstops.
Boekhandel Dominicanen
Maastricht, the Netherlands
Originating as the first Gothic church in the Low Countries in 1261, Boekhandel Dominicanen in Maastricht has served many purposes in its long past. The home of one of the coolest bookstores in Europe was once a horse stable for French revolutionaries in 1794, a snake house, boxing ring, and bicycle shed until 2006 when it was transformed into the remarkable Boekhandel Domincanen. The lower half of the old cathedral was renovated into a retail space while the ceilings showcase the oldest Christian frescos in the Netherlands, painted in 1337. Boekhandel Dominicanen exists in a perfect bubble of gorgeous Dutch history in Maastricht, a city known as a thriving cultural hub littered with forgotten ramparts and a laid back southern charm. Anyone walking in off the street will enjoy shopping for books new and used--just don't forget to look up.
Word on the Water
London, England
Moored on the Regent’s Canal in the Kings Cross neighborhood, Word on the Water is also known as The London Bookbarge. This 100-year-old boat is so stuffed to the gills with books to browse, even the lifeboats serve as bookshelves! While now permanently stationary, Word on the Water was once forced by canal ordinances to move locations every two weeks, making the booksellers load up their huge collections just to unload again elsewhere. After an internal leak caused the boat to nearly sink and thousands of pounds of books to be lost, the unique shop has been allowed to stay permanently docked, meaning it will be easy for you to find among Kings Cross’s beautiful boutiques and delicious eateries. In 2022 the barge was expanded to include a stage area for local musicians performing in Granary Park. Other regular performances include open mic nights, poetry slams, and a series of engaging literary discussions.
Used Book Market in Georges-Brassens
Paris, France
Visiting romantic Paris on a weekend? Booklovers will flock to this open-air used book market in Parc Georges-Brassens. Since 1987, vendors have culminated here to sell second-hand books, vintage maps, and antiques. Held under a historic covered pavilion, over 60 booksellers with individual specialties will gather weekly to tantalize any bibliophile. Finding treasures is not difficult, but just because this is a used bookstore does not mean everything will be cheap. Among thousands of books ranging from a few euros to full sticker price, there are also antiquated tomes worth over 300 euros. Haggling is allowed, but it is recommended that customers do some research into the history of what they wish to purchase before offering an offensively low amount. Located in the Parisian 15th district, visitors can spend hours roaming the stalls and nearby cafes without the hustle and bustle of the city center.
The House of Books
St. Petersburg, Russia
The old Russian capitol of St. Petersburg has some of the most beautiful historic buildings in the entire country, including the Romanov’s Winter Palace and the stunning onion-domed Orthodox Church of the Savior. Nestled into the glorious city on the banks of the Griboyedov Canal, The House of Books is a breathtaking art-nouveau style building with three floors of shelves covering any topic known to man. Also known as Dom Knigi in Russian (a literal translation, but much more fun to say), this palace has continued to be one of the largest bookstores in St. Petersburg since 1939. Once shoppers have worn themselves out with browsing, the building's Singer Café offers beautiful views of the Kazan Cathedral and the neighborhood of Nevsky.
*Please be advised: As of the time of publication, the United States Embassy has issued severe travel warnings for United States citizens visiting Russia.
Armchair Books
Edinburgh, Scotland
Okay, this may be our personal favorite on the list because of our dearest love for Edinburgh, but trust us, you’ll love Armchair Books just as much as we do. Historically, the area known as West Port was the center for bookselling and only a stone’s throw from the Edinburgh castle. Described as “very nearly alphabetized chaos,” Armchair Books is known for its literal floor-to-ceiling collection Patrons must watch their step and remember to duck while weaving through the labyrinthian tunnels of the shop. While other bookstores on this list boast events like book signings and community gatherings, Armchair Books is infamous for its tight spaces. Be sure to bring a friendly smile and some polite apologies for bumping into other shoppers.
Libreria Acqua Alta
Venice, Italy
Literally “The Bookstore of High Water,” this Venice shop has grown accustomed to constant flooding. How can a seller keep their books from floating away? By placing the collection in bath tubs, of course! Or, as is the case in one room, a full size gondola holds books which rise above the tide. To enjoy a beautiful canal view, climb the “fire escape” made of old books and boating materials. Browse through books, maps, and art while finding many of the store’s resident cats. Since 2004, Acqua Alta has been managed proudly by Luigi Frizzo who doesn’t rely on digital catalogs for his merchandise, but rather knows his inventory by heart. This picturesque spot in the heart of art and culture in Italy is a great place for photography, reading, and best of all, petting cats.
The Haunted Bookshop
Cambridge, England
This shop is not for the faint of heart! Tucked away in a darkened alley, the Haunted Bookshop is housed in an 18th century building formerly used for student housing. Masquerading as a cozy collection specializing in children’s and illustrated books, this store has reported supernatural happenings for decades. Several different owners in the past and present have seen apparitions in the basement with no explanation. Even the current owner reports having followed a customer downstairs to find they had disappeared entirely. The ghostly woman wore a long, white gown from the Victorian era and has since been coined The White Lady. Readers beware: enter at your own risk!
Livraria Lello
Porto, Portugal
Since its inception in 1906, Livraria Lello has been known as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. After renovations reinvigorated the original interior, the store is known for its grand staircase in its center. With dark wood and bright red flooring, the staircase leads to the second floor which is lit by a stunning stained-glass sky light. The incredible architecture of Livraria Lello highlights the extravagance of Portugal at the turn of the century and allows visitors to step back in time. Between 1920 and 1950, the store became the leading exporter of literature, being the first to translate the entire works of Shakespeare into Portuguese and sending books to Africa. Livraria Lello is the heart of cultural tourism in downtown Porto.
Atlantis Books
Oia, Santorini Island, Greece
Opened in 2004 by a group of university students from the U.S., England, and Cyprus, Atlantis Books was the first bookstore to open on the island of Santorini. Beginning with an abandoned building and a few bookshelves, the store now focuses on rare and first edition books in a plethora of languages. Pick up a book on Greek Mythology to read on the upstairs terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea. Built inside the ruins of an old captain’s house, the store holds the same white walls and blue roofs familiar to Greece’s island vibes. Who wouldn't love to sit on a Grecian beach with a copy of The Odyssey living their best life like Meryl Streep in Mama Mia? Spending any time at Atlantis Books will remind visitors of Plato’s belief that the volcanic ashes of Santorini hide the hidden city of Atlantis.
Cook & Book
Brussels, Belgium
This bookstore is completely unique from all others on this list by being a fusion of shop and restaurant. Also, it’s the size of an entire warehouse separated into eight different themed sections. Each section has its own cuisine. For example, in the travel section restaurant seating is inside an old Airstream camper van and the kitchen is open in one of the rooms so visitors can browse and watch their food being prepared simultaneously. Both in the children’s section and behind the building are playground sets and interactive train tables making this store fun for the whole family! By taking the bookstore and cafe combo to a whole new level, this original and innovative design and concept makes Cook & Book the most unique bookstore in Europe.
Near, far, wherever you are, tell us about your favorite bookstore! What makes it uniquely special to you? How often do you visit and why? Let us know in the comments and maybe some day we'll be able to share a little joy with you!
