Must-Visit Bookshops in Europe: A Literary Lover's Guide to our favourites
If you’re like most book lovers, a good bookshop is more than just a place to buy something to read. It’s a spot where you can hang out, browse at your own pace, and maybe stumble on a book you didn’t expect. In Europe, many local bookshops aren’t just stores—they’re part of the neighborhood, full of personality and a bit of history. You get that mix of the smell of paper, comfy corners to flip through books, and staff who actually know their stuff.
These shops might not be huge or fancy, but they’re exactly the kind of places where you can slow down and really take in the vibe of a city or town. Whether you’re in a quiet side street or a busy neighborhood, a good bookshop can show you a side of the place you wouldn’t get just by following the usual tourist trail.
For readers who like to combine travel with some time offline, checking out local bookshops is a great way to do it. You’ll find everything from new releases to local authors and unique books you can’t get anywhere else. It’s less about buying tons of books and more about the experience of discovery and enjoying a slower moment in your day.
Here’s a list of some of the best bookshops across Europe where you can do just that — find a great read, relax for a bit, and see the city from a different angle.
Shakespeare and Company – Paris, France: A Parisian Classic with a Story of Its Own
Shakespeare and Company is one of those Paris spots that’s known worldwide—and for good reason. It’s not just a bookstore; it feels like stepping into a piece of literary history. Located in the Latin Quarter, right across from Notre Dame, this place has been welcoming readers and writers since the 1950s. The shelves are packed with new and second-hand books, mostly in English, and the cozy, maze-like layout invites you to slow down and explore.
One of the coolest things about Shakespeare and Company is its tradition of “Tumbleweeds”—aspiring writers and artists who stay in the bookstore in exchange for helping out around the shop and writing a short autobiography. It’s a unique part of the shop’s charm and keeps the creative spirit alive.
Upstairs, there’s a small reading room with views of the Seine and Notre Dame, making it a perfect spot to take a break with a good book. There’s also a café nearby that serves up vegetarian and vegan-friendly snacks, so you can fuel up while you browse.
A couple of things to know: the shop can get busy, especially during weekends and afternoons, so try to visit earlier if you want a quieter experience. Also, photography inside isn’t allowed, which helps keep the atmosphere calm and respectful.
If you’re in the area, combine your visit with a stroll along the Seine or a walk through the Latin Quarter’s winding streets. It’s a great way to soak up the Parisian vibe alongside your book hunt.
How to Get There:
It’s right across the Seine from the Notre Dame Cathedral, making it easy to pair with a stroll along the river. Don’t forget to snap a picture outside the iconic Shakespeare and Company sign!
Libreria Acqua Alta – Venice, Italy: A Bookshop Like No Other
If you’re wandering Venice and love books, Libreria Acqua Alta is a spot that’s worth the detour. It’s tucked away in the quieter Castello district, about a 10-minute walk from the busy Piazza San Marco, which makes it a nice escape from the usual crowds. What really sets it apart? Their unconventional way of storing books—in bathtubs, old gondolas, canoes, even waterproof crates. It’s a creative, slightly chaotic setup that somehow just works, and it feels totally Venetian.
Inside, expect a maze of shelves piled high with books in multiple languages, vintage postcards, quirky prints, and local artworks. It’s perfect for browsing slowly, finding something unexpected, or just soaking in the atmosphere. The shop’s cats often lounge around, making it feel more like someone’s cozy home than a regular bookstore.
A few tips if you visit: the shop can get a bit tight when it’s busy, so if you want a more relaxed experience, try to go early in the day or late afternoon. Also, if you love photography, you’ll want to snap pics of the books stacked in gondolas outside—but inside, photos are discouraged to keep things calm.
Getting there is pretty simple. From Piazza San Marco, it’s an easy 10-minute walk through some quiet side streets away from the main tourist paths. If you’re using public transport, hop on a vaporetto (water bus) Line 1 or 2 and get off at San Zaccaria — the shop is just a short walk from there.
It’s a unique little spot where books meet Venice’s iconic canals and atmosphere, and it’s one of those places you’ll remember long after your trip.
Boekhandel Dominicanen – Maastricht, Netherlands: A Bookshop Inside a Church
If you’re looking for a bookshop that’s truly one of a kind, Boekhandel Dominicanen in Maastricht should be on your list. This bookstore is set inside a stunning former Dominican church from the 13th century, so the first thing that hits you is the incredible gothic architecture—high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and all the history that comes with such a space.
Inside, modern bookshelves and cozy reading corners fit surprisingly well among the ancient stone arches. The mix of old and new creates a quiet, almost reverent atmosphere that makes browsing here feel special. Whether you’re hunting for novels in English or Dutch, or just want to sip coffee while flipping through pages, the little café tucked inside is a great spot to relax.
It’s easy to find, too—just a few minutes’ walk from Maastricht’s main square. After you visit the shop, you can explore the nearby streets filled with cafes, boutiques, and historic charm.
Keep in mind that weekends can get busy, especially with tourists, so if you want a more peaceful experience, try stopping by on a weekday morning or late afternoon. And don’t forget to look up—the architecture is as much a part of the experience as the books themselves.
Lello Bookshop – Porto, Portugal: The Grand Jewel of Porto
Lello Bookshop is one of those places that’s instantly recognizable, thanks to its striking red staircase and detailed woodwork. Located just a short walk from Porto’s city center, it’s often named among the world’s most beautiful bookstores—and for good reason. The stained-glass ceiling and intricate design make stepping inside feel like entering a different world, one that inspired J.K. Rowling while she was writing Harry Potter.
Beyond the stunning architecture, Lello has a solid selection of books in both English and Portuguese, covering everything from local history and culture to art and literature. It’s a great spot to pick up something to deepen your understanding of Porto and Portugal.
Heads up: this place gets busy fast, especially later in the day. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a better chance to soak up the atmosphere, try to arrive early in the morning when it first opens. There’s a small entrance fee, which can be used toward a book purchase if you decide to buy.
If you’re exploring Porto, Lello is worth a visit—not just for book lovers, but for anyone who appreciates beautiful spaces and a bit of local history.
Why Local Bookshops Are Worth a Visit
Buying a book at a local shop is way more than just grabbing something to read. It’s a cool way to get a feel for the place you’re visiting and support small businesses at the same time. Plus, you can find books or goodies that really show off the local vibe—so they make way better souvenirs than the usual tourist stuff.
Places like Shakespeare and Company in Paris, Venice’s quirky Acqua Alta, or Boekhandel Dominicanen in Maastricht aren’t your typical bookstores. They’re spots where you can slow down, explore, and maybe even stumble on something unique you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
If you love books and want something meaningful to take home, popping into these shops is a simple way to make your trip feel a bit more personal—and come away with a little piece of the city.
