📚Rising Nightly - The World's Timelessly Cool Bookstores and Libraries

⭐ Shakespeare and Company (Paris, France)

Nestled along the Seine, this iconic bookstore has been a haven for writers and readers since the 1950s.

With cozy nooks, creaking wooden shelves, and a view of Notre-Dame, it feels like stepping back in time, offering a sense of literary history and charm at every corner.

⭐ Livraria Lello (Porto, Portugal)

Famous for its stunning architecture, this bookstore is a hidden gem with intricate woodwork, a grand winding staircase, and beautiful stained glass.

Often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, it feels like a magical setting straight out of a storybook and even inspired scenes in the Harry Potter series.

⭐ The Last Bookstore (Los Angeles, USA)

Located in a historic bank building, this sprawling bookstore features hidden passageways, book tunnels, and quirky art installations, creating a sense of wonder and exploration.

It’s a paradise for those who love to get lost among the shelves, with new, used, and rare books on offer.

⭐ El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Set inside a former theater, this bookstore retains its ornate balconies, plush theater boxes, and original stage, creating a stunning, elegant space for browsing books.

It’s a blend of culture, history, and literature, offering a truly grand setting to curl up with a good read.

⭐ Word on the Water (London, UK)

A floating bookstore set on a canal boat, offering a curated selection of new and used books, from classics to contemporary works.

It’s a charming, unconventional bookshop that floats along the scenic canals of London, often accompanied by live music and friendly conversation with book lovers.

⭐ Cook & Book (Brussels, Belgium)

A unique bookstore that doubles as a restaurant, with thematic rooms filled with bookshelves and cozy dining areas.

Whether you’re in the mood for a travel guide, a cookbook, or a novel, you can sit down and read while enjoying a meal, making it a perfect spot for leisurely afternoons.

⭐ Boekhandel Dominicanen (Maastricht, Netherlands)

Located inside a converted Gothic church, this bookstore combines modern design with stunning historic architecture.

With vaulted ceilings, ornate arches, and peaceful corners, it’s a serene, awe-inspiring place for book lovers to browse, read, and reflect.

⭐ The Open Book (Wigtown, Scotland)

A hidden gem where visitors can rent out the shop and live the dream of running their own bookstore for a week.

It’s a unique literary experience in Scotland’s National Book Town, inviting book lovers to immerse themselves in the world of bookselling and local culture.

⭐ Daunt Books (London, UK)

Known for its long oak galleries and travel-focused selection, this Edwardian bookstore is a staple for readers who love to explore the world.

The peaceful, old-world charm and neatly arranged books by country make it a perfect escape from the busy streets of London.

⭐ Librairie Avant-Garde (Nanjing, China)

Located in an underground parking garage, this bookstore is known for its minimalist design, long rows of bookshelves, and quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

Often compared to a literary cathedral, it’s a hidden sanctuary for readers looking for peace and inspiration.