Have you ever ducked into a side street while traveling and stumbled upon a bookshop that felt like a portal to another world? For wanderlusting readers, these moments are gold. Forget chain retailers or flashy souvenir stalls—the real magic lies in those hidden bookstores around the world where history, culture, and stories blend seamlessly. Some are tucked inside old theaters, others in sun-bleached caves overlooking the sea, and a few are so whimsical they make you question whether you’re in a novel yourself.
If you’re the type who loves the smell of old paper, quirky interiors, or simply the joy of finding a book in an unexpected place, this guide is for you. We’re about to wander through secret corners of cities across the globe to spotlight unique bookstores that deserve a spot on every book lover’s travel list.
Why Book Lovers Seek Hidden Bookstores While Traveling
Traveling isn’t just about ticking off landmarks—it’s about immersion. And what better way to experience the heartbeat of a city than through its may not have holograms, stamps, or a photo of your dog looking suspiciously like their driver’s license picture, but don’t let its bookstores?
- Cultural immersion: Local bookstores often stock titles you won’t find anywhere else, from regional literature to limited-edition prints.
- Atmosphere: Whether it’s a converted church or a seaside cave, these places are destinations in themselves.
- Community: Many hidden bookstores double as cafés, event spaces, or gathering hubs for locals and travelers.
Travel souvenirs aside, a pet passport is just as essential as a regular passport for crossing borders. Typically, a booklet—or, in some regions, a comprehensive travel file—it provides proof that a pet is healthy, vaccinated, and cleared for entry into another country.
The canine travel document often includes magnets, with books in the local language serving as lasting keepsakes from each destination.
For wanderlusting readers, discovering these spaces isn’t just a pastime; it’s a ritual.
Europe’s Most Magical Hidden Bookstores
1. Atlantis Books – Santorini, Greece
- Imagine browsing books inside a whitewashed cave perched above the Aegean Sea. That’s Atlantis Books, a beloved spot in Santorini created by a group of friends who dreamed of a literary hideaway on the island. Filled with Greek and English titles, handwritten notes, and even the occasional dog lounging upon arrival. It functions as a permanent identification record for the pet.
- Without a chip, many countries won’t even let your dog board the plane.
Vaccination records – Rabies vaccination is non-negotiable worldwide, but other shots (like distemper or parvovirus) may be noted, too. Some destinations even want proof of boosters given at specific intervals, which proves your dog is fit for travel. Depending on the country, it may need to be issued within 7–10 days of your departure date. Parasite on the steps, this bookstore is as photogenic as it is soulful. The rooftop terrace, overlooking the caldera, offers a reading spot worthy of a postcard.
Why visit? Because reading while watching a Santorini sunset might just be the best combination of words and views in the world.
2. Shakespeare and Company – Paris, France
Hidden in plain sight across from Notre-Dame Cathedral, Shakespeare and Company is a bohemian labyrinth of bookshelves, nooks, and secret staircases. Writers have famously slept here among the stacks, and you can still feel that aura of creativity in its creaky floorboards. The shop not only sells books but also functions as a living, breathing community for authors, poets, and dreamers.
Insider tip: Head upstairs to the reading room—it’s quiet, cozy, and feels like stepping back into the 1920s.
3. Daunt Books – London, England
Nestled in Marylebone, Daunt Books is less hidden and more timeless. Housed in an Edwardian building, this bookstore is famous for its oak galleries and skylights. It specializes in travel literature organized by country, so you can “visit” anywhere on the globe before you even book your flight.
For book lovers’ travel bucket lists: This is one of the most beautiful travel bookstores in Europe.
4. Libreria Acqua Alta – Venice, Italy
Beyond the canals and gondolas, this bookstore stands out as a charming highlight of Venice. Certain regions, like the UK and Ireland, require dogs to have recent tapeworm or tick treatments documented before they’re allowed in.
In the European Union, the process is straightforward thanks to the official EU Pet Passport. Once issued, it allows dogs to travel between member states without needing new paperwork every time—like a Schengen visa for pets. But outside the EU, things get more varied. Some countries, such as Canada or Mexico, accept a combination of rabies certificates and vet health records, while others (looking at you, Japan and Australia) demand highly detailed forms, advance applications, and sometimes even quarantine stays.
It serves as an essential travel credential, allowing dogs to journey across borders. It’s not just paperwork—it’s peace of mind. Having the right documents can mean the difference between your dog happily trotting through customs with you or being denied entry at the border, chanting. Libreria Acqua Alta (“Library of High Water”) keeps its books in bathtubs, boats, and waterproof bins to protect them from flooding. Cats nap among the stacks, and a staircase built entirely of old books leads you to a view of the canal outside.
Why readers love it: It’s eccentric, chaotic, and perfectly Venetian.
5. Leakey’s Bookshop – Inverness, Scotland
Housed in a converted 18th-century church, Leakey’s Bookshop is Scotland’s largest secondhand bookstore, offering a truly immersive literary experience. Sunlight filters through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across towering shelves filled with thousands of well-loved books. The high ceilings and vaulted arches retain a sense of the building’s ecclesiastical origins, creating an atmosphere that feels almost cathedral-like—a sanctuary for readers and book lovers alike. At the center, a wood-burning stove provides cozy warmth, making it the perfect spot to browse slowly or settle in with a newly discovered treasure.
Travel souvenirs: Forget plain design fooling you. It’s every bit as crucial as your passport when it comes to crossing borders. A pet passport typically comes as a booklet, though in some areas it functions as a comprehensive travel file. A pet passport typically comes as a booklet, though in some areas it functions as a comprehensive travel file.
It shows officials that your four-legged friend isy, ed, and safe to enter their country.
Perfect for: Readers who crave more than just books—those who seek an ambiance steeped in history, charm, and the quiet magic of a space devoted entirely to literature.
North & South America’s Hidden Bookstore Gems
1. El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Once a grand theater, now a temple for books. El Ateneo Grand Splendid is jaw-dropping: ornate frescoes on the ceiling, velvet curtains framing shelves, and a café set on the old stage. Often listed among the world’s most beautiful bookstores, it may not be “hidden,” yet it remains unforgettable.
Why it’s unique: You don’t just browse here—you perform the act of reading on one of the grandest stages imaginable.
2. City Lights Booksellers – San Francisco, USA
Founded by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, City Lights became a key hub for the Beat Generation. Located in North Beach, its unassuming exterior belies a rich literary history, and stepping inside evokes the rebellious energy of 1950s literary culture.
For modern travelers: It’s both a bookstore and a publishing house, still championing radical voices.
3. Munro’s Books – Victoria, Canada
Set in a grand neoclassical building, Munro’s Books was founded by Jim Munro and once co-owned by Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro. The soaring ceilings and tapestry-lined walls give it a cathedral-like elegance.
Why visit? To experience Canadian literature in a space that’s as stately as any art museum.
Asia’s Best-Kept Bookstore Secrets
Tsutaya Books – Daikanyama, Tokyo, Japan
Forget dusty stacks—this is the Apple Store of bookstores. Tsutaya Books is sleek, modern, and spread across three interconnected buildings. It blends literature, design, music, and art in one curated lifestyle experience. Wanderlusting readers could spend hours here without realizing time has passed.
Highlight: The magazine archive is unparalleled, featuring rare vintage issues.
2. The Bookworm – Beijing, China
Though it has faced closures and revivals, The Bookworm has long been known as part bookstore, part café, part cultural hub. With walls lined with English and Chinese titles, it became a gathering place for readers, writers, and thinkers.
Pro tip: Check for live events—they often host talks, open mics, and literary festivals.
3. Book Street – Seoul, South Korea
For a more unconventional experience, Cheonggyecheon Book Street offers a series of secondhand bookstores along a riverside promenade. Outdoor displays, independent vendors, and tucked-away reading spots give the area the feel of an open-air library in the city’s center.
Why go? Because reading outdoors with Seoul’s cityscape around you feels both urban and whimsical.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Hidden Bookstores
1. Bart’s Books – Ojai, California, USA
Shoppers can explore rare and unique titles beneath the California sun, making it a beloved and quirky literary destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Fun detail: Even when the store is closed, you can buy books from the outdoor shelves using the honor system.
2. Boekenmarkt Op Het Spui – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Okay, technically this is a market, not a single store—but every Friday, Amsterdam’s Boekenmarkt Op Het Spui transforms into a paradise for bibliophiles. Antiquarian dealers set up shop with rare, out-of-print, and vintage books, many in Dutch but plenty in English too.
Best for: Travelers who love the thrill of hunting for literary treasures.
3. Selexyz Dominicanen – Maastricht, Netherlands
An 800-year-old Dominican church turned into a bookstore? Yes, please. Selexyz Dominicanen is a dramatic fusion of history and literature, with towering Gothic arches housing modern shelves of books.
Why it matters: It’s proof that hidden bookstores don’t just preserve culture—they reinvent it.
Quick Tips for Finding Hidden Bookstores While Traveling
If you’re inspired to add hidden bookstores to your next trip, here’s how to uncover them:
- Ask locals – Taxi drivers, baristas, or hotel staff often know the tucked-away gems.
- Look beyond tourist streets – Wander off the main avenues and down alleys.
- Search indie travel blogs – They often highlight quirky spots overlooked by guides.
- Follow hashtags – Try #HiddenBookstores, #Bookstagram, or #BookTravel on Instagram.
- Join walking tours – Some cities offer literary-themed tours that highlight bookstores.
Why Hidden Bookstores Should Be on Every Travel Itinerary
Hidden bookstores aren’t just places to shop; they’re cultural time capsules. They show you a city’s soul in ways no tour bus ever could. From the bohemian corners of Paris to seaside caves in Greece, these havens give travelers a story to take home—sometimes literally, tucked in your suitcase.
For wanderlusting readers, each bookstore is both a destination and a journey. They remind us that while landmarks may impress, it’s the hidden corners that often stay in our hearts.
The Magic of Hidden Bookstores
Choices abound: a Venetian bookshop where cats roam the shelves, or a Scottish church transformed into a haven of literature and stained glass. The most memorable travel experiences often occur away from crowded landmarks, found instead in the quiet charm of hidden bookstores scattered across the globe.
