Do you like books? Then today might be the perfect day to grab your favorite read and a cup of something tasty because we’re celebrating National Book Lover’s Day!
If piles of books and delicious aromas make you as happy as they make us, read on to find some great Local Guides’ recommendations of bookstores and book cafes for your bookish list.
Have you reviewed or taken photos of your favorite bookstore? Show us in the comments below!
The Hedgehog Cafe in Chandigarh, India
@Pratik_89 says: “This cafe has a small library in it. The ambience is so elegant one can easily fall in love with the place. The environment is so peaceful.
Books keep me happy; I’m a 90s kid. I love vintage [and all I need is] one small bench, a coffee, and my pretty books. I read books especially while traveling and I have a wishlist of cafes with books I wish to visit in Edinburg, Barcelona, and New York.”
Check out Pratik’s review here and his Google Maps list of book cafes here. Be sure to read his #Explore Books and Coffee posts on Connect, too!
Carturesti Carusel in Bucharest, Romania
Local Guide Dan Gerkol says: “A huge 4-story bookstore with practically anything you can think of! From books to manga, to merch, posters, records, crafting materials, wine, coffee, and even a cafe! Many books are in English, some are also available in Spanish, French, German, and of course, Romanian.
A truly amazing experience and a must-see when in Bucharest!”
Librairie Le Pigeonnier 信鴿法國書店 in Taipei, Taiwan
@ChanneLing says: “This is probably the best and only French bookstore in town. It’s also a hub for French lectures and events.
Another nice place in Taipei for bookworms, especially those who speak or are learning French (like me, lol), is Maison Temps-Rêves. It’s a children’s bookstore, selling picture books (mainly European) in French, English, Spanish, and other languages.
For me, reading is like a great adventure, taking me somewhere beyond my imagination, and there’s no limit to it. No matter what kind of literature it is, each [book] is like a treasure, and there’s so much I could learn!”
Check out Ling’s review here.
TSUTAYA in Morioka, Japan
@HiroyukiTakisawa says: “TSUTAYA is a chain bookstore in Japan, and this store is the largest of its kind in Morioka, offering a wide selection of books across various genres. There is a bakery cafe, called Coccinelle Bakery, inside the bookstore, where you can enjoy delicious bread and coffee. Moreover, you can bring one book from the book corner to the cafe for a sample reading!
I have always enjoyed reading Japanese fantasy novels from my youth. I love novels that allow me to delve into imaginary worlds conveniently, anywhere, and more easily than movies. Reading a book outdoors, in particular, is an awesome experience.”
Check out Hiroyuki’s review here.
The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles, USA
Local Guide Julianna Lau-Hawthorne says: “I wish I had all day to peruse the shelves and shelves of books here. It is a book lover’s dream. Books of every kind are available. There is a labyrinth on the 2nd floor and a tunnel of books to walk through. Local artists are also housed on the 2nd floor with their art on display and for sale.”
Happy National Book Lover’s Day! Share your favorite bookstores and book cafes below, and let’s turn this thread into a treasure trove of recommendations. 
.
