08-01-2018 04:03 PM - last edited on 08-24-2018 05:15 PM by Atsukot
To those of us that have our heads constantly stuck in a book, there are few things better than curling up with a mug of something tasty and cracking open a new title. If you’re one of us, check out these spots meant for sipping, snacking, and reading that are recommended by your fellow Local Guides.
Have you reviewed or taken photos of your favorite bookstore? Show us in the comments below!
Cook & Book (Brussels, Belgium)
This enormous shop offers much more than your typical bookstore. Divided into eight sections, each is decorated accordingly, like the travel section that features a real Airstream, and each has its own cafe, so come hungry.
Local Guides say:
“One of the most magical places made by man. If you love books, music, food and coffee this is the perfect place for you. With unique design and decoration in each room, you can eat or enjoy your drink surrounded by books and also read.” - Local Guide b zouzouni
Ler Devagar (Lisbon, Portugal)
With a name meaning “read slowly,” it’s no surprise this bookshop is a place built to linger. Housed in an old factory, Ler Devagar provides multiple levels of books to be enjoyed over snacks and a drink from one of the shop’s two bars.
Local Guides say:
“What a beautiful bookshop! A massive rotary press proudly stands in the middle of the place. You will find here a huge selection of books that cover a wide range of topics...There is a little café in the bookshop what is nice and they have some good cakes. So it is nice to have a coffee or some cup of tea and to enjoy the place.” - Local Guide Helder Mendes Baiao
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe (New York City, New York)
This Soho bookstore and cafe is actually a non-profit that fights AIDS and homelessness. Funded entirely by donations, you’ll find a great selection of secondhand books here along with coffee, snacks, and a plethora of literary events.
Local Guides say:
“A beautiful bookstore with an extremely important mission. A NYC institution that is welcoming, warm, and a respite for all folks in the area, regardless of socioeconomic status. There are two levels, with tables placed accordingly amidst stacks of books that frame the space well. There's a small coffee bar in the back, with some decent coffee (although the point is not be a Stumptown - it's a non-profit folks). Staffed by volunteers, the store has created a really awesome atmosphere that absorbs you into the space and makes you feel at ease. Definitely check it out and support what they're doing.” - Local Guide Idine Mousavi
Barter Books (Alnwick, U.K.)
Housed in an old train station, this adorable secondhand bookshop has plenty of cozy corners and a cafe that turns out homemade eats.
Local Guides say:
“Lovely, relaxing, place...This second hand bookshop is situated in an old railway station which has lots of nooks and crannies in which to sit and read. There's also a canny li'l cafe...You can just purchase books or take your old books in and get credit to 'buy' more...In winter, in the shop, it's lovely to sit in front of the open fire with an 'honesty box' coffee to test out your 'new' book…” - Local Guide Sandy
El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
This gorgeous converted theater offers dramatic opulence with its stacks of books. After you’ve chosen your titles, grab a coffee and snack to eat at one of the tables on stage.
Local Guides say:
“Beautiful historical building in Buenos Aires. Building itself is worth the visit, but once inside you can get caught in the immense amount of books, a beautiful cafe (where once was the stage) and music shop.” - Local Guide Ariel Macedo
Massolit Books & Café (Krakow, Poland)
This independent, English-language bookstore offers a maze of cozy rooms filled with new and used books as well as plenty of seating to enjoy drinks and pastries from its in-house cafe.
Local Guides say:
“Massolit is a cute little book shop that sells books in English. They also have an area in the back where you can sip on coffee and nibble on some tasty cheesecake while you do your work, or read a book. WiFi is also provided!” - Local Guide Cecylia Witkowski
Boekhandel Dominicanen (Maastricht, Netherlands)
Built in the 13th century, this beautiful former Dominican church has found a second life as a bookstore. Peruse the shelves and then head to the cafe in the back for a coffee while taking in the incredible architecture.
Local Guides say:
“It's a book store ... In a church! The moment I entered I was overwhelmed by how large the store is. It contained a wide variety of books and had really kind workers. For those looking for a break there is always a spot to drink a coffee in the back of the store.” - Local Guide Tom Vanwesemael
Battery Park Book Exchange (Asheville, North Carolina)
This Asheville gem offers a sumptuous interior to browse its shelves of used books. Clusters of seating areas dotted throughout the store make it easy to enjoy treats from the cafe or a glass of bubbly from the Champagne bar.
Local Guides say:
“What a lovely book store!! Super dog-friendly! Delicious coffee, treats, and champagne! Such a neat layout and atmosphere. Lots of cozy sitting areas for small and large groups. Amazing book selection. I absolutely loved my visit here!” - Local Guide Cristie Ashe
Rendezvous (Queensland, Australia)
This charming shop in Dayboro offers a menu of breakfast, lunch, and snacks alongside shelves overflowing with books and gifts.
Local Guides say:
“An excellent book Shop with cafe attached or was it vice versa? Very interesting range of quirky books, a great array of kids' books plus interesting gift presents as well as great teas coffees and other yummy drinks plus normal and gluten free cakes and tasty treats. Don't miss this little gem in this sleepy little hamlet!” - Local Guide Patrick G
08-01-2018 04:19 PM
Great post and so amazing photos dear @kmajewski
Keep up to share the beautiful photos and informative posts.
Thank you for sharing
Best Regards
Rezgar
08-01-2018 04:40 PM
WOW! These are all beautiful places. Luckily, there are such places in Prague as well.
The two I like most are:
Káva, čaj, knihy - I tried to add the place in maps twice and it keeps failing
08-01-2018 05:44 PM
08-01-2018 07:18 PM
Good
08-01-2018 11:59 PM
@kmajewski Many thanks for you ....
08-02-2018 12:54 AM
A modern take on a bookstore - went to my first Amazon Books in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded as an online bookstore and pretty much closed down both big bookstore chains, such as Borders and many Barnes & Nobles, and many independent bookstores across the U.S., Amazon is slowly opening physical bookstores!
Books are more curated here, which means the selection is limited. Only the top sellers. You can purchase Amazon-branded products, such as Amazon Echo and Amazon Fire.
Coffee and tea can be purchased as "to-go" or "take away" only from local San Francisco Bay Area favorite - Peets' Coffee. NOTE: Alfred Peet, the founder of Peet's, taught the former founder Starbucks founder how to roast coffee beans and make coffee.
Cheers,
Karen
08-02-2018 02:35 AM
Nice
08-02-2018 05:04 AM
@kmajewski Great post, I wish we had such places in Kenya.
08-02-2018 08:16 AM