11 Beautiful Places All Book Lovers Need to Visit
![Libreria Acqua Alta](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/traveling-lens-books-venice.webp)
Books are the best and they are universal. No matter where you are in the world, there is going to be a dreamy spot where you can indulge in literary history, check out the latest in library design or just curl up a good book and let your mind wander. Here are 11 beautiful places every book lover needs to visit.
Shakespeare and Company
Paris, France
![Shakspeare and Co.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/shakespeare_and_company_bookstore_paris_13_august_2013.webp)
Part of Paris’ literary history since 1919, the original self-proclaimed ‘rag and bone bookshop of the heart’ had to shut due to WWII. The current bookshop was opened in the 1950’s by George Whitman and is a paradise for book lovers, having seen the likes of Allen Ginsberg and Henry Miller pass through its doors.
1. Libreria Acqua Alta
Bookstore
![Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice, Italy](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/w4j62e.webp)
2. City Lights
Bookstore, Store
![City Lights Books is an independent bookstore-publisher combination in San Francisco, California.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/phpxfw.webp)
3. The Library
Hotel, Boutique Hotel, Resort
4. Cafe Pushkin
Cafe, Restaurant, French, Russian
![Café Pushkin, Presnya, Moscow](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/7926202480_098a8d9be3_b.webp)
Calling a breathtaking 19th-century mansion home, this French and Russian restaurant is set in a Baroque library. It might be hard to focus on your food in such a beautiful setting!
5. Hearst Castle
Building, Library
![Grand study room with attached library at Hearst Castle, California](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2a2g3nb-1.webp)
Zhongshuge
Hangzhou, China
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWhsC84hwyR/?tagged=zhongshugebookstore
This bookstore is a designer’s dream! Created by XL Muse, the space is home to mirrored ceilings, arched shelves and books, upon books, upon books.
Shop 101 Building 4, Star Avenue, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, China
6. Book and Bed
Bookstore
7. El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Bookstore, Architectural Landmark
![El_Ateneo_Grand_Splendid_(8081435128)](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/el_ateneo_grand_splendid_8081435128.webp)
8. Strand Bookstore
Bookstore, Store, Library, Park, School
![Strand Bookstore](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1280px-strand_bookstore.webp)
Les Bouqinistes
Paris, France
![Bouqiniste](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/800px-bouquiniste_paris.webp)
The booksellers of these charming stalls line the streets above the riverbank, selling new and antique books, magazines, posters and more. This is why the Seine is known as ‘the only river in the world that runs between two bookshelves.’