This legendary English-language bookstore along the Seine has hosted literary icons and dreamy writers since 1951. You’ll find crooked bookshelves, cozy reading corners, and even beds for writers in residence.
Why visit? It’s a bohemian haven full of literary history and Parisian charm.
Once a grand theater, now a bookstore with dramatic balconies, frescoed ceilings, and velvet curtains. You can even sit in the old opera boxes and read.
Why visit? It’s considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
Home to the famous Long Room and the Book of Kells, this 18th-century library looks straight out of a fantasy novel.
Why visit? Towering bookshelves, ancient manuscripts, and serious Hogwarts vibes.
A small town with a big obsession: books. It’s packed with secondhand bookshops and hosts the annual Hay Festival of Literature & Arts.
Why visit? It’s literally a “town of books” nestled in the Welsh countryside.
Famous for its whimsical book tunnels, creative displays, and massive collection of used and rare books.
Why visit? It’s part bookstore, part art installation—a true visual treat for readers.
A hostel-meets-bookstore where you can sleep in a capsule hidden behind shelves filled with books.
Why visit? A dreamy stay for introverts who want to read until they fall asleep.
A modern architectural marvel with floating bookshelves and a futuristic interior design.
Why visit? It feels like a sci-fi movie set made entirely of books.
One of the largest libraries in the world, home to over 170 million items including Shakespeare’s First Folio and handwritten Beatles lyrics.
Why visit? Iconic documents, vast archives, and literary exhibitions.
Said to have inspired parts of Harry Potter, this ornate bookstore features a stunning staircase, stained glass ceiling, and Neo-Gothic design.
Why visit? Step inside and feel like you’ve entered a magical world.
Tucked in a lush corner of Bali, Tales is more than a café—it’s a living room for book lovers. With excellent coffee and shelves full of stories, it’s the kind of place where hours pass without you noticing. The Scandinavian-inspired interior, relaxed tropical setting, and quiet hum of readers make it a must-visit.
Why visit?
Whether you come for the silky flat whites, the warm community vibe, or to trade a book in the swap library, you’ll leave feeling refreshed—and probably carrying a new favorite read.
Hopefully this list has given you some inspiration for your next bookish destination. We hope to see you soon at Tales Bookcafé!