Bookstores are usually a perfect meeting place when you’re traveling with friends, or even just taking a beat to quietly sip a coffee while you plan your next move. Here are a few on my list around the world and close to home.
Columbus, Ohio Bookstores I love
Bexley
Gramercy is one of the most prolific book stores in the Central Ohio region if only for what they do beyond selling books. They host author talks, a book club, and even a literary salon. A wonderfully modern, independent bookshop.
German Village
The actual store isn’t my favorite, but it has a cult following and is always recognized on lists of Columbus’s bookstores. However, that’s not why they are on my list. The Book Loft is on this list because of its Twitter account. The antagonistic snark gives me life and makes me chuckle every time I peruse.
Short North
I only discovered this gem because it’s close to my house, but they are kind, order me dozens of books they don’t keep in stock without giving me flack, and follow COVID guidelines. On a street filled with bars, be a bookstore.
Upper Arlington
I have a lot of friends with kids, and one of my favorite things to do is bring home gifts from travels for them, but if I don’t do that, and don’t have a particular title in mind, Cover to Cover is always a wonderful place to browse. They have thousands of titles with diverse topics all organized in a way that is easy to skim (We’ve all been to the children’s section where the thin spines in piles make you want to cry). I’m obsessed with the many options to expand our children’s worldview through reading like cultural festivals outside of our own, women empowerment, and climate change.
American Bookstores
Portland, Oregon
It’s in the name of the store; this place is huge. Like many in this section of the list, try to go in the morning and on a weekday to avoid tourists. Even with minimal window shopping, it will take you at least two hours to wander each of the department-store-sized rooms. But you needed something to do to get out of the rain in Portland anyway, right?
Los Angeles, California
As California’s largest new and used book store, this one also will take some time. They also have records, a yarn shop, and an art gallery. But I’ll be honest, a big draw for me is all of the fun book art throughout the space to take artsy photos of. Check them out on Instagram to see what I mean.
New York, New York
Iconic. Classic. Truly a staple of the Manhattan book scene. The Strand has been featured in many television shows and movies because of its austere at Broadway and 12th. If you’re into books at all, or want to impress someone who is, just visit The Strand.
Key West, Florida
I’m not normally into celebrity entertainment, but there are a few exceptions including travel and books. Books & Books is owned by famed Young Adult author Judy Blume! I hear she still hangs out there often so go buy her books for the pre-teen in your life and see if you can get them signed.
San Francisco, California
How could I not include Bay Area favorite City Lights? In addition to selling books, they are also a publisher of mostly social and political works of all genres. They host author events and even have a foundation dedicated to literacy.
Seattle, Washington
In a densely residential neighborhood filled with great brunch offerings, Elliott Bay is a bright little spot to pause after devouring bottomless mimosas. Their staff picks section is one of the best.
International Bookstores
Tokyo, Japan
Admittedly, I haven’t been to any of these international bookstores yet, but I can’t wait to stay at this book-themed capsule hotel in Tokyo. In a city full of lights and noise, this quiet reprieve could be just the thing to relax after enjoying the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tehran Iran
One of the largest outdoor bookstores in the world, Tehran Book Garden is absolutely gorgeous! While my little nerdy heart worries about protecting the books from exposure, it’s still a magical fairy tale sight.
Venice, Italy
It’s Venice, and we all know that unfortunately Venice floods regularly. This bookstore creatively solved the challenge of selling wet books by putting everything for sale in or on shelves that float. Like gondolas and bathtubs. But be careful because this one attracts the tourists. Go when they first open on a weekday if you can.
Porto, Portugal
I get one “for the gram” bookstore and this is it. The store itself is small and there are always hoards of tourists, but the unique architecture make this a fun one to photograph. Portuguese tourism has blown up in the last few years so I’m glad I visited this quaint town when we did.
Visiting bookstores and libraries is one of my favorite ways to explore a community while feeling like a local. It’s a way to pause in the rushing around from museum to museum and I always add a few to my itineraries.