Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Barnes & Noble, Union Square – New York City, USA
- 2. Powell’s City of Books – Portland, Oregon, USA
- 3. El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina
- 4. Book Garden – Tehran, Iran
- 5. Waterstones Piccadilly – London, UK
- 6. Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore – Chongqing, China
- 7. Livraria Cultura – São Paulo, Brazil
- 8. Books Kinokuniya – Tokyo, Japan
- 9. Foyles – London, UK
- 10. Librairie Mollat – Bordeaux, France
- Conclusion
Introduction
For book lovers, there’s nothing quite like stepping into a massive bookstore, where the shelves stretch endlessly, offering a seemingly infinite selection of titles to explore. Here’s a look at some of the largest bookstores in the world, where book enthusiasts can get lost for hours if not days.
1. Barnes & Noble, Union Square – New York City, USA
Barnes & Noble’s flagship store in Union Square, New York City, is a book lover’s paradise. Spanning four floors and over 62,000 square feet, this store houses hundreds of thousands of titles across various genres. Beyond books, it offers a spacious café, a large collection of music and DVDs, and regular author events and readings. It’s a cultural hub in one of the world’s most literary cities.
2. Powell’s City of Books – Portland, Oregon, USA
Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon, is often touted as the largest independent bookstore in the world. Occupying an entire city block, this iconic store boasts over 68,000 square feet of retail space and over one million new and used books. Powell’s has nine color-coded rooms, and its inventory is so vast that visitors are provided with a map to navigate the store.
3. El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Buenos Aires, Argentina
El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires is more than just a bookstore; it’s a breathtaking piece of history and architecture. Originally a grand theater built in 1919, the space was converted into a bookstore in 2000. It covers over 21,000 square feet, with a collection of over 120,000 books. The former theater’s stage now hosts a café; customers can browse the shelves in the repurposed theater boxes. The stunning frescoes on the ceiling and ornate balconies make it one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
4. Book Garden – Tehran, Iran
The Book Garden in Tehran is one of the largest bookstores in the world, with a staggering 700,000 square feet of space. It’s not just a bookstore but a cultural complex that includes exhibition spaces, a science hall, and theaters. The bookstore section covers an impressive 193,000 square feet, offering millions of books in various languages and genres. It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists, providing a space to explore literature, art, and culture.
5. Waterstones Piccadilly – London, UK
Waterstones Piccadilly is the largest bookstore in Europe, covering six floors and 55,000 square feet of retail space. Located in the heart of London, it offers over eight miles of shelving filled with more than 200,000 titles. The store features a bar and café, regular events, and even a gallery space, making it a cultural destination and a bookshop.
6. Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore – Chongqing, China
Chongqing Zhongshuge Bookstore is known not only for its size but also for its stunning design. The store occupies over 54,000 square feet and is filled with labyrinthine bookshelves, mirrored ceilings, and spiral staircases, creating an almost surreal, dreamlike experience for visitors. The bookstore is spread across multiple levels, including reading areas, a café, and event spaces. It’s a testament to how bookstores can be architectural wonders and literary havens.
7. Livraria Cultura – São Paulo, Brazil
Livraria Cultura in São Paulo is a sprawling bookstore that covers five floors and 43,000 square feet. It’s one of the largest bookstores in Brazil, with an extensive collection of books, music, and movies. The store is also known for its innovative design, featuring open spaces, a central atrium, and a slide connecting different floors. It’s a favorite spot for book lovers, offering various titles and a lively cultural atmosphere.
8. Books Kinokuniya – Tokyo, Japan
Books Kinokuniya in Tokyo is one of the largest bookstores in Asia. The Shinjuku flagship store covers eight floors and offers an enormous selection of books, including many English-language titles. With its vast array of genres, including manga, art books, and international literature, Kinokuniya is a haven for readers of all tastes. The store also hosts author events and exhibitions, making it a vibrant cultural center in Tokyo.
9. Foyles – London, UK
Foyles on Charing Cross Road is one of London’s most famous bookstores, covering five floors and 37,000 square feet. Known for its extensive range of titles and knowledgeable staff, Foyles offers more than 200,000 books across various genres. The store also features a café, gallery, and event spaces, hosting various literary and cultural events. It’s a must-visit for book lovers in London.
10. Librairie Mollat – Bordeaux, France
Librairie Mollat in Bordeaux is the largest independent bookstore in France, covering 54,000 square feet. Established in 1896, it offers over 300,000 titles, ranging from literature and history to art and science. The bookstore is a cultural landmark in Bordeaux, known for its vibrant atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and extensive collection of French and international books.
Conclusion
These bookstores are more than just places to buy books—they are cultural landmarks and destinations in their own right. Whether you’re looking for a rare find, a place to get lost in literary worlds, or simply a beautiful space to enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book, these massive bookstores offer something special for every reader.