Iconic Bookstores and Literary Sites in Europe

For book lovers, travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about stepping into the worlds of beloved stories, walking the streets where great writers once found inspiration, and browsing the shelves of legendary bookstores and libraries. If you’re a solo traveler over 50 with a passion for literature, Europe is filled with iconic literary landmarks waiting to be explored. Here are some must-visit bookstores, libraries, and literary sites that should be on your travel itinerary.

1. Shakespeare and Company – Paris, France

Perhaps the most famous independent bookstore in the world, Shakespeare and Company sits along the Seine in Paris, just across from Notre-Dame Cathedral. Founded by American George Whitman in 1951, this charming, book-filled sanctuary continues the legacy of the original Shakespeare and Company, which was a gathering place for writers like Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Gertrude Stein. Today, it remains a welcoming spot for travelers and literary lovers, offering cozy reading nooks, author events, and a chance to soak in the history of the Lost Generation.

2. Livraria Lello – Porto, Portugal

With its stunning neo-Gothic façade, grand wooden staircase, and stained-glass ceiling, Livraria Lello is often considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Opened in 1906, this Porto landmark is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling when she lived in Portugal in the early 1990s. While it can get crowded, visiting this bookstore feels like stepping into a magical world of books and history.

3. The British Library – London, England

For literary history on a grand scale, the British Library in London is a must-see. Home to more than 170 million items, including the Magna Carta, original manuscripts by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, and the handwritten lyrics of The Beatles, this library is a treasure trove for book lovers. The Treasures Gallery is free to visit, and I found it well worth an hour or two to peruse.

4. Trinity College Library – Dublin, Ireland

Dublin has an incredibly rich literary history, and Trinity College Library is at its heart. This is perhaps my favorite library I’ve visited in my travels. The Long Room, with its towering bookshelves and wooden arches, houses 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. The highlight of any visit is seeing the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating back to the 9th century. After exploring the library, take a literary walking tour through Dublin, where you can visit the haunts of James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Oscar Wilde.

5. The Winding Stair – Dublin, Ireland

Named after a Yeats poem, The Winding Stair is both an independent bookstore and a charming café overlooking the River Liffey. It’s the perfect spot to browse Irish literature, pick up a novel for your travels, and then enjoy a delicious meal while taking in views of the Ha’penny Bridge. Dublin’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature makes it a wonderful destination for any book lover.

6. Atlantis Books – Santorini, Greece

Imagine browsing books with the Aegean Sea as your backdrop. Atlantis Books, perched on the cliffs of Santorini in the village of Oia, is a dream for book lovers who also love breathtaking views. Founded by a group of friends in 2004, this charming bookstore is packed with literature from around the world, and its relaxed atmosphere invites travelers to linger and enjoy a good read in the Greek sunshine.

7. Strahov Monastery Library – Prague, Czech Republic

One of the most stunning libraries in Europe, the Strahov Monastery Library in Prague dates back to the 12th century. With its intricately painted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, it looks like something out of a fairytale. While you can’t wander freely through the bookshelves, guided tours offer a fascinating insight into the history of the library and its collection of rare manuscripts.

8. The House of Hans Christian Andersen – Odense, Denmark

For fans of fairy tales, a visit to Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, is a magical experience. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum and his childhood home offer a glimpse into the life and imagination of the man behind beloved stories like "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling." Strolling through the town’s cobbled streets feels like stepping into one of his tales.

9. Libreria Acqua Alta – Venice, Italy

Venice’s Libreria Acqua Alta is one of the most unique bookstores in the world. Because of the city’s frequent flooding, books are stored in bathtubs, gondolas, and waterproof bins. Cats lounge among the shelves, and there’s even a staircase made entirely of old books leading to a beautiful canal view. It’s a quirky, charming stop for any book lover visiting Venice.

10. The Bodleian Library – Oxford, England

One of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford is a dream destination for bibliophiles. Dating back to the 17th century, this stunning library has been featured in numerous films, including the Harry Potter series. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the beautiful reading rooms and learn about the library’s rich literary history.

11. Café de Flore – Paris, France

While not a bookstore, Café de Flore is one of Paris’s most iconic literary sites. A favorite haunt of writers like Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, this historic café is the perfect place to sit with a book, sip a café crème, and imagine the literary conversations that once took place here.

Final Thoughts

Traveling solo is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the literary heritage of Europe. Whether you’re wandering through historic libraries, sipping coffee where famous authors once sat, or getting lost in a beautiful bookstore, these destinations offer inspiration, history, and the simple joy of being surrounded by books. Pack your favorite novel and set off on a literary adventure!

Did I leave out your favorite literary spot? Let me know in the comments!