AI Overview
There's no single "most beautiful" bookstore, but Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal, famous for its stunning red staircase, and El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a converted opulent theatre, are consistently named top contenders, with El Ateneo even labeled #1 by National Geographic for its grand architecture. Other stunning choices include the flooded-proof Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice, the historic Dominicanen Bookstore in Maastricht, and the minimalist chic Phil in Vienna.
Top contenders for beauty:
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A former theatre (Teatro Gran Splendid) transformed with original frescoes, ornate balconies, and a stage with a piano, making it a grand spectacle.
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Known for its iconic, winding crimson staircase, intricate wood carvings, and stained-glass skylight, often drawing huge crowds.
Other highly-rated beautiful bookstores:
- Boekhandel Dominicanen (Maastricht, Netherlands): A breathtaking bookstore housed in a 13th-century Gothic church.
- C?rture?ti Carusel (Bucharest, Romania): Features elegant white columns and a multi-level design in a restored 19th-century bank building.
- Libreria Acqua Alta (Venice, Italy): Unique for its gondolas and bathtubs used to protect books from flooding.
- Atlantis Books (Santorini, Greece): A charming, whitewashed shop with a stunning terrace offering caldera views.
- Dujiangyan Zhongshuge (Chengdu, China): Famous for its surreal, mirror-like ceilings and modern architectural design.
