Five of the best bookstores - International Traveller

Cosy up in one of these adorable bookshops that will inevitably inspire wanderlust.

The demise of bricks-and-mortar bookshops has been much exaggerated (probably by some cheeky person at Amazon).

There is still a real joy in happening upon a beautiful, quirky, cosy store filled to the brim with endless stories.

Here, five bookstores to inspire wanderlust.

1. Maison Assouline

Piccadilly, London, UK

Assouline produces absolutely gorgeous books which fill its new maison, in a Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed building in the heart of Piccadilly, to the brim.

But there’s more than just books to browse: Assouline’s exclusive line of furniture, embossed book bags, candles, stationery, a vintage collection curated by owner Prosper Assouline, and a bespoke bindery for the personalisation of notebooks and leather book bags.

You’ll likely be here for hours, so it’s handy that Swans Bar is open, serving from breakfast to early dinner.

2. Livraria Lello & Irmão

Porto, Portugal

Apparently this insanely opulent Art Nouveau building, with its gothic revival flourishes, played a part in the writing of the Harry Potter series – JK Rowling lived in Porto in the early ’90s teaching English and spent many hours in the second-floor café.

It is easy to see how the space (named third best bookstore in the world by Lonely Planet) would have fuelled the imagination, given its sweeping red staircases, intricately carved walls and ceiling, and stained-glass skylight.

But it’s not all looks: there’s around 120,000 books to choose from.

3. El Ateneo Grand Splendid

Buenos Aires, Argentina

The original Teatro Grand Splendid has had many incarnations since it opened in 1919: theatre, cinema, radio station and now bookstore.

The ornate tiered galleries are still gloriously intact, as is the carved, gilded and frescoed, domed ceiling.

The audience seating has been removed, creating a wide expanse on the ground floor now filled with books. The former stage is now a café where patrons can sit, sip and read.

For a little more solitude, the original theatre boxes are now used as cute reading rooms with a view of the entire beautiful space.

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4. Cafebreria El Péndulo

Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico

For those who like a bit of diversity, this bookstore-cum-bar-cum-café regularly stages poetry readings, stand-up ‘improv’ performances and live music.

It is an organic, nurturing space with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a cosy bar area, and a bustling café.

There are lots of nooks and crannies to discover (including a kids’ section), and an abundance of natural light flooding in from the skylight.

But the element that makes it all so welcoming is the plants growing throughout, as if sprouting from the bookshelves themselves.

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

Four of the world’s best bookstores