This beloved London bookshop was just named the world's best

Bookworms just got a new reason to travel.

Some people travel to experience new cultures or learn about history. Some seek thrill and adventure, while others go to rest and recharge. Me? I’m the kind of person to travel for books. I’m not alone either – according to Explore Worldwide, 72 per cent of travellers have visited or considered visiting a destination after reading a novel set there. Clearly, book-based tourism is on the rise. So, what cities should readers be adding to their 2025 bucket list? By analysing countless reviews from across Google and TripAdvisor, language learning platform Preply has your itinerary booked. From a beloved boutique in London to a popular Parisian icon, these are the best bookshops around the world. Best get packing, bookworms!

The top three bookshops in the world are…

1. Daunt Books

For any avid reader, it will come as no surprise that Daunt Books in London is officially 2025’s most popular bookshop in the world. The independent chain, which originally only published travel books, launched its flagship store on Marylebone’s High Street in 1990. Since then, nine other locations across the city have opened, including in Notting Hill, Hampstead and Marlow.

Bookworms often settle in to read among the shelves. (Image: Pauline Loroy)

But it’s the original store that came out on top, with an overall rating of 96.58. Daunt’s expansion into fiction, as well as other non-fiction genres, saw it explode in popularity, with Edwardian architecture, oak balconies and ornate windows only adding to its endless charm. But for the wanderlust-afflicted, it still primarily offers an incredible selection of travel-based literature.

Daunt’s flagship store is in the London borough of Marylebone. (Image: Ugur Akdemir)

2. El Ateneo Grand Splendid

Coming in second place is El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which is often referred to as the Paris of South America. Considered one of the biggest bookshops in the world, it is currently home to over 120,000 books and wears its 95.9 public rating like a badge of honour.

First opened as a theatre in 1919, El Ateneo retains most of its original decor – from the fresco ceiling painted by Nazareno Orlandi to the rounded balconies and red curtains framing the stage. It was converted to a bookstore in 2000 and, eight years later, was voted 2008’s most beautiful bookshop in the world by The Guardian.

El Ateneo is housed in a converted theatre. (Image: Alex Person)

3. State Library of Victoria

In exciting news, an Aussie landmark took out the third spot. While the State Library of Victoria is not really a bookshop, it is home to Readings, the first-ever permanent commercial bookshop permitted within the building since it opened in 1854. It is also recognised as the oldest public library in Australia; while the State Library of NSW is technically the oldest (established in 1826), it only opened to the public in 1869.

The State Library of Victoria opened in 1856. (Image: Neon Wang)

The State Library of Victoria is an icon of Melbourne’s cityscape, its Neoclassical design and classic Victorian touches rivalling some of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Inside is just as awe-inspiring – with fluted ionic columns, Tasmanian freestone work and a stunning octastyle portico. With over two million books on display inside, it’s no wonder it made the list.

What does the rest of the top 10 look like?

Coming in fourth place is Bookstore Dominicanen in Maastricht, The Netherlands, followed by The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles and Starfield Library in Seoul. Shakespeare & Company out of Paris, Powell’s Books in the US city of Portland, Dublin’s Trinity College Library and Venice’s Libreria Acqua Alta round out the top 10.

Seoul’s Starfield Library also made the list. (Image: AiMuse/Getty Images)