Reading has no boundaries and reading and buying a good book in an atmospheric bookshop is always a wonderful experience. But where are the most beautiful bookshops in Europe? Theknowledgeacademy.com conducted a study using data from Instagram hashtags to find the most photographed bookshops on social across Europe. It turns out that while Paris is the undisputed home of romantic places to buy books, Italy also has its place on the podium. Here are the most Instagrammable bookshops in Europe.
Shakespeare & Company, France
In first place is Shakespeare & Company in Paris, France, revealed to be the most photographed bookshop on Instagram in Europe, with 93,955 Instagram hashtags referring to this famous bookshop. First opened in 1951, avid travellers can find the headquarters located on the banks of the Seine, opposite Notre Dame, and can enjoy English-language books as well as a coffee or meal in the café while reading.
Livraria Lello, Portugal
The second most photographed bookshop on Instagram is the Livraria Lello located in Porto, with an impressive 90,495 hashtag mentions. First built in 1906, this bookshop presents art installations and exhibitions focused on the appreciation of books and authors. You can also book an appointment to visit their Gemma space and admire their collection of rare books, manuscripts and first editions. Located in a neo-Gothic building, the library boasts majestic staircases, wooden walls and a stained glass ceiling, which makes it clear why this library is so often shared on Instagram.
Acqua Alta Bookshop, Italy
Although canals and books are not necessarily an ideal combination, you can find the third most photographed bookshop on Instagram in Venice, Italy: Libreria Acqua Alta was mentioned 56,414 times in Instagram hashtags. With a different aesthetic than the other bookshops on the list, this bookshop stores its books in bathtubs, rowboats, canoes and even a gondola, to protect them from the flood risk involved in being located in this city.
Daunt Books, England
Ranked fourth with 29,632 hashtag references on Instagram, Daunt Books is located on Marylebone High Street, London. Founded in 1990 by former banker James Daunt, the chain's Marylebone branch is housed in a former Edwardian bookshop, with visitors able to admire (and take a few photos of) the long galleries of oak trees, the skylight-lit ceiling and the William Morris prints in the building.
Bouquinistes, France
Located along the banks of the Seine River, the Bouquinistes in Paris ranked fifth on the list, with 24,205 mentions on Instagram. Although the presence of booksellers along the Seine dates back to the 16th century, it was only in 1859 that the government of the city of Paris allowed them to establish the permanent stands that stretch along the river today, with some 30,000 used books, including rare and original editions.
Hatchard's, England
Tenth on the list is Hatchard's in London, England, with 11,866 hashtags. Claiming to be the oldest bookshop in the UK, the shop was first established in 1797 by John Hatchard and holds three royal certificates. The Piccadilly shop moved to its current location in 1801 and houses books on five floors. With curved bay windows on the outside and historical photographs and catalogues on the inside, the shop is perfect for those who want to experience a bit of history and take some great photos.
Here is the complete ranking of the most beautiful European bookshops on Instagram:
