A list of the top ten bookstores in Buenos Aires, highlighting the most visually appealing and historically significant sites.
If Buenos Aires isn’t the first place that pops into mind when you think of beautiful bookstores, just keep in mind that this city has more bookshops per capita than any other city in the world – so you better believe it has more than a few worthy stops.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
If you’ve looked up any lists on the “best bookstores in Buenos Aires,” every single one will have El Ateneo right at the top. This list is no exception because El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a place everyone should visit – whether you love books, history, or beauty in general. The Guardian named it the second most beautiful bookstore in the world in 2008, and National Geographic one-upped it by placing El Ateneo at the very top of their list in 2019.
The bookstore is set inside a historic theatre, El Grand Splendid, originally opened in 1919, hosting ballets, operas, and recording spaces for singers. Once it became a bookstore in 2000, it made full use of the space to show off an impressive selection of books, all while preserving the architecture and beautiful ceiling fresco.
Kel Ediciones
It’s hard not to mention this bookstore chain on an English-speaking site, as it is the number one seller of English-language books in Argentina. It’s the store behind a walloping half of the country’s English books. As such, it has a huge selection of books, all in English – from fiction to academic texts, to non-fiction and children’s books. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for in-store, they offer online shopping from their website.
Kel Ediciones is a vital part of English language education in Argentina and regularly participates in the Buenos Aires International Book Fair that takes place every year.
Walrus Books
After Kel Ediciones, Walrus Books is the next best place to nab yourself an English book. It’s also almost certainly the best independent English bookshop in Buenos Aires. It’s best known not just for having a high-quality selection of books, but good prices. That’s partly because Walrus Books has a fair mix of new and secondhand books in its collection. But as a lover of well-loved reading materials, you certainly won’t hear me complain.
Eterna Cadencia
While quite a few bookshops are fond of hanging book displays, Eterna Cadencia has a unique spin on theirs. With the pages cut into precise shapes and glued wide open, this art installment creates an almost paper-lantern-like effect.
These book lanterns are located in (or perhaps I should say, above) the in-store café. Its white walls are a noted contrast to the rest of the bookstore, which is dominated by black bookshelves, a massive chandelier, and miles of books on countertops and shelves.
Dain Usina Cultural
Dain Usina Cultural is also fond of hanging art displays but with a decidedly modern art edge. This bookstore is known to change its featured display regularly, so you never know exactly what eye-popping installation it’ll have.
Its unique sense of style isn’t the only thing this shop has going for it. In addition to books, it sells coffee and makes for the perfect spot to read, whether indoors or out. Its terrace is comfortable, the vibe is relaxed, and the wifi makes a visit both fun and practical.
Dain Usina Cultural also hosts art classes and other events, such as book discussions and presentations. It’s a must-visit to understand Buenos Aires’s cultural scene.
Libros del Pasaje
Libros del Pasaje is a charming bookstore and café with an impressive range of books in its selections. On its shelves, you can find anything from Eastern philosophy to Argentinean literature. Upstairs, it even has a cozy nook with books on art.
This bookstore also plays host to various cultural events, including author lectures and gallery nights. Meanwhile, the café portion of the store has wall-to-wall windows that let in plenty of natural light while guests enjoy their drinks.
Librería de Ávila
Librería de Ávila is the oldest bookstore in Buenos Aires. This store was first established as La Botica in 1785, meaning it’s been around for longer than Argentina has been an independent country. It has changed many hands and names since then. In fact, you can still see its former name Librería de Colegio, or “College Bookstore,” written on the building above the storefront.
Its collection encompasses academic texts and literary works, both new and old – including some antiques that’ll catch any bibliophile’s eye.
Falena
Falena has a vibe both artsy and homey. Its vine-covered brick building paired with the fireplace and profusion of plants give it a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Yet that same space is graced with elegant, modern furnishings selected with a clear eye for art. It creates a sort of refined serenity perfect for book browsing. It even offers wine and coffee for those hoping to while away a bit of time on the leather couch or outside on the patio.
La Libre
This bookstore specializes in contemporary titles, alternative themes, and independent publishers, making it the perfect hipster getaway. Despite that, its architecture is surprisingly classical, with elegant Ionic columns framing the doorways and ornate plasterwork on the ceiling.
Aside from its niche collection, La Libre is well-known for hosting a variety of cultural activities. Some of these include art exhibitions, book presentations, theatre productions, courses, and workshops. It sometimes houses small-scale events as well, such as book and art fairs and poetry festivals.
Malatesta Libros
Malatesta Libros may be the smallest bookshop on this list, it’s not one you want to miss. Locals adore this intimate hideaway, which offers a little bit of everything on its shelves, arranged in a neat and visually appealing style. While its collection might not be as big as other stores, both the curation and service are top-notch. It’s also probably the best bookstore in the Parque Chas neighborhood, so you definitely want to stop by if you’re in the area.
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K Lou
K Lou
K. Lou is a writer born in the U.S. who found her way to Japan through a spiritual calling—or, more precisely, better access to tea. She writes about travel, culture, and the occasional creative piece, inspired by her enduring love of books. This love began in high school when K. Lou carried books around to avoid seeming odd while lost in thought. Once she started reading, she never stopped. With zero regrets, she continues to explore the written word and invites others to join her in celebrating its varied forms.
