If you have travelled to your new destination only with your e-reader due to its practicality, but you are missing flipping through ink books, we have composed a list of the world’s coolest bookshops in five urban expat destinations. You don’t have to be the typical bookworm to enjoy the benefits of a nice bookshop — you may go for the good coffee, to meet other expats, or to do your work.
Los Angeles, USA
People have been talking for many years about the disappearance of books and the prevalence of e-books. However, those who prefer turning pages over clicking buttons are nowadays showing their loyalty to books more than ever. The founder of The Last Bookstore didn't just want to create a home for ink books; he has built a huge living room — a home away from home where people love to hang out. You don't necessarily have to be a bookworm to appreciate this cool spot in Los Angeles. If you are looking for a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you will definitely appreciate this art project bookstore where vintage records are hand in hand with rare books.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
If you are an expat in Buenos Aires or planning to move there soon, note down this majestic place that turned from a performing arts theatre in the late 1910s to a cinema (the first to show a sound film in Buenos Aires) to a bookshop. Buenos Aires is one of the cities with the most bookshops per capita, which means that it has about 735 bookshops for its 2.8 million people. However, the Grand Splendid bookshop isn't an ordinary one — The Guardian has ranked it as the second most beautiful bookshop in the world. What once used to be the stage, has been converted into a cafe with piano music and the theatre boxes are now a quiet place for reading.
Porto, Portugal
In January 1906 the cultural scene of Porto celebrated the opening of a commercial and cultural centre, which combined the services and ambience of a bookshop with the characteristics of a real Temple of the Arts. A century later, Livraria Lello remains a hub of arts and letters, which has also been declared a Monument of Public Interest in Portugal. Whether you are already living in Portugal or planning to move, don't skip your visit to this neo-gothic architectural marvel, where social events are accommodated next to a peaceful library. Since its establishment, Livraria Lello bookshop has been sustained as a living organism, which has been adapting to the needs and aspirations of its time.
Beijing, China
If you are living in Beijing, you have probably come across the staffless convenience stores scattered around the city. The southern district of Tongzhou has taken this concept a step further, and in February 2018 opened The Xinhua Lifestyle Store — the first 24-hour bookshop in Beijing, where robots have been programmed to be more than happy to give you humanised books' suggestions. If you don't mind getting a face scan and registering with WeChat, a Chinese social medium, we believe that it's definitely worth it to get a glimpse of the future among some of the most traditional products: books. Don't forget to show your smile to the robot cashier!
Sydney, Australia
Fairfield, a western Sydney suburb, is among the most diverse cities in the country. Over half of Fairfield's residents were born in a non-English speaking country. Thus, the Lost in Books social enterprise and international children's bookshop was a natural addition to the local community, which was in need of a cosy place where people can freely read books in their language. Children can find books in their language, from Arabic and Vietnamese to Hindi, Russian, and Somali. Among other activities, Lost in Books offers weekly workshops and learning sessions to boost the migrant women's confidence. Whether you wish to volunteer or check what is going on there, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to get involved with your new community as an expat.
