The Best Bookstores in Buenos Aires

El Ateneo Grand Splendid is undoubtedly one of the most stunning bookstores in Argentina and the world, blending architectural grandeur with an extensive collection of books and delightful coffee in Buenos Aires.

This remarkable bookstore opened its doors in 2000 in the building that once housed the Grand Splendid Theatre, established in 1919. This historic venue witnessed significant events, such as the premiere of Argentina’s first sound film and recordings by Carlos Gardel for the Odeón label. Today, the bookstore boasts three floors dedicated to books and music, including a basement entirely devoted to children’s literature.

One of the standout features of this bookstore is its charming café, located on the theatre’s former stage, where you can enjoy a drink while you read. The old boxes of the theatre have been transformed into cosy reading nooks, providing a tranquil and historically rich atmosphere.

Internationally recognised by The Guardian and National Geographic, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a must-visit in Buenos Aires for literature and architecture enthusiasts alike.

This is one of the most enigmatic bookstores in Buenos Aires. At first glance, it appears to be an ordinary brick house, but behind its discreet facade lies a perfect oasis for book lovers in the city.

Falena requires an appointment to enter its incredible world of books and coffee, accompanied by soft music and comfort. Inside, the architecture and decor create a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a fireplace that beckons you to stay for hours. Falena offers a carefully curated selection of books from independent publishers and art collections, not to mention the classics.

This bookstore is also a venue for cultural events, featuring a wine cellar in the basement where visitors can sample fine wines while perusing their favourite books. The bookstore hosts jazz cycles and music events in its magical courtyard, providing a unique literary and cultural experience.

To access this parallel world, just ring the bell and wait to be welcomed by Marcela, its warm-hearted owner. The experience offered by this literary haven in Buenos Aires is unforgettable.

Eterna Cadencia is a young publishing house and cultural space that offers a unique immersive experience, setting it apart from other bookstores in Buenos Aires. This venue is distinguished by its wooden shelves brimming with books, cosy armchairs, and a café in the internal courtyard that invites visitors to enjoy books and coffee in a charming setting.

Housed in a refurbished old home, Eterna Cadencia features over 40,000 titles, showcasing an exquisite catalogue of classics and new releases. Additionally, it is home to Eterno, a bar with a closed patio and a terrace perfect for sunny days, where you can dine and enjoy a good read.

Founded in 2008, Eterna Cadencia is not just a place to buy books but also a meeting point for literature lovers, hosting presentations by renowned authors, festivals, and live interviews that encourage visitors to stop by. For both locals and tourists, this bookstore is a cultural gem that cannot be missed in Buenos Aires, where the passion for books and art converge in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.

Librería de Ávila, also known as Librería del Colegio, is one of the most iconic historic bookstores in Buenos Aires. Established in 1785, it is the oldest active bookstore in the world. Located just a few meters from Plaza de Mayo, this historic site has been declared a Cultural Interest of the City and a National Historic Monument.

This bookstore offers a unique experience for locals and tourists who cherish reading in a setting steeped in history. The windows of Librería de Ávila showcase a diverse range of genres, from ancient and modern books to works about tango and gauchesco.

Over the years, it has become a meeting point for notable figures in Argentine history, such as Nicolás Avellaneda, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, and Bartolomé Mitre. Today, the bookstore houses around 100,000 books, including 18th-century editions and a first edition of “Luna de enfrente” by Jorge Luis Borges.

Visiting Librería de Ávila is to immerse oneself in the history and culture of Buenos Aires, making it an essential destination for book lovers and literary enthusiasts.

As its name suggests, Borges 1975 is located in the heart of Palermo, on that street and at that number. This bookstore in Buenos Aires offers more than just books; it provides a unique cultural experience in the city that combines literature, theatre, music, and visual arts in a charming space, inviting you to explore.

Since its opening, Borges 1975 has managed to reinvent itself. In 2020, it launched Blackroom Bar in its backyard, an innovative gastronomic venture led by chef Nick Baranov, a traveller from Azerbaijan who has fallen in love with Buenos Aires. Here, visitors can enjoy books and coffee, or pair them with signature cocktails and original tapas.

Spending an afternoon in Borges 1975 means diving into a world of live music, unique cocktails, and a giant library where you can buy, browse, and ask questions. The perfect synergy of music and literature makes this reading nook an unmissable treasure in Buenos Aires.

Moreover, its gastronomic and cultural offerings make this bookstore an essential meeting point for lovers of books and art.

Nestled in the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, La Libre is a cooperative bookstore that stands out for its focus on literature and culture in general. This Buenos Aires bookstore is housed in a beautiful old mansion, welcoming all book lovers.

La Libre is not just a place to buy new and second-hand books; it’s also a vibrant artistic space that hosts literary workshops, photography workshops, theatre performances, and art exhibitions. Additionally, it features a monthly in-person book club called “La Frontera,” bringing together passionate readers.

With a broad catalogue that includes prose, narrative, essays, and poetry, La Libre is an ideal spot to discover literary gems on feminism and gender studies. They organise artisan book fairs, poetry and music festivals, and reading gatherings that enrich the cultural offerings of Buenos Aires.

La Libre is more than just a bookstore; it’s a hub for locals and tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the world of books and art in Buenos Aires.

Céspedes Libros, located in the charming neighbourhood of Colegiales, is a bookstore that reflects its owner’s passion for literature and cultural encounters. Cecilia Fanti opened this bookstore in 2017 in a small space of 26 m², and it has since become a reference point for locals and tourists seeking a literary nook in Buenos Aires.

Since its inception, Céspedes Libros has been a gathering place for book lovers and artists. In 2020, due to its growth, it moved to a larger space while maintaining its neighbourhood charm and exquisite curation of titles and authors. It also features a small branch in the Centro Cultural Recoleta, expanding its reach to an even larger audience.

This venue not only offers a wide selection of books but also hosts talks and book presentations by various authors, enriching each visitor’s experience. Cecilia’s dedication and the spirit of community make Céspedes Libros a must-visit in Buenos Aires for those seeking an authentic connection with literature and culture.

Dain Usina Cultural is not only one of the most beautiful bookstores in Buenos Aires, but also a cultural centre and multi-space that prioritises art. Housed in a traditional 1940s mansion in Palermo, this bookstore provides a unique atmosphere for those seeking a comprehensive experience that merges books and coffee.

This site features a 150 m² bookstore on the ground floor, serving as a venue for presentations, exhibitions, and literary gatherings. Additionally, it has a café and restaurant, along with a patio where you can enjoy gourmet barbecues in a relaxed natural setting.

If you’re struggling to find a specific book, the knowledgeable staff at Dain will ensure you have it within a day. This bookstore is run by passionate book lovers who share their enthusiasm and expertise with visitors.

At Dain Usina Cultural, the love for literature resonates deeply and is passed on to everyone. That’s why this is an unmissable location in Buenos Aires for those seeking an authentic connection with literature and art.