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    The 5 Oldest Bookstores in the World: Where Literature Meets History

    September 13, 2025 • 0 Comment

    For travelers who appreciate the finer things in life, few experiences are as rewarding as stepping into a bookstore where centuries of history linger on every shelf. These are not mere shops — they are living museums of culture, places where authors, philosophers, and dreamers have gathered for generations.

    Around the world, a select few bookstores have withstood time itself, surviving wars, revolutions, and shifting tastes. To step inside is to join a continuum of knowledge stretching across centuries. Among them, Lisbon’s Livraria Bertrand proudly holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest bookstore still in operation.

    Here, we take you on a journey to the five oldest bookstores in the world, each one a temple of culture worth visiting.

    1. Bertrand Bookstore – Lisbon, Portugal (1732)

    In Lisbon’s elegant Chiado district, you’ll find the oldest operating bookstore in the world: Livraria Bertrand. Founded in 1732, Bertrand has survived earthquakes, revolutions, and modern reinvention while remaining true to its mission — a sanctuary for literature lovers.

    Its story is one of resilience. Destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the store was rebuilt on Rua Garrett, where it still stands today. Over the centuries, Bertrand became a meeting place for Portugal’s intellectual elite. Writers such as Alexandre Herculano and Eça de Queirós were known to gather in its reading rooms, shaping the literary identity of a nation.

    Inside, the bookstore unfolds through a series of historic rooms, each carrying the weight of centuries. The Sala dos Autores Portugueses (Room of Portuguese Authors) remains a highlight, with works by Fernando Pessoa, José Saramago, and Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. For international travelers, a curated collection of English, French, and Spanish works ensures that everyone can take home a literary souvenir.

    Adding to the charm, Bertrand hosts a small café where you can pause with a glass of wine or espresso, soaking in the atmosphere. As one Portugal Magik guest remarked:

    “Bertrand wasn’t just a bookstore — it was stepping into Lisbon’s living history. I could almost hear the voices of past writers as I walked through its rooms.”

     

     

    2. Moravian Book Shop – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA (1745)

    Crossing the Atlantic, the Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, proudly carries the title of the oldest bookstore in the United States. Established in 1745 by the Moravian Church, it was originally a place to sell religious texts and community publications. Over time, it expanded into a full-service bookstore beloved by generations.

    Housed in a charming colonial-era building, the shop retains its cozy, old-world feel. Visitors will find shelves filled with contemporary works, alongside a notable section on history and regional culture. The store also houses a boutique gift shop and seasonal decorations that echo its Pennsylvania Dutch heritage.

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    3. Hatchards – London, United Kingdom (1797)

    In the heart of London’s Piccadilly, just steps from Fortnum & Mason, stands Hatchards, the city’s oldest bookstore, founded in 1797 by John Hatchard. With more than 200 years of history, it has become a beloved institution — and the official bookseller to the British royal family.

    The store exudes British elegance: sweeping staircases, oak-paneled walls, and rows upon rows of books. Hatchards is renowned for its extensive selection of fiction, history, and political works, and its frequent author signings have attracted figures from Oscar Wilde to Margaret Thatcher.

    What sets Hatchards apart is its air of prestige. Holding several Royal Warrants, it has long been associated with Britain’s elite, making it a cultural landmark for discerning travelers exploring London.

    4. Librairie Galignani – Paris, France (1801)

    Few cities celebrate books as passionately as Paris, and among its most treasured bookstores is Librairie Galignani, founded in 1801. Located on the elegant Rue de Rivoli, Galignani is recognized as the oldest English-language bookstore on the European continent.

    Established by the Galignani family, who were pioneers in publishing and journalism, the bookstore became a hub for expatriates and intellectuals. Writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Oscar Wilde were known to frequent its halls, cementing its status as a Parisian institution.

    Today, Galignani offers a refined blend of French and English titles, with particular strengths in art, design, and history. Its elegant wooden interiors, coupled with its proximity to the Tuileries Gardens, make it an idyllic stop for cultured travelers strolling through Paris.

    5. Libreria Antica e Moderna – Ferrara, Italy (1802)

    Italy, with its rich cultural heritage, also claims one of the oldest bookstores still in operation: Libreria Antica e Moderna in Ferrara. Opened in 1802, this bookstore blends antiquarian treasures with contemporary works, making it a unique stop in this Renaissance city.

    The store’s charm lies in its dual personality. On one side, travelers can browse antique volumes, maps, and manuscripts that transport them back to earlier centuries. On the other, modern titles reflect the ongoing vibrancy of Italian literary life. For those exploring Ferrara’s palaces and cathedrals, a visit to this bookstore provides yet another layer of cultural immersion.

    Why These Bookstores Matter

    Each of these bookstores represents far more than commerce. They are guardians of memory, testaments to human curiosity and creativity. They remind us that books remain relevant, powerful, and enduring, even in a digital world.

    For luxury travelers, visiting such places is an indulgence in culture and authenticity. Whether it’s Lisbon’s Bertrand, where Portuguese literature was shaped, or Hatchards, with its royal connections, these bookstores invite you to experience history not as a static exhibit but as a living story you can step into.

    Discover Bertrand with Portugal Magik

    At Portugal Magik Private Tours, we take great pride in guiding guests through Lisbon’s Chiado neighborhood, where Bertrand awaits as a highlight. Established 14 years ago, our company offers luxury private tours across Portugal, traveling in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with English-speaking driver-guides who bring history vividly to life.

    Most of our discerning clients choose multi-day journeys, combining Lisbon with Sintra, Porto, the Douro Valley, and beyond. Bertrand often becomes a cultural highlight within a bespoke itinerary designed around your pace and interests.

    If you dream of experiencing Bertrand — the world’s oldest bookstore — alongside palaces, vineyards, and Portugal’s hidden gems, we invite you to explore our private services:

    Fill in the form below to request your custom itinerary. Our team will tailor a journey that connects you not just with places, but with culture, history, and the timeless spirit of literature.

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    The 5 Oldest Bookstores in the World: Where Literature Meets History