In our busy, fast-paced modern life, we all crave a sanctuary. We long for a quiet place to escape, to sip a warm drink, and to get lost in the magic of a good book. This is the simple joy of book cafés – places that are so much more than just a store or a coffee shop. They are havens where stories line the walls, and every corner invites you to pause, relax, and reconnect. From floating barges in Paris to chic, modern marvels in Istanbul, we’ve gathered the 10 most beautiful book cafés in the world for 2025.
1. Minoa Pera (Istanbul, Türkiye)
Voted the most beautiful book café in the world for 2025, Minoa Pera truly earns its top spot. This location, part of the Minoa Books chain, has a stunningly chic style. With sleek stone flooring and a crisp, modern design, it feels both high-end and welcoming. The café boasts over 45,000 Turkish and English books, covering everything from bestsellers to indie gems. It also offers beautiful stationery and home décor. The café itself is on the second floor, and you reach it by climbing a staircase that has books embedded in every single step, perfectly setting the mood for your visit.
- Address: Evliya Çelebi, Meşrutiyet Cd. No:99, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Hours: Mon–Thu & Sun: 8AM–11PM | Fri–Sat: 8AM–12AM
2. The Used Book Café at Merci (Paris, France)
If you’re looking for a cozy, welcoming spot to escape the hustle of Paris, this is it. The Used Book Café tucks its customers into a quiet atmosphere, surrounding them with thousands of books. You are free to browse the shelves, find a new story, and bring it back to your table. While most books are in French, there are plenty in English to entertain a visitor. The relaxed vibe is perfect for sipping a latte, and reviewers rave about the menu, which includes delicious pumpkin soup, fresh cakes, croissants, and more.
- Address: 111 Bd Beaumaris, 75003 Paris, France
- Hours: Mon–Sun: 10AM–6PM
3. Halle Saint-Pierre (Paris, France)
This one is for the art lovers. Halle Saint-Pierre is a unique cultural center in Paris dedicated to “outsider art” and contemporary works. Housed in a gorgeous 19th-century market hall, the building itself is a work of art with its distinctive iron and glass architecture. The center features a fantastic bookstore specializing in art publications and a lovely café for coffee and vegetarian pastries. You can enjoy the café on its own or pay a small fee to see the rotating art exhibitions, which include paintings, sculptures, and photography.
- Address: 2 Rue Ronsard, 75018 Paris, France
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 11AM–6PM | Sat: 11AM–7PM | Sun: 12PM–6PM
4. Péniche L’Eau et les Rêves (Paris, France)
Have you ever wanted to read a book on the water? This is a magical, floating bookshop and café located on a barge moored on Paris’s Canal de l’Ourcq. The shop specializes in books about botany, gardening, and plants, and its interior reflects that theme perfectly. It’s a lush, green oasis filled with potted plants, with vines curling over the wooden shelves. The café is surrounded by glass walls, letting in beautiful natural sunlight and offering a wonderful view of the canal.
- Address: 9 Quai de l’Oise, 75019 Paris, France
- Hours: Wed–Sun: 11AM–7PM (Café open Sunday by reservation only) | Mon & Tue: Closed
5. Cafebrería El Péndulo Polanco (Mexico City, Mexico)
This famous book café in Mexico City is an absolute stunner. The Polanco branch of this popular chain features two levels of books in both Spanish and English. What truly sets it apart is the healthy amount of greenery, with large plants and vines draped over the balconies, giving the entire space a spark of life and fresh air. The café’s main seating area is on the second floor, offering a full restaurant-style menu that you can enjoy while overlooking the beautiful, calming interior.
- Address: Alejandro Dumas 81, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
- Hours: Mon–Sat: 8AM–11PM | Sun: 9AM–10PM
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6. Ampersand Café & Bookstore (Sydney, Australia)
Located in the heart of Sydney, this three-story book café is a paradise for lovers of used books, housing over 30,000 titles. You can find everything here, from crime novels to history, including a special section of rare and antique texts. The décor is wonderfully homey, with mismatched vintage furniture that feels comfortable and lived-in. The menu is also a standout, offering delicious dishes like Turkish-inspired labneh eggs and miso-glazed salmon poke bowls.
- Address: 78 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 7AM–4PM | Sat & Sun: 8AM–4PM
7. Ler Devagar (Lisbon, Portugal)
This incredible space in Lisbon is located in a massive former printing warehouse, and it has kept all of its cool, industrial charm. Books stretch from the floor high up to the warehouse ceiling, surrounding a massive, old printing press that remains in the building. An iconic art installation of a flying bicyclist is suspended high in the air, adding to the unique atmosphere. It’s a true cultural hub, where you can browse books, find vinyl records, look at art, and, of course, enjoy a great coffee.
- Address: R. Rodrigues de Faria 103 – G 0.3, 1300-501 Lisboa, Portugal
- Hours: Mon–Sun: 10AM–9PM
8. Maison Assouline (London, United Kingdom)
What better place for a luxury bookstore than a grand former bank building? Maison Assouline, located near St. James’s Square in London, is the definition of elegance. The space is filled with high-class, sophisticated sofas, beautiful art, and antiques. The store offers a curated selection of high-end books on art, fashion, and travel. Inside, you’ll find the Swans Bar, which serves up cocktails and light meals in a refined, cozy setting.
- Address: 196A Piccadilly, London W1J 9EY, United Kingdom
- Hours: Vary by day; the Swans Bar is closed on Sundays.
9. Bibliotheque NYC (New York, USA)
Located right in SoHo, New York, Bibliotheque is a ritzy book café that doubles as a wine bar. The interior is snazzy and elegant, with books lining the walls and sofa backs, mixed with modern art pieces. During the day, it’s a bustling café serving specialty teas and lattes. At night, it transforms, bringing out an extensive wine list to become a sophisticated evening spot.
- Address: 54 Mercer St, New York, NY 10013, United States
- Hours: Closed on Mondays. Open 10AM–10PM (Sun–Thu) & 10AM–11PM (Fri–Sat).
10. Livraria Funambule (Petrópolis, Brazil)
This charming independent bookstore and café in Brazil feels like stepping into a peaceful cottage. The calming color scheme of white and gentle greens, combined with many potted plants and loving decorations, creates a homey atmosphere. The ambiance is designed to nurture the soul, encouraging visitors to savor a specialty coffee and pastry while browsing the shelves or sitting on the beautiful outdoor terrace.
- Address: Condomínio Petrópolis Green Offices – R. Prof. Stroeller, 428 – loja 15B – Quarteirão Brasileiro, Petrópolis – RJ, 25680-502, Brazil
- Hours: Closed on Mondays.
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