The World's Coolest Bookstores ( and some local faves)

While we're on the subject of literary inspiration, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite local places to hunt for vintage books or just get cozy with a new one and some coffee, as well as a few shops that are on my "must visit before I die" list.

There is something so special about independently-owned bookstores, and it feels like they are fading away. I'm as guilty as anyone of leaning on amazon.com to deliver some rare book a friend recommended, instead of venturing out to wander bookcases on my own.

When I do venture out to a bookstore two of my favorites are KramerBooks in Dupont Circle and Capitol Hill Books in Eastern Market.

KramerBooks is fun because it's half bookstore, half cafe. If you've ever had to kill 20 minutes waiting for your friend to meet you for lunch, you can imagine how clutch this is.
If you're the more adventurous type, check out Capitol Hill Books. I promise, it's not for the faint of heart. I'm pretty sure every nook and cranny in this place is filled with vintage books from ceiling to floor. It's not well-organized, and I usually have to take a break every ten minutes to breathe in fresh air. However, if you're the type of person who loves the hunt, it's worth a visit. Especially in the spring when fresh produce and open-air cafes are right around the corner at the market.

Now for the really good stuff. As an American, it seems like every other country in the world is just filled to the brim with old churches, theaters and even castles that are available to any potential business owner with a bag of Euros and a dream.

The first place I would visit on my imaginary world book (store) tour is Livraria Lello in Portugal. It's not the biggest or the most famous on the list, but something about that staircase makes it awe-inspiring.

Livraria Lello opened in 1906 and is housed in a neo-gothic building. An amazing curved stairway connects the two levels and there is a charming four-table coffee shop on the second floor.
Of course, I would have to visit Shakespeare and Co. in Paris. P.S. If you love Web design check out their site. I love how it looks like an old-school community bulletin board.

Then there's El Ateneo in Buenos Aires which is housed in a former opera house. SO cool.
Le Bal des Ardents in Lyon, France (for that awesome arched entrance alone)

Finally, I'd love to visit Selexyz bookstore in Holland, which is housed in a former church.