November 24, 2017 · ,

Bookshops in Buenos Aires

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Best Bookshops in Buenos Aires Argentina

It seems as though globalization did not care to settle in Buenos Aires. Thanks to its richness in color, life and culture, Buenos Aires still maintains the taste of the good old days, where a book is a key ingredient.

If you’re the kind of person who prefers to visit a bookstore, spend hours browsing for titles, curl up with a good one while having your favorite cup of tea, the Argentinian capital would be the destination you’ve been searching for. There are online bookstores of course; still, they attract a humble audience of readers as most Argentinians still prefer to develop a relationship with a physical book rather than a digitalized one.

According to a study conducted by the World Cities Culture Forum, Buenos Aires ranks first when it comes to the number of bookshops per inhabitant. No less than 734 bookstores function in the city and so there are 25 bookshops to accommodate every 100,000 inhabitant. The number beats both Hong Kong and Madrid.

Buenos Aires is not only a market for new books. Scattered along Avenida Corrientes, rare and secondhand bookshops amount up to a total of 102 stores outranking London, Berlin, Johannesburg and Tokyo.

The first editions of Latin American authors also have a share. The independent store of La Internacional Argentina, located in the Villa Crespo Bohemian neighbourhood, specializes in these. If you don’t have the time to visit as much as you can, perhaps you should start some of the top bookstores in Buenos Aires.


My Top 7 Bookshops in Buenos Aires:


El Ateneo

In 2000,Teatro Gran Splendid was converted into a bookstore. The theatrical setting that once featured the most famous performers attracts over a million visitors a year. The grandeur of the atmosphere makes El Ateneo the crème de la crème when it comes to bookstores. But that’s not all; for the design makes it a touristic attraction too. There are reading theatrical boxes where you can read before you buy the book, a cafe to have a drink while enjoying the ambience and a photo exhibition in the second floor.

Read More about El Ateneo Grand Splendid


El Rufián Melancólico

This bookstore features piles and piles of secondhand books and a very friendly owner who is always interested in discussing literature with clients. Located in the historic San Telmo neighborhood, El Rufián Melancólico has very rare titles and a charming atmosphere that will keep you busy for few hours.

Information: librería el rufián melancólico

Address: Bolívar 857

Phone (54 11) 4300 1027

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 8 PM


Kel Ediciones

Whether you’re an expat, language student or teacher, or if you’re simply interested in reading English-language literature, Kel Ediciones is the place to go. Its enormous selection is very well organized and the staff is very friendly and well read. From the range of classics to comic books, children books and travel material, a book is there for you.

Information: Kel Ediciones

Alto Palermo Shopping

  • Local 61, PB
  • Av. Santa Fe 3253
  • CP: 1425 – C.A.B.A.
  • Monday to Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM

Zivals

Zivals is one of the most well-organized bookstores in the city. With a touch of modernity and a large collection of books and tango CDs, tourists never miss it.

Address: C1022AAD, Av. Callao 395, C1022AAD CABA, Argentina

Monday to Friday · 9:30AM–9:30PM

Phone: +54 11 4371-6978


SBS International

SBS International is a renowned franchise providing multi -lingual titles. It can be found all throughout the country. It offers classics, language learning and study materials. It also hosts workshops for linguists, in addition to cultural activities.

Address: Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre 2441, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Monday to Friday · 10AM–7PM 
Phone: +54 11 4788-4860

Eterna Cadencia

The design of Eterna Cadencia makes it feel like home. A living room with comfortable couches, reading tables and armchairs, literature related events, very friendly staff and a fancy restaurant in its center. The coziness of Eterna Cadencia and the collection of books make it the perfect place to spend one afternoon.

Address: Honduras 5574, C1414BND CABA, Argentina
Hours: Monday to Friday 10AM–9PM
Phone: +54 11 4774-4100


Libros del Pasaje

The paradise of a bookworm offers an enormous collection of books. The books that reach the ceiling and need a ladder at times surround you while local authors give presentations of their latest works. Also, Libros del Pasaje attracts much attention for its café situated in the center.

Address: Thames 1762, 1425 Capital Federal, Argentina, C.f., Argentina
Hours: Monday to Friday 10AM–9PM
Phone: +54 11 4833-6637


Publishing experts suggest that psychology is the reason why Argentines are obsessed with books, as the country has a large number of psychologists and “the habitual introspection of therapy makes Argentinians ideal readers”. I would think books don’t discriminate, they lift up just about anybody, anywhere just by lifting them and spending some time to look within. End of the day, “It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” 

Study Spanish in Buenos Aires and discover the incredible culture of Argentina. If you know other good bookshops, write them below…

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