The Best Secondhand Bookshops Around the World

Introduction: The Magic of the Global Used Bookstore Hunt

There is a distinct, irreplaceable sensory experience that comes with walking into a secondhand bookshop. The heavy, comforting aroma of aging paper, the visual chaos of overflowing shelves, and the thrilling possibility that your next step might lead you to a first edition, a long-out-of-print poetry collection, or a copy bearing the handwritten marginalia of a stranger from decades past. In an era dominated by instant digital downloads and algorithmic recommendations, the best secondhand bookshops around the world stand as physical sanctuaries of serendipity.

For the true bibliophile, visiting a used bookstore is not merely an errand; it is a pilgrimage. Whether tucked away down a cobblestone alley in Europe, operating out of a converted warehouse in North America, or lining a bustling market street in Asia, these cultural hubs hold the collective memories of communities. Traveling the globe with the sole purpose of hunting for pre-loved books transforms an ordinary vacation into an immersive literary adventure. In this comprehensive guide, we will tour some of the most extraordinary secondhand bookshops on earth, uncover the stories behind their shelves, and provide you with actionable tips for finding hidden literary treasures on your next journey.

1. Europe: The Cradle of Antiquarian and Used Literature

Europe’s deep literary history has birthed some of the oldest and most atmospheric bookshops on the planet. Walking through its historic capitals and literary towns often feels like stepping inside the pages of a classic novel.

Shakespeare and Company, Paris, France

No list of the best secondhand bookshops around the world would be complete without mentioning the legendary Shakespeare and Company on the banks of the Seine. While George Whitman’s iconic shop is famous for nurturing the "Beat Generation" writers of the 20th century, it remains a bustling hub for contemporary readers and travelers. The shop is a labyrinth of creaking wooden floorboards, overflowing shelves, pianos, and cozy reading nooks overlooking Notre-Dame. Aspiring writers even sleep among the books in exchange for working a few hours a day and reading a book a day—a tradition known as the "Tumbleweeds."

Boekhandel Dominicanen, Maastricht, Netherlands

Located inside a breathtaking 13th-century Dominican church, this store redefines architectural grandeur. As you browse the extensive collection of secondhand and new books, you are surrounded by towering gothic arches, ancient stone pillars, and centuries-old frescoes. The central nave has been ingeniously fitted with multi-story steel book structures, allowing readers to literally ascend toward the heavens in search of their next great read. It is widely considered one of the most stunning bookstores in existence.

Atlantis Books, Oia, Santorini, Greece

Perched on the cliffside of a volcanic Greek island, Atlantis Books was founded in 2004 by a group of international friends who wanted to bring a bookstore to paradise. Housed in a traditional whitewashed cave house with a terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea, it stocks a curated selection of secondhand books in multiple languages. Hammocks stretch across the roof, literary events are hosted under the stars, and the relaxed, bohemian atmosphere makes it a must-visit for traveling readers.

2. North America: Megastores, Conversions, and Neighborhood Gems

North America offers a vast spectrum of used bookstores, ranging from massive multi-story institutions where you can lose an entire afternoon to tiny neighborhood shops filled with eccentric local character.

The Strand Bookstore, New York City, USA

A towering monument to New York’s intellectual heritage, The Strand famously boasts "18 miles of books." Located in Manhattan’s East Village, this legendary institution features a cavernous indoor space packed with millions of new, used, and rare books. Outside, wooden carts line the sidewalk, offering unbeatable deals on paperbacks. The Strand is a living museum of print culture, where you can easily spend hours combing through the rare book room on the third floor, discovering signed editions, antique maps, and art books.

Powell’s City of Books, Portland, Oregon, USA

Occupying an entire city block in the Pearl District of Portland, Powell’s is the largest independent used and new bookstore in the world. It covers 68,000 square feet, houses over a million volumes, and is organized into color-coded rooms that require a map to navigate successfully. Powell’s is famous for its generous buy-sell-trade program, ensuring a constantly rotating inventory where you can find everything from obscure academic textbooks to vintage sci-fi pulps.

The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles, California, USA

Located in a majestic former bank building downtown, The Last Bookstore is a sprawling wonderland of literary art. The soaring ceilings and marble columns of the ground floor give way to a labyrinthine upper level made entirely of books. Visitors can walk through a tunnel of books, view sculptures made from paper, and explore the Labyrinth, which houses tens of thousands of books priced at just one dollar each. It is both a functioning used bookstore and an immersive art installation.

3. Asia and Oceania: Literary Hubs in Bustling Metropolises

The secondhand book scene in Asia and Oceania offers unique windows into local publishing histories, translated works, and vibrant community spaces.

Jimbocho Book Town, Tokyo, Japan

Rather than a single shop, Jimbocho is an entire neighborhood dedicated to literature. Located in central Tokyo, this district boasts over 150 secondhand bookstores packed tightly together. Many shops specialize in specific niches—such as Japanese poetry, ukiyo-e prints, philosophy, or foreign-language literature. It is a quiet, scholarly oasis amidst the high-tech frenzy of Tokyo, where browsers can spend days uncovering rare Japanese editions and vintage English paperbacks.

Hay-on-Wye, Powles, Wales (The Global Book Town)

Though technically a small town rather than a single shop, Hay-on-Wye is an essential pilgrimage site for anyone seeking the best secondhand bookshops around the world. Founded as the world's first "Book Town" by Richard Booth in the 1960s, this tiny Welsh village now houses dozens of independent bookshops, ranging from general antiquarian dealers to specialized shops focusing on murder mysteries, poetry, and children's literature. Every year, it hosts the prestigious Hay Festival, drawing writers and readers from across the globe.

"A secondhand book is not merely a commodity; it is a physical vessel of human curiosity, carrying the fingerprints, marginalia, and dreams of everyone who has ever held it in their hands."

4. Tips and Strategies for Successful Secondhand Book Hunting

Hunting for pre-loved books is an art form. To make the most of your visits to the best secondhand bookshops around the world, keep these actionable strategies in mind:

• Look for the hidden sections: Many bookstores hide their best treasures in basement corners, back rooms, or upper mezzanines. Always ask the staff if there is an antiquarian or clearance section you might have missed.
• Inspect the margins: Do not skip books with handwritten notes or underlines. Marginalia often transforms a standard paperback into a fascinating historical artifact, offering a glimpse into a previous reader's mind.
• Check the inside cover: Look for bookplates, signatures, and dates of purchase. Finding a signed copy or a book gifted between friends decades ago adds immense sentimental value to your purchase.
• Travel with a flexible packing strategy: Always pack a collapsible cloth tote bag in your suitcase, and be prepared to ship a box home via postal media mail if your literary haul exceeds your luggage weight limit.
• Support local currency and community: Buying a cheap postcard or a canvas tote alongside your books is a great way to support independent bookshop owners who keep these cultural spaces alive.

Conclusion: Keeping the Spirit of Print Alive

The best secondhand bookshops around the world are much more than commercial retail spaces; they are community living rooms, architectural marvels, and time capsules. They remind us of the tactile joy of turning physical pages and the thrill of unexpected discovery. Whether you are browsing the sun-drenched shelves of Santorini, navigating the colorful aisles of Portland, or losing yourself in the historic charm of Paris, visiting a used bookstore connects you to a global community of curious minds. The next time you pack your bags for a journey, skip the digital screen, seek out the local used bookstores, and let the serendipity of the shelves guide your reading life.