Is there anywhere better to lose track of time than in a bookshop? Whether it’s the curation of books on the shelves, the grandeur of the space or the joy of having nowhere else to be, the best bookshops make you want to linger in the aisles and browse with no agenda.
Few know their way around the world’s best indie bookshops like our founder, Dua Lipa, who has made a habit of seeking them out wherever she finds herself. From historic institutions to beloved neighbourhood spots, here are Dua’s favourites from her travels, all conveniently saved in Google Maps.
The Paperback Bookshop, Melbourne
Paperback in Melbourne is a tiny bookshop in the CBD with a clear sense of what it loves. Literary fiction, translated literature, small press titles. The staff recommendations are worth trusting – it’s a great browse.
The Rare Birds Book Shop, Edinburgh
Rare Birds in Edinburgh is a famous independent bookshop and subscription service that’s dedicated exclusively to fiction written by women. The name itself comes from an old saying the founder Rachel Wood always loved – a rare bird being described as an exceptional person or thing, a rarity – so it refers to both the books and the people who wrote them. Which, hopefully, will one day be a little less rare.
Ensemble, Marseille
Ensemble in Marseille is a beautifully curated bookshop that reflects the city it’s in. Mediterranean literature, art books, zines, a distinctive point of view. Makes you want to read everything at once.
Livraria Lello, Porto
Livraria Lello in Porto is one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. The carved wooden staircase, the stained glass ceiling, the whole building. Because they also are a publisher, it’s a living bookshop. The insider tip is to get a ticket to the downstairs gallery space that houses rare collections.
Tintabudi, Kuala Lumpur
Tintabudi in Kuala Lumpur is a beautiful independent bookshop and creative space doing something important for the reading culture of the city. The selection of Southeast Asian literature is particularly strong.
De Groene Waterman, Antwerp
De Groene Waterman in Antwerp is one of those bookshops that makes you want to learn another language just so you can read more of what’s on the shelves. Old and new in a beautiful building.
Clarke’s Bookshop, Cape Town
Clarke’s in Cape Town is a bookshop that feels like it grew organically out of the neighbourhood. African literature, independent publishers and a sense that the people running it care deeply about what they’re putting on the shelves.
Albertine, New York City
Albertine is the French bookshop in the French Cultural Services building on Fifth Avenue in New York and it is extraordinary. French literature in the original and in translation, beautifully displayed. It feels like a small piece of Paris in midtown Manhattan.
La Americana, Mexico City
Our Service95 Book Club hosted a Book Tasting in Mexico City last year at this little independent bookstore cafe called La Americana. Definitely the vibe for a chill day of reading.
Boundary Bookstore, Hong Kong
Boundary Bookstore in Hong Kong is a special one. In a city known for moving fast, it’s calm and thoughtful. The store highlights Chinese literature from the diaspora, specifically covering Malaysia, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong, as well as some select English titles.
Brick Lane Bookshop, London
Brick Lane Bookshop has been on that street for decades and holds its own against everything that has changed around it. A proper community bookshop with range and a team who you can tell really love books.
La La Books, London
La La Books in London is one of the most beautifully curated independent bookshops I’ve been to. The selection is really considered and specific. A wonderful place to spend an afternoon.
Looking for more recs? Subscribe to our weekly Service95 newsletter here to be the first to know when the next one drops. And discover all of Dua’s Lists on Google Maps here.
