1. Expect a line
I’m not kidding. If you go to Shakespeare and Company, prepare to wait in line. But trust me, it’s worth it. This beloved bookshop is so famous that it often draws crowds, and the line stretching out the door is just part of the charm. Don’t rush it – let the excitement build as you watch others eagerly await their turn to step inside this Parisian literary wonderland. You might even meet some fellow book lovers while you wait, swapping recommendations and chatting about the magic that is about to unfold.
2. It’s not „just“ a bookshop
When you visit Shakespeare and Company, you’re not just entering a bookshop – you’re walking through the pages of literary history. Established in 1951 by George Whitman, this historic gem has been the haunt of writers like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and James Baldwin. You’ll stand in the same aisles where these legends once roamed, breathing in the words that once lived on the page and are now alive in the very air around you. But it’s not just about the past, this is a living, breathing, ever-evolving space where new voices, new stories, and new inspirations emerge every day. You’ll find shelves brimming with everything from classic novels to quirky, lesser-known treasures, translated works, and beautifully bound editions. It’s the perfect place to lose yourself and with over 30,000 books, you’ll probably need to spend more than just an hour.
3. Bohemian vibes all over
When you finally step through that iconic green door, you’ll be greeted by narrow aisles packed with books that seem to stretch on forever. The air smells like old paper and adventure. The charm of Shakespeare and Company is in its coziness – its delightful clutter and the feeling that you’ve stepped into a place where time doesn’t exist. There’s an unmistakable bohemian vibe here – think vintage typewriters, handwritten notes from visiting authors, and a sense that each corner has its own little story to tell. People linger in every nook and cranny, thumbing through novels, taking a seat in quiet corners, or striking up conversations with the friendly staff. There’s no rush, no hurry here. Just a celebration of books and the people who love them.
4. Overpriced delicious coffee next door
Now, here’s the best-kept secret: next door to Shakespeare and Company, there’s a charming little café that’s practically begging you to unwind with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Whether you want to sip and reflect on the books you’ve just found, or simply watch the world go by as the Seine flows gently nearby, this café is the perfect spot to digest the literary magic you’ve just experienced. The cozy atmosphere spills right into the bookshop’s vibe, and it’s the perfect place to spend some time journaling, reflecting, or just soaking up the Parisian ambiance. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mixes with the sweet aroma of pastries, and you can easily lose yourself in the charm of it all. And yes it’s a little overpriced, but honestly, it’s a very good coffee and in France you don’t get so much great coffee at every corner.
5. The legendary “Tumbleweeds”
One of the most enchanting aspects of Shakespeare and Company is its tradition of the Tumbleweeds – young writers and travelers who are invited to stay in the upstairs apartment above the shop. These literary wanderers are free to stay as long as they work, write, and engage with the bookshop’s mission to cultivate creativity. As you browse the shelves, you might meet one of these Tumbleweeds – a writer with a dream or a traveler with a story to share. It adds a personal, intimate layer to the whole experience, one that makes you feel like you’ve become a part of the ongoing narrative of Shakespeare and Company.
6. Why you will come back
There’s something undeniably magical about Shakespeare and Company. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just buy a book. You take away a piece of Paris itself, a sense of connection to the writers, the travelers, and the dreamers who have passed through here before you. You’ll leave feeling different – inspired, uplifted, and perhaps a little more in love with the world of books than you were when you walked in. And you will come back, promised! Better plan a visit of some hours Because this place deserves your time. Because it’s not just a bookstore. Because you will regret when you are in a hurry and can’t buy yourself a book as souvenir with the famous stamp inside. It’s a living, breathing testament to the power of stories. And because it’s an experience that, once you’ve had it, you’ll want to relive over and over again. So, don’t rush. Plan some hours for your visit, wait in line with eager anticipation, and let yourself sink into the world that Shakespeare and Company so beautifully creates.
This is a stop in Paris you won’t want to miss.
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