Argentina: Buenos Aires (the most beautiful bookstore)

Buying books on websites like Amazon has become the 21st-century norm. I am completely in favor of this modern convenience as it means that the exact book that I need or want can be delivered to the exact place that I choose, most times for a reasonable price. Would I trade buying books online for going to an actual bookstore, perusing the shelves, asking staff for assistance, and checking out face-to-face with a real person? Only if said bookstore is worth it, such as the one I'm about to show off here. Be prepared: this is not your average Barnes & Noble. 

Behold: El Ateneo Grand Splendid. Originally built as a theatre in Buenos Aires in the early 1900s, this architectural beauty was converted into a bookstore in 2000. The stage has now become a coffee shop (what bookstore would be complete without one?) and many of the writers who once found inspiration in the daily happenings of Buenos Aires (Borges, Cortázar, Darío, to name a few) now have their works lining the shelves of this 3-story structure. In addition to Latin American literature (which was obviously the section that most captured my interest), one can find just about any type of book that he or she desires here, as long as he or she does not mind reading in Spanish. Our purchases for the day included Mario Vargas Llosa's latest essay: La llamada de la tribu (for yours truly) and a book highlighting historic battles spanning from the Ottoman Empire to the 20th century (for the history aficionado, Emi). 

One can find international works of fiction, historical nonfiction, travel guides, and cookbooks (to name a few) on the first floor.

The bookstore features a fancy painted domed ceiling.

The top-floor merchandise includes music, movies, and the sports and spirituality sections.

Coffee can be purchased on what once was the stage, and the children's books can be found in the lower level.

It is said that on average, 3000 people pass through El Ateneo Grand Splendid on a daily basis, either seeking to make a purchase, cozy up with some reading material in one of the old balconies, sip on a cappuccino, or just to admire the palatial beauty of the space. While online-book shopping is practical and convenient where available, opportunities to see bookstores such as this one should not be missed.