Thee Ateneo

Apart from the juiciest beef, mouthwatering dulce de leche and world-class football players, Buenos Aires is also home to one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Number 2 actually, according to The Guardian. Presenting, El Ateneo de Gran Splendid.

Formerly a theatre, this bookshop (which sells movies and audio CDs as well) is one of the musts in the Buenos Aires tourist trail. Honestly, I expected something bigger, but I don’t think anything can get as opulent as this (except for the world’s #1 bookstore, maybe?).

The patron boxes have comfortable seats for customers to sink into, in case they want to read.

While the stage has been converted into a coffee shop.

Someone would usually be behind the cortinas azules, tinkering on the ivories, to add on to the luxurious ambiance.

There are 3 floors plus a basement dedicated to children’s libros.

Most of the titles are in Spanish (I think only the travel books are in English), so I did not buy anything…yet.