One of the best things to do is to visit a bookstore.

If you leave with purchases that make you happy, even better. To mark Book Lovers Day, we asked Lonely Planet staff about bookshops they remember from their travels.

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The senior editor of Travel News and Features has a favorite.

An artwork of a figure on a bicycle is in the foreground. Either side, staircases go up to walkways where the walls are lined with books
Ler Devagar bookstore in Lisbon is located inside an old printer © Alex Butler / Lonely Planet

Ler Devagar, Lisbon, Portugal

Every time I go to Lisbon, I stop at the Ler Devagar bookstore. There is a lot of books in this former printing space, which will keep you on your toes as you explore the different levels of the space. The English-language section is small, so you might not pick up your next great read, but if you climb up to the printing press at the top, you will find something you won't find anywhere else. The artist/inventor will take you on a tour to show you how his quirky contraptions work.

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Alison Killilea is a production editor.

The Wee Book Inn, White Avenue, Edmonton, Canada

There are long aisles to browse old favorites and new classics at this secondhand bookshop. It is located on the premier shopping street, next to vibrant clubs and boutique eateries, which makes it a relaxing place.

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Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus
The largest bookstore in Berlin - Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus © Sergey Kohl / Shutterstock

Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus, Berlin, Germany

The five floors of Dussman are filled with thousands of books in multiple languages. The aisles are close to the famed Brandenburg Gate. There is a great place to find souvenirs.

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Palabras Bilingual Bookstore, Phoenix, Arizona

Palabras was started by Chawa Magaa, the daughter of Mexican-American immigrants, to provide an inclusive space. It has an art gallery and a vibrant community space.

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Mollat Bookstore, located in Bordeaux
Librairie Mollat in Bordeaux, France © JeanLucIchard / Shutterstock

Librairie Mollat Bordeaux, France

The largest independent bookstore in France is located in the heart of Bordeaux and has 15 different departments.

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Changing Hands Bookstore, Phoenix, Arizona

My favorite independent bookstore is on Camelback Road in Phoenix. You can get a beer or wine at the First Draft bar after you've browsed the aisles. The store is lively.

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Karen Henderson is the managing editor of the paper.

The blue fascade of a bookstore titled
Books Upstairs on D'Olier Street, Dublin © Dirk Hudson / Shutterstock

Books Upstairs, Dublin, Ireland

The oldest independent bookstore in Dublin is located on the D'Olier street. The cafe has a great view of the hustle and bustle of the streets below.

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Vibes & Scribes, Cork, Ireland

There are three stores at Vibes & Scribes, one of which is a bookstore. You can find a lot of contemporary classics and science fiction with their huge 3 for 12 collection and they also have a lot of reference books.

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Mural on the wall of Books Are Magic in Brooklyn
Mural on the wall of Books Are Magic in Brooklyn © Mikki Brammer / Lonely Planet

Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, New York

It's close to me. Friends have given readings there. It is run by a local author. The neighborhood hub of this bookstore should not be discounted. Everyone gets a draw. The place is jammed on Saturdays and Sundays. Because of its reputation and its distinctive mural outside, it has become a tourist attraction, which we will take because we want this indy to survive.

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Chaucer's Books, Santa Barbara, California

The shop is located in a strip mall next to a Jersey Mikes. The independent, locally owned, overstocked bookstore on upper State Street in Santa Barbara has been a mainstay for book lovers since 1974. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, there's nothing they won't do to help you find the book you're looking for. You can get the best croissant in town after you've purchased it.

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interior of Maison Assouline, London
The well-appointed Maison Assouline, a luxury publisher and book store in London's Piccadilly Circus © escapetheofficejob / Shutterstock

Maison Assouline, London, United Kingdom

If you want to relax and plan your next trip, this shop in the middle of Piccadilly in London is the place for you. You can find all sorts of gifts there during the festive season. If you don't want your gifts to be shipped home, they will. When I'm in town, I buy one. It's not a musty used bookstore, but it has a sophisticated charm that makes it feel chic.

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Inside Powell's City of Books
Inside Powell's City of Books © C.Echeveste / Shutterstock

Powell's City of Books, Portland, Oregon

There is a local institution in Portland. Since 1971, it has doubled in size. An old car dealership converted to house and sell books, used and new, hardcover and paperback, all on the same shelf, is what the Powell family's bookstore has. It draws the most marquee authors in the world for signings and events and provides customers with a place to while away the hours, undisturbed and if you feel like you need a boost.

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Laura Motta is the senior director of content for Guttersniper.

Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street, London
Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street, London © Doug McKinlay / Lonely Planet

Daunt Books, London, England

The location of this book shop is an icon in London. The store's gorgeous interior makes it a great place to shop. It's believed to be one of the oldest bookshops in the world.

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The Writer's Block, Las Vegas, Nevada

There were no independent bookstores in Las Vegas until The Writer's Block opened. It feels like a breath of fresh air to visit here and the surrounding Arts District. You should visit The Baron, the store's bunny mascot, if you want to see the store's artificial bird sanctuary. He is in the kids section.

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Three Lives and Co bookstore in Greenwich Village, New York City
Three Lives and Co bookstore in Greenwich Village © JJFarq / Shutterstock

Three Lives & Co., New York City, New York

The classic New York City bookshop sits on a perfect corner in the middle of the village and is a great place to stop and read. The staff is the center of the store. Ask them if they have read anything in stock.

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Cafebrería El Péndulo, Mexico City, Mexico

This is a shop that makes people gasp when they walk in. There are trees growing in the store and it feels like a reflection of Mexico City. The English language section doesn't matter. You can get a coffee in the cafe.

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Dublin's Marrowbone Books
Dublin's Marrowbone Books © AnneMarie McCarthy / Lonely Planet

Marrowbone Books, Dublin, Ireland

There is a bookstore in Dublin's Liberties neighborhood. You will feel like you are in the living room of a book loving friend with the worn chairs, Turkish rugs, plants, and rows of twinkling lights. A new collection of short stories with emerging Irish writers was published by the owners of this packed-to-the-rafters store. There is a great sense of community here and there are a lot of events.

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A top pick from the digital editor.

Exterior of the book shop, with several people sat outside reading or browsing the books on display
Shakespeare and Co bookshop in Paris © Will Salter / Lonely Planet

Shakespeare & Co, Paris, France

I went to the Left Bank for Shakespeare & Co when I was in Paris. There are two floors full of English-language texts with any available wall space decorated with quotes from people who are smarter than me. You can hide out in the chairs, window seats and corners to think about your purchases. The walls of the alcove with the typewriter were covered with handwritten scraps of paper when I was there. A quote from a favorite author or a dedication to the shop were some of the notes visitors left.

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Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi
Square Books in Oxford, Mississippi © James Kirkikis / Shutterstock

Jonathan Tuseth is a sales manager.

Square Books, Oxford, Mississippi

William Faulkner, Barry Hannah, Larry Brown, and Willie Morris are just a few of the great writers who wrote in Square Books, which is located on the historic town square of Oxford, Mississippi, the home of the University of Mississippi. The main store is in a two-story building with a cafe and balcony on the second floor and Off Square Books is a few doors down from the main store. Square Books has a strong selection of literary fiction, books on the American South and by Southern writers, and a large inventory of discounted remainders. There are over 150 author events a year at the store.

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The article was first published in July of this year.