One place every bibliophile dreams of ticking off their bucket list is Buenos Aires. The Argentine capital is famed globally for having more bookstores per capita than anywhere else, plenty of them doubling as book cafés, and these are the best ones to visit.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
There are book cafés in Buenos Aires, and then there’s El Ateneo Grand Splendid, which is in an entire league of its own. While the days of it being the Grand Splendid Theater are over, it still retains some of its former features, including an expansive stage with velvet curtains and a surrounding mezzanine, with bookcases spread throughout.
Inside, visitors can pick up some hot beverages and snacks at the Havana Café and sit back and soak in the surroundings of the largest bookstore in all of South America.
Address: Av. Sta. Fe 1860, C1123 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday: 9AM – 10PM
– Wednesday: 9AM – 6PM
– Thursday: 9AM – 9PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 10PM
Libros del Pasaje
Charming is the only way to describe Libros del Pasaje in the Palmero district. With an unassuming exterior, as you enter, you’ll be met with towering brown shelves lining both walls, while mini carts spread through the center, holding texts mainly in Spanish, with a small English selection.
Flavorful coffee and tasty cakes are up for grabs at Libros del Pasaje’s café. The carrot cake, in particular, is a popular choice among locals.
Address: Thames 1762, C1409 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 7:30PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 2PM – 8PM
Eterna Cadencia
Established in 2005, Eterna Cadencia is another gem of a book café in Palermo. A former dwelling, the owners took it over many years ago and transformed it into a shrine of literature, showcasing over 40,000 titles.
The ‘Eternal Bar’ is a hit with readers, especially the peaceful outdoor patio, where you can get stuck into your latest purchases with a warm drink.
Address: Honduras 5582, C1414BTM Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 9PM
– Saturday: 12PM – 8PM
– Sunday: Closed
Atlántica Libros y Café
A real literary hangout in the Caballito area, Atlántica Libros y Café is the type of place you come, sip your way through the coffee, and lose track of time. Whatever you’re into, from poetry to graphic novels, this spot will add a little extra magic to your morning brew and reading routine.
The sweet treats at Atlántica Libros y Café are equally enticing as its lineup of books. Whether you want some blackberry crumble or croissants straight from the oven, it’s all there for the taking.
Address: Av. Directorio 115, C1424 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Tuesday to Friday: 10AM – 8PM
– Saturday: 2PM – 8PM
– Sunday and Monday: Closed
Naesqui Libros y Café
Tucked away on a little corner across the street from Square August 25, Naesqui libros y café is where good literature and top-notch coffee meet. A small but inviting space, filled with natural light and a handful of shelves of thoughtfully chosen books, there’s some seating available, but it does fill up fast, so you’ll want to plan your visit accordingly.
Every month, Naesqui libros y café also hosts a number of workshops, like writing courses. Be sure to keep an eye out to see what’s planned for when you’re there.
Address: 14 de julio, Charlone y, C1427 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Tuesday to Friday: 9AM – 8PM
– Saturday and Sunday: 10AM – 8PM
– Monday: Closed
Futurock Libros y Café
Futurock Libros y Café is an extension of Futurock FM, a major radio station in Argentina. While radio is their specialty, they did a pretty good job with their book café in Almagro, which is perfect for having a coffee surrounded by literature.
Plenty of different genres can be found at their store, including fiction and non-fiction, as well as many written pieces by independent publishers.
Address: Av. Medrano 707, C1179 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 7PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 2PM
– Sunday: Closed
Dain Usina Cultural
If you’re in Palermo and a big fan of shops with an architectural edge, look no further than Dain Usina Cultural. Between the thoughtful details and collection with a strong focus on design and art, the creative types will have a blast here.
The English section at Dain Usina Cultural isn’t huge, but it’s filled with quality titles. With the café, they’ve kept things simple, with fairly priced drinks, but the real highlight is the rooftop terrace, especially when the sun’s out.
Address: Nicaragua 4899, C1414BVK Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 12PM – 8PM
– Saturday: 2PM – 8PM
– Sunday: Closed
Medio Pan y un Libro Café
Medio Pan y un Libro has always been a popular location to buy books in Villa Ortúzar, but when they introduced their specialty coffee shop back in 2023, it brought a new energy to the place. It’s loved for its Argentine and Latin American literature, but you’ll also be able to pick up covers on topics like anthropology, photography, and music.
Seating is available inside and out, with the front tables ideal for people-watching. You won’t be able to miss it as you walk up Virrey Avilés, as the windows brimming with covers will stop you in your tracks.
Address: Virrey Avilés 3686, C1427 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 8:30AM – 8PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 9AM – 7PM
Ifigenia Café
There’s an unmistakable homely charm to Ifigenia Café in San Telmo. Maybe it’s the warm lighting, small table settings, or display cases with books and ornaments, but whatever it is, it has us hooked!
What’s not to love? Baristas crafting specialty coffees, an eclectic mix of Latin American literature, and staff who make you feel like you’re a regular visitor from day one.
Address: Bolívar 1049, C1103 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 8PM
Vivaldi Books Bar
Whenever hunger strikes and you’re craving something with a literary twist, Vivaldi Books Bar is the place to be. Sitting on the corner of Santiago del Estero and Humberto Primo, Vivaldi Books Bar serves up yummy bites like burgers and pastries, aromatic coffee, and an impressive selection to browse while you eat.
Just be mindful that if you’re looking to read quietly with minimal noise, you might face some issues, as they often play music in the background.
Address: Santiago del Estero 1098, C1075AAV Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 9AM – 7PM
– Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Sorbo Café BA
Sorbo Café BA feels like a library first, café second. Hidden in Monserrat, it’s filled with study corners and huge racks with rolling ladders, giving the space plenty of character.
The café menu goes beyond just coffee (though their brews are insanely good), offering fine wines too, because this is Argentina, after all.
Address: México 620, C1097AAN Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 8AM – 8:30PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 9PM
– Sunday: 2PM – 8:30PM
Borges 1975
Books, drinks, coffee, you can have it all when you visit Borges 1975! There’s a little bit of everything going on here. On the one hand, it serves as a jazz club, but then you have this jaw-droppingly beautiful bookstore that stands out for its catalog of reads by greats like Charles Dickens.
Some may be concerned that the bookshop section of Borges’ 1975 closes when the jazz is on, but don’t worry, it doesn’t. In fact, there are plenty of tables right by the bookcases, where you can order cocktails if that’s the kind of night you have in mind.
Address: Jorge Luis Borges 1975, C1414DGG Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Opening hours:
– Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday: 10AM – 12AM
– Wednesday to Saturday: 10AM – 2AM
