Bookstores are not usually on a traveler’s sightseeing list, however, in a city like Buenos Aires where reading is a huge part of its culture, with people reading books constantly whether walking in the street or standing in the Subte (the Metro), you must visit the most outstanding library of Buenos Aires: El Ateneo Grand Splendid. [caption id="attachment_1998" align="aligncenter" width="540"]The beautiful El Ateneo Bookstore The beautiful El Ateneo Bookstore[/caption] Buenos Aires has over 200 bookstores, 70 libraries, and scores of kiosks meaning there are books for sale on nearly every corner in the capital. In 2011, it was named World Book Capital by UNESCO and holds one of the biggest Book Festivals on the continent, so while traveling in Buenos Aires, you probably don´t want to miss this beautiful piece of art and architecture and symbol of Porteño reading culture. As you are sightseeing in Recoleta, make a stop at Santa Fe 1860, and prepare your camera as you will not be able to help being drawn inside the bookstore. Originally a 1,050 seated theatre, the aptly named Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires opened in 1919 and showcased a number of famous shows including a performance by the father of tango, Carlos Gardel. The theatre was later converted into a movie theatre and in 1991 the Ilhsa Group saved the theatre from being destroyed and began its ARS$3million restoration project. At the end of 2000, the beautifully restored theatre had been transformed into one of the most beautiful bookstores and buildings in the world. [caption id="attachment_1999" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Pick up a good book for the rest of your travels Pick up a good book for the rest of your travels[/caption] The Ateneo has become one of the top landmarks in Buenos Aires. The bookstore is split over 4 floors with, children’s books and popular music CDs in the basement; books on the first and second floor; classical and jazz music CDs on the third floor and an art gallery on the fourth floor. Make sure you take the elevator to the top level, as you will be able to take the best photographs and get the best view of the bookstore and its decor from here. The Impresso Cafe of the Ateneo now sits on the stage that the great Carlos Gardel once performed on and gives an impressive outlook across the whole ground floor of the bookstore. Sit and relax with a book whilst drinking a coffee behind the large red velvet stage curtains or sit in one of the old theatre booths which have been converted into private reading areas with comfy chairs and lose yourself in the world of fact or fiction with a great book. [caption id="attachment_2000" align="aligncenter" width="540"]The elegant architecture at El Ateneo The elegant architecture at El Ateneo[/caption] El Ateneo has over 200,000 books and 4,000 non-Spanish books available leaving you spoilt for choice. The El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore will leave you in awe of the architecture and design of the building, proving why on average 3,000 people pass through its doors each day. So pick up a book and enjoy the perfect way to escape the summer heat or thunderstorms in one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

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