‘I found most beautiful bookstore in the world – you could easily spend hours there’

There’s something incredibly soothing about being surrounded by , and I’ve always dreamt of having a personal library like Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

So, when my partner revealed our holiday destination was home to what’s been dubbed the “most beautiful bookstore in the world”, I could barely contain my excitement, especially when he promised me a bookish treat during our visit.

Carturesti Carusel, nestled in the heart of Bucharest city’s Old Town, is an unassuming building from the outside – I was taken aback when Google Maps announced our arrival.

However, stepping inside reveals a completely different world – one that’s even more stunning than social media portrays. I was astounded by the stark, clean architecture and charming decorations.

Despite it only being November, the store was already decked out for the festive season, with adorable trinkets greeting you as soon as you step in.

I could’ve spent hours there just browsing everything the store had on offer – from special edition books to Jellycat plushies (which, of course, I had to get a wintery aubergine with earmuffs) to tarot cards and Funkopops and so much more. The staff were super friendly, and we visited the store a couple of times – the first time, specifically to see it and buy things, while the second time was more because we were in the area and I wanted to marvel once more at how beautiful it is. 

On Tripadvisor, someone said it was a “dream for book lovers”, and it really was. It’s hard to put your finger on what makes this specific shop so magical and different from your standard Waterstones, but there’s just something about it that you need to experience. The energy in the room is fantastic, as you’re with a bunch of other people who also love books as much as you do, and there’s something for everyone.

Some, however, believed it was “not worth the hype”, and another wrote: “Yes, it’s aesthetically pleasing with lovely architecture, but the selection is not really any different from most other major bookshops. We spent some time looking around at the books and admiring the interior. However, as the place is full of other tourists jostling to get the perfect social-media snaps, we didn’t hang around long.”

The point about tourists wanting social media snaps is definitely true, and there are specific signs telling you not to stop on the stairs. This is why I much preferred going in the evening, as barely anyone was in there – you could get the perfect snap and not queue on the stairs waiting for someone to get theirs.

Overall, you need to add this gorgeous location to your bucket list, especially if you’re in the area for Therme or just browsing Bucharest, as it’s breathtaking and has many floors for you to explore. You could even spend the whole afternoon here if you were so inclined, as on the top floor there’s a cafe.