7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles

Post originally Published May 25, 2024 || Last Updated May 25, 2024

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7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - Hidden Gems - Uncovering the Centro Cultural Elena Garro Bookstore in Coyoacán


The Centro Cultural Elena Garro Bookstore in Coyoacán, Mexico City, is a hidden gem that captivates book enthusiasts.

With its striking three-story facade attached to an old colonial house, the bookstore offers a rich publishing selection, featuring editions from the cultural sector and independent publishers.

Reviewers have praised its beautiful architecture and atmosphere, creating a bright and inviting space for discovering books.

Beyond this bookstore, Mexico City is home to a trove of other exquisite secret bookstores, each with its unique character and offerings, from classic literature to contemporary works by local authors.

These bookshops, such as Casa del Saber and Librería La Familia Covián, provide diverse collections and remarkable features, making them true havens for bibliophiles.

The bookstore's striking three-story facade is attached to an old colonial house, creating a unique architectural blend of modern and historic elements.

The bookstore's publishing offer is notably rich, featuring a diverse range of editions from the cultural sector, private, and independent publishers, catering to a wide range of literary tastes.

Reviewers have praised the bookstore's bright and beautiful space, with lots of glass reflections of the trees outside, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for book lovers.

Despite its hidden gem status, the bookstore is known for its vast collection of used and vintage books, offering bibliophiles the opportunity to discover rare and unique literary treasures.

The bookstore's children's section is particularly noteworthy, with ample space for young readers to run around and explore the world of books.

Interestingly, the Centro Cultural Elena Garro Bookstore is part of a larger network of remarkable secret bookstores in Mexico City, each with its own unique character and literary offerings.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - Hidden Gems - Uncovering the Centro Cultural Elena Garro Bookstore in Coyoacán
  2. 7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - The Bibliophile's Riddle - Unlocking a Secret Bookstore Experience
  3. 7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - Embrace the Indie Spirit at Casa Tomada's Compact Paradiso
  4. 7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - Cafebreria El Pendulo - A Literary Oasis in Condesa
  5. 7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - Donceles Book Street - Exploring Centro Historico's Literary Treasure Trove
  6. 7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - The Vasconcelos Library - An Architectural Marvel for Bookworms
  7. 7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - The Charm of Secondhand Stories at Under The Volcano Used Bookstore

7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - The Bibliophile's Riddle - Unlocking a Secret Bookstore Experience


These hidden gems, such as the Centro Cultural Elena Garro Bookstore in Coyoacán, curate diverse collections of classic and contemporary literature, fostering a sense of community through events, book clubs, and author readings.

Navigating these secret bookstores is akin to a literary treasure hunt, where bibliophiles can discover rare and unique literary treasures while celebrating the written word in a serene and inviting atmosphere.

The Centro Cultural Elena Garro Bookstore is housed in a repurposed colonial-era building, seamlessly blending historical architectural elements with a modern bookshop design.

The bookshop's diverse publishing lineup includes rare and limited-edition titles from independent presses, offering bibliophiles a chance to discover lesser-known literary gems.

Visitors to the bookstore are often delighted by the natural light that floods the space through the large windows, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere for browsing the shelves.

The bookstore's curated collection features a substantial section dedicated to Mexican and Latin American literature, showcasing the region's rich cultural and literary heritage.

In addition to its book selection, the Centro Cultural Elena Garro Bookstore hosts regular literary events, such as author readings and book club discussions, fostering a vibrant community of book lovers.

The bookshop's children's section is specially designed to engage young readers, with interactive displays and a dedicated reading nook that encourages hands-on exploration of literature.

Interestingly, the Centro Cultural Elena Garro Bookstore is part of a larger network of secret bookstores in Mexico City, each with its own unique character and hidden charm, making it a true labyrinth of literary discoveries for the discerning bibliophile.

7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - Embrace the Indie Spirit at Casa Tomada's Compact Paradiso


Casa Tomada is a compact event space and bookstore in Condesa, Mexico City, that serves as a hub for indie editorials and literary events.

The shop offers a fantastic selection of Spanish-language books, including a robust collection of Mexican small press and indie editorial titles, providing a unique charm for book lovers.

Casa Tomada hosts workshops, talks, and courses led by top contemporary writers, embracing the indie spirit and offering a platform for literary exploration.

Casa Tomada's compact event space and bookstore occupies a repurposed former storage facility, showcasing the ingenious use of limited urban space.

Surprisingly, Casa Tomada's sound system is engineered to create a soothing ambient soundscape, using a combination of directional speakers and acoustic panels to enhance the store's serene atmosphere.

The bookstore's on-site café serves a selection of locally sourced, organic refreshments, including artisanal coffee blends and fresh-baked pastries, catering to the discerning palates of its literary-minded patrons.

Interestingly, Casa Tomada's website features a virtual tour, allowing bibliophiles from around the world to explore the bookstore's unique layout and discover its hidden corners before their in-person visit.

7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - Cafebreria El Pendulo - A Literary Oasis in Condesa


Cafebreria El Pendulo is a beloved bookstore and cafe located in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City, known for its cozy atmosphere, extensive selection of books in English and Spanish, and cultural programming.

The cafe has become a beloved literary destination, praised by both travelers and locals for its carefully curated collection spanning literature, philosophy, art, and more.

Beyond its impressive bookstore, Cafebreria El Pendulo also offers a serene space for visitors to enjoy a cup of coffee while immersed in the written word.

Cafebreria El Pendulo is one of the few bookstores in Mexico City that offers a significant selection of English-language books, catering to the city's growing expat community.

The cafe's interior design features a unique blend of industrial-chic elements, such as exposed brick walls and metal furniture, creating a visually striking contrast with the lush greenery of the indoor plants.

The cafe's espresso machine is a custom-built, state-of-the-art model that ensures each cup of coffee is brewed to perfection, delighting the palates of discerning coffee enthusiasts.

Surprisingly, the bookstore's event space, located on the upper level, is equipped with a high-quality sound system and a retractable projection screen, making it a coveted venue for literary readings, book launches, and cultural discussions.

Cafebreria El Pendulo is one of the few bookstores in Mexico City that offers a dedicated section for graphic novels and comic books, catering to a growing niche of literary-minded graphic art enthusiasts.

Interestingly, the bookstore's outdoor seating area features a small but well-curated selection of succulents and cacti, reflecting the arid landscape and architectural style of Mexico City.

Surprisingly, Cafebreria El Pendulo has a partnership with a local artisanal bakery, ensuring a constant supply of freshly baked pastries and bread to accompany the cafe's selection of specialty coffees and teas.

7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - Donceles Book Street - Exploring Centro Historico's Literary Treasure Trove


Donceles Book Street, located in the historic center of Mexico City, is a true haven for bibliophiles.

With over 17 bookstores within a five-block radius, the area offers a diverse selection of used books, rare publications, and antique collections.

Visitors can explore the charming cobblestone streets, admire the historic architecture, and discover literary gems ranging from novels and travel guides to poetry and science fiction.

Donceles Book Street is home to over 17 bookstores within a five-block radius, making it one of the highest concentrations of bookstores in a single area in Mexico City.

The oldest bookstore on Donceles Book Street is Librería de México, which has been in operation since 1907, providing bibliophiles a glimpse into the city's literary past.

Remarkably, many of the bookstores on Donceles Book Street specialize in used and antique books, with some dating back to the era of the Spanish conquistadors.

Surprisingly, the book selection on Donceles Book Street covers a diverse range of languages, including Spanish, English, French, Italian, and German, catering to the multilingual literary interests of visitors.

Notably, many of the locally-owned bookstores on Donceles Book Street offer a unique reading experience, with personalized recommendations and a sense of community among the staff and customers.

Surprisingly, the bookstores on Donceles Book Street often host literary events, such as author readings and book club discussions, fostering a vibrant cultural scene for bibliophiles.

Remarkably, the diversity of the book selection on Donceles Book Street caters to a wide range of literary tastes, from avid readers of fiction and non-fiction to those with a penchant for rare and vintage publications.

7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - The Vasconcelos Library - An Architectural Marvel for Bookworms


The Vasconcelos Library, also known as the "megalibrary," is a stunning architectural marvel located in the Buenavista neighborhood of Mexico City.

Designed by Alberto Kalach, the library spans an impressive 38,000 square meters (over 400,000 square feet) and holds more than 470,000 books, featuring transparent walls, hive-like bookshelves, and mismatched floors that create a unique and futuristic atmosphere.

Visitors can explore the vast collection of books, walk along bridges, catwalks, and ramps, and admire the library's impressive design, which is surrounded by a botanical garden with over 60,000 species endemic to Mexico.

The Vasconcelos Library covers an astounding 38,091 square meters, making it one of the largest public libraries in the world.

With a collection of over 470,000 books, the library's bookshelves are designed in a unique hive-like pattern, creating a visually stunning and efficient storage system.

The library's transparent walls and mismatched floors were deliberately designed by architect Alberto Kalach to create a sense of openness and exploration for visitors.

Spanning over 70 feet in height, the library's shell-like structure is supported by a network of bridges, catwalks, ramps, and stairways, allowing visitors to navigate the building in a thrilling, multidimensional way.

Surprisingly, the library's floors are not level, but rather gently sloped, creating a playful and dynamic experience for visitors as they traverse the space.

The Vasconcelos Library is designed to promote ecological regeneration, with a botanical garden surrounding the building that features over 60,000 species of plants endemic to Mexico.

Unexpectedly, the library's bookshelves are not fixed, but rather can be rearranged and reconfigured to accommodate changing collections and events.

Remarkably, the Vasconcelos Library is equipped with a state-of-the-art climate control system that ensures optimal temperature and humidity levels for the preservation of its extensive book collection.

Surprisingly, the library's unique architecture has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2007 National Architecture Award and the 2009 International Architecture Award.

7 Exquisite Secret Bookstores in Mexico City for Bibliophiles - The Charm of Secondhand Stories at Under The Volcano Used Bookstore


Under the Volcano Books, a hidden gem in Mexico City's Condesa neighborhood, offers book lovers a treasure trove of English-language literary fiction, classics, and more at reasonable prices.

Located on the second floor of the American Legion, this quaint used bookstore has amassed a loyal following among locals and foreign readers alike, who delight in exploring its well-curated selection.

Beyond Under the Volcano, Mexico City is home to a remarkable collection of other secret bookstores, each with its own distinct character and literary offerings.

Under The Volcano Used Bookstore is located on the second floor of an American Legion building, adding to its hidden and serendipitous charm.

The bookstore's inventory is primarily composed of English-language books, catering to the growing expat community in Mexico City as well as visiting bibliophiles.

Interestingly, the store's collection features a substantial section dedicated to literary fiction and classics, with a decent selection of commercial paperbacks, biographies, and children's literature.

Remarkably, the bookstore's prices are generally lower than those found in mainstream bookstores, making it a haven for book lovers on a budget.

Surprisingly, Under The Volcano Used Bookstore maintains a loyal following among both locals and foreign readers, testament to the quality and character of its offerings.

Unexpectedly, the bookstore's second-floor location, accessible via a staircase, creates a sense of discovery and exclusivity for visitors.

Notably, the bookstore's cozy and intimate atmosphere, with its wooden shelves and subdued lighting, encourages browsing and serendipitous literary discoveries.

Interestingly, the store's collection is curated with an eye for quality, featuring well-preserved used books alongside hard-to-find titles.

Surprisingly, Under The Volcano Used Bookstore hosts occasional author readings and literary events, fostering a vibrant community of book enthusiasts.

Unexpectedly, the bookstore's name, "Under The Volcano," is a nod to the classic novel by Malcolm Lowry, reflecting the store's literary sensibilities.

Interestingly, in addition to Under The Volcano Used Bookstore, Mexico City is home to a diverse array of other unique and charming bookshops, each with its own distinct character and offerings.
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