Located in the heart of Bucharest, Romania, the Carturesti Carusel Bookstore is a remarkable cultural hub, a paradise for book lovers and one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
Situated in a restored 19th-century building in the Old Town, it boasts six floors with over ten thousand books, elegantly curved balconies, and a large open space in the middle. The teahouse on the top floor offers breathtaking views of the entire store, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing break.
Key Takeaways:
- Carturesti Carusel is a beautiful bookstore in the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town.
- The building was restored by the grandson of the original owner, who embarked on a five-year renovation project.
- The bookstore features six floors, over ten thousand books, and a teahouse with great views.
- Carturesti Carusel offers a wide selection of English books, films, vinyl records, stationary, and other unique items.
- The bookstore is open from 10 am to 10 pm every day and is easily accessible in Bucharest’s Old Town.
A Rich History and Transformation
The building that houses the bookstore has an intriguing history, making its transformation into a stunning literary haven even more impressive. Originally built in 1903 by the Chrissoveloni family, a wealthy Greek banking family, the building was confiscated by the Communist regime in the 1950s and repurposed into a general store. After the fall of Communism in 1989, the building was abandoned, and by the early 2000s, it fell into decay. After years of abandonment and decay, the grandson of the original banker reclaimed the building in 2007, leading to a 24-year legal battle.
Thanks to the efforts of a team of 75 people, the “Carousel of Light” underwent an extensive renovation project that lasted five years, transforming it into the remarkable bookstore it is today. The renovation project included 20,000 hours of labor and cost millions of dollars. Today, the Carousel spans over 10,000 square feet, housing an extensive collection of books, and features elegant balconies, a teahouse with panoramic views, a multimedia space, and a modern art gallery.
A Captivating Space for Literature and Culture
Cărturești Carusel is not only a bookstore but also a cultural living space, offering a range of features to satisfy all visitors. With its vast collection of books in various genres, book lovers are sure to find their next read. The bookstore boasts over 10,000 square feet of space, divided over three floors and connected by a spiraling staircase that winds elegantly through the building.
But Carturesti Carusel is much more than just a bookstore. The basement houses a multimedia space where visitors can explore digital books, films, and music. On the first floor, visitors can enjoy an art gallery featuring exhibitions from local and international artists. Meanwhile, the top floor features a bistro carusel with panoramic views of the city and a selection of vegetarian food and specialty coffee.
Every aspect of Carturesti Carusel has been thoughtfully designed to create a unique and enchanting environment for visitors. The symmetrical architecture, elegantly curved balconies, and visually striking decor make it a must-visit destination for Instagram enthusiasts and photography lovers.
Aesthetics and Instagram-Worthy Appeal
Carturesti Carusel is not only known for its vast collection of books and cultural offerings but also for its stunning aesthetic, making it a popular destination for Instagram enthusiasts. This beautifully restored 19th-century building boasts elegant decor and intricate archways that lead to spiraling staircases and overflowing bookshelves. The symmetrical architecture, white columns, and glass rooftop create a dreamy atmosphere that is perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photographs.
Carturesti Carusel covers six levels and offers over 10,000 volumes of books to browse and purchase. Beyond being just a bookstore, it’s a cultural living space with a modern art gallery, multimedia rooms, and a bistro on the top floor. The spiraling staircases add a touch of whimsy to the store, leading visitors on a journey through different levels of literature and art.
The Instagram-worthiness of Carturesti Carusel cannot be overstated. Visitors are encouraged to snap photos and tag them with @carturesticarusel. The bookstore respects browsing customers and allows photography as long as it doesn’t disturb other visitors. With its stunning aesthetic and unique offerings, Carturesti Carusel is the perfect place to capture memories of your time in Bucharest.
Carturesti Carusel is open from 10 am to 10 pm, every day of the week. For bibliophiles visiting Bucharest, the nearby Carturesti Verona bookstore and the National Museum of the Romanian Literature are also must-sees. With its stunning aesthetic and cultural offerings, Carturesti Carusel is a treasure not to be missed.
Exploring Lipscani Carturesti Carusel Bookshop and Beyond
For those interested in visiting the bookstore, it is conveniently located in the Old Town district of Bucharest. The address of the bookstore is Strada Lipscani, and it is easily accessible on foot or by taxi. Visitors can explore the charming area after browsing the shelves of Carturesti Carusel.
The bookstore is open from 10 am to 10 pm every day, including weekends, allowing travelers to schedule a visit at their convenience. You can also find an area with stationery, travel luggage, toys, handicrafts from local artisans, chocolates, local wines, and Romanian souvenirs that you can buy to take home.
Carturesti Carusel isn’t the only bookstore in the Carturesti chain worth checking out. Situated on Strada Pictor Arthur Verona, Carturesti Verona is another impressive bookstore that offers a similar selection of books. With a maze of rooms to explore, the store is perfect for those who enjoy getting lost in a good book.
The Enchanting World of Cărturești Carusel
Overall, the Carturesti Carusel Bookstore in Bucharest, Romania is a must-visit destination for book lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. The stunning three-floor bookstore spans over 10,000 square feet, housing an extensive collection of books across various genres.
The building itself has a rich history and cultural significance. It was constructed in 1903 by a wealthy family of Greek bankers but was later confiscated by the Communist regime in the 1950s. After years of legal battles, the grandson of the original owner regained possession of the building in 2007 and initiated a remarkable five-year renovation project that transformed the building into the beautiful bookstore it is today.
In addition to books, Carturesti Carusel features a modern art gallery, a multimedia space in the basement, and a bistro on the top floor. The bistro offers a fantastic view of the city, making it a perfect spot for a coffee break or a bite to eat while admiring the breathtaking architecture.
The symmetrical design, elegant decor, and Instagrammable aesthetics of Carturesti Carusel make it a popular destination for photography enthusiasts. The bookstore encourages photography but also respects its browsing customers. Visitors can spend hours exploring the vast collection of books, enjoying the cozy reading nooks, and immersing themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of this unique establishment.
Located in the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town district, Carturesti Carusel is easily accessible by public transportation or on foot. The bookstore is open seven days a week, and visitors are encouraged to check out another Carturesti bookstore, Carturesti Verona, located just a short distance away.
Overall, Carturesti Carusel is not just a bookstore but a vibrant living space where people can read, socialize, and be inspired. With its rich history, cultural significance, and enchanting atmosphere, it is easy to see why it has become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
What Other Tourist Attractions Are Worth Exploring in Romania?
When visiting Romania, don’t miss out on the wonders of Balea Glacier Lake. This natural beauty nestled in the Fagaras Mountains offers breathtaking views and a serene ambiance. But Romania has more to offer! Bran Castle, famously associated with Dracula, and the stunning Peles Castle are both worth exploring. The charming city of Brasov and the unique Painted Monasteries of Bucovina should also be on your itinerary. Romania’s rich history and stunning landscapes will truly captivate you. And if you’re starting your journey in the capital, our extensive article has all you need to know for an enriching Bucharest experience.
FAQ
Q: Is Carturesti Carusel a bookstore?
A: Yes, Carturesti Carusel is a bookstore located in Bucharest, Romania.
Q: What is the history of the building?
A: The building was originally built in 1903 by a wealthy Greek banking family, confiscated by the Communist regime in the 1950s, and repurposed as a general store. It was later regained by the grandson of the original owner and transformed into the bookstore.
Q: What can I find at Carturesti Carusel?
A: Carturesti Carusel offers a wide range of books covering various genres, a multimedia space in the basement, a modern art gallery on the first floor, and a bistro on the top floor.
Q: Can I take photos in the bookstore?
A: Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos and videos as long as they respect the browsing customers and follow the rules. Don’t forget to tag Carturesti Carusel on Instagram (@carturesticarusel).
Q: Where is Carturesti Carusel located?
A: Carturesti Carusel is located at Strada Lipscani 55, Bucharest, Romania, in the Old Town district.
Q: What are the opening hours of Carturesti Carusel?
A: Carturesti Carusel is open from 10 am to 10 pm every day of the week, with extended hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Q: Are there other Carturesti bookstores to explore?
A: Yes, Carturesti Verona on Strada Pictor Arthur Verona is recommended. It offers a similar experience with its extensive collection of books, movies, vinyl records, toys, and gifts.
Q: Are there any good restaurants near the Carturesti Carusel Bookstore in Bucharest?
Looking for restaurants in Bucharest near the popular Carturesti Carusel Bookstore? You’re in luck! Bucharest is home to a vibrant culinary scene, with plenty of good eateries in the vicinity of the bookstore. From trendy cafes to traditional Romanian cuisine, there are various options to satisfy your taste buds after a visit to the bookstore.
Source Links
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/carture-ti-carusel-bookstore
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294458-d4757849-Reviews-Carturesti_Carusel-Bucharest.html
- https://electricliterature.com/the-worlds-most-beautiful-bookstores/
- https://www.itinari.com/carturesti-carousel-bookstore-bucharest-a-wonderland-of-books-4we6