Use this guide to find the best bookshops in Leblon and Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro. If you are looking for a Rio bookstore with English language books in particular, this guide has you covered.
Have you ever finished the book you brought from home while traveling abroad and struggled to find your next read? That’s what happened to me in Rio de Janeiro. Whether you are spending months in Brazil as a digital nomad or just visiting for a short holiday, you may find yourself looking for English language books in Rio.
Few bookstores I wandered into stocked up on English language books. Some had none at all. Many of the English language books that stores did keep in stock were English literature classics like Shakespeare. Personally, I was looking for something a bit more modern. Because I had to go to several stores to find what I was looking for, I got a tour of all of the cute bookstores in Leblon and Ipanema.
Here’s where I found the best bookstores in Leblon and Ipanema: Livraria da Travessa (Shopping Leblon Mall), Argumento, Livraria da Travessa (Ipanema)
1. Livraria da Travessa – Shopping Leblon
This is the largest bookstore in Leblon. Here you’ll find the largest selection of books, to include at least two bookcases of English language books of a variety of genres. Upstairs you can also find movies and music. On the second floor there is a cafe where you can have tea or coffee.
If you are staying in Leblon or Ipanema, this is your best bet for an English language book in these neighborhoods.
This bookstore is located on the second floor (by American count) of the modern, stylish mall called Shopping Leblon. Assuming you enter on the ground floor, you should take one escalator up. In Brazil this is considered the first floor, while the ground floor is 0.
2. Argumento
Argumento is located in one of the coolest streets in Leblon (Rua Dias de Ferreira). If you are looking for English language books though, you’ll need to look elsewhere. When I visited in July 2023, a staff member told me they didn’t have any English language books. Like the other bookshops on the list, there is a small cafe inside at the back. They are usually closed on Sunday.
Argumento is a Brazilian founded bookstore that has been around since 1978.
3. Livraria da Travessa – Rua Visconde de Piraja
Along one of the main shopping streets in Ipanema is another location of the popular Livraria da Travessa. Inside, you can find two stories of books and a cute cafe that serves everything from coffee and cakes to pasta and empanadas.
This location is the coziest. While still a moderate size, it has more charm than the more modern and large location in Shopping Leblon.
Livraria da Travessa has locations throughout the city. They also host events with authors such as book signings. Check out their social media if you are interested in attending an event with local author.
The origins of this bookstore that would later become a large chain in the country started right here in Ipanema.
Bonus: Jamer Books and Things
Jamer Books and Things is the best bookstore to find English language books in Rio de Janeiro. This shop is not located in Leblon or Ipanema though. You can find Jamer in Barra da Tijuca.
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