How about swapping your subway map for a map of bookstores and setting out to explore São Paulo among books, cafés, and new discoveries? For those who love hunting down new titles, there’s an initiative that can offer a unique way to explore the capital.
The Map of São Paulo’s Street Bookstores brings together 37 locations scattered throughout the city, with spaces dedicated to topics ranging from gastronomy to children’s literature. And best of all: the map is available for free, both in print and online.
Created by a collective of São Paulo bookstores, the initiative aims to strengthen independent establishments. At the same time, it invites the public to view these locations as spaces for socializing, culture, and engaging with the city.
A map to discover São Paulo’s independent bookstores
More than just pointing out where to buy your next book, the map reveals the diversity of São Paulo’s independent literary scene.
There are bookstores specializing in graphic arts, architecture, gastronomy, and children’s literature. Others focus on independent publications or expand the space dedicated to authors and groups that have historically been underrepresented.
The map itself is also a keepsake. It features illustrations of the bookstores’ facades by artist Isadora Ferraz, while the graphic design is by visual artist MZK.
Who’s on the list?
Among the 37 locations is Lovely House, in Galeria Metrópole. The bookstore carries books on art, photography, and independent publications, in addition to hosting book launches, gatherings, and discussions.
Meanwhile, anyone who believes that literature and food make a perfect combination can check out TOLC, in Perdizes. Specializing in gastronomy, it brings together recipes, chronicles, essays, magazines, and independent publications about the world of food.
For young readers, one option is Livraria Entretempo, in Butantã. The space features books and games for children and teens, encouraging experiences away from screens.
In Vila Buarque, Banca Stardust blends geek culture, independent art, and representation. Its collaborative curation brings together works by more than 100 LGBTQIAPN+ artists.
Nearby is also Gato sem Rabo, dedicated to works written by women, transgender people, and transvestites. The curators pay special attention to literary and intellectual works from the Global South.
In addition to helping readers discover new places, the initiative draws attention to the role of street bookstores in São Paulo’s cultural life. After all, many also serve as meeting places for book launches, debates, and exchanges among readers.
So, the next time you feel like buying a book, it might be worth swapping a click for a walk. With 37 locations to discover, the map could even become a new challenge for exploring São Paulo.
