We decided to list some of the street bookstores in São Paulo that are still going strong in the capital and are resisting changes in the market. The great thing is that, as well as selling books, these bookshops are also entertainment venues. After all, many of them offer cultural and leisure activities, such as soirees and launch parties, and even cafés.
So, when you’re next reading, why not stop by and support independent booksellers?
Street bookstores to visit in São Paulo
1. Megafauna
In the iconic Copan building, and also in the Cultura Artística Theater, is one of the most traditional street bookshops in São Paulo. Here you’ll not only find books, but also discussion sessions with authors, critics and other special guests.
📍 Avenida Ipiranga, 200 – Loja 53 – Centro | Rua Nestor Pestana, 196 – Consolação
2. Livraria da Alma
Located in the Alma São Paulo space, this bookstore offers a cozy and modern atmosphere, with architectural elements from the 1950s. In addition to a wide selection of more than 80,000 titles focused on psychology, psychiatry, neurology and well-being, the place also has areas for meetings, gatherings and relaxation, complemented by a cocktail lounge and local cuisine.
📍Rua Simão Alvares, 923 – Pinheiros
3. Bandolim Bookshop
If you’re looking for new street bookshops in SP, you can’t miss Bandolim. As well as books of all genres, the newly opened bookshop also offers musical performances and a café/bar to accompany them.
📍 Rua Conselheiro Brotero, 952 – Santa Cecilia
4. Livraria Simples
This charming bookstore is located in a cute little blue house in Bexiga. There you’ll find new, used and semi-new books, as well as reading workshops and poetry soirees. In addition, the space holds book swap fairs in person and on the website.
📍 Rua Rocha, 259 – Bixiga
5. Caraíbas Bookshop
Next up is another newcomer to the city. Caraíbas opened its doors in August 2024 and offers a diverse range of books, from children’s books to foreign literature and non-fiction.
📍 Rua Caraíbas, 586 – Perdizes
6. Patuscada Bookshop, Bar & Café
Patuscada defines itself as a bookshop and cultural space. Very famous among artists and poets, it organizes poetry launches and soirees in a super cozy atmosphere, with tables in the garden and lots of beer!
📍 Rua Luís Murat, 40 – Vila Madalena
7. Livraria Gato Sem Rabo
Finally, Gato Sem Rabo focuses on titles written by women. It carries books by authors from all over the world that touch on social themes such as queer experience, racism, decolonialism and, of course, feminism.
📍 Rua Amaral Gurgel, 352 – Vila Buarque
Bonus: Livraria Mandarina
In May 2024, the traditional Livraria Mandarina had to close its physical store in Pinheiros. However, it is still alive online, selling books in its virtual catalog.
Although it is no longer available in person, we thought it only fair to feature it as an extra for its importance in the history of street bookstores in São Paulo; after all, for five years, it brought launches and other literary events that shook up São Paulo’s cultural scene! Find out more about Mandarina’s e-commerce here.