Buenos Aires is a wonderland for book lovers. Borges’ hometown has bookshops o practically every street. Best of all, many of them have cafes where you can while away a day surrounded by beautiful books while drinking tea and eating medialunas.

These are my favourite bookshops in Buenos Aires so far.

1. El Ateneo Grand Splendid

Av Santa Fe 1860

This aptly named place is Buenos Aires’ most famous bookstore and often named on best bookshop lists. Housed in an old theatre, it’s a spectacular and extensive display of words and pictures. It’s like a temple to literature that book lovers shouldn’t miss.

2. Eterna Cadencia

Honduras 5574

Somewhere between a library and a old world coffee house, Eterna Cadencia is full of charm and intrigue. Lit by chandeliers, there a corners to get lost in and ladders to climb. The interior courtyard cafe’s high glass ceiling and marble floor make it a light and airy place to enjoy the day, while the evening becomes a much cosier affair. The sofas at the back are particularly wonderful for getting lost in a book or your laptop.

3. Libros del Pasaje

Similar to Seattle bookstores, Libros del Pasaje is warm, cosy, inviting and one of my absolute favourite places to be in Buenos Aires. There are ladders to explore the shelves, and an excellent art section tucked away on the balcony. The low-lit cafe at the back opens out on to the store so you’re happily surrounded by books, cakes and tea. The soundtrack is provided by the shop’s record section that sits inside the cafe – expect to hear plenty of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. There is also a courtyard cafe if you prefer some natural light. As in most places in Palermo, there is free wi-fi so this is a brilliant place to work, as well as read. There is a great selection of English literature.

4. Crack Up

A little more scruffy than Eterna Cadencia and Libros del Pasaje, Crack Up attracts a young, studenty crowd. The small bookshop is fronted by a cafe with tables that spill onto the streets of Palermo Soho. With free wi-fi, it’s another great place to sit with your laptop.

5. Abulafia

This place mixes two of Buenos Aires great strengths – literature and wine. It’s half wine shop and half bookstore. The helpful staff will gladly help you choose the best of both. There’s no cafe but it’s a great place to browse.

These are my favourite shops, but the book market on Avenida Santa Fe, close to Plaza Italia, is also worth a visit. There are around twenty stalls, all manned by different book sellers, mostly selling second hand stock. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, just ask as not everything is on display. If not on their stall, the seller may also be able to tell you which stall might have what you’re after. Avenida Corrientes is another haven for book worms, where nearly every other shop sells books.