Tucked away in downtown Bogota is a mansion turned into a book lover’s paradise, Merlín Books (Libros Merlín). Located on Carrera 8a with Calle 15, it doesn’t look like much from the outside; but once you walk inside it is absolutely breathtaking. Old books and magazines are literally everywhere: high up on shelves, down on the floors stacked in small towers (by author!), on tables, on sofas, in boxes, in sideboards and on the stairs. Every floor, every room, has a different structure, but are all jam packed full of books!
I have been to Merlín a few times now, and each time I go, I discover something new that I love. I have spent hours wandering around the three floors of the store, with something new to discover around each corner.
There’s a wonderful range of books in all different languages, different genres…. Even magazines! There’s a wonderful range of classics in English, biographies, non-fiction, history, children’s books and so much more. There is also a smaller selection of books in languages such as German, Portuguese, Hungarian, Danish, Arabic, Chinese. And of course, as we are in Colombia, the entire second floor is dedicated entirely to books in Spanish.
There are many wonderful little nooks and crannies to get lost in, and chairs and sofas to curl up in while you decide which book you’re going to buy! The store is decorated with vintage posters and antiques, and the creaky wooden floors add to its quirkiness. It also has that irresistible smell of old books.
The books are quite reasonably priced and all of them are second-hand (but some are in such great condition they’re like new!). Most of the average-sized books that I picked up cost between $12,000 and 35,000 pesos ($4-12 US dollars) and were all in an acceptable condition. There were also old editions of comic-books and magazines from all over the world, including Time magazine and National Geographic in English.
If you’re looking for a good book to read while you’re in Colombia, you absolutely must check out Merlín.
Happy Reading…