Well, the Ateneo Grand Splendid is a ‘splendid bookstore’ but for me that is it, a view not shared by my wife who thought it was wonderful! The reason for that is that the vast array of books (and I mean a vast array of books) are housed in what was, at one time, the Grand Splendid Theatre, During its time as theatre, it was an important venue for concerts, and ‘early film’ screenings. Why it was converted to a bookstore, I do not know but, yes, it is something special. It has an imposing façade but it is the interior that surprises you. This is because it has retained a lot of the features of a theatre such as the sweeping balconies, the stage, which now houses a cafeteria that is framed to one side by the original theatre’s red velvet curtain and the ‘openness’ of what a theatre offers. We must not forget the books! I am not sure how many are housed there but it must be millions, covering every subject imaginable. Do not be surprised though that the view of the bookshop might be as that shared between with the wife and I. Definitely worth a visit though.

Situated on Santa Fe Avenue in Barrio Norte,[3] the building was designed as a theatre called Teatro Gran Splendid (May 1919) The ecleticist building features ceiling frescos and staged a variety of performances, including appearances by the tango artists Carlos Gardel, Francisco Canaro, Roberto Firpo and Ignacio Corsini. Ir became a bookstore around 10 years ago and over a million people walk through its doors annually. It’s truly a beauty.

There is nothing about the outside that hints at the splendor inside. In some ways, it is just a bookstore. Come and go, no entrance fee, lots and lots of books, spend as long as you want browsing a book or the entire store, go on stage for a coffee and roll. Spend 5 minutes or spend the day. Just another bookstore, except it is located in a beautiful old theater that is as ornate today as it was the day it opened. Be sure to check out the box seats on both sides of the stage. They are set up as secluded reading areas. Also, there are thousands of books, but a very limited selection in English. Enjoy!! Suggestion: A visit to El Ateneo Grand Splendid connects well with a self-guided walking tour to the Waterworks Palace, the Teatro Colon opera house, the Obelisk, the Buenos Aires Cathedral , Plaza De Mayo and the Puerto Madero. All within easy walking distance in a convenient line that leads you through some of the finest parts of this beautiful city.

Beautiful and worth a look around even of you're not looking to buy. In a main area and easy enough to get or walk to, it has a cafe on the old stage if you want to spend a bit more time as well. One of the coolest bookstores anywhere for sure!

We've decided to visit El Ateneo after the end of a day tour of Buenos Aires with the top landmarks and neighbourhoods of this enchanting city. This book shop should be included in the day tours of Buenos Aires. It is really one of the most splendid sites there and should not be missed!

I am of an age, blush, where I remember this type of gorgeous old movie theater. I loved the stage, the curtain, and the gold leaf embellishments--it brought back lovely memories of my youth in New York. It is nice to see this theater preserved and repurposed as a huge bookstore. The ticket booth now has a display of candy for sale. We were on a tour which included flights with very limited luggage allowances, so though I am a published author and love books, I could not purchase any to take with me.

Beautiful building becomes book shop but is primarily a tourist attraction. Difficult to get around the place as there are hoards of tourists taking photographs, very few having any interest in books! Cafe at the back sells very watery lemonade and has poor service. You should probably have a look but wouldn’t linger.

When you are talking about place for bying books, your mind goes to a bookstore. But when you are talkinng about a bookstore you can not imagine The El Ateneo Grand Splendid. There are too many different titles and kinds of books, CDs, DVDs. But the special one is that this building,at the beginning was a theater that renovated to a bookstore with 4 levels.The stage operates as a cafeteria-patisserie and you can also have a snack. It ia a nice experience.

To say a bookshop is also a tourist attraction may not sound reasonable, but this place is special. Once a theatre for live performances, then a cinema, and now in its current retail form, it is a place that has been tastefully renovated to maintain the theatre feel. It is amazing. With a cafe on the old stage, and theatre switchboard backstage still intact, walking around the various floors allows imagination to go crazy with the thoughts of people attending events here. If you didn't know about it, would be easy to walk past. Highly recommend a visit here, even if not wanting to browse the book shelves.

This bookstore his one of my favorites, you can read books by sitting in the chairs or in the halls or directly buy them. There is a café in the inside, where you could also take a book and read it there, even if you have not buy it yet. This place used to be a theatre, but now is a library. I highly recomend this atraction.