Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid

Locals shuddered and shouted when rumors circulated in 1999 that this historic theater might be torn down. The building has been declared a landmark, but now the balcony, domed ceiling, cherubs, marble columns, and elaborate sconces embellish a first-class bookstore, Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid. You can get started on a good novel in one of the white and gold-leaf boxes or sip your coffee where the screen once hung.