Exterior window overlooking the Merlin Bookstore with shelves full of books, warmly lit from within. Interior of the bookstore with stacks of books organized by subject on a wooden floor and shelves in the background. Stack of antique books on a table, with shelves full of volumes in the background of a warm library. Narrow bookstore aisle with shelves overflowing with books and warm light creating a cozy atmosphere. View from a bookstore with shelves and stacks of books next to a window, while a person rests looking out at the street.
  • Description
  • How to get there

Founded in 2000 in downtown Bogotá by Célico Gómez and Eliana Jordán, this bookstore was born with the purpose of supporting researchers, teachers, and students, while also catering to curious readers and collectors. Its spacious and meticulously organized space houses a wide variety of books, primarily secondhand, classified into nearly 400 themes, making it an ideal place to explore and discover literary gems. 

More than just a bookstore, it's a meeting point for those seeking texts with a story. Each book has had a previous journey: rescued by booksellers, recyclers, or longtime readers, and put back into circulation to find new hands.

After 25 years, and in response to the evolving dynamics of accessing reading, the bookstore is launching its digital presence, allowing customers to browse the catalog and place orders remotely. This new channel aims to maintain the same personalized and specialized experience that has characterized the physical space.

This project is also a tribute to those who have made its history possible: loyal customers, suppliers, and readers who, over time, have helped preserve and share the value of books. It is an intimate reading space, the largest and most magical in Bogotá, with more than 350,000 books.

📍 How to get there

To get there, you can take the TransMilenio to the Museo del Oro station, walk west along Avenida Jiménez to Carrera 8, and turn right onto Calle Dieciséis. The bookstore has three floors.