Although not an original Shakespeare and Company (the original by Sylvia Beach closed in 1941), this store surely has the vibe of an old dusty bookshop. But that’s about it. Otherwise, I found this place way overpriced and tourist-trappy. The atmosphere could be authentic were it not for so many tourists loitering around just because this place is mentioned in their travel guides.
The ground floor is all new books with prices for paperbacks gone way overboard (I bought a book for 30 euros, and the price for the same one online is 20). Nevertheless, I really liked the selection on the bookshelves – the books are definitely chosen with taste and care, and the topics range from math and science to philosophy and history of jazz. The upper floor is home to poetry, second-hand books and a smallish public library. There is a namesake cafe next door selling coffee and cakes. Theoretically, you could grab a drink and sit with your book outside, but I doubt the hordes of tourists will let you enjoy it.
My verdict: worth visiting for the sake of visiting. But since this is not the place where Joyce or Hemingway hung out, no sentimental feelings attached. This is not a place to stock up on books, but you can pop in to study their selection and get ideas for your next purchases elsewhere. Overall, not a bad place that has fallen victim to its own popularity.
Oh, and here is a link to their website.