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Wide World Books & Maps

4411 Wallingford Ave N Ste A
Seattle, WA 98103-7565
Phone: (206) 634-3453
Wide World Books & Maps
Cross Street:
45th Street
Hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun10am-7pm

Message from Wide World Books & Maps

Wide World Books & Maps

Seattle's Travel Store

  • Serving Seattle Since 1976
  • Knowledgeable Staff
  • Regular In-Store Events

Wide World Books & Maps, founded in 1976, has the unique distinction of being the first travel-only bookstore in the country. Since then our award-winning store has continued to be home to a consortium of travel sages, inspired wanderers, book lovers and cartographic connoisseurs. Be sure to visit Wide World Books & Maps before your next big trip!

Paid advertisement by Wide World Books & Maps.

Editorial Review for Wide World Books & Maps – by Citysearch Editors

In Short
For nearly three decades this unassuming, independent Wallingford bookshop has quietly launched grand international tours, domestic pilgrimages and armchair adventures. Globes, maps, language tapes and books--especially Lonely Planet and Rough guides--emphasize multi-cultural, eco-sensitive, off-the-beaten-path travel. Essential accessories like Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap, waist-safe travel pouches and a sleep sheet for two round out the selection. Classic works by Bruce Chatwin, Paul Theroux and others provide ample reason to stay home and read about travel instead.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Snap your passport photo and buy your Eurrailpass along with the latest Rick Steves Euro guide.

When to Go

Let in-store readings and presentations by authors and seasoned road warriors kindle your wanderlust between adventures.

User Reviews for Wide World Books & Maps

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/09/2007 Posted by vt87

If you are planning a trip, this is the place to go. You can always find an appropriate book, or a helpful item to take with you. In addition, the staff is amazing -- they are travelers themselves, and often have helpful information to share. The events at the store are also wonderfully informative and well-organized.

Cons: helpful staff, great selection

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

11/29/2006 Posted by shovliga

I really want to love this place, I always support independently owned stores, my husband and I often travel and my best girlfriend is an avid reader of travel journals. Instead of being a devoted, frequent customer, I'll never give them my business again. I walked up to the shop about three weeks ago to find a few books for a trip my husband and I are planning. While I was in the store I sat down and thumbed through a few guide books. After about 10 minutes I heard the two clerks talking rather critically about a patron who had just left the store. About her 'smell' and odd behaviour - not exactly professional or kind and that was my first clue. About 10 minutes later, one of these clerks told me that what I was doing, looking through guide books, was unwelcomed. She talked to me with such a condescending attitude, edge and smugness that I was literally rendered speechless! She all but told me to either buy something or get out - and in my experience, one of the joys of a bookstore, is simply looking around and spending time perusing the merchandise. She literally acted like I was an unwelcomed guest in her home who just broke something, I'm sure you know the type! There are so many wonderful, well-run bookstores that give you a sincere sense of community, please support them and DO NOT give your business to Wide World Books, they don't deserve you!!!!

Pros: None

Cons: Terrible, condescending attitude toward their cusomers

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Editor's Review

Keenly researched guidebooks, gorgeous photo portfolios and globetrotting clerks take you around the world in an afternoon.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Snap your passport photo and buy your Eurrailpass along with the latest Rick Steves Euro guide.

More Insider Tips

Directory & Services Information

Parking

  • Street

Hours

  • Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
  • Sun10am-7pm

Payment Types

  • Check
  • Visa
  • ATM
  • Cash
  • MasterCard

What's Nearby

4411 Wallingford Ave N Ste A
Seattle, WA 98103-7565

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