(206) 634-3453
4411 Wallingford Ave N Ste A
Seattle,
WA
98103
47.6605
-122.3364
Neighborhoods: Wallingford, Lake Union
What People Are Saying About Wide World Books & Maps
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
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.
08/03/08
Interesting Store, Rude Staff
by alexis259
I purchased a few items from this store and ending up having to make a return. When I made the return the woman who helped was sarcastic and rude about the whole thing. I won't be shopping at Wide World Books & Maps again, the staff is pretentious and rude.
- Pros: Some interesting merchandise for travels
- Cons: Expensive, staff is rude, returns/exchanges difficult
08/09/07
Wide World Books and Maps
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
11/29/06
AVOID AVOID AVOID!!!!
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
The Details on Wide World Books & Maps
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.
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