London is a city where literature and history blend seamlessly, and for book lovers, it’s a dream come true. From quaint independent stores to grand historic institutions, the city offers a treasure trove of bookshops catering to every literary taste.
Whether you’re after rare first editions, contemporary bestsellers, or cozy nooks to browse, London’s bookshops are as diverse as the stories they hold. Here’s a guide to some of the best bookshops in London that no bibliophile should miss.
- 1. Daunt Books – Marylebone
- 2. Foyles – Charing Cross Road
- 3. Hatchards – Piccadilly
- 4. Stanfords – Covent Garden
- 5. London Review Bookshop – Bloomsbury
- 6. Goldsboro Books – Covent Garden
- 7. Word on the Water – King’s Cross
- 8. Gay’s the Word – Bloomsbury
- 9. Skoob Books – Bloomsbury
- 10. Libreria – East London
- More London Bookshops
Looking for a whole street of bookshops in London? Since the 1930s, Cecil Court has been known as the new Booksellers’ Row, linking Charing Cross Road and St Martin’s Lane along a pedestrian street of Victorian-style bookshops.
1. Daunt Books – Marylebone
Located on the charming Marylebone High Street, Daunt Books is a must-visit for its Edwardian charm and unique layout. Known for its travel section, Daunt organizes books by country, regardless of genre—so you’ll find novels, history, and travel guides all together. My kind of place!
The oak balconies, skylights, and stained glass make browsing a pleasure, while the knowledgeable staff are always ready to offer recommendations. Daunt has become a beloved institution for both locals and visitors, and it’s the perfect place to lose yourself in a new story.
2. Foyles – Charing Cross Road
One of London’s most famous bookshops, Foyles is a behemoth of literary culture. Spread over five floors on Charing Cross Road, it houses over 200,000 titles. Foyles offers a vast selection of books across genres, along with a café and event spaces that regularly host author talks, readings, and signings.
With a history dating back to 1903, Foyles remains one of the city’s iconic book destinations. Whether you’re a collector or casual reader, you’ll find something to suit your taste.
The Foyles in Grand Central is one of my favourite bookstores in my home city, Birmingham.
3. Hatchards – Piccadilly
Established in 1797, Hatchards is the oldest bookshop in London and still retains its elegant Georgian charm. Located on Piccadilly, just steps from the Royal Academy of Arts, Hatchards has a rich literary history, having served everyone from royal customers to famous authors.
The store’s carefully curated selection includes everything from fine art books to biographies, classic literature, and signed first editions. Visiting Hatchards feels like stepping back in time, and it’s a must for any book lover who appreciates a touch of history with their literature.
4. Stanfords – Covent Garden
If you love travel books and maps, then Stanfords is your dream destination. Established in 1853, this iconic Covent Garden bookshop is the world’s largest specialist retailer of maps and travel literature.
From detailed atlases and globes to travel guides covering every corner of the world, Stanfords is the go-to place for explorers, both armchair and real-life adventurers. Not just one of the most famous bookshops in London, it’s one of the most iconic in the world.
With its vibrant atmosphere and a deep love of travel, the store regularly hosts events and talks by travel writers, making it an essential stop for globetrotters and geography enthusiasts (and, ahem, Page Travellers).
5. London Review Bookshop – Bloomsbury
Around the corner from the British Museum, the London Review Bookshop is a haven for lovers of literary fiction, non-fiction, and academic titles. Owned by the London Review of Books, the store has a carefully curated selection that reflects the intellectual rigor of its namesake.
But it’s not all serious reading—there’s also an excellent array of fiction, poetry, and art books. Be sure to stop by the adjacent London Review Cake Shop for tea and a slice of cake while you read.
6. Goldsboro Books – Covent Garden
If you’re a collector of rare and signed first editions, Goldsboro Books in Covent Garden is the place to go. Specializing in modern first editions, Goldsboro is renowned for its collection of signed copies, particularly from debut authors and literary prize winners.
The shop’s cozy, intimate atmosphere and carefully chosen stock make it a treasure trove for serious collectors, and the staff’s expertise ensures that you’ll find something truly special.
7. Word on the Water – King’s Cross
One of the most charming bookshops in London, Word on the Water is a floating bookshop located on a canal boat near King’s Cross. This quirky independent shop specializes in second-hand and new books across a variety of genres.
Its cozy, bohemian vibe makes it an unforgettable experience, and they often host live music performances and poetry readings on the roof. Word on the Water has quickly become a favorite for both locals and tourists alike, offering an eclectic mix of books in a truly unique setting.
The setting is so beautiful even though Word on the Water was closed when I popped by, it was so gorgeous just to look at. This gets my vote as the most beautiful bookshop in London.
8. Gay’s the Word – Bloomsbury
As the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ bookshop, Gay’s the Word has been a vital part of London’s literary and cultural scene since 1979. Located in Bloomsbury, this independent shop offers an extensive range of LGBTQ+ fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books.
It’s a welcoming space for readers of all backgrounds, and the shop regularly hosts book launches, discussions, and community events. For anyone interested in LGBTQ+ literature and history, Gay’s the Word is an essential stop.
9. Skoob Books – Bloomsbury
For second-hand book enthusiasts, Skoob Books in Bloomsbury is a paradise. With over 55,000 titles in stock, ranging from rare academic books to classic fiction, Skoob is one of the best places in London to hunt for literary gems.
The shelves are packed from floor to ceiling, and the basement setting only adds to its hidden treasure vibe. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon browsing, with the possibility of uncovering a hard-to-find edition or long-lost classic. Definitely one of the best secondhand bookshops in London.
10. Libreria – East London
Located in the heart of East London’s trendy Shoreditch, Libreria is a modern, independent bookshop designed for creative minds. The shop is known for its unique shelving system, which encourages serendipitous discovery by organizing books according to theme rather than genre.
Libreria’s vibrant yellow interior and curated selection of literature, design, philosophy, and art books make it a must-visit for readers looking for something a bit different. Plus, they have a “no digital devices” policy, so you can fully immerse yourself in the books and ideas around you.
More London Bookshops
The capital is home to an incredible variety of bookish places, so this is by no means a definitive list of good bookshops in London. If you have a personal favourite, I’d love to heard about it, so please leave a comment below.
And the next time you’re in London, take a literary tour of these fantastic bookshops—you might just find your new favorite read.
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