Best Bookshop in London for a Unique Reading Experience

Top 10 Famous Bookshops in London

In London, it is possible that whatever book you want to read you’ll find in one of the bookshops. There are various types of bookstores in London where you can find new books, used books, limited-edition titles, academic textbooks, and many more. However, you must know about the famous bookshop in London that offer a must-visit experience.

1. Foyles

Foyles is a well-known bookshop chain in the UK, it boasts a vast selection of books. The flagship store at Charing Cross has six floors and bookshelves spread across 6.5 km. As per many residents, it is the best bookshop in London in terms of ratings, store service and book selection. Here, you might get tired of exploring the various titles, but the selection will not end as it has more than 2,00,000 titles. Additionally, the Foyles stores are strategically placed near student accommodation in UK to attract students and young adults as the primary customers.

• Location: 107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0EB
• Ratings: 4.7
• Phone: 020 7437 5660

2. Daunt Books

Daunt Books is one of the best independent bookshops in London, operating since 1990. The bookstore has engaging settings with a wide range of books completely stocked on shelves. Earlier, the bookshop was well-known for its travel books. However, currently, you can explore genres like fiction, non-fiction, comics and many more. It has multiple branches, with a flagship store on Marylebone High Street. It also stocks used books, catering to the distinct needs of readers.

• Location: 84 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW
• Ratings: 4.8
• Phone: 020 7224 2295

3. Word On The Water

It is a floating bookshop offering a unique reading experience to its readers. The bookshop boasts a wide range of new and used books which includes various genres like fiction, classics, books for children and many more. Many visitors often claim Word On the Water as one of the best second-hand bookshops in London, considering the variety and quality it offers. Further, the bookshop also hosts occasional events like open mic sessions, author talks to interact and engage with the public.

• Location: Regent's Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW
• Ratings: 8
• Phone: 07976 886982

4. Hatchards

Hatchards is the oldest and mostfamous bookshop in London with a history dating back to 1797. If you are fond of bookstores, this is must-visit place for you, considering the lively atmosphere of the store. Here you can explore a vast selection of books from different categories. Whether you are looking for limited editions, bestsellers, latest editions, used books, or anything else, Hatchards has something for you. It has branches in three locations with the flagship store being in Piccadilly.

• Location: 187 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LE
• Ratings: 8
• Phone: 020 7439 9921

5. The London Review Bookshop

An independent bookshop owned and operated by the London Review of Books magazine. The shop boasts an expansive stock of over 20,000 titles with almost every genre. It is located in Bloomsbury, a strong location for student accommodation in London. The London Review Bookshop strategic location helps them to invite students to the store. Further, it also features a small cafe that provides readers with a relaxed and unique experience.

• Location: 14-16 Bury Pl, London WC1A 2JL
• Ratings: 4.7
• Phone: 020 7269 9030

6. Waterstones Piccadilly

Waterstones Piccadilly is a popular bookstore chain with a presence across multiple locations in London, offering a special experience to its readers. Waterstones store in Piccadilly tops the list of biggest Bookshops in London and potentially in Europe. The store has around eight miles of bookshelves with more than 2,00,000 books available across six floors. Furthermore, the bookstore also has multiple cafes and a bar to provide visitors with a comfortable experience.

• Location: 203-206 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HD
• Ratings: 4.7
• Phone: 020 7851 2400

7. Libreria

A distinctive bookstore well known for its attractive interior and unique book categorisation that attracts readers to explore the various titles. Libreria has a special focus on inspiring visitors to dive into the world of printed texts and detach from digital devices. The bookshop also has comfortable seating with its yellow interior making the atmosphere lively for its visitors.

• Location: 65 Hanbury St, London E1 5JL
• Ratings: 7
• Phone: 020 3818 3255

8. Watkins Books

There are various London streets which are famous for their bookshops, Cecil Street is one of them, highly known for its numerous bookstores. So, if you are someone looking for esoteric, mystical and spiritual books, then Watkins Bookshop at Cecil Street is a perfect place. This bookshop was founded in 1893 and currently, it is the oldest and biggest historic bookstore in the city. The shop also features a wide range of crystals, tarot cards and other spiritual items that make it a popular place.

• Location: 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ
• Ratings: 8
• Phone: 020 7836 2182

9. John Sandoe Books

John Sandoe Books is a well-established bookstore operating independently in London, popular for its exclusive settings and vast selection of books. The bookshop is home to over 30,000 titles properly selected and spread across genres like literature, fiction and non-fiction. It is among the best art bookshops in London, making it an exciting place to visit. One exciting feature of this bookstore is its 'Remarkables' section, which is especially for new and exciting readings.

• Location: 10 Blacklands Terrace, London SW3 2SR
• Ratings: 4.9
• Phone: 020 7589 9473

10. Goldsboro Books

It is one of the famous Cecil Court bookshops in London, known for its signed, hardback first edition books. Goldsboro Booksalso offers subscriptions to its PREMIER book club where members get the first edition book every month along with other exclusive benefits. Further, the bookstore also hosts author signings and events which can be a unique experience for visitors.

• Location: 23-27 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ
• Ratings: 5
• Phone: 020 7497 9230

These are the top 10 famous bookshops in London that you must visit if you are fond of books. These stores brag a wide selection of titles which cater to a different reading needs of the visitors. So, whether you are looking for fiction, non-fiction, mystery, novel or any genre it is possible that you'll easily find it in one of these bookstores.

Tips for Exploring London’s Bookshops

In most of the neighbourhoods, you can find a street of bookshops in London. Further, these bookshops boast a vast collection of titles and you may get confused about how to explore the best bookshops in London. No worries, we got you covered, go through the tips below to explore the top bookstores in the city.

Begin with Iconic Bookshops

Start with exploring the iconic bookshops of the city such as Daunt Books Marylebone or Hatchards. These iconic bookshops will provide you with a unique reading experience with their wide selection of titles. While these bookstores have been operating for a long time you can also find a unique architecture of these stores.

Consider Visiting Bookshops with Cafes

Many bookshops in London have small cafes that allow you to relax and read your favourite books while having refreshments. The London Review Bookshop is one such bookshop with a cafe. It provides a unique experience to its visitors. Additionally, you may consider visiting best charity bookshops in London to explore a large art section, rare and collectable books, and academic textbook.

Look for Author Events and Readings

Search for bookshops that host author events and readings as it will help you enjoy a unique experience. For example, Word on the Water regularly hosts events like poetry readings and musical performances. Visiting these types of bookshops can help you enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Conclusion

To sum up, this is the only guide you need before exploring the book stores in London. In this blog, we have mentioned the top 10 famous bookstores in London with their features, locations and ratings based on store experience and book selection. Additionally, there are some tips provided for your day out that will help you explore London bookshops in a perfect manner.

FAQs

1. Which London bookshop has the widest selection of titles?

In London, Foyles on Charing Cross Road boasts the widest selection of titles. The bookshop has more than 2,00,000 titles spread over six floors and 6.5 kilometres of bookshelves. This makes it one of the largest bookshops in the world.

2. Are there any late night bookshops in London?

Many bookshops in London have regular evening hours, so finding a late-night bookstore can be tough. However, there are bookshops such as Goldsboro Books that may offer later hours so, it's crucial to check opening hours before visiting the shop.

3. What is the most beautiful bookshop in London?

Daunt Books Marylebone is one of London's most famous and possibly its most beautiful, having a wide selection of books. The bookshop was founded in 1990 by James Daunt.

4. What London street is famous for books?

In London, Charing Cross and Cecil Court are the two popular streets which are highly known for their bookshops. The shops offer a wide selection of books, including special edition books, used books and more.

5. Do London bookshops offer student discounts?

Yes, some bookshops offer student discounts. For example, Waterstones offer 10% off through UNiDAYS with an additional discount of 5% with a Waterstones plus student card.