7 Best Bookstores in London
In the mood for a new book? You’re in luck! We’ve got a list of the 7 best bookstores in London that we’d love to share with you. Keep reading to find out where to go for your next read.
A good bookstore offers an experience that goes beyond the books themselves. They provide a peaceful atmosphere where you can get lost in creativity.
London is a paradise for book lovers. As the center of the English-speaking literary world, the British capital is home to a plethora of bookshops.
If you’re a bookworm in London, there are loads of interesting books to read that suit every interest and budget.
Whether you’re looking for niche stores specialising in art documentaries or cozy bookshops where you can enjoy a cup of tea while reading, London has it all.
Here’s our list of the 7 best bookstores for book lovers around London.
Best Bookstore in London
- Daunt Books
- Hatchards
- Foyles
- Bookmongers
- The Broadway Bookshop
- Word on the Water
- Libreria
7 Best Bookstores in London
We have specially hand-picked the 7 best bookstores. Below, we have meticulously explained the 7 best.
1. Daunt Books
Daunt Bookshop, located in Marylebone is considered to be one of the finest bookstores around. The store is spread across two floors and has
a tastefully designed interior filled with a wide variety of books, stationery, and gift items available.
The bookshop is particularly famous for its extensive collection of travel books and guides, alongside countless rows of guidebooks, maps, biographies, histories, politics, travelogues, and fiction books.
With its legendary wooden architecture and balcony, the store offers a serene environment for reading, as well as a stunning backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos.
Opening Time: Daunt is open every day from 9 am to 7:30 pm and the staff are friendly, welcoming, and always available to assist you with your inquiries.
Location: 84 Marylebone High St, London, W1U 4QW, United Kingdom
2. Hatchards
This bookstore, situated on Piccadilly, is one of the oldest in the UK. It was founded in 1797 by John Hatchards, an anti-slavery campaigner and publisher. The five-story building is located near some of London’s best parks, galleries, and restaurants.
Additionally, the bookstore is one of the official booksellers to the royal family.
You can find a vast collection of books at Hatchards, thanks to its large size. It has a broad range of books, which means you could spend hours browsing through them to find the one you like.
Opening Time: Hatchards is open every Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm, and on Sunday from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm.
If you’re a book lover who wants to connect with other book lovers, Hatchards is the perfect bookshop for you.
Location: 187 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9LE, United Kingdom
3. Foyles
Foyles, located on Charing Cross Road in London, is a well-known bookstore that has been around since 1903.
It was established by two brothers named William and Gilbert Foyle and has gained a reputation as one of London’s most famous literary destinations.
The bookstore is home to thousands of books on a variety of topics, such as cooking, health, philosophy, the arts, travel, science, and more. There are approximately four miles of shelves that you can peruse.
Additionally, you can explore a range of gifts, stationery, printed music, and magazines. If you’re in need of a break, there’s a cafe where you can grab a cup of coffee. There’s also an auditorium and gallery on site.
Opening Time: Foyles bookstore is open from 9 am to 9pm on Monday to Saturday and 11:30 am – 6 pm on Sundays.
Location: 107 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT, United Kingdom
4. Bookmongers
Bookmongers is located on the popular Coldharbour Lane and stocks a large range of second-hand publications. The cozy interiors of the store offer a much-needed escape from the craziness of the Brixton Market.
Established over 20 years ago, the bookstore has sold a vast collection of second-hand books on different niches and subjects, including plays, poetry, travel, politics, cinema, and much more.
If you’re in Brixton, head down Coldharbour Lane to the iconic Book Mongers, where books are piled high.
Opening Time: The store is open daily from 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: 439 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8LN, United Kingdom
5. The Broadway Bookshop
The Broadway Bookshop is a small, locally-owned bookstore in London that specializes in literary fiction. This independent store is located in the bustling Broadway Market in Hackney, North East London.
Since 1992, they have been committed to offering the best books and services, and are considered to be one of the best bookstores around. They stock a wide range of titles covering topics such as poetry, economics, fashion, history, nature, travel, writing, music, life, and children’s books.
Opening Time: Broadway Bookshop is open to customers from Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and on weekends 11 am to 5 pm.
Location: 6 Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ, United Kingdom
6. Word on the Water
Word on the Water is a charming, independent bookstore that floats on the serene waters of the Regents Canal in London.
The bookstore offers an extensive and diverse collection of second-hand books that cater to all ages and interests.
From contemporary fiction, memoirs, and poetry to children’s books, photography books, and more, Word on the Water has something for everyone.
You’ll find books stacked neatly on every inch of the barge, both inside and outside, making browsing through the collection a delightful experience.
Besides being a great bookstore, it also hosts a range of events that add to its charm and appeal. These events include live music, poetry slams, and other cultural activities that create a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
Opening Time: If you’re planning a visit to Word on the Water, you can stop by any day of the week between noon and 7 pm, regardless of the weather.
The bookstore’s location on the canal offers a serene and picturesque backdrop that makes it a must-visit spot for book lovers and anyone looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of London.
Location: Regent’s Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW, United Kingdom
7. Libreria
Libreria is a unique bookstore located in Hanbury Street, London. Designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Selgas Cano, this store offers a stunning backdrop for book lovers.
The exterior of the shop is painted black, and the interior of the bookstore emits a radiant, golden glow, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere for reading and browsing books.
The store boasts large shelves that are stocked with a meticulously curated selection of books arranged by themes and interesting topics. The staff is friendly, welcoming, and always eager to offer any assistance you may require.
Libreria offers a monthly subscription and is available for private hire any day of the week.
Opening Time: The bookstore is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm and on Sundays from 12 pm to 6 pm.
It is worth mentioning that the use of mobile phones is not permitted inside the bookstore.
Location: 65 Hanbury Street, London E1 5JL, United Kingdom
Conclusion
The 7 bookstores listed above are a treasure trove for book lovers in London.
Regardless of your reading preference, you can find something that suits your taste.
