London is a city of layers: layers of history, architecture, voices, and stories. Walking its streets, you feel literature woven into the cobblestones, carried on the Thames breeze, and nestled inside bookstores that are treasures in themselves. If you love books, there are few places more thrilling than London. Here are some of the best bookstores in London, detailed so you can plan your visit with more than just a list — a map, history, and what to look out for.
Best Bookstores in London
Daunt Books (Marylebone and other branches)
Address: 83 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW (the flagship)
What makes it special:
- History & architecture: Daunt Books was founded in 1990 by James Daunt. The Marylebone branch, which is the original, is in a former Edwardian bookshop building. The older section was completed in 1912 and was originally the antiquarian bookshop Francis Edwards.
- It features long oak galleries, graceful skylights, and display shelves arranged in what feels like a stately home rather than a store. One striking feature is a large walk-in safe near the entrance of the travel section — a remnant of its antiquarian past.
- Specialty & layout: Daunt is especially strong in travel books — guides, travel writing, history, and fiction arranged by country. This geographical organization (so you’ll find books about Italy, say, across genres grouped together) makes browsing inspiring. But it’s not just travel; though that is the heart, they also carry literary fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, etc.
- Publishing venture: In 2010, Daunt Books expanded into publishing. They revive “forgotten” or out-of-print works and publish new literary fiction and narrative non-fiction. Their imprint “Daunt Books Originals” is aimed at standout new writing in English and translation.
- Branches & spread: Besides Marylebone, they have branches in Holland Park, Cheapside, Hampstead, Belsize Park. They also own The Owl Bookshop in Kentish Town. There are stores outside London in Marlow, Saffron Walden, Summertown (Oxford).
Highlights:
- The Marylebone store in particular is beautiful — natural light via skylights, galleries, and an ambience that slows you down. Bring time.
- Staff are often praised for being knowledgeable and friendly; willing to help track down obscure titles.
- The tote bags are famous — canvas, quality, and they’ve become iconic among Londoners and visitors alike.
What to know:
- It can be crowded on weekends, especially Marylebone, so early morning or weekdays are better for browsing in peace.
- For travel books, make sure to check the specialized sections — you may find gems off the beaten path.
- If you’re interested in a particular book, many branches (or via their website) can order it or sometimes retrieve older or out-of-print books.
Waterstones (Piccadilly)
Address: 203–206 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9HD
Just a few doors down from Hatchards sits another London icon — Waterstones Piccadilly, the largest bookstore in Europe. Housed in a grand 1930s Art Deco building that was once the flagship Simpson’s department store, this Waterstones is more like a cathedral of books than a shop.
What makes it special:
- It spans six floors and carries over eight miles of bookshelves — everything from bestsellers to obscure academic texts.
- The building’s sweeping staircases, gilded columns, and marble details give it a stately yet contemporary feel.
- Its art, travel, and history sections are particularly well-curated, and it often features exclusive signed editions and special releases.
Beyond books:
- You’ll find the 5th View Bar & Restaurant on the top floor, offering cocktails, coffee, and food with panoramic views over the West End. It’s a perfect place to unwind after browsing.
- The store also hosts frequent author events, from small Q&As to major literary launches.
Pro Tip: Plan at least an hour or two here — it’s easy to lose track of time. Combine a visit with Hatchards next door for the ultimate literary double feature.
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Hatchards (Piccadilly)
Address: 187 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LE
History & character:
- Founded in 1797 by John Hatchard, making it London’s oldest bookstore. It has been in its current Piccadilly location since 1801.
- It holds royal warrants (formal endorsements) from King Charles III, Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip. This signals its long association with high culture, tradition, and prestige.
- The shop’s architecture and interior add to the charm: staircases, grand stairwells, bay windows, wood finishes, and bayed display windows. It feels very classic, refined, and established.
Stock & specialty:
- Excellent selection of new books, especially hardbacks. Strong in biography, history, signed editions. If you want the latest literary fiction or major non-fiction, it’s solid.
- The store hosts author signings and literary events. It has long attracted writers and public intellectuals. For example, authors like Ian McEwan, Philip Pullman, Antonia Fraser have done events there.
Tips for a visit:
- Pair a visit to Hatchards with tea (or shopping) in Piccadilly or nearby Fortnum & Mason. The area is elegant and lends itself to slowing down.
- Because of its reputation and location, you might find tourist traffic; try visiting early in the day if you want a more peaceful browse.
- If you’re interested in rare or signed editions, ask staff — they often have special stock that’s not prominently displayed.
Foyles (Charing Cross Road flagship + chain branches)
Address (Flagship): 107 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DT
History & background:
- Founded in 1903 by William and Gilbert Foyle. They started small, selling second-hand textbooks and gradually expanded.
- By 1906 they had established presence on Charing Cross Road. For decades, their flagship was at 113-119 Charing Cross Road until the move in 2014 to a new, modern building at 107-109 (now 107) Charing Cross Road (redeveloped former Central St. Martin’s School of Art building) to accommodate more books, events, and visitor space.
- The current flagship has over 200,000 titles, with about 4 miles (≈ 6.5 km) of shelf space. The building has an atrium/light-well meant to let in natural light, multiple floors, and large café / event space.
What to find:
- Huge variety — fiction, non-fiction, academic, children’s, art, music. There are specialist foreign language sections. It incorporates Grant & Cutler, which is a longtime specialist in foreign-language books.
- Events: Foyles runs over 150 author events per year (talks, signings, readings). It’s a place to engage, not just buy.
- Café: their café is a good place to rest, read your purchases, or just soak in the atmosphere. Because the flagship is large, there are cozy corners and hidden-away spots.
Tips & things to note:
- Despite its scale, navigating the store is pretty easy thanks to its layout and signage. The newer building was designed to preserve some “nooks and crannies” while being bright and welcoming.
- If you have interests in foreign language literature, art books, etc., check the specialist departments.
- Because of its size, allow time (hours, not minutes) to explore. If you’re short on time, pick a section or floor ahead of visit.
Word on the Water (The Floating Bookshop)
Location: On a 1920s Dutch barge moored on Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross, near Granary Square.
History & character:
- Founded around 2010 / 2011 by Paddy Screech, Jonathan Privett, and Stephane Chaudat. Word on the Water’s aim was simple but ambitious: bring books to canals.
- The boat is named Dianti, built in the 1920s, repurposed to house books, shelves, and a cozy interior. One story recounts how early on the barge had to move every 14 days due to canal regulations, which meant booksellers would get set up only for being told to move. Eventually (2015) they secured a permanent mooring in King’s Cross.
- The barge was refurbished in 2022 — raising the roof, adding work to accommodate more books and improve the customer space.
What to find:
- A mixture of new and second-hand books. Some quirky, niche finds, used books with character, often a surprising variety for the size.
- Events: poetry readings, live music performances, occasional roof concerts. A kind of cultural micro-hub.
- Ambience: wood stove in winters, very cozy, intimate, with the motion of water and the feeling of being somewhere unique. Even if you don’t buy a book, it’s a place to sit and soak up atmosphere.
Visitor tips:
- Check their website/social media before visiting to see where exactly the barge is moored — despite the permanent spot, seasonality, opening times, or events may vary.
- Best on sunny days: sitting outside on the towpath or leaning over the rail, reading with light, good views, and people watching.
- If you love browsing eclectic, second-hand books with surprises, bring flexibility: size is limited, stock rotates, so things you can’t find elsewhere might appear here.
London Review Bookshop (Bloomsbury)
Address: 14 Bury Place, London WC1A 2JL
What makes it special:
- Located just off Bloomsbury Square and near the British Museum, this is a bookshop for those who love essays, criticism, serious literature, philosophy, political theory, and well-curated non-fiction.
- It is connected to the London Review of Books (LRB), which means many titles are chosen with care, often reflecting current debates, important voices, or literary distinction.
- There’s a café attached (Cake Shop) which is highly praised. The combination of quiet, good tea or coffee, thoughtful stock, and elegant surroundings makes this one of the go-to hideaways for literary travelers and locals alike.
Highlights & tips:
- Use it as a stop after the British Museum, or after exploring Russell Square and Bloomsbury. You’ll feel a shift in pace: more cerebral, more reflective.
- Look out for staff picks or curated displays. Frequently found here are books outside the mainstream, or writers you’ve heard of but may not have yet discovered.
- If sitting down with your new read is a priority, go mid-weekday when it’s quieter.
Persephone Books
Address (now): 8 Edgar Buildings, Bath, BA1 2EE. Former shop was in Bloomsbury, London.
Background & mission:
- Founded in 1999 by Nicola Beauman. The mission was to rescue and reprint “lost” works, especially by women writers, of the late 19th / 20th centuries; many of them interwar novels, memoirs, diaries, cookery books, etc.
- The books are distinctive: grey dust jackets, matching bookmarks, patterned endpapers often drawn from period materials. It makes every title collectible visually as well as literarily.
- Although the main shop has moved to Bath (in 2021), Persephone’s London roots remain strong. When in London, you may find their books in other shops, or via their events.
What to find:
- The full Persephone catalogue: each book is chosen with care, often with themes of domestic life, women’s perspectives, war and dislocation, diaries, etc. A good pick for readers who want something thoughtful, lesser-known, but beautifully produced.
- Shop atmosphere (in London when it existed) was intimate, calm, with a feel of entering someone’s elegant sitting room. In Bath, the shop is in a listed building (1761) with charm and history.
Visitor tips:
- If you’re particularly interested in their books, check their website ahead: you might buy direct, or see if there’s an event when their stock comes to London.
- Even if you’re not going to Bath, try to see if any events are held in London (or nearby) to get that live shop experience.
- Their design makes them special as gifts: someone who loves beautiful books will appreciate a Persephone edition.
Other Bookstores in London Worth Mentioning
While these six deserve the spotlight, London has dozens more bookshops worth visiting depending on your interests. A few more to consider:
- Gosh! Comics (Soho) — For graphic novels, comics, illustrated books. Great niche, friendly staff, often events.
- Second-hand and antiquarian shops — On Charing Cross Road and around Bloomsbury / Soho you’ll find used bookshops, rare book dealers. For example, Skoob Books in Bloomsbury is well-known among used / academic / genre readers.
- Specialty shops — For art, illustration, music, foreign language books. It’s worth wandering and seeing what you stumble upon.
A Suggested Literary Day Tour to see the Best Bookstores in London
Here’s a sample itinerary if you want to build a bookstore-focused day:
- Start in Bloomsbury — morning coffee; visit London Review Bookshop, then walk over to the major academic / used bookshops nearby. Grab lunch.
- Head to Hatchards — take the Piccadilly tube, enjoy the grandeur and history. Maybe stop at Fortnum & Mason for treats.
- Travel to Marylebone — explore Daunt Books flagship. Marylebone itself has lovely boutiques and cafés.
- Move to Charing Cross Road — spend the afternoon at Foyles, immerse in its expansiveness.
- Evening at Word on the Water — moored near King’s Cross, great end to a day: fresh air, canal, ambience, maybe live music, and browsing with low-pressure (no big crowds).
Why These Bookstores Matter
- They’re architectural and cultural landmarks: Hatchards and Daunt are not just shops, but beautiful buildings with histories.
- They preserve literary heritage: through reviving out-of-print works (Persephone, Daunt), carrying rare or signed editions (Hatchards, Foyles), supporting indie / second-hand stock (Word on the Water), or curating serious non-fiction (London Review Bookshop).
- They’re about experience: the scent of old paper, the light through skylights, the quiet corners, the friendly chats, the unexpected find. In an age of screens and Kindle, this little world is increasingly precious.
Additional Practical Tips for Visiting Bookstores in London
- Many bookstores in London have events and signings. If you have a favorite author or genre, check their calendars in advance.
- Bring a tote bag or plan for purchases: some shops are compact, some are large. Buying several books can get heavy.
- Hours vary, especially for specialist / indie shops; many close earlier on Sundays. Always check online.
- Payment options: most places accept credit cards and contactless; small shops might prefer cash for small purchases.
- Be mindful of space: in smaller shops like Word on the Water, space is limited; busy times can feel crowded, so go when you have time and patience.
Final Thoughts on the Best Sookstores in London
Exploring London’s bookstores is more than shopping—it’s a journey through literary history, architecture, community, and beauty. Whether you want the grandeur of Hatchards, the travel-inspired layout of Daunt, the vastness of Foyles, the whimsy of a barge full of books, or the rare and under-read voices Persephone rescues, there’s something here for every kind of book love.
If you build in time, open mind, and a willingness to wander, you’ll leave with more than books—you’ll collect memories.
Discover the Literary Magic of London
As a travel agent and lifelong book lover, I can help you plan the perfect London adventure — from wandering the historic streets of Bloomsbury and browsing the elegant shelves of Hatchards to exploring quirky gems like Word on the Water and Gosh! Comics.
Let’s build an itinerary filled with cozy bookshops, hidden literary corners, and quintessentially British experiences — whether that’s afternoon tea after Daunt Books or a scenic stroll along Regent’s Canal.
📩 Contact me today to start planning your London literary getaway — because every great story begins with a trip!