The 5 best bookshops in London that will inspire your inner bibliophile
London is a city where stories come to life—not just in its history and culture, but in its incredible bookshops. Whether you’re a dedicated bibliophile or just someone who loves the smell of books, London’s bookshops offer a world of charm, discovery, and inspiration.
From historic institutions to cozy independent gems, these literary havens are perfect for finding your next great read or simply soaking in the atmosphere of a space dedicated to the written word.
In this blog, we’re taking you on a journey through the best bookshops in London, each with its own unique personality and offerings. So grab your tote bag, make room on your shelves, and let’s dive into some of the city’s most magical spots for book lovers!
1. Foyles
Address: 107 Charing Cross Rd
Phone: +44 20 7437 5660
Business hours:
- Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday, 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM
If you’re a book lover visiting London, a trip to Foyles on Charing Cross Road is an absolute must. This iconic bookstore, founded in 1903, has long been a cornerstone of the city’s literary scene.
What makes Foyles so special is its sheer size and variety. Spanning an impressive four floors, it offers a staggering collection of over 200,000 titles covering a wide array of genres—from contemporary fiction and classic literature to niche non-fiction, art, and children’s books.
The store is meticulously organized, making it easy for both casual browsers and serious readers to explore the shelves effortlessly.
Truly, it’s a place where creativity knows no bounds. It offers workshops, literary festivals, and opportunities to engage with some of the brightest minds in the literary world.
On the other hand, the café on the top floor provides a cozy retreat where you can sip artisan coffee while diving into your latest literary find. The store also boasts an auditorium and regular event spaces that host book signings and readings.
On the flip side, Foyles’ popularity as a literary landmark means it can get quite busy, which might make browsing feel a bit overwhelming, especially on weekends. Also, its pricing can be on the higher side, making it less ideal for budget-conscious readers.
A family-friendly destination—loved by all ages
“Probably one of the best bookstores out there in London. They have huge selection of book themes, from babies to psychology books. They have nice wifi and seatings if you need to just rewind. On the top floor there’s a cafe and toilet if you need to take a lunch break! Overall I loved it and my niece and nephew love it as well!”
- Riska, Google Review
Effortless browsing across multiple levels
“This by far, is one of my all-time favourite bookstores. Spanning multiple levels, it’s very easy to navigate from one category to the next. Really wish we had a store like this back home! It’s truly a bonus that the range of tabletop games available are extensive. If not for my limited luggage space, I would definitely have added more items to my basket. Definitely added to my must visit list every single time I’m in London!!”
- Ju Amir, Google Review
2. Daunt Books
Address: 83-84 Marylebone High Street
Phone: +44 20 7224 2295
Business hours:
- Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Housed in a beautiful Edwardian building, Daunt Books’ interior is a masterpiece in itself, with long oak galleries and a breathtaking stained glass window.
The rich wood paneling and high ceilings create a serene and atmospheric environment, making it feel more like a traditional library than a typical bookshop. This architectural beauty is part of what makes Daunt Books a standout destination in London.
What truly sets Daunt Books apart is its unique layout and approach to organizing its collection. Instead of grouping books by genre or author, Daunt arranges its books by country, providing a distinctive browsing experience for travelers and literature lovers alike.
For travelers, this thoughtful organization means you can pick up not just travel guides, but also novels or local histories that immerse you in the culture of a destination before you even arrive.
However, take note that the shop can feel cramped due to its small size, making it harder to navigate, particularly on weekends. In addition, its focus on travel literature may limit options for readers seeking other genres.
Thoughtfully organized for easy browsing
“This bookshop is a dream for any book lover! With three spacious floors filled with an impressive selection of books, you’re sure to find something special. The collection is vast and covers a wide range of genres, from bestsellers to rare finds. One of the highlights is the presentation area, which adds a vibrant, interactive aspect to the shopping experience—perfect for book signings, readings, or talks. The layout is thoughtfully organized, making it easy to explore. A must-visit if you’re passionate about books and looking for a place to immerse yourself in literature!”
- Klaus Delueg, Google Review
Beautiful ambience and helpful staff
“Very impressive book shop with an amazing interior, lots of visitors/tourists were pouring in to take a look around, soaking up the ambience. The period features inside were beautiful along with the creaking floors and stairs, there are chairs intermittently in parts of the shop where you can sit and browse/decide which books to buy. just delightful. The choice of books genres is exceptional. We found the staff working in the shop to be very helpful indeed. You could literally spend a small fortune in this book shop, there are some books that will really amaze, they also sell gift wrap, postcards, diaries etc. Well worth as visit in my opinion, your will not be disappointed.”
- Victoria Jayne, Google Review
3. Hatchards
Address: 187 Piccadilly
Phone: +44 020 7439 9921
Business hours:
- Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday, 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Established in 1797, Hatchards on Piccadilly isn’t just London’s oldest bookshop—it’s a piece of literary history.
The store itself feels like something out of a classic novel, with its grand architecture and refined atmosphere. This explains why to some visitors, it’s the kind of place where you can almost feel the weight of time, surrounded by shelves that have housed generations of readers.
With five floors of carefully curated books, you’ll find everything from rare editions to the latest bestsellers, spanning genres as diverse as history, art, and philosophy.
But what really makes Hatchards stand out is its cozy, inviting vibe. Customers can take a break from their browsing by sinking into one of their well-loved leather sofas, surrounded by the warm glow of classic wooden shelves.
It’s a true haven for book lovers, whether you’re an occasional reader or a lifelong bibliophile. The royal warrants, signifying Hatchards’ role as an official supplier to the British royal family, proudly displayed around the shop only add to the sense of prestige.
That being said, due to its prestige and focus on high-end books, prices are steep, especially for collectible items. Add to this the fact that the shop’s focus on luxury and rare books means that the selection is more limited for everyday readers.
Expert staff ready to assist
“Wonderful, maze like rooms and corridors full of books from floor to ceiling. New books, first editions, vintage, and signed copies… they have it all. Lots of staff here to help with enquiries, and also lots of book events.”
- Dave Pelton, Google Review
Welcoming atmosphere for book enthusiasts
“This place hardly needs another glowing review – it’s truly a dream for anyone with a passion for books. Spanning multiple floors, the store offers a vast, well-organized selection ranging from the latest releases to exquisite classics and rare first editions.
It’s simply impossible to leave without discovering a new treasure. The friendly and knowledgeable staff make the experience even better, always ready to help you find exactly what you’re looking for (or something you didn’t even know you needed).”
- A.K., Google Review
4. Persephone Books
Address: 8 Edgar Buildings Bath
Phone: +44 1225 425050
Business hours:
- Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Persephone Books stands out as a haven for book lovers with its remarkable focus on forgotten or overlooked works by women writers. Their collection is like a time capsule, brimming with hidden literary gems from the 20th century that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
What makes it even more special is the care and thought they put into every single edition. Each book features stylish, muted covers and high-quality prints.
This explains why customers walk out the door as though they’re cradling a piece of history.
If you’re someone who delights in discovering lost classics or immersing yourself in stories from a bygone era, Persephone Books is perfect for you. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, savor every page, and fall in love with books all over again.
However, among the downsides are: 1) the focus on forgotten female authors means that the range of books may not appeal to everyone, and 2) given the niche focus, the selection is smaller compared to larger bookshops, so availability of certain titles may be limited.
Irresistible book descriptions that will have you browsing for hours
“WOWOWOW this bookstore is EVERYTHING. from the mission to publish sort of lost works and emphasize women authors, to the unique grey covers with colorful interiors, this shop was truly incredible. I spent a LONG time reading all the descriptions and trying to pick out one book. The way the books are described by their staff make all the Persephone books feel irresistible! I’m so glad I visited while in Bath and are very ready to place an online order in the near future.
If you’re near here, you have to stop in.”
- Gwen Bagley, Google Review
The perfect place to discover rare and thoughtful books
“I had the pleasure of visiting Persephone Books recently, and it was an absolute delight. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the store’s serene and inviting atmosphere. The collection is thoughtfully curated, focusing on reprinted works—mainly by women writers—from the mid-20th century, which makes every title feel like a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered…
What struck me most was the focus on domestic feminism and stories that highlight women’s lives in all their complexity. At a time when amplifying women’s voices is more crucial than ever, Persephone Books provides a vital platform for stories that might otherwise be forgotten. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling and its role in shaping our understanding of history and society.”
5. Skoob books
Address: 66 The Brunswick off
Phone: +44 20 7278 8760
Business hours:
- Monday-Saturday, 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday, 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Nestled in the quirky and vibrant Brunswick Centre, Skoob Books is the perfect bookshop for anyone who loves second-hand books. It’s a real goldmine, brimming with over 70,000 titles—from academic works to general interest reads, and everything in between.
Whether you’re a student hunting for textbooks or a casual reader searching for classic novels, you’ll find an impressive selection at incredibly affordable prices. But the true beauty of Skoob books lies in their variety.
One minute, you’re perusing a stack of rare vintage editions, and the next, you’re stumbling upon a collection of thought-provoking non-fiction. What makes it even better is the laid-back atmosphere, where you can lose yourself for hours flipping through the shelves.
One downside, though, is the overwhelming nature of the shop—its vast collection, while impressive, can feel a bit chaotic. The sheer volume of books stacked high on shelves and even on the floor might make it tricky to navigate if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.
It’s a goldmine, but you’ll need patience and a good eye to sift through the organized chaos. Additionally, being a basement store, it may lack natural lighting, which some patrons might find less inviting.
A basement treasure trove for bibliophiles
“Skoob Books is a hidden gem for book lovers, located just behind The Brunswick Centre on Marchmont Street. Nestled in a basement, this eclectic bookshop offers a fascinating mix of academic texts and diverse genres, creating a delightful mishmash of literary treasures. Renowned for housing London’s most extensive collection of second-hand books, Skoob Books invites you to explore its shelves seven days a week, making it a must-visit spot for avid readers and curious browsers alike.”
- Tanya Lake, Google Review
Bloomsbury’s charming second-hand shop with the friendliest staff
“Cute second-hand shop tucked away in Bloomsbury. You’ll be able to find bestsellers but also underrated titles. Plus: staff is super kind.”
- Vitória Croda, Google Review