8 Stunning Bookshops in London

One of the best things about being based in London – at least during non-COVID times – is the number of stunning bookshops in London.

Here are eight of my favourites that I often visit, when I can.

Stunning Bookshops in London

Persephone Books

If feminist books are your jam then you need to head to Persephone Books, based near Russell Square Station. This tiny little bookshop is packed with signature grey titles from women across the centuries. Persephone Books is not only a bookshop but a publisher of its own books, giving voice and reprinting books by women who have long been out of print. Plus they sell a load of extra bookish items from wrapping paper, badges, and bookmarks.

Hatchards

In Picadilly, just down from Waterstones, is Hatchards one of the oldest bookshops in the UK. A beautiful carpeted bookshop, it’s a bookshop of old with a really great vibe. There’s an amazing staircase in the middle of the shop floor which leads to windowed alcoves, as well as a great section of classics downstairs. Plus, the booksellers are great for a recommendation.

Daunt Books

Daunt Books in Marylebone is one of the prettiest bookshops around. It’s specifically aimed towards travelers, but it sells a variety of books across all genres and has a snug downstairs area and great mezzanine. The lighting and the stained glass window alone make the whole place magical and great for a weekend browse.

Foyles

Between Tottenham Court and Leicester Square is a five-story bookshop that pretty much is guaranteed to have the book you’re looking for. This store has a little area for everyone – classic corners, children’s floors, a restaurant, and a little art gallery. And if you’re in publishing, a lot of events are held on the top floor.

Waterstones Piccadilly

Of course, if you’re looking for a stunning bookshop that is massive then you have to visit one of the largest bookshops in Europe. Waterstones Piccadilly is a go-to store, with several cafes and mezzanines, and great event space both upstairs and downstairs.

Word on the Water

If you’re after a picturesque, Instagrammable bookshop then Word on the Water is a must-visit. It’s a literal bookshop on a barge that can be found on the Kings Cross Canal. With a dog! Who doesn’t love a bookshop dog?! And a garden on the roof.

Gays the Word

A bookshop with a ton of history, not to mention a brilliant message is Gays the Word. Yes, the bookshop from the movie Pride is real and still around. They opened in 1979 in Marchmont Street near Russell Square Station and they sell a mix of fiction and non-fiction titles, with a strong LGBT focus, plus great LGBT merchandise and events.

Any Amount of Books

And finally, my personal favourite bookshop in London: Any Amount of Books. Just down from Leicester Square Station, this fantastic second-hand bookshop is like something out of Harry Potter. It’s tiny but has an upstairs and downstairs filled with new and old books, including some vintage first editions. A must-visit for any book bargain hunters out there.

Those are the stunning bookshops in London I think everyone should visit. What bookshops have you been into, in or around London? Let me know in the comments below.

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