London is easily one of the best cities in the world for book lovers. Every neighbourhood has its own little corner dedicated to readers — from historic bookshops with creaking floors to modern stores where you can stay for hours. For this list, I focused on shops that London readers consistently recommend in 2025, plus my own experience visiting them. If you’re planning a book-shopping day in London, these are the 15 shops that should be at the top of your list.
1. Daunt Books – Marylebone
If you’ve seen photos of a beautiful bookshop in London with long wooden galleries and a huge skylight, that’s Daunt Books. It’s probably the most photographed bookshop in the city — and honestly, it lives up to the hype.
Because it feels like stepping into another era. The travel section is especially impressive, arranged by country, so you can find novels, guides, and regional books all together.
Calm, quiet atmosphere
Travel + literary focus
Great for taking photos
Often has signed copies and seasonal picks
- Where: 83–84 Marylebone High Street
- Official site: Daunt Books Marylebone
2. Waterstones Piccadilly (Flagship Store)
This is Europe’s largest bookshop, so if you love browsing for hours, Waterstones Piccadilly is practically a playground. It covers several floors and has everything from bestsellers to niche genres.
Because it’s huge, well-organised, and always buzzing with activity. They host regular author events, book signings, and small exhibitions. It’s the kind of place you walk into “just for one book” and walk out with five.
Massive variety
Frequent author events
Great gift sections
A café for taking breaks
- Where: 203–206 Piccadilly
- Official site: Waterstones Piccadilly
3. Foyles – Charing Cross Road
Foyles is a legendary name in the London book world. Their Charing Cross Road flagship store is a favourite among serious readers because it offers a calm, well-curated space with knowledgeable staff.
It’s a mix of modern and classic. The shop feels clean, bright, and organised, and the staff recommendations are always spot-on. Plus, there’s a café on the top floor if you want to read or work for a while.
Huge fiction, non-fiction, and academic sections
Lots of staff picks
A relaxed café upstairs
Plenty of space to browse without rushing
- Where: 107–109 Charing Cross Road
- Official site: Foyles Charing Cross Road
4. Hatchards – Piccadilly
Hatchards is London’s oldest bookshop, founded in 1797, and it still holds its charm. When you walk inside, you’ll find classic wooden interiors, calm reading corners, and shelves filled with beautifully bound books.
If you enjoy history or want to buy a meaningful gift, this is the perfect place. Hatchards also holds three Royal Warrants, which adds to its prestige.
Great for classics, history, and special editions
Traditional, cozy atmosphere
Excellent for gifts and collectable books
- Where: 187 Piccadilly
- Official site: Hatchards Piccadilly
5. Gay’s The Word – Bloomsbury
This is the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookshop and one of the most important community book spaces in London. It’s not as big as the others, but it’s packed with heart, history, and thoughtful curation.
Because you feel welcomed the moment you walk in. The staff genuinely care about what they do, and the selection includes LGBTQ+ fiction, memoirs, history, and poetry.
Friendly, community-focused vibe
Thoughtfully chosen books
Quiet space to explore new writers
- Where: 66 Marchmont Street
- Official site: Gay’s The Word
6. London Review Bookshop – Bloomsbury
Just a few steps from the British Museum, this shop is a favourite among readers who enjoy thoughtful, carefully selected books rather than overwhelming shelves.
The curation is excellent. Every book feels like it belongs there — no filler, no clutter. The staff recommendations always introduce you to authors you’ve never tried before.
Excellent literary fiction and essays
Small but high-quality selection
Famous cake shop (LRB Cake Shop) right inside
- Official site: London Review Bookshop
7. Persephone Books – Bath (formerly London, still beloved by London readers)
Even though Persephone Books moved to Bath, many Londoners still consider it part of their reading world. Their books continue to be widely read and stocked across London, so it’s still relevant for book lovers in the city.
Persephone republishes forgotten or overlooked works by female writers, all in beautiful grey covers with patterned endpapers. If you enjoy unique finds, this is the shop.
Exclusive reprints
Beautifully designed books
Perfect for collectors
- Official site: Persephone Books
8. Word on the Water – King’s Cross (The Floating Bookshop)
One of the most charming and unusual bookshops in the UK — a 1920s Dutch barge turned into a floating bookstore on Regent’s Canal.
Because it feels like a little secret. You browse books while standing on a boat, sometimes with live jazz or poetry readings going on.
Second-hand + new books
Outdoor displays on sunny days
Occasional live music and readings
- Official site: Word on the Water
9. Skoob Books – Bloomsbury
If you love digging through second-hand books, Skoob Books is heaven. It’s tucked underground near Russell Square station, and readers say it feels like a treasure hunt every time.
The variety — science, history, philosophy, arts, fiction, everything. And the prices are great.
200,000+ second-hand books
Affordable prices
Quiet, cozy atmosphere
- Official site: Skoob Books
10. Stanfords – Covent Garden (Travel Specialist)
Stanfords is one of the world’s most respected travel bookshops. For travel lovers, this place is a must-visit.
Since 1853, Stanfords has specialised in maps, travel guides, globes, world atlases, and everything related to exploring the world.
Best travel book selection in London
Stunning map room
Unique travel gifts
- Official site: Stanfords Covent Garden
11. Heywood Hill – Mayfair
Heywood Hill feels like a private library more than a public bookshop. It’s elegant, quiet, and full of beautifully arranged shelves. If you enjoy a more luxurious, traditional setting, this is your spot.
Their staff are known for personalised recommendations. They even offer a “Year of Books” subscription where they pick titles for you for an entire year.
Classic interior
Personalised book selection services
Great for collectors and gift buyers
- Official site: Heywood Hill
12. Primrose Hill Books – Primrose Hill
A small, local, independent bookshop with a loyal neighbourhood following. It’s charming, friendly, and full of character — the kind of place where the owner might remember you.
It feels like a community hub. Many people pop in just to talk books or browse gently curated shelves.
Independent, family-run feel
Great fiction and children’s sections
Close to Primrose Hill Park (great for reading outdoors)
13. Gosh! Comics – Soho
If you’re into graphic novels, manga, comic art, or collectibles, Gosh! Comics is one of the best places in London. It has a clean, modern layout and a huge range of titles.
Gosh! consistently stocks limited editions, signed prints, indie comics, and underground graphic novels you won’t find in standard bookshops.
Massive manga + graphic novel range
Signed prints and special editions
Regular comic-related events
- Official site: Gosh! Comics
14. Hurlingham Books – Fulham
One of London’s oldest independent second-hand bookshops, filled wall-to-wall with used books. It’s slightly chaotic in the best possible way.
Because you never know what you’ll discover. The prices are cheap, and the selection covers decades of publishing.
Huge range of second-hand books
Affordable prices
Perfect for treasure hunters
15. Libreria – Shoreditch
Libreria feels like a modern, artistic bookshop. The interior design is striking — curved yellow shelves, warm lighting, and a layout meant to encourage browsing.
They organise books by theme rather than genre, which helps you stumble upon titles you wouldn’t usually pick. It’s perfect for readers who like discovering new voices.
Beautiful, Instagram-worthy interior
Thoughtful, creative curation
Excellent for contemporary and international fiction
- Official site: Libreria
Final Thoughts
London is a dream city for book lovers, and what makes it special is the variety of bookshops you’ll find here. From historic stores like Hatchards to the floating charm of Word on the Water, every shop has its own personality. Whether you prefer browsing rare editions, discovering new authors, or simply spending a quiet afternoon surrounded by stories, London gives you endless options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best bookshop in London for first-time visitors?
If it’s your first time exploring bookshops in London, Daunt Books (Marylebone) and Waterstones Piccadilly are great starting points. Daunt offers atmosphere, while Waterstones gives you a massive selection.
2. Which London bookshop is best for rare or collectible books?
Hatchards and Heywood Hill are both fantastic for collectors. They offer beautiful editions, signed books, and curated selections that make great gifts or personal keepsakes.
3. Where can I find the best second-hand books in London?
For affordable second-hand treasures, Skoob Books, Hurlingham Books, and Word on the Water are the top choices. They regularly rotate stock, so you’ll find something different each time you visit.
4. Are there good bookshops in London for comic and manga lovers?
Yes — Gosh! Comics in Soho is one of the best. They stock comics, manga, graphic novels, limited editions, and signed prints. It’s a must-visit for comic fans.
5. Which bookshops in London host author events and book signings?
Waterstones Piccadilly and Foyles Charing Cross Road host frequent author events, panel discussions, and book signings. Many of these events are announced early on their websites, so it’s good to check ahead.
