Best Bookshops in London

Looking for the latest bestsellers? London has every shop a booklover could possibly need for browsing (浏览), reading or shopping for gifts: from specialist bookshops and book markets for rare treasures at rewarding prices, to second-hand bookshops, academic bookshops and high street chains.

Daunt Books

Founded by James Daunt, this small chain has been feeding the souls of literary and non-fiction lovers for years. It is an Edwardian bookshop on Marylebone High Street. Books from the same country are arranged together, so guides, maps, non-fiction and fiction all sit alongside one another, for a unique browsing experience.

Hatchards

No booklover’s trip to London is complete without visiting Hatchards on Piccadilly, the oldest bookshop in the UK. Established in 1797, Hatchards houses a large range of fiction and non-fiction, as well as signed and special editions. There’s also a separate section on religious books.

Stanfords

Stanfords flagship Covent Garden store is still a must-visit for lovers of travel books and has been since it opened in 1853. The shop has the world’s largest selection of maps and travel books under one roof.

Waterstones

A literary shopping center, Waterstones Piccadilly is Europe’s largest bookshop. Spread over eight floors, it’s more than just a bookshop. In addition to more than 13km of book shelves, there’s the 5th View Bar, a gift shop and regular events like book signings by famous authors, artists, musicians, politicians and sports stars.