From Platform 9 ¾ to the streets of Charles Dickens, London is a city of world-loved stories. It’s also a city of booklovers, so whether you’re looking for the latest bestseller, niche inspiration, or a mooch around a second-hand treasure trove, this is your city.
1. Southbank Book Market
In the shadow of Waterloo Bridge, opposite BFI Southbank, is a wonderful year-round outdoor book market that has been a favourite for second-hand books, maps and postcards since the 1980s. The market is open every day of the week until 7pm.
2. Waterstones Piccadilly
Lose yourself amongst the shelves in Europe’s largest bookshop. Spread over eight floors, there are so many bookshelves at Waterstones Piccadilly that they could line the route from Big Ben to Wembley Stadium, with some left over.
3. Stanfords
Stanfords is a travel bookshop with a global reputation. The largest travel book, map and globe specialist in the world, Stanfords moved from its original home on Long Acre to a new glass-fronted shop tucked away behind Covent Garden. Ideal for hikers, explorers and armchair travellers.
4. Any Amount of Books, Charing Cross Road
An eclectic mix of second hand books awaits you at this pokey bookshop just down the road from Leicester Square. In the basement you can hear the rumble of the Underground as you trawl the bowed wooden shelves. Prices start at just £1 and the stock is always changing.
5. Foyles, Charing Cross Road
Foyles has graced Charing Cross Road in one form or another since 1906. It claims the accolade of “the world’s first purpose-built bookshop”, and amongst the shop’s impressive selection of over 200,000 titles is the UK’s largest collection of foreign language books.
6. Daunt Books, Marylebone
Hands down, Daunt Books is one of the most attractive book shops you’ll ever visit. Lined with Edwardian wood panelling, you’ll enjoy a moment of time travel whilst browsing the shelves. An unlikely fashion icon too – it’s not uncommon to spot a Daunt Books tote bag on the Underground.
7. Gosh!, Soho
The ultimate stop for comic book art in London. Gosh! Has a huge selection of British and international graphic novels, from the classics (think Spider-Man, Batman and co.) to the less well-known gems (have you checked out Mazebook before?).
8. Hatchards, Piccadilly
The oldest bookshop in the whole country, and the dedicated booksellers to the Royal Family. You’ll be rubbing shoulders with book club royalty at this historic (since 1797… so, really historic) emporium of the written word. Now managed by Waterstones, but very discreetly.
9. Word on the Water
Not the largest bookshop in London, but my oh my is this one unique. Word on the Water is London’s bookbarge. Bobbing around on the canal behind Kings Cross, this floating bookshop is a literary landmark for Londoners in the know. Sometimes a band plays live music on the roof too.
10. Walden Books
Snuggled away on a side street off Camden High Street, Walden Books looks more like a florist from a distance. Smothered in gorgeous spring flowers, this local secret presents a smorgasbord of pre-loved and rare finds. You can pick up a book here from 50p – that’s cheaper than a chocolate bar.