London bookshops were the place I spent most of my time in England, more than eating and visiting museums combined. Here are the ones I have been to and loved, with awards given by yours truly.
The London Bookshop Award Goes To…
Daunt Books Marylebone – The Prettiest London Bookshop
Worth to visit for its’ extensive travel writings.
This bookshop is what I imagine a bookshop in Diagon Alley would be like. They break the travel into sections by country, not the usual glossed-over region. And I was taken aback by how many Indonesian books were stocked in the bookshop, beyond the travel guides to Bali.
I almost got Norman Pasaribu’s Happy Stories Mostly, but I decided to get it from a local bookshop in Jakarta the next time I visit my parents.
Daunt Books Marylebone address: 84 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW, United Kingdom.
Brick Lane – The most underrated London Bookshop
Worth visiting for its’ Brick Lane collections.
Located in the iconic Brick Lane, the Brick Lane Bookshop could easily be the smallest on-land bookshop on this list, but they pack a punch. From the curated collections to their own merchandise (postcards to totes), I was surprised at how little recognition this London bookstore gets.
You can also find Brick Lane-themed books here, from the bookshop Short Story Prize Long List books to cookbooks.
Brick Lane Bookshop address: 166 Brick Ln, London E1 6RU, United Kingdom
Word on The Water – The most unique London Bookshop
Worth visiting because it’s a floating bookstore!!!!!
It could easily be the most unique bookstore I have been to in the world. The floating bookstore also holds a curated collection of books, which is assumed curated by the owner, who either lives in the bookshop or the boat next to it. It also has a good selection of feminist books.
If I were a local, I could see myself coming here to pick a book and read it by the canal.
Word on The Water address: Regent's Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW, United Kingdom.
Hatchards Piccadilly – The oldest bookshop in London
Worth visiting for its’ rare book collections.
The bookseller to the Royal households. They display at least four wall-to-wall bookcases filled with rare books collections. I was tempted to buy Anthony’s Carson Poor Man’s Mimosa for £50.
They also have a good collection of travel books downstairs.
Hatchards Piccadilly address: 187 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9LE, United Kingdom.
Charing Cross Road Foyles – The go-to London Bookshop as a local
Worth visiting for its’ four floors worth of books, and if you are a tourist, the fifth floor is a good spot to take a short-break and people-watch the Londoners.
Disclaimer: Foyles is a chain bookshop; one could label it as “mainstream”, but I had a good time there. It reminded me of Singapore Kinokuniya.
Charing Cross Road Foyles address: 107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DT, United Kingdom.
The Waterstones Tottenham Court Road – The London Bookshop to get drunk
Worth visiting for the cocktails served in the cafe downstairs.
If I were a student in London, this would be my go-to place to hunker down for a couple of hours to smash my homework. I will start with a cup of coffee and celebrate with a cocktail. It also has a toilet accessible only if you buy something from the cafe. Worth it.
The Waterstones Tottenham Court Road address: 9-21 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 1BJ, United Kingdom.
Topping & Company Bookseller in Bath – The movie-set-like bookshop
Worth visiting for anyone who has a burning passion for literature and or Bath!
I decided to include this bookshop even though it’s not in London because I love it and want you to visit Bath, where it’s located.
This is the bookshop I’d imagine Joe works at, where he also creepily watches Beck (Netflix You). Though it legit looks like a movie-set bookstore, this bookshop is well-known for showcasing authors. Definitely worth visiting.
Topping & Company Bookseller address: York St, Bath BA1 1NG, United Kingdom.
Liberia – Most recommended by Influencers London Bookshop
Speaking of bookstores that are definitely worth a visit, Liberia was not one of them for me. It was small, poorly light and even more poorly ventilated. I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Yes, Liberia doesn’t allow you to use your phone while inside, but it doesn’t automatically make it a good bookshop.
Worth visiting to prove me wrong.
Liberia address: 65 Hanbury St, London E1 5JL, United Kingdom.
Atlantis – The Witch-iest London Bookshop
Worth visiting to get your woo-woo on.
I stumbled upon Atlantis on the way to the British Museum. The helpful witch inside helped me to pick the newly published Ask The Witch tarot deck, The High-Priestess tarot coin and a set of keys.
Atlantis address: 49A Museum St, London WC1A 1LY, United Kingdom.
Stanfords – The Most Travel Focus London Bookshop
Worth visiting to get a map or a niche travel guide.
Stanfords Bookshop, though very travel ━ especially map-focused, is fun to spend some time in. I think you will find a map that speaks to you, even if not, it has a tiny cafe inside it where you can rest and read.
Stanfords address: 7 Mercer Walk, London WC2H 9FA, United Kingdom.
Market Bookshop – The Most Delicious London Bookshop
Located on the ground floor of the Seven Dials Market, this is a bookstore in London you wouldn’t want to miss if you are a foodie visiting London. They have a curated collection of recipes and food culture lit. They also hold some events here, which seemed so interesting and gave me FOMO when I took a peek from outside. Lastly, they allow you to browse books while eating and drinking. What’s not to love?
Market Bookshop address: 35 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LX, United Kingdom.
London bookshop tote is a must-buy! It also makes a great souvenir
Books aside, every single bookshop in London has its own tote bag. Obviously, I wanted them all. But Fafa told me I could only get one as we already have at least ten random tote bags at home ━ okay valid reasoning. In the end, I chose a mini tote bag from Bricklane Bookshop, which I have been carrying my work lunch in.
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