Books

Best independent bookstores in London

Explore the finest independent bookshops across London, offering unique literary experiences and curated selections. Discover charming, historic, and modern establishments that cater to diverse tastes, from rare editions and specialized genres to cozy reading nooks. These local gems provide an alternative to large chains, supporting local culture and offering personalized service for bibliophiles and casual readers alike. Find your next favorite read in a truly special setting.

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  1. 1

    Daunt Books (Marylebone, London)

    184 Global Votes
    • One of the world's finest bookstores

      (+4)

    Famous for its impressive Edwardian interior and innovative organisation of books by country, Daunt Books remains a beloved institution. It is an iconic destination for book lovers, praised for its atmosphere and curated selection.

  2. 2

    The Notting Hill Bookshop (Notting Hill, London)

    101 Global Votes
    • World-famous due to movie inspiration

      (+4)

    Famous for being the inspiration for the film 'Notting Hill', this bookshop offers a selection of travel books and other genres in a charming setting. Its iconic status and picturesque atmosphere make it an attraction for both film buffs and book lovers.

  3. 3

    Stanfords (Mercer Walk, London)

    50 Global Votes
    • UK's leading specialist retailer of maps and travel books

      (+4)

    Stanfords remains the go-to for all travel and geography-related needs, with an unrivalled collection of books, maps, and guides. It is an institution for explorers and travellers, offering unique resources.

  4. 4

    Gay's the Word (Bloomsbury, London)

    42 Global Votes
    • UK's oldest LGBT+ bookshop

      (+4)

    As the UK's only dedicated LGBTQ+ bookshop, Gay's the Word is a vital community hub for queer literature. Its cultural significance and its role as a safe and representative space make it unique and essential in London.

  5. 5

    Word On The Water – The London Bookbarge (King's Cross, London)

    38 Global Votes
    • Unique floating bookshop on a barge

      (+4)

    This floating bookshop offers an unparalleled literary experience in London thanks to its originality and vibrant bohemian atmosphere. Its unique location on a barge and its cultural events make it stand out.

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  7. 6

    London Review Bookshop (Bloomsbury, London)

    29 Global Votes
    • Book lover's paradise

      (+4)

    Opened by the prestigious London Review of Books, this bookshop offers an exquisite selection of contemporary literature and essays. Its connection to the magazine and its cafe make it a cultural meeting point in London's literary heart.

  8. 7

    Skoob Books (Bloomsbury, London)

    20 Global Votes
    • Awarded 'The Best London Bookshop' by Time Out

      (+4)

    Skoob Books is a paradise for second-hand literary treasure hunters, with a huge collection of over 55,000 titles. Its retro atmosphere and the feeling of discovering a secret make it a unique place to explore.

  9. 8

    Treadwell's Books (Bloomsbury, London)

    15 Global Votes
    • Friendly staff

      (+4)

    Treadwell's Books offers a very niche collection and a space for exploring less conventional topics, combining book sales with cultural events. It specialises in occultism, esotericism, mythology, and comparative religions, attracting a specific audience.

  10. 9

    Housmans Bookshop (King's Cross, London)

    14 Global Votes
    • Historic independent radical bookshop

      (+4)

    Founded in 1945, Housmans Bookshop is a pacifist and radical bookshop with a long history of social commitment. It offers a wide range of books on politics, peace, human rights, and the environment, becoming an important space for activism and critical thought.

  11. 10

    Brick Lane Bookshop (Shoreditch, London)

    13 Global Votes
    • Good selection of books about the local area

      (+4)

    With a long history dating back to 1977, Brick Lane Bookshop is a pillar of East London's independent bookshop scene. Its role as the first bookshop in Shoreditch maintains its status as a cultural landmark.

  12. 11

    Any Amount of Books (Charing Cross Road, London)

    12 Global Votes
    • Proper book browsing experience

      (+4)

    This bookshop is a sanctuary of second-hand books where first editions, rarities, and classics can be found at affordable prices. It is ideal for second-hand book lovers and collectors searching for hidden gems.

  13. 12

    John Sandoe Books (Chelsea, London)

    8 Global Votes
    • One of the finest bookshops in London

      (+4)

    Over sixty years old, John Sandoe Books is a charming place with a Dickensian look and fierce independence. Its vast collection of over 30,000 titles, stacked even on the stairs, creates a unique browsing experience for any bibliophile.

  14. 13

    BookBar (Finsbury Park, London)

    7 Global Votes
    • Cozy and relaxed atmosphere

      (+4)

    BookBar is very popular and relevant in today's scene for its innovative bookshop-bar format and its mission to bring people together through books. Its literary events, which include live music and wine tastings, make it a community hub.

  15. 14

    Backstory (Balham, London)

    5 Global Votes
    • Named best independent bookshop in London at The British Book Awards 2026

      (+4)

    This bookshop has been named London's best independent bookshop at the British Book Awards 2026, making it a must-visit destination. Its innovative concept of combining a bookshop with a wine bar and its community focus make it very current and relevant.

  16. 15

    Burley Fisher Books (Haggerston, London)

    5 Global Votes
    • Sells used books

      (+4)

    This bookshop dispels concerns about the range of titles available in physical bookshops, offering access to over 4.5 million titles. It specialises in showcasing new voices and books from independent publishers, promoting literary diversity.

  17. 16

    The Broadway Bookshop (Hackney, London)

    4 Global Votes
    • Offers bespoke book selling

      (+4)

    Despite its modest size, this bookshop has established itself as an institution in Hackney since 2005. Its carefully curated selection of literary fiction and other genres, along with its personal service, make it a much-loved literary haven.

  18. 17

    Persephone Books (Bloomsbury, London)

    3 Global Votes
    • Reprint mainly women writers from the early twentieth century

      (+4)

    Persephone Books is a haven for readers seeking hidden literary gems and an example of an independent bookshop with a clear and unique publishing mission. It specialises in forgotten 20th-century female writers, offering a distinctive perspective.

  19. 18

    Village Books (Dulwich Village, London)

    3 Global Votes
    • Award-winning independent bookshop

      (+4)

    With a tradition of over 95 years in the same location, Village Books offers an award-winning range of titles and an active event program. Its long history and commitment to the local community keep it a relevant and beloved independent bookshop.

  20. 19

    Dulwich Books (Dulwich, London)

    3 Global Votes
    • Award-winning independent bookshop

      (+4)

    Opened in 1982, Dulwich Books is a welcoming bookshop with a well-curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children's books. Its cosy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff make it a landmark in the picturesque neighbourhood of Dulwich.

  21. 20

    Lutyens & Rubinstein (Notting Hill, London)

    0 Global Votes
    • Fantastic book selection

      (+4)

    Known for its carefully curated and beautifully presented selection of titles, Lutyens & Rubinstein offers an excellent atmosphere for reading. Its focus on thoughtful selection and intimate ambiance make it an ideal place to discover new reads.