London doesn’t just have bookshops-it has stories wrapped in shelves. Walk into any of the city’s best bookshops and you’re not just buying a book. You’re stepping into a conversation that’s been going on for decades, sometimes centuries. Whether you’re hunting for a first edition of a Dickens novel or a zine from a local poet, London’s book scene still thrives-even in the age of algorithms and one-click delivery.
Why London’s Bookshops Still Matter
Amazon doesn’t own London’s soul. Not yet. While online retailers dominate sales numbers, the real magic happens in the brick-and-mortar spaces where humans curate, recommend, and sometimes argue about books. A 2024 survey by the Booksellers Association found that independent bookshops in London saw a 17% increase in foot traffic compared to 2022. People aren’t just buying books-they’re seeking connection.
Think about it: when was the last time an algorithm asked you, “Have you tried this obscure Polish sci-fi author? Her last book made me cry on the Tube”? Independent bookshops do. And that’s why they survive.
Top Independent Bookshops in London
London’s independent scene is wild, diverse, and deeply personal. Here are the ones that stand out-not because they’re the biggest, but because they’ve built real communities.
- Daunt Books (Marylebone): Opened in 1990, this is the kind of place where the staff know your taste better than your partner does. The original location on Marylebone High Street is a temple to travel writing, with books arranged by country. You can spend an hour just wandering the aisles, finding a book about hiking the Pyrenees or a memoir from a Lao refugee. It’s quiet, well-lit, and smells like old paper and beeswax.
- Booka (Camden): A feminist, queer-friendly bookstore with a rotating selection of zines, poetry, and radical theory. They host weekly readings and open mic nights. If you’ve ever wanted to read a poem about gender and public transport in front of 30 strangers, this is your spot.
- Libreria (Borough Market): London’s only Spanish-language bookstore. It’s tiny, but packed with novels from Latin America, poetry from Spain, and cookbooks that make you want to book a flight to Oaxaca. The owner, Ana, once gave me a copy of La Casa de los Espíritus with a note: “You’ll understand this after your first heartbreak.” She was right.
- The London Review Bookshop (Covent Garden): Run by the same team behind the London Review of Books, this shop feels like a literary salon. The staff are writers, editors, or former academics. They don’t just sell books-they explain why a book matters. Their “Staff Picks” shelf is always worth a look.
- Page One (Peckham): A hidden gem in South London, this store specializes in African and Caribbean literature. You’ll find rare titles from Nigeria, Jamaica, and Ghana that you won’t see anywhere else. They also run monthly book clubs for teens and seniors.
The Big Chains That Still Get It Right
Not all chain bookstores are soulless. Some have learned how to blend scale with soul.
- Waterstones (Piccadilly): The flagship store on Piccadilly is the largest bookshop in Europe. It’s not just big-it’s brilliant. With 10 floors, 1.5 million books, and a dedicated poetry corner, it’s a destination. The staff here are trained to recommend, not just scan barcodes. I once asked for “something that feels like a rainy Sunday in Glasgow” and got handed a collection of Scottish short stories by a woman who’d read every one. Blackwell’s (Oxford Street): Though technically based in Oxford, their London branch on Oxford Street is a powerhouse. It’s the only place in the city where you can find academic titles on medieval Byzantine coinage next to a bestseller by a TikTok poet. Their “New in” section is updated daily, and they still hand-write recommendation cards.
- WHSmith (train stations): Don’t write it off. The WHSmith at King’s Cross has a surprisingly strong literary section. It’s not fancy, but if you’re catching a train and need something gripping, they’ve got a curated pick of crime novels, memoirs, and graphic novels. I’ve bought three books here during delays-and each one changed how I saw a place.
Specialty Shops You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
London’s bookshops don’t just sell books-they sell experiences.
- Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights (near Waterloo): Yes, it’s named after a fictional character. This shop is a sensory overload in the best way. Every shelf has a theme: “Books to Read When You’re Angry,” “Stories That Made Me Cry on Purpose.” They even have a “Book Spa” where you can sit in a velvet chair, sip tea, and read for free.
- The Book Lovers (Islington): A secondhand bookstore that only sells books that have been read and loved. No dusty, untouched copies here. Every book comes with a handwritten note from its previous owner. One copy of Norwegian Wood had a note: “I read this while waiting for my divorce to finalize. It didn’t fix me, but it didn’t judge me either.”
- Book Larder (Shoreditch): A café that doubles as a bookstore. Buy a latte, pick a book, read it on the couch, then return it. They have over 2,000 titles you can borrow for free. No membership. No due dates. Just books and coffee.
What Makes a Great Bookshop in 2025?
It’s not about how many books they stock. It’s about how they make you feel.
A great bookshop has:
- Staff who remember your name and your last read
- A section that feels like it was curated by someone who actually loves books, not a spreadsheet
- Events that feel intimate-not corporate
- Books that surprise you
- A smell that isn’t just “paper,” but memory
The best ones don’t just sell books-they create rituals. A Sunday afternoon at Daunt. A poetry slam at Booka. A quiet corner at the Book Larder with a cup of chamomile and a novel you didn’t know you needed.
How to Find Hidden Gems
Don’t rely on Google Maps alone. Here’s how real book lovers find the best spots:
- Ask a bookseller. Not a cashier. The person who’s been there five years. They’ll point you to the shop no one else knows about.
- Visit during the week. Weekends are crowded. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are quiet-and the staff have time to talk.
- Look for small signs: a chalkboard with handwritten recommendations, a shelf labeled “Books That Changed My Life,” or a basket of free pamphlets from local poets.
- Join a local book club. Many independent shops host them. It’s the fastest way to get insider knowledge.
- Follow them on Instagram. Not for the pretty photos, but for the staff picks and event announcements.
What’s Changing in London’s Book Scene
Bookshops are adapting. Here’s what’s new in 2025:
- More shops offer “Book + Coffee” subscriptions. Pay £15 a month, get a new book and a hot drink every week.
- Some stores now have “Book Therapy” sessions-15-minute chats with a trained reader who helps you pick a book based on your mood.
- Several independent shops partner with local schools to give free books to kids who can’t afford them.
- Used book prices are rising. A first edition of a 1970s London novel now sells for £120-£200, up from £40 in 2020.
But the core hasn’t changed. People still crave the quiet, the smell, the unexpected discovery. That’s why, despite everything, London’s bookshops are stronger than ever.
Are independent bookshops in London actually thriving?
Yes. According to the Booksellers Association’s 2024 report, independent bookshops in London saw a 17% rise in foot traffic since 2022. Sales aren’t just up-they’re growing because people are choosing these spaces for the experience, not just the product. Many have added events, coffee, and community programs to stay relevant.
Can I find rare or out-of-print books in London?
Absolutely. Book Lovers in Islington specializes in secondhand books with owner notes, while Daunt Books has a strong collection of vintage travel titles. For true rarities, try Peter Harrington on Fulham Road-they’ve handled first editions of Joyce, Woolf, and Orwell. You’ll need to call ahead, but they’ll pull anything from their archive.
Which London bookshop is best for tourists?
Waterstones Piccadilly is the top pick for visitors. It’s central, huge, and easy to find. But if you want something more memorable, head to Daunt Books in Marylebone. It’s quieter, more intimate, and feels like stepping into a different era. Both are worth visiting.
Do London bookshops host events?
Most do. Booka in Camden runs weekly poetry nights. The London Review Bookshop hosts author talks almost daily. Libreria holds Spanish-language storytelling circles. Even Waterstones has monthly readings. Check their websites or Instagram pages for schedules-many events are free.
Is it worth buying books in London instead of online?
If you care about the experience, yes. You’ll pay slightly more, but you’ll get a personal recommendation, a handwritten note, or a story behind the book. Plus, you’re supporting local writers, publishers, and staff who live in the city. Online shopping gives you convenience. London bookshops give you connection.
Next Steps: How to Make the Most of Your Bookshop Visits
Plan a bookshop crawl. Pick three shops-one chain, one independent, one specialty-and spend an afternoon wandering between them. Bring a notebook. Write down the titles that catch your eye. Talk to the staff. Ask them what they’re reading now. Take your time. The best books aren’t found on a screen. They’re found when you stop scrolling and start looking.