London is home to some of the most beautiful and historic bookstores in the world. Whether you are after a place to transport you back in time, or are browsing the shelves with a coffee in hand, I have rounded up some of my favourite bookstores in London that do just that.
Daunt Books – Marylebone
“The most beautiful bookstore in London
designed for travellers who like reading“
Daunt Books in Marylebone is London’s most beautiful bookstore. The three floors are filled with books old and new and you are bound to walk out with an exciting purchase. I walked out with three.
84 Marylebone High St, Marylebone
Libreria Bookshop
Libreria Bookshop is tucked away in a street not far from the Brick Lane Market. The bookstore features mirrors and reflective walls, a cosy spot for reading and some cool titles.
Hatchards Piccadilly
London’s oldest bookstore, Hatchards Piccadilly is history in itself. The bookstore was established in 1797. The bookstore still occupies the same building on one of the world’s most famous streets, Piccadilly.
Maison Assouline
Located in an old bank down the street from Hatchards Piccadilly, Maison Assouline is a store of style, art and high class giftware. Inside you can find beautiful coffee table books for sale and there is also a stylish coffee shop.
I wandered in after being enticed by the neon lights and designer titles in the shop window.
The Second Shelf
The Second Shelf is a bookstore full of rare titles and hard to find authors tucked away in an alleyway in Soho. All the books are works by women and include many rare manuscripts and first editions.
John Sandoe Books
John Sandoe Books is a cosy independent bookstore located in London Chelsea. Books are piled from the floor to the roof, on tables and along the stairs. The creaky wooden floorboards make room for a few window seats that allow you to browse in a quiet and relaxed setting.
10 Blacklands Terrace, Chelsea
South Kensington Books
South Kensington Books specialises in art, photography and history and all the books are offered at a great price. Many of my non fiction reads have been purchased from this bookstore.
22 Thurloe St, South Kensington
