12 Finest Bookshops in Edinburgh to Go to (2024)

If you happen to’re a e-book lover, it’s essential to add these 12 wonderful Edinburgh bookshops to your listing of locations to go to!

Edinburgh has been on my bucket listing for a very long time – outdated bookshops, cosy cafes and magical Harry Potter spots? Rely me in!

Edinburgh is named one of many prime literary cities within the UK and is teeming with fantastic unbiased bookshops.

This metropolis is an absolute haven for e-book lovers with many literary giants residing and writing right here. The truth is, Edinburgh was the primary metropolis to be named a UNESCO Metropolis of Literature in 2004.

Earlier than my journey, I had all the perfect Edinburgh bookshops mapped out on Google maps and couldn’t wait to really see these retailers I’d dreamed about in individual.

With out additional ado, right here’s my information to the perfect bookshops in Edinburgh:

If you happen to’re in search of second palms books, Edinburgh’s Armchair Books is a should. It’s palms down my favorite bookshop in Edinburgh. Certainly, it’s one among my favorite secondhand bookshops of all time!

I truly visited Armchair Books greater than as soon as throughout my journey to Edinburgh, the primary time on my own on an early morning wander. The second as I shoved a pal by the door, insisting she wanted to see it.

It’s a winding little store with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves which are jam-packed with secondhand reads.

As quickly as you enter, you’re met with the odor of outdated books and brown pages. It’s a odor that immediately makes a bookworm really feel at house.

There are a number of copies of a few of the hottest releases from the previous few a long time so it’s an ideal place to choose up a second hand version of one thing you’ve had your eye on for some time.

There are, after all, additionally a number of classics and each different style you possibly can consider.

If you happen to’re not based mostly in Edinburgh, you possibly can assist them by way of AbeBooks right here.

For much more second hand books, you possibly can pop into Peter Bell Books subsequent door, which specialises in antiquarian Scottish curiosity books, in addition to historical past and philosophy books.

Handle: 72-74 West Port, EH1 2LE
Opening Hours: 10am – 6:30pm day-after-day
Web site: www.armchairbooks.co.uk

I used to be aware of Topping & Firm bookshops from a earlier go to to Tub and was excited to find that their latest department opened in Edinburgh in 2019.

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This new department is big and holds round 70,000 titles over two flooring. The truth is, the Topping household have boasted that that is the most important unbiased bookshop to open within the nation for many years!

It’s an exquisite, well-lit area with tall home windows letting loads of mild into the shop.

In fact, they’ve acquired their signature ladders resting towards the bookshelves so you possibly can attain these on the highest cabinets too. Aesthetic and sensible, a e-book lover’s dream.

The best possible factor about this bookshop, nonetheless, is the truth that they provide free tea for his or her prospects to get pleasure from together with their new reads.

There are small spherical tables dotted across the retailer and you may get pleasure from a pot of freshly brewed tea right here in an lovable navy and polka-dot teapot.

Handle: 2 Blenheim Place, EH7 5JH
Opening Hours: 9am – 8:30pm day-after-day
Web site: www.toppingbooks.co.uk

I’ve a confession.

The primary time I stepped into Golden Hare Books, I used to be met with a sense of… disappointment.

It was the bookshop in Edinburgh I’d heard probably the most about and seen individuals rave about however upon stepping over the edge it simply appeared reasonably sparse inside. It wasn’t the bookshop I had imagined it could be in my head.

BUT!

(A huge however)

I started wanting across the cabinets to see what kind of books they’d on provide. And I discovered myself shifting increasingly slowly across the store.

I used to be utterly absorbed by every e-book I picked up and I wished to take all of them house with me!

Then I understood why this bookshop is so magical and I used to be very sorry to have misjudged it.

Golden Hare Books is an extremely well-curated bookshop, in actual fact, I’d even go as far as to say this is likely one of the most well-curated bookshops I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.

It’s clear that a whole lot of thought has gone into which books they select to inventory on their cabinets and so they solely have the perfect latest releases.

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I ended up leaving with two books I’d by no means heard of previous to visiting however was positive I’d get pleasure from: Territory of Gentle by Yūko Tsushima and In The Metropolis of Love’s Sleep by Lavinia Greenway.

I used to be additional stopped on my method out of the store by the little row of books outdoors the shop – I actually didn’t wish to go away!

Golden Hare Books is situated in Stockbridge, so it’s a bit of out of the best way in comparison with the opposite bookshops on this listing however no go to to Edinburgh is full and not using a spin round this pretty bookshop.

This bookshop in Edinburgh received Unbiased Bookshop of the 12 months in 2019, beating all different bookshops within the UK and Eire, and it’s a really well-deserved title.

Handle: 68  St Stephen Road, EH3 5AQ
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm day-after-day
Web site: goldenharebooks.com

Argonaut Books would possibly simply be my favorite bookshop in Edinburgh.

Throughout my newest journey, I discovered myself visiting it a number of occasions—it’s that good!

I used to be staying with a pal who lives simply minutes away and I couldn’t assist however really feel envious that she has this gem of a bookshop proper on her doorstep!

The choice of books right here is spectacular, protecting just about each genres. I stored recognizing books I wished to take house (if solely my suitcase had room for all of them!).

The perfect factor about Argonaut Books is that it doubles up as a comfortable café. It’s the proper spot to check, work, or just lose your self in an excellent e-book.

They serve a variety of teas and coffees, together with a small (however tempting!) choice of pastries and muffins.

I liked sitting on the window seat desk with my laptop computer open and an iced latte in hand, watching the fixed stream of individuals and buses outdoors.

This place has shortly grow to be one among my absolute favorite bookshops, and I can’t wait to return someday!

Handle: 15-17 Leith Stroll, Edinburgh EH6 8LN
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm day-after-day (open in a while Fridays and Saturdays)
Web site: argonautbooks.co.uk

Blackwell’s has lengthy been a favorite of mine, with its flagship bookshop in Oxford proudly boasting the most important bookselling room on the earth.

The Edinburgh bookshop holds a title of its personal as Edinburgh’s oldest unbiased bookshop. Books have been offered on this web site since 1848!

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Blackwell’s is a superb place to search for new releases as quickly as they arrive out in addition to book-related merchandise and stationery.

In fact, there’s a big Harry Potter part on this Edinburgh bookshop with many various editions and different magical merchandise for Harry Potter followers in Edinburgh.

In addition to an enormous choice of new books, they’ve acquired devoted cabinets for various collections of outdated classics.

From Penguin Clothbounds to Everyman’s Library to Macmillan Collector’s Library, they’ve acquired all probably the most stunning editions.

It’s additionally an ideal place to hang around on a wet day in Edinburgh (and there are many these!). There are armchairs and sofas in Blackwell’s signature blue color dotted throughout the bookshop with some areas for finding out too.

The bookshop is reverse Previous School on the College of Edinburgh, which can also be value a go to.

And do you know that Blackwell’s provide free supply worldwide? It’s an ideal place to order from should you’re buying on-line!

Handle: 53-62 South Bridge, EH1 1YS
Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm day-after-day, 12pm – 6pm Sunday
Web site: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop (FREE supply worldwide!)

Transreal is a bookshop I stumbled upon utterly by chance when searching for out some Harry Potter spots in Edinburgh.

It’s situated on the identical street that you simply’ll discover Greyfriars Kirkyard, aka the Harry Potter graveyard. And it’s an acceptable place for such a bookshop as Transreal specialises in sci-fi and fantasy fiction.

RELATED: Harry Potter Graveyard in Edinburgh

I’m an enormous fan of fantasy literature so I used to be extremely excited to find this hidden gem in Edinburgh.

In addition to the classics you’d anticipate just like the works by George R R Martin, J R R Tolkien and Brandon Sanderson, in addition they inventory a number of sci-fi and fantasy fiction that you simply received’t discover on the cabinets of your native Waterstones.

There are numerous authors right here revealed by e-book publishers that don’t function within the UK and it was a pleasure to discover these unfamiliar titles.

The truth is, it’s been stated that Transreal has the most important vary of imported science fiction and fantasy titles in Scotland!

Handle: 46 Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QE
Opening Hours: 11am – 6pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
Web site: transreal.wordpress.com

McNaughtan’s is a completely stunning, quaint bookshop in Edinburgh that’s crammed with antiquarian and second-hand books.

The truth is, it’s the oldest second-hand and antiquarian bookshop in Scotland! Its interiors are completely charming with neatly stacked books from ground to ceiling and even across the door frames.

They inventory all kinds of genres from literature to youngsters’s, faith or philosophy. The preferred of those is literature and so they have an enormous vary of outdated classics and poetry books on provide.

That is the proper place to buy outdated books as items or to type a part of your own home library assortment.

As quickly as you stroll in, you odor the scent of outdated books so e-book lovers could wish to keep awhile.

Luckily, there’s a beautiful window seat in which you’ll be able to sit as you peruse some titles you could wish to add to your assortment.

McNaughtan’s Bookshop & Gallery is correct across the nook from the brand new Toppings & Firm and is connected to Typewronger Books (beneath) so a visit to all three retailers must be mixed.

The store is presently closed however they’re open to orders and provide free UK postage.

Handle: 3a, 4a Haddington Place, EH7 4AE
Opening Hours: 11am – 5pm (Tuesday – Saturday)
Web site: mcnaughtans.co.uk

Hooked up to McNaughton’s Bookshop & Gallery is Typewronger Books, a bookshop with a really completely different vibe.

They promote each books and typewriters, which make for the proper mixture. Isn’t it each author’s dream to have a classic typewriter?

It’s a small store however it has such character and I liked the environment. Music performed softly on vinyl and the proprietor, Tom, is laughing with prospects as he places their order by.

They chitchat concerning the Extinction Revolt and indignant London commuters and I, typically an indignant London commuter, silently snicker with them as I browse.

There’s typically tea (and typically wine!) on provide to browsers and it’s open till 9pm so individuals have time to pop by after work.

The books are all rigorously chosen by the proprietor so there’s a small however well-curated assortment of books in all genres.

It’s not the sort of place you come to choose up a selected version however reasonably to browse, to run your fingers alongside the cabinets, to have a bookish chat and choose up one thing sudden.

Typewronger is the one typewriter store in Edinburgh so it’s a must-visit should you’re seeking to spend money on one.

There’s even a Tweetwronger typewriter machine that’s linked to Twitter. All it’s important to do it tweet @tweetwronger and use the hashtag #typethis – how cool is that?

If you happen to dwell in Edinburgh there’s free postage/supply to residents and decreased supply prices to the remainder of the UK.

Handle: 4a Haddington Place, EH7 4AE
Opening Hours: 11am – 9pm day-after-day
Web site: www.typewronger.com

If you happen to love second-hand books then Edinburgh Books is a must-visit. It’s the most important secondhand bookshop in Edinburgh and has been in operation for many years.

The cabinets listed below are positively stuffed to the brim with books stacked each vertically and horizontally to fill each area. There’s even a big basement with much more rooms filled with books.

You may get misplaced amongst these cabinets for hours at a time as they inventory nearly each style below the solar.

The copies they inventory are typically fairly well-used (well-loved!) however I like discovering outdated copies and questioning what their historical past is.

It’s situated alongside the identical street as Armchair Books as you stroll out of the centre of the town so make certain so as to add each to your agenda.

Oh and don’t be alarmed by Clarence, the massive water buffalo head who watches you as you store. There are many enjoyable rumours about him so be sure you ask the house owners extra.

Handle: 145-147, West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DP
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm day-after-day (closed Sundays)

John Kay’s

Previously The Previous City Bookshop, John Kay’s sit on the sting of Edinburgh’s most vibrant and most iconic road, Victoria Road. This road has typically been cited because the inspiration for Diagon Alley and you may see why.

With cobbled paving beneath your ft, you would imagine you had been searching for wizard’s wares as you you look by the home windows of those tall, vibrant and principally unbiased shops.

The truth is, some imagine that the Previous City Bookshop was the unique inspiration for Flourish and Blotts with its ground to ceiling bookshelves.

Right now, John Kay’s shares a curated assortment of things for e-book lovers & vintage aficionados alike. There’s a small choice of uncommon books in addition to some stunning editions of well-loved classics.

With miniature planes hanging from the ceiling and globes hanging from the bookshelves, the store seems to be a bit of like an outdated explorer’s personal assortment. It’s an ideal store to choose up a unusual reward, bookish or in any other case!

Handle: 8 Victoria Road, EH1 2HG
Opening Hours: 10am – 6/7pm day-after-day

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The Edinburgh Bookshop is one other award-winning bookshop having been topped Scottish Bookshop of the 12 months on the British E book Awards in 2018.

They’re notably well-known for his or her choice of youngsters’s books and they’re all about encouraging entry to studying. A mission I can very a lot get behind!

It’s run by a small workforce of ladies who’re all obsessed with studying and that’s evident from only a few minutes within the retailer.

If you happen to’re caught on what to get, these pretty girls will be capable of convey collectively a beautiful choice for regardless of the event or temper.

The Edinburgh Bookshop is likely one of the smaller bookshops in Edinburgh and with ground to ceiling cabinets, it does really feel very cosy.

If you happen to can’t discover what you want on the cabinets then you possibly can have it ordered in. They’ve acquired a type on their web site the place you possibly can request any e-book you want and so they’ll supply it and have it prepared to gather inside 24-48 hours. How insane is that?

Handle: 219 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4DH
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm Monday to Saturday; 12pm – 4pm Sundays
Web site: www.edinburghbookshop.com

That is the most important bookshop in Edinburgh, spanning over 4 flooring with books of each style, items, and a restaurant. There’s even a Scottish division, so should you’re in search of souvenirs or items for a bookish pal, this part would possibly curiosity you.

While Waterstones is normally not as fascinating as area of interest or unbiased bookshops, the Waterstones in Edinburgh is a must-visit due to the insane views of Edinburgh Fort from this bookshop’s cafe.

Simply take a look at that view!

That is the proper spot should you’re in search of a brief tea break or someplace to do some work or research in Edinburgh.

The cafe says it really works with native suppliers on its food and drinks, and the nice and cozy cheese & marmite scone I ordered was scrumptious. The truth is, I liked this spot a lot that I stayed for lunch and had a ham and cheese toastie too.

You’ll must get there early if you’d like one of many 4 seats proper by the window. These coveted seats can be snapped up early on and folks is not going to relinquish these simply!

Handle: 128 Princes Road, Edinburgh, EH2 4AD
Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm Monday to Saturday; 10pm – 6pm Sundays
Web site: https://www.waterstones.com/bookshops/edinburgh-west-end

That concludes my information to Edinburgh bookstores! There are numerous, many extra that I’d like to discover so listed below are some additional solutions:

Much more Edinburgh bookshops

Uncommon Birds Books
E book Lovers Bookshop
The Gently Mad: Edinburgh E book Store and Bookbinder
The Portobello Bookshop
Tills Bookshop
Lighthouse Books
Principal Level Books
Amnesty Worldwide Books
Cornerstone Bookshop

And should you’re in search of someplace to remain in Edinburgh, why not attempt a literary lodge?

The Place, Edinburgh

The Place in Edinburgh has plenty of stunning literary suites impressed by a few of Scotland’s biggest writers.

These are 4 themed suites obtainable: Robert Louis Stevenson, love and romance (impressed by Edinburgh poets and romance writers), thrill and intrigue (impressed by crime writers reminiscent of Rankin and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) and enchantment (impressed by the likes of JM Barrie, JK Rowling, Daniel Defoe and Iain M. Banks).

Every literary suite has its personal library with books chosen in line with the theme of the room. If one takes your fancy you possibly can even buy the books from the library to take house with you!

Costs begin from £115 per night time.

Verify availability and e-book a room at The Place right here.

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Need extra inspiration on your journey to Edinburgh? Try these posts:
11 Finest Issues to Do in Edinburgh
A E book Lover’s Information to Edinburgh
17 Day Journeys from Edinburgh
A Information to Harry Potter in Edinburgh
The Harry Potter Graveyard in Edinburgh