8 Biggest Book Shops in London

Wondering what the biggest book shops in London are? If you’ve ever wondered, then welcome to this London Local post about the biggest, and best book stores in London. I am a book fanatic and have been since my most tender age. When I first visited the city, I spent hours browsing the shelves of the best second hand bookshops in London, and I will share some of those goodies in this post. I’ve already written about the best book stores in London for true book lovers – used, second hand, and new and I’ve gathered for you addresses for the biggest book shop in London. Ultimately, there’s only one shop that can be called the “biggest bookstore in London”, but there are quite a few others that are either almost as huge or also offer the best cheap books in London.

So I thought I’d share the love, especially if you’re looking for traveling to London cheap tips. I’ll talk about the most famous bookstores in London, focusing on Central London since that’s where we mostly roam during our trips to London. So dive into this list of the best book stores in London, and share your gems with me!

The 8 Biggest Bookstores in London for used books, second hand books, and new titles

If you type “used book stores London” or “biggest book shop in London” on Maps, chances are you’ll find a lot of the bookstores I’ll be mentioning here today. It’s not hard to find second hand books in London at all, to be honest, and that’s rather pleasant.

Unlike some other cities, London is totally culture-focused, and going to a book shop Central London is an unequalled pleaure – at least for me. If you’re looking for used book stores London, or just the best bookshops in London, you’re about to get served. Enjoy!

Biggest Bookstore in London: Waterstones Piccadilly

Waterstones Piccadilly is the biggest book shop in London. No second hand books in this huge, 6-floor bookstore. Prices are those of the brand new books, and I always have the most trouble trying to find which title I want.

Usually, when I go to a bookshop in London, I’ll just browse the shelves until I find something cool to read. Seeing as I’m an ex-makeup artist, it becomes hell when I’m at an art bookshop London because I just cannot make up my mind.

More than 200.000 titles are available at Waterstones Piccadilly, and they span over many fields like travel, languages, or even kids’ books. Plus, on the top floor, you can totally have a seat at the Waterstones Piccadilly cafe which serves some great hot drinks and food to be enjoyed while you start your book.

The building, called the Simpsons building, was completed in 1936. Not too long after, it started hosting what would become the biggest book store in London. Piccadilly Circus is right there, only a few minutes’ walk away. I would suggest grabbing one or two books (if you really can’t decide), and heading over to Covent Garden to eat some delicious, cheap food in London.

Waterstones Piccadilly London Address: 203-206 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9HD

Biggest Bookshops in London: Foyles Charing Cross Road

When you’re around Soho, type “best book stores London” on Google and you’ll find Foyles Charing Cross Road. I’ve written about Foyles in another bookshop in London post, and since it is that big, I’ve decided to mention it here too.

After all, it is the second biggest book shop in London. That’s also my personal favorite, and I am pretty sure it is one of the most famous bookshops in London too. No used books or second hand books here. Only new titles carefully placed on shelves that keep going on four floors. Top floor? A super cool cafe where you can read, work, or just enjoy a drink and a bite.

When it comes to the best second hand bookshops London, Foyles is not your guy. However, if you’re coming to browse all the latest titles or are looking for something specific, that’s where you want to be. I also find that although Foyles is not a London independent bookshop, it does offer some pretty cheap books. When I was trying to learn how to draw, I found a huge selection of cheap books there when I thought I’d only find specialised and uber-expensive books.

Likewise, when I was looking for language books, or crime novels, I always found everything I wanted there – not one was out of stock (poor wallet). To wrap it up: second biggest bookshop in London, old bookstore, with no used books and a cafe where you can chill in peace.

Foyles Charing Cross Road Address: 107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DT

Best Second Hand Book Shops London: Skoob Books

Now, if you’re looking for huge used book stores London, Skoob Books is going to be your salvation. Not the biggest book shop in London, but still a huge selection of academic used books and other second hand books in London.

To be fair, used book stores in London can be dusty and a pain to browse. Skoob Books is one of the second hand bookstores that has made me fall in love with used books in London. The shelves are tidy, everything is organized, except for the occasion new book they haven’t yet registered. It’s totally a place to go for cheap books in London.

Plus, it’s located close to an open commercial center where you can shop for some makeup, clothes, or homeware if you’d like. Not before going to the best cheap bookshop in London, of course.

Skoob Books Address London: 66 The Brunswick off, Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AE

Oldest Book Shop London: Hatchards Piccadilly

Hatchards Piccadilly is the oldest bookshop in London. That’s a bookstore in Central London that sells everything, from the newest fiction and non-fiction titles to first editions and signed copies.

That’s not the place I’d suggest for cheap books in London, but if you’re looking for the best bookshops in London, there’s no way you can’t go there. It is also said to be the Queen’s favorite book shop and it has supplied the royal family with amazing books for decades now.

If you’re ever in King’s Cross, Hatchards also has a shop there. Of course, this one is not 200 years old, but its new books selection is still worthwhile if you’re looking for the best books in London.

Hatchards Bookshop Piccadilly Address: 187 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9LE

Best Used Book Stores London: Judd Books

Ah, Judd Books – this list of the best book stores in London would definitely not be complete without it. Whether you’re looking for a chill atmosphere to go book shopping in London on a rainy Saturday, or just looking for the best second hand bookshop in London, Judd Books is it.

Read: What to do in London with £10?

Cheap books in London are easy to find, I already said that – if you know where to look. This book shop Central London not only offers academic titles, but it’s also one of the best art book shops in London.

From cinema to design, from music to fashion – the stock is renewed very regularly to offer us the very best used books at a fraction of the cost. Definitely the best cheap bookshop in London if you’re in need of artsy or academic books. Still, if you want to get yourself some history, sociology or psychology titles, you already know it’s also the bookstore for you.

Judd Books Used Books London Address: 82 Marchmont Street, London WC1N 1AG

The Biggest Bookshops in London: London Review Bookshop

I did mention the London Review Bookshop in my list of the 6 best book stores in London for true book lovers. I will also probably mention it again when I write about the best London cafe libraries, since it’s very famous for being one of the best book stores London with a coffeeshop inside.

Located in Holborn, this bookshop features more than 20.000 titles that are meant to empower and enlighten you. The London Review Bookshop is also a famous bookstore in London when it comes to its cafe. Indeed, the cakes there are a real treat and I would recommend anyone to try one of them with a caffè latte and an engrossing book.

The London Review Bookshop first opened its doors in 2003, and it has set itself as one of the best bookshops in London where to meet and learn. If you want to enjoy some cool events, meet people, talk and grow, that’s the place you want to be. One of the coolest London independent bookshops on that matter.

London Review Bookshop Address: 14-16 Bury Pl, Holborn, WC1A 2JL

Best Book Stores in London: Libreria Shoreditch

Located in the very lively Shoreditch area, Libreria is one of the best book stores in London. It provides the best new titles that even the best second hand bookshops don’t offer, and the atmosphere there is just bright and soothing.

You never know what you’re going to find, and who you’re going to meet in London – that’s a fact. Brick Lane and Shoreditch are filled with the best restaurants in London, cultural shops and venues, and all kinds of arts. You can truly feel this same vibe at Libreria, a vivid place to get your book fix.

If you’re looking for the best book stores in London to hire for private events, receptions, or just for workshops and drinks, that’s definitely the bookshop you want to call. Okay, it’s not the best cheap bookshop in London, but it’s a place where you’ll feel good and will want to come back again and again. That’s why I included it in this list – the book selection is still huge, even if it’s not the biggest book shop in London. Definitely worth a good visit.

PS. Libreria is a bookstore in London where cell phones are banned, making it way easier to focus on finding the best new books for your personal bookshelf.

Libreria Bookshop London Address: 65 Hanbury St, London E1 5JP

Unusual London Book Shops: Word on the Water on Regent’s Canal

I know that Word on the water is not the biggest book shop in London, but it’s definitely one of the best book stores all around. Why? Because between a cool selection of used books and second hand titles, Word on the water offers incredible life experiences.

I used to live in Mile End and Bethnal Green, and walking up Regent’s Canal, you pass by the bookshop Word on the water. Only used goodness, the friendliest bookseller in London, and soft music to help you choose your next read.

The fact that Word on the water hosts live music performances is just the cherry on top and makes it even more of the best used book store in London. It might not be the biggest bookshop of all, but the floating idea is really something that you only see in cities like London – one of the best independent bookshops in London.

Word on the Water Bookshop Address: Granary Square, London N1C 4AA

8 Biggest Book Shops in London: The ultimate round-up of the best used books, second hand books, and new titles

So there we have them, the biggest book shops in London. From used and second hand books to the newest titles available to the world, they have it all. I am passionate about finding the best book stores in London, and you can be sure that I’ll post new blogs soon about the coolest second hand bookstores and where to buy cheap books in London in general.

No Italian Bookshop London today, as I’d already mentioned it in my list of the best bookshops in London, as well as Foyles Charing Cross Road, to be fair. Still, I hope that between all those options for the best second hand bookshops London, you’ll find true happiness and many more books than you’ll ever be able to finish reading.

And if you want to go grab a bite right after your second hand book shopping in London, why not check out my top 3 favorite Asian cheap eats in Chinatown? I’m sure you’ll find some crazy delicious gems on their affordable menu!