On our radar: Top 10 best bookshops in Central London to visit
London is home to a vibrant mix of bookshops and literary spots, with Fitzrovia Quarter being a prime destination for book lovers. The city offers everything from cozy independent bookstores to iconic cultural landmarks, each with its own charm. In this guide, we explore some of the best bookshops and literary corners in and around Fitzrovia, highlighting hidden gems and well-loved spots that celebrate the joy of reading and storytelling.
Some best bookshop corners near Fitzrovia Quarter (under 15-minute leisure walk)
Waterstones
Address: 19-21 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 1BJ, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Mon-Sat: 9 AM – 8 PM
- Sun: 11:30 AM -5:30 PM
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.3 miles, 7-min walk
Best for: wide range of literary classics, trending titles, special editions, and gift books
Waterstones on Tottenham Court Road spans three levels, making it easy to browse bestsellers, literary classics, and carefully curated special editions. The basement café is a cozy retreat with stable WiFi, perfect for reading, working, or enjoying a quiet conversation over coffee or cake. Occasional author talks and events are hosted in the event space, adding another layer of experience for book lovers, while friendly staff are on hand to guide you through the extensive collection.
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Treadwell’s Books
Address: 33 Store St, London WC1E 7BS, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Tue-Sat: 12 AM – 7 PM
- Sun: 12 AM- 6PM
- Mon: Closed
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.3 miles, 8-min walk
Best for: Occult, mysticism, spiritualism, tarot, nature, poetry
Treadwell’s Books is a hidden gem for anyone with an interest in the mystical arts. Specializing in magic, spiritualism, and the occult, this cozy bookshop offers an extensive range of books on a variety of esoteric subjects. The inviting atmosphere makes it easy to spend hours browsing its carefully curated collection, and the friendly staff is always ready to offer knowledgeable recommendations. With regular events like tarot readings, it’s an ideal spot for both seasoned practitioners and curious beginners.
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Daunt Books Marylebone
Address: 84 Marylebone High St, London W1U 4QW, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 9 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sun:11 AM–6 PM
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 1.2 miles, 15-min walk
Best for: Travel books, non-fiction, literary titles, special editions
Daunt Books Marylebone is a beautiful, iconic bookshop specializing in travel literature, non-fiction, and literary classics. The store’s unique arrangement allows you to browse by geographical region, making it a dream for travel enthusiasts. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff, it’s a perfect place to lose yourself among the shelves and discover something new.
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London Review Bookshop
Address: 14-16 Bury Pl, London WC1A 2JL, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 10 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sun: 12 AM – 6 PM
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.3 miles, 10-min walk
Best for: World literature, theory, travel literature, biographies
The London Review Bookshop, located near the British Museum, offers a unique selection of world literature and thought-provoking theory. With helpful staff, a cozy café, and a curated recommendations section, it’s perfect for book lovers. The inviting ambiance encourages hours of browsing. The shop also hosts regular author events and book signings, such as those with Ruby Tandoh and Miriam Toews, making it a cultural hub in Fitzrovia.
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AA Bookshop
Address: 33 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3ES, United Kingdom
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.4 miles, 9-minute walk
Opening Hours:
- Mon- Fri: 10 AM–6 PM
- Sat: 11 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Best for: Architecture, design, critical thinking, politics, and philosophy
AA Bookshop is a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts, with an amazing collection of books, magazines, and stationery. The shop offers a curated selection of titles on architecture, design, and critical thinking, perfect for both students and general readers. Reviewers rave about the helpful staff and friendly atmosphere, though one noted the high pricing for rare books. A perfect spot to explore the world of architecture and design.
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Hatchards – Piccadilly
Address: 187 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LE, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
- Mon-Sat: 9:30 AM – 8PM
- Sun: 12 AM – 6 PM
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 1.4 miles, 7-min drive
Best for: Literature, rare editions, art books
Founded in 1797, Hatchards is London’s oldest bookshop, offering an impressive selection of books across five floors, from fiction and biographies to rare editions. The shop is well-known for its charming interior and expert staff who can guide you to hidden gems, whether you’re looking for something specific or simply browsing. It’s a must-visit for any book lover, with regular literary events and a great space to read and explore.
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Cecil Court: London’s hidden literary gem
Just 20 minutes walk from Fitzrovia Quarter, Cecil Court is a hidden book street near the West End, known for its collection of independent bookshops and rare book dealers. This charming, peaceful street is a true literary gem, offering everything from antique books to rare prints. For book lovers and collectors, it’s the perfect destination to uncover unique finds in a historic setting.
Watkins Books
Address: 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, United Kingdom
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.9 miles, 20-min walk
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM
Best for: Spirituality, mysticism, philosophy, tarot
Watkins Books specializes in spirituality, mysticism, and philosophy, offering both new and rare titles. It’s also a haven for tarot enthusiasts, with a wide range of tarot decks, oracles, and Lenormand cards. Recent arrivals include Taro as Colour by Ithell Colquhoun. With its inviting atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, Watkins is a must-visit for anyone interested in the mystical and the unknown.
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Alice Through The Looking Glass
Address: 14 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4HE, United Kingdom
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.9 miles, 20-min walk
Opening Hours:
- Mon: 1 PM–6 PM
- Tue-Sat: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Sun: Closed
Best for: Fantasy, children’s literature, classics
Alice Through The Looking Glass is a charming bookstore located on Cecil Court, specializing in works by Lewis Carroll and other niche authors. The shop offers a fantastic collection of vintage books, including rare editions and second-hand classics, with a particular focus on Alice in Wonderland. The owner’s personal touch and the welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit for book lovers seeking rare finds and a unique, intimate experience.
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Storey’s
Address: 1-3 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, United Kingdom
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.9 miles, 20-min walk
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sun: 11 AM-5PM
Best for: Antiquarian prints, maps, engravings
Storey’s is a treasure trove for collectors, specializing in antiquarian prints and maps with over 15,000 items on display across three galleries. From vintage maps to rare engravings, it offers an inspiring selection of historical pieces, with the knowledgeable staff on hand to share fascinating stories about each item. While the prices reflect the quality, it’s an essential stop for anyone seeking unique and valuable artifacts to add to their collection.
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- Bryars & Bryars
Address: 7 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, United Kingdom
Distance to Fitzrovia Quarter: 0.9 miles, 20-min walk
Opening Hours:
- Mon-Sat: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Sun: Closed
Best for: Antique maps, rare books, historical atlases
Bryars & Bryars is an old-school antiquarian bookshop specializing in rare books and historic maps from across the UK and beyond. The shop’s collection is perfect for collectors and enthusiasts, with knowledgeable staff always on hand to share fascinating stories behind each map and book. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the world of antique prints, rare volumes, and unique cartographic treasures.
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Explore the hidden gems of Fitzrovia Quarter
Fitzrovia Quarter is a vibrant cultural hub, offering an array of bookshops, literary events, and hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for a rare find or simply enjoying the creative atmosphere, this area has it all. Explore more of Fitzrovia Quarter’s literary spots and discover its unique charm.