Best Bookstores and Libraries in London

Daunt Books

Daunt Books is an original Edwardian bookshop with long oak galleries and skylights, known for its travel books and curated fiction and nonfiction sections.

Website: www.dauntbooks.co.uk
Address: 83 Marylebone High St, Marylebone, London W1U 4QW

Waterstones Piccadilly

Waterstones Piccadilly is the flagship store of the Waterstones chain, claimed to be the largest bookstore in Europe, spread over six floors with a wide selection of genres.

Website: www.waterstones.com/bookshops/piccadilly
Address: 203-206 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9HD

Foyles

Foyles is a renowned, large independent bookstore with multiple floors, offering a wide range of titles and regular author events.

Website: www.foyles.co.uk
Address: 107 Charing Cross Rd, Soho, London WC2H 0DT

Hatchards

Hatchards is London's oldest bookshop, founded in 1797, offering a selection of the finest literature and a range of author events and signed editions.

Website: www.hatchards.co.uk
Address: 187 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9LE

Fopp

Fopp is a well-known bookstore and entertainment retailer offering books, music, and films, with a focus on knowledgeable staff and curated selections.

Website: www.fopp.com
Address: 1 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LL

The British Library

The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom and one of the world's greatest research libraries, with an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and historical documents.

Website: www.bl.uk
Address: 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB

The London Library

The London Library is one of the world's largest independent lending libraries, with a vast collection of books and periodicals in a historic setting.

Website: www.londonlibrary.co.uk
Address: 14 St James's Square, St. James's, London SW1Y 4LG

Barbican Library

Barbican Library is a public library within the Barbican Centre, offering a wide range of books, music scores, and a conservatory with tropical plants.

Website: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/libraries/barbican-library
Address: Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS

Kensington Central Library

Kensington Central Library is a large public library with a wide selection of books, a dedicated children's library, and regular events and activities.

Website: www.rbkc.gov.uk/libraries/your-local-library/kensington-central-library
Address: 12 Phillimore Walk, Kensington, London W8 7RX

Westminster Reference Library

Westminster Reference Library specializes in the arts and business, offering a comprehensive collection of reference books and public access computers.

Website: www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries/find-library/westminster-reference-library
Address: 35 St Martin's St, West End, London WC2H 7HP