Edinburgh Bookstore Guide
If you are a reader visiting Edinburgh, this list is for you!
Hi! I’m Hayley, your bookish travel gal. I put hours of research into all my trips to make sure I visit some of the best places I can!
I started my travel Instagram (@bookmoretravels) in May of 2024. And while my insta content focuses on more bookish and nyc- I wanted another space to share all the fun places I go to!
Did you know there are 26 indie bookstores in the Edinburgh? Well, on my visit in March I visited 23 of them (not bad for four days of visiting!) Here is my complete list. If you are looking for non bookstore recs (where I recommend to eat, drink and shop at, along with other points of interest) check out my other Edinburgh blog post.
Happy book hunting!
A bookstore passport bought at Typewronger in Edinburgh!
Local Spots for New Titles
Argonaut Books | 15-17 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8LN, United Kingdom
A neighborhood bookstore and cafe for locals and visitors alike. Great seating and lighting to work from as well!
Blackwell’s Bookshop | 53-62 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1YS, United Kingdom
It may not look big from the outside- but this multi-floor bookshop has everything. Includes a cafe!
The Edinburgh Bookshop | 176 Bruntsfield Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4DF, United Kingdom
Exactly what you want in a local indie bookstore. Plenty of new titles to choose from for all kinds of readers!
Fruitmarket | 45 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DF, United Kingdom
A free contemporary art museum that also has a bookshop and cafe to visit one block from the Royal Mile.
Golden Hare Books | 68 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AQ, United Kingdom
Looking for a recommendation? The booksellers here have many to share with you!
John Kay's Shop | 8 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2HG, United Kingdom
A quaint bookshop on Victoria street selling beautiful copies of books plus more for you book nook.
Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh | 2 Blenheim Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5JH, United Kingdom
Multiple floors of books of all kinds. Sit in one of their comfy chairs and ask for a cup of tea while you are there!
Typewronger Books | 4a Haddington Pl, Edinburgh EH7 4AE, United Kingdom
A quirky bookstore with new books and zines. Check out their collection of typewriters and try one out yourself!
Where to Find Secondhand Books
Armchair Books | 72-74 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE, United Kingdom
Second hand books from floor to ceiling in this cozy bookshop.
Edinburgh Books | 145-147 West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DP, United Kingdom
A long standing secondhand bookshop. Make sure to check out the basement for even more books!
Edinburgh Community Bookshop | 179-181 Great Jct St, Edinburgh EH6 5LQ, United Kingdom
A bit out of the city center- but way worth it for the deals on books!
The Gently Mad Book Shop & Bookbinder | 2 Summer Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NR, United Kingdom
This might be one of the most photogenic bookstores in the world. Selection is small, but gorgeous!
Main Point Books | 77 Bread St, Edinburgh EH3 9AH, United Kingdom
A small bookstore with an eclectic mix of used books to look through.
McNaughtan's Bookshop | 3A, 4a Haddington Pl, Edinburgh EH7 4AE, United Kingdom
The go to bookshop in Edinburgh for antiquarian and rare books.
Tills Bookshop | 1 Hope Park Cres, Edinburgh EH8 9NA, United Kingdom
A great selection of second hand books of all kinds in a cozy space. If the weather is nice, bring your reading to The Meadows afterwards!
Specialty Bookshops
Book Lovers Bookshop | 6 Melville Terrace, Edinburgh EH9 1ND, United Kingdom
The UK’s first romance bookstore is not to be missed! They won UK’s Independent Bookshop of the year for their excellence. A cozy shop full of romances of all kinds.
The Cookbook Shop | 19A Haddington Pl, Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH7 4AF, United Kingdom
Edinburgh’s newest bookstore for foodies and chefs alike!
Ginger and Pickles Children's Bookshop | 51 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AH, United Kingdom
A small but cozy space specializing in children’s books!
RIAS Bookshop | 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE, United Kingdom
A bookstore focused on architecture and design with a great selection.
Rare Birds Book Shop | 13 Raeburn Pl, Edinburgh EH4 1HU, United Kingdom
A vibrant bookstore full of writings from women authors!
Transreal Fiction | 46 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE, United Kingdom
A bookshop specializing in sci-fi, fantasy and alternative fiction.
Wild Fungarium | 13 Randolph Pl, Edinburgh EH3 7TA, United Kingdom
For readers that enjoy nature- find a selection of books and gifts here!
