Bookshops of Edinburgh

If librarians aren’t spending their spare time visiting other libraries, you will probably find them in bookshops. Edinburgh is home to some of the finest bookshops in the world, and we love to share them.

Edinburgh has always been a city that seems made for readers: its winding closes, historic streets and atmospheric cafés. It has captured the imagination of writers over the years. And with this, Edinburgh is home to beautiful independent bookshops that capture the creativity. So whether you are seeking first editions, a story to get lost in, or a gift for someone special, there is a bookshop for you.

Argonaut Books

Argonaut Books, situated on Leith Walk, has established itself as a community-focused independent bookshop. It offers a rich, diverse selection of books for everyone, as well as community events such as workshops and book launches. A true gem to have in your life.

Armchair Books:

At 72–74 West Port, Armchair Books is a wonderful starting point for anyone who loves the atmosphere of a traditional second-hand bookshop. Self-described as “alphabetised chaos” so please be aware when you go in, you will be there for hours marvelling at its magic.

Golden Hare Books

Now heading over to Stockbridge. An award-winning independent bookshop that handpicks books for the ever-changing landscape of fiction and non-fiction. The shop also runs author events, workshops and a reading group, making it a genuine part of Stockbridge

Edinburgh Books

Now in Bruntsfield we have Edinburgh Books, another award-winning bookshop. There is an expansive collection of fiction as well as children’s books; they also hold story time twice a week for under 5 which is much loved. As well as other action-packed events that must be visited.

Lighthouse – Edinburgh’s Radical Bookshop

One of Edinburgh’s most distinctive and beloved bookshops, situated on West Nicholson Street. Supporting small presses and new writers, with a wide selection of books for politically and socially engaged reading. Good destination if you are interested in politics, LGBTQ+, social justice and feminism.

McNaughtan’s Bookshop

For something a little more specialist, head towards Haddington Place and McNaughtan’s Bookshop.

A long history of specialising in second-hand books that appeals to any book collector who has a particular interest in older editions.

This is less about quickly picking up a paperback and more about discovering something with a story

Rare Birds Book Shop

Visiting Stockbridge for the second time, this time to the Rare Birds Book Shop. The shop proudly and exclusively features books written by female authors, celebrating diverse voices across fiction, non-fiction, and captivating contemporary prose. Beyond its inspiring book walls, you will discover a warm, welcoming community hub complete with unique literary gifts, stationery,

Typewronger Books

Another distinctive personality to Edinburgh’s independent bookshop scene.

Located on Bruntsfield Place, it’s a small independent shop with a strong sense of community and an eclectic literary character. It’s the sort of place that rewards curiosity, with books and independent publishing sitting alongside the shop’s distinctive typewriter-inspired identity.

Independent Bookshops

One of the best things about Edinburgh’s independent bookshops is that they aren’t all the same, and these shops all give the city character. Which is magical for a city with rich literary history.  So go and visit one of these beautiful bookshops and remember, there are many other ones too. Independent bookshops provide spaces where booksellers can recommend something personal, readers can discover authors they might otherwise miss, and communities can come together around literature.

Photo by Nathalie Stimpfl, Unsplash 

Got the reading bug? We have some staff recommendations.