10 Most Beautiful Bookshops In Edinburgh

Waquar Habib

Armchair Books (West Port)

A maze of second-hand treasures with shelves packed to the ceiling, Armchair Books is a beloved haunt known for its vintage charm and atmospheric, winding aisles full of hidden gems.

A view of Armchair Books | 1000libraries/instagram

Golden Hare Books (Stockbridge)

This award-winning independent bookshop is known for its curated selections, cosy interiors with a wood-burning stove, and friendly staff. It's a dog-friendly space that regularly hosts author events and readings.

A front view of Golden Hare Books | @DickinsEdin/x

Topping & Company (Blenheim Place)

A vast three-storey bookshop offering over 70,000 titles, complete with sliding ladders, armchairs, and complimentary tea or coffee. It's a prime venue for year-round literary events and signings.

A view of Topping & Company | booksoftitans/instagram

Rare Birds Bookshop (Stockbridge)

Scotland’s only bookshop dedicated to women’s writing. It features a beautifully curated selection of female authors, feminist literature, and runs a popular book subscription service and inclusive events.

A view of Rare Birds Bookshop | @BookBrunch/x

Lighthouse Bookshop (Newington)

A radical, queer-friendly and intersectional feminist bookshop offering an eclectic mix of literature, politics, poetry and LGBTQ+ writing. It also hosts community events, discussions, and author talks with a progressive focus.

Inside Lighthouse Bookshop | adastra_stories/instagram

McNaughtan’s Bookshop & Gallery (Leith Walk)

Edinburgh’s oldest second-hand and antiquarian bookshop, operating since 1957. It also features an art gallery and is home to Typewronger Books, blending rare editions with vintage flair and local character.

McNaughtan’s Bookshop & Gallery | dustybooksandprints/instagram

Transreal Fiction (Candlemaker Row)

A niche destination for science fiction, fantasy and speculative fiction lovers. Transreal Fiction stocks everything from graphic novels to imported titles, celebrating imaginative writing and genre storytelling.

A view of Transreal Fiction bokshop | @G_Biblionauta/x

Typewronger Books (Haddington Place)

A basement bookshop and typewriter repair service rolled into one. It sells new titles and zines, offers Risograph printing, and blends indie publishing with a retro mechanical charm.

Typewronger Books | @OtherSideLitMag/x

The Edinburgh Bookshop (Bruntsfield)

Winner of multiple awards, this warm neighbourhood shop is known for its strong children’s section, high ceilings, and a calendar packed with events and reading groups for all ages.

A view of The Edinburgh Bookshop | @EdinBookshop/x

Portobello Bookshop (Portobello High Street)

Located near the sea, this modern independent bookshop features bright interiors, a thoughtful mix of contemporary fiction and nonfiction, and community events like book clubs paired with cheese and wine.

The facade of Portobello Bookshop | @PortyBooks/x

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