It’s official: two of the most beautiful bookshops in the world are in London

Bookshops can be sacred places. When done right, these cosy spots are delightful places to spend a few hours time leafing through beautiful editions, soaking up that delicious new book smell. But not all bookshops have that magical combination of comfort, charm and intrigue.

Here at Time Out we’re big fans of London’s excellent roster of bookshops, but we’re not the only ones. In a recent ranking of the world’s most beautiful bookshops by book-loving travel guide site 1000 Libraries, two of the top 10 were in the capital.

Out of the planet’s 10 most gorgeous bookshops, the two London entries came in fifth and eighth place. Taking the crown for London was Word on the Water in fifth place overall. This famous bookbarge can be found on a 1920s Dutch barge floating on Regent’s Canal near King’s Cross. As well as selling keenly prices editions in all sorts of genres, this retailer also puts on live music events every now and again, with jazz musicians playing atop the barge. 

‘Word on the Water offers a unique way to enjoy literature,’ wrote 1000 Libraries. ‘It has a diverse collection of new and secondhand books in English and hosts a variety of events: live music, poetry readings, writing workshops, and more.

‘The interior is eclectic but welcoming, with a hodgepodge of furniture, knick knacks, and potted plants that make it feel like a home away from home (if your home was on a river).’

Also making the top 10 was Marylebone’s Daunt Books. Thanks to the stunning Edwardian building it resides in inside Daunt Books is often included in lists of the world’s most beautiful bookshops. It’s also got a cult a following – any bookworm worth their salt probably owns a Daunt Books tote bag. 

Here’s what 1000 Libraries said about Daunt: ‘Known for its long oak galleries, graceful skylights, and a beautiful stained-glass window, Daunt Books has been around since 1990, set in an Edwardian-style building built in 1912. It has a unique method of categorisation, organising its collection by geographical origin rather than genre or topic. It’s a method well-suited to its origins specialising in travel-related books.’

Want to find out which bookshop got first place in 1000 Libraries’ ranking? See the full list of the world’s 10 most beautiful bookshops here. 

London’s most brilliant bookshops, according to Time Out.

Topshop is returning exclusively to this iconic London department store next week.