Books, London

The first time I went to Foyles I was a student who had just finished her first year at university. I immediately fell in love with this bookstore. The ground floor was just a big bookshop like many others, but when I moved to the upper floors to look for specific subjects I found there the same atmosphere and even the smell of university libraries. The shop has changed a lot in the last few years, it looks more up-to-date now, it has a cafe, a gallery ... but what really matters to me is that it still has its five floors packed with books!
My love has been constant, during all these years, and I have paid a visit to Foyles on each and every trip to London.

Foyles was founded in 1903 by two brothers: when William and Gilbert Foyle failed their Civil Service examinations, they decided to sell their textbooks. Such was the response to their advert that they could have sold them many times over, so they determined to start a bookshop. The unwanted textbooks became the modest foundation stone of what was to become the world’s greatest bookshop. The business has been on Charing Cross Road since 1906 and is still privately owned.

What to buy: The bookshop has a vast selection of books and the service is personal. I do not frequent this shop as much as I used to, as its much easier to order online these days, nonetheless I thoroughly recommend visiting it just for the buzz. Charing Cross road also has many other privately owned bookshops some even offering discounted second hand books.

What to pay: The prices here are quite reasonable.

Soho's Original Bookshop is a chain of small bookstores that sells leftovers and other bargainly priced books on the groundfloor and has an adult store on the basement. Their original store is located on Brewer Street, in middle of busy Soho. The neighbourhood might be a bit too much in the most pure purists, but rest assured that it is a safe enough area.

The bookstore has books from various genres, including art, fashion, fiction, style and travel. The selection is not huge, and the prices are not that bargained, but sometimes you can make real finds there. I, for example, have bought several Iain Banks books from this specific store with unbeatable prices.

Waterstone's at Piccadilly is the seventh heaven for any bibliophile. Seven floors, filled with books that deal almost with any subject published on Earth, makes the bookstore the biggest on Europe. The location of the store couldn't be better, it's a couple hundred meters off Piccadilly Circus, nearby giant HMV and Virgin.

Fiction, including sci-fi and mystery, is well presented on the aisles. The newest of the new are available right after the entrance for easier selection. Several floors are dedicated to non-fiction books, such as computing, business management, self-help and others. The basement floor has an excellent magazine selection.

There is a lounge bar on the upper floors that has nice views over London rooftops. It's an excellent place to savour some coffee and study the purchased books.

There are tons of book shops in London, from small specialists to the big chains like Waterstones. Personally I prefer Foyles. In the last few years it has been refitted and, they've introduced some extra elements . Inside you'll find a cafe, an art gallery, themed events and even a jazz music shop!

When you are looking for decent prices on books, Lovejoys Book Shop on the end of Old Compton Street is a good destination. The small bookshop has several shelves of books with moderate pricetags. Some of the books are in a bit crummy shape, and some seem to be standing on shelves for half a decade or more -- but they might still be a good deal.

The service is non-existent, but fortunately the books are easy to find and the cashier accept payments. Note that the shop doubles in the basement.

More than just a store to buy travel books and guides, Stanford's also has an extensive supply of maps of all kinds, from atlases to walking guides and ordnance survey maps. Stanfords is 150 years old and still going strong with it's main store in Covent Garden, London and a branch in both Bristol and Manchester. Maps are also available on cd rom and you can also buy gps devices. They have a good range of travel accessories too, from laundry and toiletries to luggage, money belts and insect repellents! A very useful and interesting store!

What to buy: maps, travel guides, travel books, travel accessories, luggage

I stayed by this wonderful bookstore while visiting London. I love a good bookstore and once I entered Dillon's I found it hard to leave. It quickly became my favourite bookstore in the world. There are books here on virtually every imaginable subject but it is particularly strong on social arts, literature and children's books. I actually saw some books by Canadian authors that I rarely see for sale on the eastside of the Atlantic.
The bookstore is located in a fine old 19th century building which I took this very poor photograph of.
I have been advised that since I have visited this bookstore that it has been taken over by Waterstones's Books. I understand that this particular franchise is still open by that name.

What to pay: Books here can be expensive depending upon it being hardcover or softcover.