Edinburgh's Best Indie Bookshops
Edinburgh really does have icon status when it comes to being a dream destination for bookworms from all across the world, and for very good reason! As the first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh is home to many prolific writers, an internationally renowned book festival, and such a huge variety of independent bookshops that it's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed when deciding where to go.
But don't fear or fret, we've got you sorted with this curation of our favourite indie bookshops in Edinburgh. We're local booksellers ourselves and always feel so lucky to be a part of such a supportive community of indies in the city. As bookshops, we all have a good few things in common. (1) Passionate and friendly staff (2) a well-curated book selection (3) differences that make us all unique and worth a visit!
I've decided to group the shops by suburb and distance from each other to create a mega (and optional) Edinburgh indie bookshop tour beginning in Stockbridge and ending in Bruntsfield. If you were to walk from bookshop to bookshop and check off everything on this list, it would take you roughly 3 hours and 40 minutes. But I guess if you were to add a bunch of weight in books bought to this walk, this time would likely increase significantly. Think of it kind of like an ironman challenge but for avid readers.
Rare Birds Book Shop
Feeling a bit like that university professor who assigns the book they wrote as required reading right now. SUE ME. I genuinely love and will recommend Rare Birds Books to everyone, no matter my status of employment.
We're located in the heart of Stockbridge, and our shop's main niche is that we're Scotland's only bookshop dedicated entirely to women's writing. We're here to celebrate the books by the ladies, from literary heavyweights, to contemporary romcoms and enlightening nonfiction. It's our mission to help everyone read for fun and the colourful design of our shop embodies this mission. We run a range of events in store and also started as an online book club/subscription service that is still going strong!
Golden Hare Books
Our friendly Stockbridge neighbours! Golden Hare Books has an amazing and well-curated selection of new fiction, non-fiction, children's books and very cute tote bags. They offer their own unique subscription service hand-picked by their knowledgeable booksellers. The store design itself is lovely and tied together by a fireplace in its centre room.
Ginger and Pickles
Image: stockbridgeedinburgh.com
Right across the road from Golden Hare Books is Ginger and Pickles, who specialise in books for the little bookworms, from babies to young adults. It's a cosy and whimsical space with passionate staff and a fantastic selection of books.
Topping & Company
The sheer size of Topping & Company is incredible. It feels like one of those grand libraries you could lose yourself in, and even has the sliding ladders to complete the picture. You guessed it—this means they have an absolutely massive array of books, with everything from contemporary fiction and classics to history and travel writing. They also sell book vouchers that include 'Coffee with a Bookseller' where you can have an in-depth, chatty consultation with one of their trusty booksellers who will provide you with tailored recommendations.
Typewronger Books
Image: Damian Barr's Literary Salon
Typewronger is a not-for-profit, community-focused bookstore and is a personal fav of mine! They're known for their amazing free events programme that includes open mic nights, book launches, and zine-making workshops. They also publish 'Wrong Directions,' a seasonal zine printed on a single A3 sheet of paper that spotlights poetry and flash fiction. If you visit, don't forget to leave a message on the typewriter on the shop floor!
Argonaut Books
Image: Argonaut's former X page
At the foot of Leith Walk, you'll find the wonderful Argonaut Books and their bustling community. Amongst their diverse and expertly curated shelves of books, you'll also find a small café and seating section where the store's huge windows provide the perfect spot for people watching. Argonaut's spiral logo is iconic and I'm a big fan of their complimentary bookmarks at the till! They host a variety of events, including different themed book clubs that read queer fiction, horror, and Sci-Fi/Fantasy. If you're around in October, be sure to also check out the shop's Halloween extravaganza events.
The Portobello Bookshop
Porty Books is one of those spaces where your heart rate lowers and you instantly feel a bit calmer as soon as you step through the door. It's the sea-salt air, and being surrounded by books of course, but it's also the beautiful and open architecture of the shop. It's a hard place to leave, and when you do, you'll likely be hauling a whole stack of books out with you. I love their wide selection of graphic novels in particular!
Lighthouse Books
Lighthouse Books is Edinburgh's radical community bookshop! The store is unashamedly activist and is all about celebrating stories from the margins, stocking an incredible selection of political and intersectional feminist writing alongside a wide variety of genres from cookery to poetry. Lighthouse also hosts regular events and their staff are a real stand-out too—they're always so welcoming and helpful!
Book Lovers Bookshop
Edinburgh's newest bookstore, Book Lovers Bookshop opened in summer 2024, and is the UK's very first bookstore dedicated to romance fiction. How cool!? While the shop specialises in adult romance fiction, you can also find romantasy, YA romance titles, graphic novels and nonfiction titles. Romance book lovers, look no further and be sure to also check out their fab events programme!
The Edinburgh Bookshop
If you're ever in Bruntsfield, you can't miss a visit to The Edinburgh Bookshop whose signature slogan is 'we read past our bedtimes.' They recently relocated within the suburb to accommodate their growing supply of wonderful books. A few of the store's many highlights is that there are loads of comfy seats, an adorable children's reading room, and a range of different book club groups, including one for teenagers and another for younger kids.