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Armchair Books Edinburgh

4.7
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

A cozy, family-run haven overflowing with rare & secondhand books, offering an immersive literary adventure.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more browsing time

CrowdLow
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Armchair Books Edinburgh - Image 1

Armchair Books Edinburgh

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more browsing time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A cozy, family-run haven overflowing with rare & secondhand books, offering an immersive literary adventure.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"This is not just a bookstore; it's an experience. The shop is a glorious labyrinth of books."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photo Etiquette

Be mindful of the 'no extensive Instagram photoshoots' sign. Respect the space for fellow book lovers.

📚 Sell Your Books

If you want to sell books, email them first before visiting. Don't just show up with your collection.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bookish Maze

The Bookish Maze

Throughout the store

Lose yourself in towering stacks of rare and secondhand books, a bibliophile's dream come true.

Affordable Treasures

Affordable Treasures

Throughout the store

Discover incredible deals on a diverse range of genres, with many books priced at £2-£5.

Quirky Charm

Quirky Charm

Throughout the store

Experience the unique, cluttered atmosphere and friendly staff that make this bookshop a true gem.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Bookish Labyrinth

Prepare to get lost (in the best way!) in this cozy, family-run bookstore. Books are stacked floor-to-ceiling, creating a charming maze perfect for hours of discovery. Arrive ready to browse and uncover hidden literary gems.

Respect the Space

While visually stunning, Armchair Books is a working bookstore, not a photo studio. A sign requests visitors refrain from extensive Instagram photoshoots to allow genuine book lovers to browse peacefully. Be mindful of others.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Relaxed browsing before closing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Saw this picture taken in Edinburgh on a travel Instagram post, does anyone know where it is?

📸 Photo Etiquette

Be mindful of the 'no extensive Instagram photoshoots' sign. Respect the space for fellow book lovers. Reddit

📚 Sell Your Books

If you want to sell books, email them first before visiting. Don't just show up with your collection. Reddit

reddit.com

29F Taking a solo trip to Edinburgh in January... Tips?

💰 Student Discount

Students can often get an additional discount, making already affordable books even cheaper. :moneybag:

🛍️ Cute Totes Available

Look out for their charming and affordable tote bags, perfect for carrying your new literary finds. :shopping_bags:

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Etiquette

Be mindful of the 'no extensive Instagram photoshoots' sign. Respect the space for fellow book lovers. Reddit

📚 Sell Your Books

If you want to sell books, email them first before visiting. Don't just show up with your collection. Reddit

💰 Student Discount

Students can often get an additional discount, making already affordable books even cheaper. :moneybag:

🛍️ Cute Totes Available

Look out for their charming and affordable tote bags, perfect for carrying your new literary finds. :shopping_bags:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Armchair Books is a beloved, treasure-filled secondhand bookshop offering an immersive experience for bibliophiles. Visitors rave about the vast, well-organized selection and incredibly affordable prices, making it a must-visit for book lovers. Some note the shop's policy against extensive Instagram photoshoots, emphasizing its primary role as a place for genuine browsing and discovery.

"Armchair Books is an absolute treasure! This is not just a bookstore; it's an experience. The shop is a glorious labyrinth of books, stacked from floor to ceiling and overflowing into every nook and cranny. The wonderful, dusty scent of old paper and the cozy, cluttered atmosphere create a perfect haven for any bibliophile. You could easily lose hours in here, just wandering and discovering new titles or long-forgotten classics. The selection is incredibly diverse, and the charm of the place is only enhanced by the lovely, knowledgeable staff. Armchair Books embodies everything a great second-hand bookshop should be. A truly magical and unmissable spot in Edinburgh."

S Gries

"This is one of my top 3 secondhand bookshops in the UK. Not only do they have amazingly well organized collections in many genres (I have bought sci-fi, philosophy, history and fantasy), but the books are truly affordable (I have never paid more than £5, and I have found many books for £2 or £3). Second hand bookshops in the UK are not always cheap as they focus on antique books, but not here. They even give you an additional discount as a student. The attendants are helpful and friendly. I live in Glasgow and go to Edinburgh just to go here, as it is a treasure trove for a book lover."

Gaston Bacquet

"We had a fantastic time searching through the aisles and shelves of this hidden gem. This bookstore collects a vast selection of old books, ranging from classics and religious texts to comic books from your childhood. You may find your treasure here! If you wish to sell books to Armchair Books, you have to email them first before you arrive."

Pui Yu Chan

What People Like

Vast and diverse selection
Incredibly affordable prices
Cozy, cluttered atmosphere

What People Dislike

Strict photo policy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Armchair Books is located in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh. It's easily accessible by foot from the city center. Several bus routes also stop nearby. Consider using a journey planner app for real-time bus information. Reddit

Street parking in the Grassmarket can be limited and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk if you're staying in the city center. The nearest multi-story car parks are a short walk away.

The Grassmarket is a historic area with lots of shops and pubs. Combine your visit to Armchair Books with a stroll around the area to soak in the atmosphere. It's a great spot for photos, but remember the bookstore's photo policy. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Armchair Books is free. It's a retail space, so you can browse to your heart's content without purchasing a ticket. :ticket:

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check their website or social media pages before your visit. Generally, they are open daily, but specific times might differ. :clock1:

While they are knowledgeable about their inventory, specific book reservations might not be a standard service. It's best to visit in person to browse and purchase. If you have a specific rare book in mind, you could try emailing them.

There is no admission fee to enter Armchair Books. You are welcome to browse the extensive collection freely. :free:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The atmosphere is incredibly cozy, cluttered, and charming. Expect towering stacks of books, a dusty scent of old paper, and a labyrinthine layout that invites exploration. It's a true haven for book lovers. Reddit

Many visitors find themselves happily lost for hours. Plan for at least 1-2 hours, but be prepared to stay longer if you get engrossed in browsing. It's easy to lose track of time here. Reddit

While children can visit, the sheer volume of books and narrow aisles might make it challenging for very young or energetic kids. It's best suited for children who can quietly browse or appreciate books. :child:

You can take quick personal photos, but there's a sign requesting visitors not to conduct extensive Instagram photoshoots. The focus is on browsing and buying books, not on being a photo backdrop. Reddit

Yes, the staff are generally described as helpful and knowledgeable about their inventory. They contribute to the welcoming and charming atmosphere of the shop. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Absolutely! The Grassmarket is packed with cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering a wide range of food options, from quick bites to sit-down meals. You won't go hungry after your book browsing session.

It's generally not recommended to bring food or drinks into a bookstore, especially one with so many delicate old books. To avoid any accidents, it's best to consume them outside the shop. :noentrysign:

📸 📸 Photography

The entire interior is photogenic with its towering book stacks. However, be mindful of the sign requesting no extensive Instagram photoshoots. Focus on capturing the essence of the books and the cozy atmosphere. Reddit

Yes, while casual photos are usually fine, they request that visitors do not use the shop as a backdrop for prolonged Instagram photoshoots. Respect this request to ensure a good experience for everyone. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Armchair Books offers a unique experience, but it's best suited for families with older children or teens who have a genuine interest in reading. The sheer volume of books and narrow aisles can be challenging with very young or energetic kids. If your children are quiet readers, they will likely enjoy the thrill of discovery. Consider it a place for a focused browse rather than a casual family outing. Reddit

Tip: Encourage your children to pick out one or two special books. The affordable prices make it easier to let them choose something they truly love. Also, be mindful of the bookstore's policy regarding extensive photoshoots, as this might limit opportunities for family photo ops. Reddit

📚 Budget Book Lovers

This is your paradise! Armchair Books is renowned for its incredibly affordable prices, with many books costing just £2-£5. This makes it a dream destination for anyone looking to expand their library without breaking the bank. You can easily walk away with multiple books for the price of one new release. Reddit

Tip: Look out for potential student discounts if you have a valid ID. The shop also offers a great selection of genres, so whether you're into sci-fi, history, or philosophy, you're likely to find something you love at a bargain price. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Secondhand Books

Armchair Books is a prime example of the enduring appeal of secondhand bookstores. Unlike sterile chain stores, these havens offer a sense of discovery and history. Each book has a past, and the sheer volume and variety mean you might stumble upon a forgotten classic or a niche title you never knew existed. The affordability is a major draw, with many books priced between £2 and £5, making it accessible for all budgets. This contrasts with some UK secondhand bookshops that focus on high-value antiques; Armchair Books offers a more democratic approach to collecting. Reddit

The atmosphere is a key part of the experience. The description of a 'glorious labyrinth' and books 'stacked from floor to ceiling' paints a vivid picture. This isn't just a place to buy books; it's a destination to experience books. The 'dusty scent of old paper' is a sensory delight for bibliophiles, creating a cozy and immersive environment. It's this unique combination of selection, price, and ambiance that makes Armchair Books a standout. Reddit

Navigating the Bookish Labyrinth

Visiting Armchair Books is an adventure in itself. The store is famously cluttered and packed, with books filling every available space. This creates a sense of wonder and encourages exploration, but it also means navigating narrow aisles. Visitors often describe it as a 'glorious labyrinth,' and it's easy to spend hours just wandering and uncovering treasures. Reddit

For those looking to sell books, the process is specific: you must email them first before bringing your collection. This helps them manage their inventory and ensures they are interested in what you have to offer. It's a practical step that avoids disappointment for sellers. Reddit

Beyond the books, the shop also offers cute and affordable tote bags. These are a great souvenir and a practical way to carry your new literary haul. The staff are noted for being knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the overall positive experience. Reddit