Glasgow, a vibrant city known for its architecture, whiskey, and shipbuilding, also boasts a thriving book scene. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Glasgow's diverse range of bookstores is sure to captivate any bookworm. From independent shops to specialty stores, there's something for every literary enthusiast to explore. Join us as we dive into the top 10 bookstores to visit in Glasgow, each offering a unique experience for bibliophiles.
1. The Gallery Bookshop
Located on Glassford Street, just north of the River Clyde, The Gallery Bookshop is a treasure trove of new and used books. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, they are willing to order books not available in-store, which typically arrive within 48 hours. This makes it an excellent option for visitors planning an extended stay in Glasgow. The Gallery Bookshop has earned a stellar reputation, boasting a five-star rating on Google and Facebook.
Address: 57 Glassford St, Glasgow G1 1UB, United Kingdom
Type of Bookstore: New and used independent bookstore
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm, Sunday from 12pm to 4pm
Google Star Rating: 5.0-stars from 18 reviews
2. Cooper Hay Rare Books
For those seeking a touch of antiquity, Cooper Hay Rare Books is a must-visit. Specializing in rare and old books, this bookstore is a hidden gem in Glasgow. Established in 1985, it offers a wide range of manuscripts and ephemera, including the private papers of Scottish biographer James Boswell. Cooper Hay Rare Books has received rave reviews, earning a five-star rating on Google and Facebook, as well as a 4.5-star rating on Yelp.
Address: 185A Bath St, Glasgow G2 4HU, United Kingdom
Type of Bookstore: Rare and old bookstore
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday from 10am to 5pm
Google Star Rating: 5.0-stars from 2 reviews
3. Category Is Books
Dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ literature, Category Is Books is a must-see bookstore located in the south of Glasgow. Founded by Charlotte and Fionn Duffy-Scott, this independent bookstore aims to improve the representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Offering a range of queer books, comics, and zines, Category Is Books is one of only eight LGBTQ+ bookshops in the UK and one of two in Scotland. With a 4.9-star rating on Google and a five-star rating on Etsy, it has become a beloved destination for book lovers seeking diverse voices.
Address: 34 Allison St, Glasgow G42 8NN, United Kingdom
Type of Bookstore: LGBTQ+ Bookstore
Opening Hours: Thursday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm
Google Star Rating: 4.9-stars from 174 reviews
4. Young's Interesting Books
Located near Queen's Park, Young's Interesting Books is a small but popular bookstore that specializes in used books. With a focus on quality rather than quantity, they offer a curated selection of books, including antique finds. Visitors can expect to discover books ranging from 50 to 80 years old. With a rating of 4.7 stars from 48 Google Reviews, Young's Interesting Books has earned a reputation for its unique collection and reasonable pricing.
Address: 18 Skirving St, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3AB, United Kingdom
Type of Bookstore: Used and antique bookstore
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11am to 5:30pm, Sunday from 12pm to 5pm
Google Star Rating: 4.7-stars from 48 reviews
5. Pauline Books & Media
Catering to the Christian community, Pauline Books & Media is a book and media store located in St Enoch Square. In addition to a wide selection of books, they offer DVDs, cards, CDs, and more. Whether you're looking for sacrament books, Catholic Bibles, or general spirituality books, Pauline Books & Media has you covered. With a 4.5-star rating from 150 Google reviews, this store is a haven for those seeking religious literature.
Address: 36 St Enoch Sq, Glasgow G1 4DF, United Kingdom
Type of Bookstore: Religious bookstore
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm
Google Star Rating: 4.5-stars from 150 reviews
6. Hyndland Bookshop
Situated on Hyndland Road, the Hyndland Bookshop is a small yet captivating independent bookstore. Alongside an eclectic selection of fiction and non-fiction books, they also offer a vast collection of DVDs, making it a paradise for book and movie enthusiasts alike. History, culture, and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the store's curated selection of books on Glasgow's rich heritage. With a 4.5-star rating from 100 Google reviews, the Hyndland Bookshop is a beloved neighborhood gem.
Address: 143 Hyndland Rd, Glasgow G12 9JA, United Kingdom
Type of Bookstore: Independent bookstore offering fiction, non-fiction, and more
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm, Sunday from 1pm to 5pm
Google Star Rating: 4.5-stars from 100 reviews
7. Thistle Books
Nestled near Kelvingrove Park, Thistle Books is a quaint second-hand bookstore that specializes in rare finds. Every book in their collection is second-hand, with many being delightfully rare. The store has garnered a reputation for its unique and intriguing selection. With a rating of 4.6 stars from 95 Google reviews, Thistle Books is a haven for those seeking literary treasures.
Address: 55 Otago St, Glasgow G12 8PQ, United Kingdom
Type of Bookstore: Used and rare bookstore
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm
Google Star Rating: 4.6-stars from 95 reviews
8. Aye-Aye Books
Situated in The Centre for Contemporary Arts, Aye-Aye Books is a hidden gem for art enthusiasts. As the only specialist contemporary art bookstore in Glasgow, it offers an extensive collection of books and magazines related to art, photography, poetry, fiction, and architecture. Visitors admire the store for its commitment to open-mindedness and building a better society. With a 3.8-star rating from 13 Google reviews, Aye-Aye Books is a captivating destination for those with a passion for contemporary art.
Address: 350 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3JD, United Kingdom
Type of Bookstore: Specialist contemporary art bookstore
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm to 6pm
Google Star Rating: 3.8-stars from 13 reviews
9. Caledonia Books
Caledonia Books, a family-owned and -operated used bookstore, has been a beloved institution in Glasgow since the mid-80s. This bookstore specializes in rare books, making it a haven for book collectors and enthusiasts. With a dedicated staff ready to assist visitors in finding their desired rare books, Caledonia Books has earned a rating of 4.6 stars from 39 Google reviews. Whether you're a history buff or a lover of fiction, Caledonia Books is a must-visit.
Address: 483 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8HL, United Kingdom
Type of Bookstore: Family-run rare bookstore
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 6pm
Google Star Rating: 4.6-stars from 39 reviews
10. Voltaire & Rousseau
Topping our list is Voltaire & Rousseau, a second-hand bookstore nestled in the north of Glasgow. With an extensive collection of books covering history, literature, and more, this store is a haven for book lovers. Known for its antiquarian titles and daily additions to its stock, Voltaire & Rousseau attracts avid readers from far and wide. With a remarkable 4.7-star rating from 248 Google reviews, this bookstore has become a beloved destination for those seeking literary treasures.
Address: 12 - 14 Otago Ln, Glasgow G12 8PB, United Kingdom
Type of Bookstore: Used bookstore specializing in historical, scientific, and theological reads
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm
Google Star Rating: 4.7-stars from 248 reviews
Whether you're a book collector, a literature enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a cozy spot to get lost in words, Glasgow's bookstores have something for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself in this vibrant city, make sure to carve out some time to explore these perfect bookstores. From rare finds to diverse selections, Glasgow's literary scene is waiting to be discovered.