Inside Waterstones Piccadilly - Europe’s Largest Bookshop
With over eight miles of shelves, six floors, two cafes and a bar, Waterstones Piccadilly is officially Europe’s largest bookshop.
With more than 150,000 books to choose from, Waterstones Piccadilly is more than just a bookshop. They also run events with world famous authors and even host their own annual book festival, BookFest.
I used to visit regularly while living in London in my early twenties - affectionately referring to it as ‘the mothership’ amongst my friends.
I’ve made many happy memories perusing these shelves, and have even met some of my favourite authors here, such as Markus Zusak and Alice Oseman.
Based in a towering art deco building that neighbours Fortnum and Mason and the Royal Academy of Arts, Waterstones Piccadilly was previously home to the Simpsons department store before the bookshop moved in during 1999.
Above photos from Matina @breathing_pages
This shop really does sell every kind of book imaginable, from bestsellers to specialist non-fiction, children’s books, biographies, comics and graphic novels. There’s even a huge manga section, which was expanded during recent renovations and is quite impressive.
I recommend setting a good few hours aside for browsing, with additional time to spend in the bar or one of their cafes. It’s also worth keeping an eye on their website, where they regularly announce book talks, signings and book clubs.
Waterstones Piccadilly is truly a literary hub in the centre of the city and is somewhere that I will continue to return to as the years go on.
Where to find Waterstones Piccadilly
The easiest way to reach Waterstones Piccadilly is by travelling on the Victoria or Bakerloo lines to Piccadilly Circus underground station.
Local bus services are also available.
The full address for Waterstones Piccadilly is:
203-206 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HD
Opening Times
The shop is open daily from 9am - 9pm, excluding Sundays when they open at 12pm and close at 6pm.
You can check their website for updated opening times here.
Other Bookshops to Visit Nearby
London is full of wonderful bookshops, including many in the surrounding Piccadilly area.
Hatchards
Just a few doors down from Waterstones Piccadilly you’ll find Hatchards, the UK’s oldest bookshop which was founded in 1797.
The opposite to Waterstones in many ways, Hatchards is traditional where Waterstones is modern, with dark wood interiors and a grand central staircase. You’ll find a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction books here, spanning across 5 floors.
It’s worth noting that Hatchards was purchased by Waterstones in 1998, although it still retains its independent feel.
Maison Assouline
Also based in Piccadilly Circus, Maison Assouline operates out of a grade two listed building, which began life as a banking hall.
Today the shop is a must visit for luxury coffee table books, filled with antique furniture and a fancy cafe-bar.
It’s a colourful and unique shop that stands out in a city full of bookshops.
Cecil Court
Just one tube stop or a 15 minute walk away from Piccadilly Circus you’ll stumble across Cecil Court - a bookish side street hidden behind bustling Leicester Square.
One of London’s hidden gems, this victorian-esque pedestrian street is home to more than twenty independent bookshops. Highlights include signed first edition specialist Goldsboro Books, esoteric bookseller Watkins Books, and Alice in Wonderland boutique Alice Through the Looking Glass.
For more information about the bookshops of Cecil Court take a look at my blog post here.
Stanfords
Continue walking on to Covent Garden and pop into the world’s largest map and travel bookshop.
Established in 1852, Stanfords moved into its current London premises in 2019 where visitors can browse travel books of all kinds, from fiction and narrative non-fiction to children’s books, maritime publications, maps, gifts, stationary and travel guides. They even have a section specialising in globes!
Once you’ve made your purchases there’s even a coffee shop attached to the main shop where you can rest your weary feet.
Have you visited Waterstones Piccadilly? Leave a comment and let me know what you thought!
A huge thank you to my lovely friend Matina @breathing_pages on Instagram who sent me her photos to use in this post.
More Blog Posts
A Bookshop Guide to Cecil Court
The Best Bookshops to Visit in London
Inside Waterstones Gower Street
Is the Livraria Lello the Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World?