Top Bookshops in Glasgow
West end
Hyndland Bookshop
Founded in 1982, Hyndland Bookshop is owned by two former librarians. It offers a range of new and classic titles and also a children’s section. As well as books, you’ll find gifts, puzzles and greeting cards. Find out more at Hyndland Bookshop.
143 Hyndland Rd, Glasgow G12 9JA, Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm and Saturday 10am - 5pm.
Oxfam Bookshop
The Oxfam second hand bookstore has been a staple of Byres Road for over 25 years. The shop was launched with help from Glasgow-based author Bernard MacLaverty. From fiction to non-fiction, children’s favourites to literary classics, the store is stacked with offerings for all and also sells a range of Fairtrade products, gifts and memorabilia. Learn more at Oxfam Bookshop.
174 Byres Road · Glasgow · G12 8SN, Monday to Saturday 10am - 6pm and Sunday 12pm – 5pm.
Caledonia Books
Established in 1986, Caledonian Books is a beloved institution of the city’s literary scene. The family-run store aims to cater to all kinds of readers, including an impressive collection of antiquarian books. Staff are always happy to help with finding the perfect book for each customer. Find out more at Caledonia Books.
483 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 8HL, Tuesday to Saturday 12pm – 6pm.
Voltaire & Rousseau Bookshop
Glasgow’s oldest bookshop, founded in 1972, Voltaire and Rousseau offers a range of second-hand titles from antiquarian books to contemporary fiction. You might also spot the shop’s very own cat chilling amongst the labyrinth of books. To learn more visit Voltaire & Rousseau Bookshop.
12-14 Otago Lane Glasgow G12 8PB, Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm.
Thistle Books
A second-hand gem of the West End, Thistle Books offers an everchanging selection of stock including large sections on Scottish Literature and History and also offers a book-finding service. Find out more at Thistle Books.
55 Otago St, Glasgow G12 8PQ, Monday to Saturday 11am - 5pm.
Herrigan Books
One of the newest editions to Glasgow’s book scene, Herrigan Books can be found tucked away on Ruthven Lane. The store includes a collection of vintage Penguins, old magazines and maps, local artwork, and antiquarian literature Learn More at Herrigan Books.
37 Ruthven Ln, Glasgow G12 9BG, Thursday, Friday and Sunday 1pm – 6pm and Saturday 11am – 6pm.
Southside
Category Is Books
An independent LGBTQIA+ bookshop in the heart of Glasgow’s southside. Owners say the shop is a place for all to learn, be inspired and celebrate queer storytelling. The store stocks new and second-hand queer books, magazines, graphic novels, comics and zines. Fine out more at Category Is Books.
34 Allison Street, Glasgow, G42 8NN, Thursday to Sunday 11am – 5pm.
Mount Florida Books
Mount Florida books stocks an impressive range of literary fiction, poetry, politics, cookery and more. The store is also recognised for its commitment to reinvesting in Glasgow’s literary scene, working to support local primary schools and community groups. For more information visit Mount Florida Books.
1069 Cathcart Rd, Glasgow G42 9AF, Sunday to Tuesday 11am – 4pm, Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 5:30pm.
Morally Grey Bookstore
A bookshop dedicated to all things romance, helping you find your next love story read. Hidden in a small unit in Morris Park just beside the M74, the store also hosts author events and a bookclub. Find out more at Morally Grey Bookstore.
Unit 75, Morris Park, Roadway two, 37 Rosyth Rd, Glasgow G5 0YE. Tuesday 11am – 4:30pm, Thursday 2pm – 9pm, Saturday 11am – 4pm, Sunday 12pm – 4pm.
Aye-Aye Books
Aye-Aye Books is a store which aims “to think about the world we live in, how it works, what powers it, who runs it, and how we might need to respond to that”. The store also hosts a range of author events, discussions and book launches. Learn more at Aye-Aye Books.
123 Allison Street, Govanhill, Glasgow, UK, Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 6pm.
Young’s Interesting Books
With a name that’s already pretty alluring, Young’s Interesting Books is one of the best stops in the southside for second-hand gems and antiquarian books. In the heart of Shawlands, the store offers an eclectic mix of genres and titles. To find out more, visit Young's Interesting Books.
18 Skirving St, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3AB, Monday to Sunday 12pm – 5pm.
Burning House Books
With a focus on art, experimental writing, counterculture and queer history, Burning House Books is now key part of the southside literary scene. In 2025 Cultured magazine named it the best small bookshop in the country, and one of the best on the planet. Learn more at Burning House Books.
446 Cathcart Rd, Glasgow G42 7BZ, Wednesday to Sunday 11am – 5pm.
City centre
Bigglestones Books
In the heart of Merchant City, Bigglestones Books was born out of a love for Scottish literature and new voices. The store has a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction and also aims to keep a close eye on the up-and-coming voices shaping the future of Scotland’s literary scene. The team are at the ready to offer any recommendations and also host events and poetry nights. Learn more at Bigglestones Books.
57 Glassford St, Glasgow G1 1UG, Monday to Saturday 11am – 6pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm.
Good Press
A bookshop, events space, risograph printer and bookmaking studio. Good Press is a workers’ collective dedicated to the promotion, distribution and production of independent prints. Find out more at Good Press.
32 St Andrews Street Glasgow, G1 5PD, Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm.
Cooper Hay Rare Books
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, Cooper Hay has been a longstanding presence on Bath Street. The shop has also had a few brushes with celebrities through the years – including a visit from Johnny Cash back in the 1980s. The store aims to offer the authentic antiquarian experience, with specialist collectors often travelling from afar to handle items. The perfect spot to discover a rare treasure. For more information visit Cooper Hay Rare Books.
185A Bath St, Glasgow G2 4HU, Tuesday -Thursday 10am-5am
Sector 7
Your “gateway to all things Horror, Sci Fi, and Fantasy” in Glasgow. Sector 7 is another new edition to the city’s literary scene. The store stocks new releases, genre classics, and rare editions to add to your collection. To find out more visit Sector 7.
86 Saltmarket, Glasgow G1 5LD, Wednesday to Sunday 11am – 6pm
Chapter One
The first bookstore by Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, Chapter One offers a range of new and second-hand titles right in the heart of Trongate. The store offers and event space and bookclub and is also open to donations. Find out more at Chapter One.
16 Trongate, Glasgow G1 5EU, Monday to Sunday 10am – 5pm.
East end
Calton Books
‘The Best Wee Radical Bookshop in the World’. Calton Books can be found near to the Barras Market. It stocks books on a range of socio-economic, cultural and political topics. Learn more at Calton Books.
159 London Road, Glasgow, Wednesday to Sunday 11am – 4:30pm
Outside the city
The Bookmonger – Bearsden
Not only is The Bookmonger an independent bookstore, it’s also a cheese & wine bar and event space. Boasting an impressive collection of British and Scottish artisan cheeses alongside fine wines and new release fiction and non-fiction. An experience worth heading north of the city for. Find out more at The Bookmonger.
32 New Kirk Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 3SL, Monday to Wednesday 10am – 5pm, Thursday 10am – 7pm, Friday to Saturday 10am – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm.
Daydreams Bookshop – Milngavie
Filled with books handpicked by the passionate staff, Daydreams Bookshop tries to offer something for every reader. The store champion local voices and independent publishers and also offers the chance to bring back your purchase for £1 credit towards your next read, helping to give books a second life with another reader. Learn more at Daydreams Bookshop.
Unit 2, 38 Stewart St, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 6BY, Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday 12pm – 4pm.
Caffeinated Escapism Bookstore – Alexandria
Just half an hour from Glasgow and walking distance from Loch Lomond, you’ll find this new bookstore which officially opened in 2025. It offers a place to slow down and enjoy a cup of coffee while you discover your next read. The store also has a cosy event space, regularly hosting authors and a monthly bookclub. Find out what's on at Caffeinated Escapism Bookstore.
76 Main St, Alexandria G83 0PB, Monday to Friday 9:30am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm.
Article updated May 2026.
