The Best Independent Bookshops in Edinburgh

In the heart of picturesque Stockbridge is Golden Hare Books, a charming celebration of novels, children’s books and art & design. Golden Hare’s modus operandi is to display a discerning, curated selection of ‘the finest voices in international literary fiction and poetry; the most stimulating and provocative non-fiction of all kinds; the most inventive and original in contemporary art and design; and a children’s department that will enchant and enrapture youngsters and adults alike’. With additional regular events such as book launches, poetry nights and book group evenings, you’ll surely agree with Golden Hare’s own sentiment that they are dedicated ‘not just to the love of reading, but also to the book as beautiful, life-enriching object of desire in its own right’. Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 10am – 6pm

Similarly, the Edinburgh Bookshop enjoys a privileged and cosy position in the hip Bruntsfield precinct. It’s also probably the bookshop with most prestige in the industry – the shop is included in The Independent’s “50 Best Bookshops” and has won a clutch of awards including UK Children’s Bookshop of the Year 2014 and Scottish Independent Bookshop of the Year 2014 & 2015. The recognition is in no small part due to the Edinburgh Bookshop’s strong ethos, an emphasis on ‘unusual intelligent and topical selections of titles to offer the customer a clever and refreshing choice’. Other reasons for why this bookshop stands out are its writers’ workshops, story-time for under-5s on Thursday and Friday mornings, its support for adult bookgroups and upfront in the shop window, a steady supply of signed copies of bestsellers. Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 10am – 6pm; Sat: 9am – 6pm; Sun: 11am – 4pm

Catering to two varieties of obsessive personality, Elvis Shakespeareis a specialist dealer of rare vinyl and paperbacks. From their base on Leith Walk, you can browse the store’s extensive selection of recordings – covering every genre under the sun from alt country to trip hop – and books, with just as many literary genres available. What’s more, impromptu concerts and live readings are the norm for Elvis Shakespeare – customers may end up entering the shop to browse, and leave having participated in a jam session with the desk clerks. Elvis also posts CDs and books worldwide through their online store. Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm

One of the few specialist genre bookstores in the capital, Transreal Fiction exclusively stocks science-fiction, fantasy and related speculative fiction genres. Along with the wide array of books to beam you to other dimensions, the store also has a strong line in specialist magazines and plush alien toys. The owner, Mike, also possesses one of the richest treasure troves of sci-fi knowledge in Edinburgh and will happily engage in afternoon-long chats with customers. Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11am – 6pm