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Books Upstairs

4.7
·1k reviews·, Ireland

A charming Dublin bookshop with a cozy upstairs cafe, offering a well-curated selection and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter for browsing

CrowdLow
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Shopfront

Books Upstairs

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter for browsing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming Dublin bookshop with a cozy upstairs cafe, offering a well-curated selection and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"A real gem in the heart of Dublin, it’s pure magic for book lovers."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Cafe Window Seat

Arrive early to snag the coveted window ledge seat in the upstairs cafe for prime people-watching.

📚 Ask for Recommendations

Staff are incredibly knowledgeable, especially in poetry, and love to help you find your next read.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,043 reviews

Type

Book Store

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Upstairs Cafe

Upstairs Cafe

Second floor

A cozy nook with a charming window ledge, perfect for sipping coffee and diving into a new book.

TikTok
Curated Book Selection

Curated Book Selection

Explore a diverse range of titles, from Irish literature to poetry, handpicked by passionate staff.

TikTok
Independent Charm

Independent Charm

Experience the authentic feel of a beloved Dublin institution with friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Cozy Atmosphere

Books Upstairs offers a charming escape with a well-curated selection and a warm, inviting cafe. Arrive early to snag a window seat in the cafe for the best experience. TikTok

Discover Unique Finds

This independent bookshop is known for its diverse and thoughtfully chosen titles, including poetry and Irish literature. Allow ample time to browse the shelves and uncover hidden gems. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter for browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Cafe buzzes gently
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dublin’s go-to spot for coffee, books and quit mornings 📖☕️ #dublinfood #dublincoffee #irishbooktok #morningvibes #coffeerun #cafehunting
@iamlinaangelina
37.2K likes • 331.1K views

☕ Cafe Window Seat

Arrive early to snag the coveted window ledge seat in the upstairs cafe for prime people-watching. TikTok

📚 Ask for Recommendations

Staff are incredibly knowledgeable, especially in poetry, and love to help you find your next read. Reddit

Books Upstairs in Dublin was so cozy and fun, there were beautiful books and the cafe upstairs had a cute window ledge to sit, drink some tea, and read in 📚🫖☕️💗 @Kate #bookstore #bookshop #booksupstairs #dublinireland #dublin
@ellejreads
104 likes • 1.4K views
Exploring Books Upstairs in Dublin, Ireland #bookshop #booktokuk #booktok #rec #ireland #dublin #travel #shopping #irishliterature #secondhandshop #secondhand
@notthatcosta
93 likes • 1.9K views

🕰️ Allow Plenty of Time

You'll likely get lost browsing the shelves longer than you planned! Reddit

📍 Location, Location!

Conveniently located in Dublin, making it an easy stop during your city exploration. TikTok

I love Dublin so much! Books Upstairs is a must for bookworms! They have such a great range of diverse titles available 💖🇮🇪📚 #booktour #bookshop #bookstore #Books #bookloversoftiktok #booklovers #booktok #Ireland #dublin #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #explore #fiction
@jotheblackbookworm
51 likes • 734 views

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Cafe Window Seat

Arrive early to snag the coveted window ledge seat in the upstairs cafe for prime people-watching. TikTok

📚 Ask for Recommendations

Staff are incredibly knowledgeable, especially in poetry, and love to help you find your next read. Reddit

🕰️ Allow Plenty of Time

You'll likely get lost browsing the shelves longer than you planned! Reddit

📍 Location, Location!

Conveniently located in Dublin, making it an easy stop during your city exploration. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Books Upstairs, calling it a charming, cozy, and authentic Dublin gem. The well-curated book selection and the friendly, knowledgeable staff are consistently praised, making it a highlight for book lovers. The upstairs cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for enjoying coffee and a new read.

"A cozy little bookshop with a well-curated selection and friendly staff. The café upstairs is warm and inviting, serving great coffee. Don’t miss this spot if you love books!"

Felinda Leow

"A real gem in the heart of Dublin. I popped in to pick up a children’s book for my 12-year-old niece and ended up happily wandering the shelves far longer than planned. The staff are sound as anything and genuinely love what they do, and with multiple floors to explore and a snug café upstairs for a quiet coffee and a new read, it’s pure magic. If you love a proper bookshop, don’t miss this spot. I'll be back!"

Jack Hummel

"Simply the best bookshop in Dublin. A joyful, charming spot in the centre of town to grab a coffee in the cosy cafe and walk among a lovingly curated array of books.
The staff are friendly, helpful and clearly love being part of an authentic independent Dublin institution."

Joe O'C

What People Like

Charming atmosphere
Curated book selection
Friendly, knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Books Upstairs is centrally located in Dublin, making it easily accessible by public transport. Many bus routes stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from major city landmarks. TikTok

Yes, it's situated in a prime Dublin location, making it convenient to combine with visits to other nearby attractions. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the bookshop is free. You only pay for any books or cafe items you purchase. TikTok

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Books Upstairs is a charming independent bookshop with a carefully curated selection of books, including a strong focus on poetry and Irish literature. The upstairs cafe offers a cozy spot to relax. TikTokReddit

Yes, there's a lovely cafe on the second floor where you can enjoy coffee and pastries while browsing or reading. TikTok

They are known for their diverse range of titles, with a particular emphasis on poetry and Irish literature, alongside a general selection of fiction and non-fiction. TikTok

Absolutely! The unique selection of books and the charming atmosphere make it a perfect place to find a special gift for any book lover. TikTok

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

The upstairs cafe serves great coffee and likely offers a selection of pastries and light snacks, perfect for a break while reading. TikTokReddit

It's generally best to enjoy your food and drinks in the designated cafe area upstairs to keep the books pristine. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

While generally permitted, it's always polite to be mindful of other patrons and staff. Focus on capturing the ambiance rather than intrusive shots. TikTok

The cafe's window ledge offers a picturesque view, and the cozy nooks filled with books provide excellent backdrops for atmospheric shots. TikTok

Books Upstairs (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide