Waterstones Piccadilly London
Europe's largest bookstore, a multi-level haven for book lovers with an extensive romance section and a cozy cafe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time
Waterstones Piccadilly London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more browsing time

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's largest bookstore, a multi-level haven for book lovers with an extensive romance section and a cozy cafe.
"An absolute paradise for book lovers, Waterstones Piccadilly is not just a bookstore, it’s a full experience."
🗺️ Explore Every Floor
Don't miss any section; each floor offers a unique literary journey.
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
The upstairs cafe is ideal for enjoying your new book finds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Romance Section
Multiple floors
An unexpectedly vast collection of romance novels, including historical and dark romance, a rare find in the UK.
The Cafe
Upstairs
A perfect spot to relax with a coffee and delve into your newly acquired literary treasures.
Author Signings & Events
Various sections
Experience live events and meet your favorite authors in this vibrant literary hub.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Book Bliss
Navigating the Literary Labyrinth
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Recommendations for a Good London Book Shop?
🗺️ Explore Every Floor
Don't miss any section; each floor offers a unique literary journey.
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
The upstairs cafe is ideal for enjoying your new book finds.
9-Days in London: Help me finalize this
Books & Tea in London
❓ Ask Staff for Help
Staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide you to specific genres or authors.
📚 Check for Events
Look out for author signings and literary events happening at the store.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Explore Every Floor
Don't miss any section; each floor offers a unique literary journey.
☕ Grab a Coffee Break
The upstairs cafe is ideal for enjoying your new book finds.
❓ Ask Staff for Help
Staff are knowledgeable and happy to guide you to specific genres or authors.
📚 Check for Events
Look out for author signings and literary events happening at the store.
🚶♀️ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll want to get lost in the shelves; give yourself hours to browse.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Waterstones Piccadilly is overwhelmingly praised as a book lover's paradise, lauded for its immense selection across multiple floors and its surprisingly vast romance section. Visitors appreciate the inspiring atmosphere, helpful staff, and the convenient upstairs cafe for relaxing with new finds. Some minor issues include occasional closed sections and a desire for more comprehensive series availability.
"An absolute paradise for book lovers.
Waterstones Piccadilly is not just a bookstore, it’s a full experience. Spread across multiple floors with every genre imaginable, it’s easy to get lost (in the best way possible). The atmosphere is calm and inspiring, with helpful staff always ready to guide you. The café upstairs is a bonus — perfect for flipping through your new finds over coffee. Whether you’re hunting for the latest release or a rare gem, this place never disappoints."
Hamza Chaudhry
"I know this is the biggest Waterstones in Europe, but this was a book readers’ heavens. Multiple floors of books, merch, stationary, art supplies, music etc. what made me swoon was their extremely large collection of romance books, which is unheard of in the uk! I was shocked to see less known authors and multiple shelves filled with romance books, even historical and dark romances. How I wish they carried full series of many books but their staff was helpful. This was an amazing experience, also clean bathrooms and a cool cafe in it."
aromal neo
"Went for a signing for Annie Lennox. The staff were all amazing and patient with in us. Annie was, of course, gracious and kind. Took time with each of us."
Bob McCranie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waterstones Piccadilly is conveniently located in central London. The nearest Tube stations are Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) and Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines). Numerous bus routes also serve the area.
Yes, it's very accessible via the London Underground and bus networks. Plan your journey using TfL's website or app for the most up-to-date information.
Piccadilly Circus and Green Park are the closest Tube stations, both within a short walking distance of the bookstore.
On-street parking in this central London area is limited and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport to reach Waterstones Piccadilly.
Yes, cycling is an option, and there are cycle racks in the vicinity. However, be mindful of London's busy traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Waterstones Piccadilly is free. It's a public bookstore, so you can browse to your heart's content without purchasing a ticket.
Waterstones Piccadilly generally has long opening hours, typically from morning until late evening. It's best to check their official website or Google Maps for the most current hours, as they can vary.
There is no admission fee to enter Waterstones Piccadilly. You are welcome to browse the extensive collection of books and other items.
Yes, you can often reserve books online through the Waterstones website for collection at the Piccadilly branch.
For author signings or special events, you may need to purchase a ticket or a specific book to attend. Check the Waterstones website for event details and booking information.
🎫 📚 Onsite Experience
It's one of Europe's largest bookstores, featuring multiple floors packed with an incredible selection of books across all genres, a dedicated romance section, and a cafe.
You can find a vast array of books, including fiction, non-fiction, academic texts, children's books, and a notably large romance section. They also sell stationery, gifts, and music.
Yes, there is a cafe located upstairs, offering a pleasant space to relax, enjoy a coffee, and read your new purchases.
Yes, there are seating areas throughout the store, including tables and chairs, where you can browse and read before making a purchase.
While it has an extensive collection, its strength lies in its breadth across popular and academic genres. For very rare or niche titles, specialized second-hand bookshops might be more fruitful, but Waterstones Piccadilly is excellent for discovering less common authors within its curated sections.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted. However, it's always polite to be discreet and avoid disrupting other shoppers or staff.
The sheer scale of the bookshelves, especially the extensive romance section, can make for impressive photos. The cafe area also offers a cozy backdrop.
While not always strictly necessary for personal snaps, if you plan on extensive photography or filming, it's courteous to ask a staff member.
You can capture the towering shelves of books, the cozy cafe atmosphere, and perhaps even author event moments if you attend one.
Avoid flash photography that might disturb others, and refrain from photographing staff or customers without their explicit consent. Commercial photography usually requires prior arrangement.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the store is large, its clear genre organization can help parents guide children to age-appropriate books. It's a fantastic place for a rainy London day activity, allowing kids to explore and perhaps pick out a new favorite book to take home.
📚 Dedicated Bookworms
Take advantage of the seating areas to sample books before buying, and don't hesitate to ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations. The cafe is perfect for a prolonged reading session with your latest acquisitions.
🛍️ Shoppers Seeking More Than Books
This makes it an excellent stop for picking up souvenirs or thoughtful presents for friends and family. The combination of books, stationery, and a pleasant cafe creates a well-rounded shopping experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Romance Reader's Haven
Travelers have expressed delight and surprise at the sheer volume and variety available, noting that less common authors and series are often well-represented. This focus on romance makes Waterstones Piccadilly a unique destination for fans of the genre, offering a chance to discover new favorites and complete series.
Navigating the Multi-Level Experience
Visitors often describe getting 'lost in the best way possible,' highlighting the joy of stumbling upon unexpected literary gems. The sheer scale of the store, with its 'miles of shelves,' is a major draw. While some sections might be closed at times, the accessible areas provide ample opportunity for exploration.
Beyond books, the store also features sections for stationery, art supplies, and music, adding to its appeal as a comprehensive retail destination for creatives and bibliophiles alike. The presence of clean bathrooms is also a noted convenience for shoppers spending extended periods browsing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit