The importance of books was summed up by the character of Tyrion Lannister in the TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ when he said, “A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge”. Nobody can understand this sentiment better than a book lover whom you will never hear saying “I have enough books” and for them, bookshops are like a well where they go to quench their thirst for books.
Are you a bookworm currently studying in Glasgow? If the answer is yes, then keep reading this blog further, where we have written about some of the must-visit bookshops in Glasgow.
| Bookshop | Google Rating and Review |
| Waterstones Sauchiehall Street | 4.6/5 |
| Cooper Hay Rare Books | 5/5 |
| Hyndland Bookshop | 4.5/5 |
| Thistle Books | 4.6/5 |
| Caledonia Books | 4.7/5 |
Table of contents
Waterstones Sauchiehall Street
Waterstones is a famous book chain that, unlike other bookstores, is not independently owned by a local. The best part about this bookshop is that there is a coffee shop inside the bookstore, which means the visitors can enjoy their books while sipping a cup of coffee. It is a 5-storey bookshop and is said to have the most amount of books in Glasgow.
When you plan to visit here from your student accommodation in Glasgow, make sure you take some extra time in your hand as there are 2 cafes situated in this bookstore which means you will get to enjoy good food and drinks as well. You will be delighted to know that this bookstore also consists of a licensed bar which hosts many cultural events from time to time and a monthly book quiz.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Saturday | 9 am to 7 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am to 6 pm |
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Cooper Hay Rare Books
Do your friends describe you as an old soul? If yes, then you will love visiting Cooper Hay Rare Books as it has a touch of antiquity to it. Impressively, Cooper Hay Rare Books enjoys a five-star rating on Google and Facebook, which is why it is quite popular among book lovers.
As the name suggests, this bookstore consists of rare and old books. Founded in 1985, this bookstore is located on Bath Street, a few blocks from the Centre of Contemporary Arts. Cooper Hay Rare Books sells a wide variety of ephemera and manuscripts. Interestingly, at this bookstore, you will also find private papers of Scottish biographer James Boswell put up for sale.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Tuesday to Thursday | 10 am to 5 pm |
| Friday to Monday | Closed |
Hyndland Bookshop
Hyndland is an independent bookshop which has a 4.5-star rating on Google and a 5/5 score on Yelp. Here, you will come across a wide collection of books and DVDs. The bookworms living in student accommodation in United Kingdom who also enjoy watching movies definitely need to check out this place. At Hyndland Bookshop, you will be able to find books that cover topics likethe culture, history and architecture of Glasgow. You will be surprised to know that it has been 40 years since this bookshop started.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Friday | 10 am to 6 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am to 5 pm |
| Sunday | 1 pm to 5 pm |
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Thistle Books
Located in the north of the city, near Kelvingrove Park, Thistle Books is a quaint bookshop which sells second-hand books. Many books that they sell are pretty rare,e so be prepared to pick up some interesting reads at affordable prices. This bookstore consists of well-stocked sections like history, crime, literary criticism, etc. At Thistle Books, you will also come across sheet music, which is offered by its co-tenan,t Alba Music.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Saturday | 11 am to 5 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Caledonia Books
Started in the mid-80s, Caledonia Books is a family-owned bookstore which is still running today. Impressively, this bookstore has received a 4.6-star rating on Google and a 4/5 score on Yelp. Caledonia Books is another bookstore popular for offering rare books. If you are visiting here and find some rare books that interest you, then you can inquire about them from the staff. The rare books offered her cover both fiction and non-fiction categories.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Tuesday to Saturday | 12 pm to 6 pm |
| Sunday and Monday | Closed |
Tips for Book Lovers in Glasgow
Exploring Glasgow’s bookshop scene can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a local bibliophile or a visitor looking for literary treasures, here are some practical tips to make the most of your bookshop visits:
1. Best Times to Visit
- Weekdays & Mornings: Independent bookshops are often quieter during weekday mornings, making it the perfect time to browse without crowds.
- Evenings & Weekends: Some bookshops host literary events, author signings, or poetry readings in the evenings, so checking their event schedules can enhance your visit.
- Seasonal Sales & Fairs: Keep an eye out for book sales, second-hand book fairs, and seasonal discounts, which often take place before the holidays or during special literary festivals.
2. Supporting Independent Bookstores
- Buy Local: Instead of purchasing books online, consider buying directly from independent bookstores to support small businesses.
- Follow & Engage Online: Many bookshops have active social media pages where they share new arrivals, special events, and recommendations. Engaging with them online can keep you updated on exclusive book releases and offers.
- Attend Events: Bookshops often host book clubs, author talks, writing workshops, and community discussions. Participating in these helps keep these spaces vibrant and thriving.
- Gift Book Vouchers: If you’re buying a present for a book lover, opt for a gift voucher from a local bookstore rather than large online retailers.
3. Exploring Glasgow’s Literary Scene Beyond Bookshops
- Libraries & Reading Spaces: Glasgow’s Mitchell Library, one of Europe’s largest public libraries, is a must-visit for book lovers. The city also has smaller, cozy community libraries worth exploring.
- Book Festivals & Events: Check out the Aye Write! Book Festival, Glasgow Zine Fest, or local literary pop-ups, which bring together authors, publishers, and readers.
- Second-Hand Book Markets: Beyond dedicated bookstores, explore flea markets, charity shops, and vintage stores where you might stumble upon rare finds at bargain prices.
- Literary Walking Tours: Some organizations offer walking tours covering Glasgow’s literary history, famous authors, and iconic bookshop locations.
4. Making the Most of Your Bookshop Experience
- Ask for Recommendations: Booksellers are often passionate about literature and can help you discover hidden gems based on your interests.
- Bring a Tote Bag: Many independent bookshops encourage eco-friendly shopping, so bringing your own bag is a great way to carry your finds.
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush—immerse yourself in the ambiance, flip through books, and enjoy the unique charm of each bookshop.
By following these tips, you can enrich your book-browsing experience while also supporting Glasgow’s literary community. Whether you’re searching for a new read, attending an author event, or just enjoying the atmosphere of a cozy bookshop café, Glasgow has something for every book lover!
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FAQs
In 1998, Wingtown was officially regarded as the National Book Town of Scotland. It is now home to many book-related businesses.
The National Library of Scotland is said to have world-class collections of books. It is the second-largest library in Scotland and one of the most important research libraries in Europe.
The Mitchell Library is not just the biggest library in Glasgow, but it is one of the largest public libraries in Europe and has more than a million items. Its archives include drawings, photographs, books, maps, postcards and family history.
For second-hand and rare books, visit Voltaire & Rousseau, Thistle Books, Caledonia Books, and charity bookshops like Oxfam Books. Flea markets and vintage fairs often have book stalls too.
Yes! Category Is Books in the Southside is a fantastic LGBTQ+ bookshop that offers queer literature, zines, and community events.
Yes, many bookshops, including Waterstones Glasgow, Lighthouse Books (Edinburgh, but relevant for events), and independent stores like Category Is Books, host author events, book signings, and literary discussions. Keep an eye on their websites or social media for updates.
The Waterstones on Sauchiehall Street is one of the largest bookstores in Glasgow, with multiple floors of books, a café, and regular events.
Yes! Waterstones Sauchiehall Street has a café, and many bookshops have cozy reading nooks where you can relax with a book. Some independent coffee shops also sell books, making for a great browsing and reading experience.
Bookshops like Caledonia Books, John Smith & Son (if still operating), and sections of Waterstones have a good selection of Scottish literature, poetry, and history books.
Yes! Bookshops like Voltaire & Rousseau and Caledonia Books buy second-hand books. Charity bookshops like Oxfam Books also accept book donations.
Most bookshops in Glasgow close by early evening, but some larger stores like Waterstones stay open later, especially on weekends. It’s best to check individual shop timings online.
We hope you liked this blog, where we covered some of the must-visit bookshops in Glasgow. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience, you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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