No, we’re not out of our minds! We know you would have already spent most of your waking hours in your university library, sloughing away for the next assignment deadline or exam. And you’re probably looking forward to shop and let your hair down in some of London’s best hangouts. But wait, how about spending time browsing through troves of little treasures in some of London’s coolest bookstores? They’re such gems and we think it’s worth visiting. Trust us, they are worlds apart from your university libraries!

Daunt Books, 83-84 Marylebone High St London, W1U 4QW

This bookstore is renowned as one of London’s leading travel and literary bookshops, with branches across London.

Lutyens & Rubinstein, 21 Kensington Park Rd, London, W11 2EU

This bookstore looks like it’s just come out of a fairytale with its whitewashed walls and ceiling. Shop here for fiction and general non-fiction, and lose yourself in the world of different genres.

London Review Bookshop, 14 Bury Place, London WC1A 2JL

The shop first opened its doors in 2003, and hosts a selection of more than 20,000 titles. They serve yummy cakes too!

Foyles, 107 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DT

Also known as London’s most famous bookstore, this new building is just right next door to the old one. There is so much open space that you can grab a book, find a corner, sit down and read.

Goldsboro Books, 23-25 Cecil St, London WC2N 4EZ

Before going on a big night out, enjoy a bit of quiet time in this book store in the West End. This place specialises in signed first editions.

Koenig Books, 80 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0BB

This independent bookshop specialises in art, architecture and photography. Visit this place and get inspired.

Forbidden Planet, 179 Shaftesbury Ave, London

The world’s largest and best-known science fiction, fantasy and cult entertainment retailer offers a huge range of books that you won’t find anywhere else! We think, if you dressed up as one of your favourite characters, you probably would get a few appreciative looks!

Big Green bookshop, Unit 1, Brampton Park Rd, London N22 6BG

The Big Green bookshop is an independent bookshop in Wood Green that sells interesting titles by great authors in a relaxed and friendly environment. You’ll just feel like home.

Gosh!, I, Berwick St, London, W1F 0DR

This bookstore sells the best in graphic storytelling from mainstream superhero to translated European albums, plus vintage children’s books, contemporary graphic fiction, manga and small press titles.