Wish I could give more than 5 stars! This is the best bookshop I have ever been to, and I have been inside some of the most popular ones in Europe. The moment you enter the store you notice the difference in how books are put in visually manageable groups, rather than as a massive wall of books. This allows you to actually focus on the individual book. On top of that, you start noticing the thought behind how the books are arranged on different floors and different parts of each floor. No photo can replace the experience of actually realising that on your own especially when you get to the section/genre you enjoy. There is also a bit of a museum-feel to the store with the glass displays, paintings, elegant staircases and antique books. On top of all that, I found that the books displayed in each section and category were well chosen to show relevant information about that section/category. It was truly impressive to see the expertise that has gone in to create the display. Make sure to visit the place if you are in the area, it's worth every bit of your time.

I went inside on a rainy day intending to browse but ended up eavesdropping as the salesperson assisted a young girl in choosing 4 books (per her dads instructions). Then another employee joined in and I forgot what I was doing, enjoying the process too much to walk away. In the end, she found her 4 books and I found 7, which they shipped to the US for me quickly and packaged better than any book I’ve ever received. I’ve never met a bookstore I didn’t like but this one is certainly the most special.

We visited three bookshops in one day, all within walking distance of each other, and this branch of Hatchards came joint first with Gower Street Waterstones. They each have a unique vibe. I especially loved the antiquarian and rare books dotted along Hatchards' shelves, and displays celebrating their own heritage throughout the shop. Your choice will probably come down to which has the best stock for your favourite subjects or genres. Lovely relaxed shop. We will visit again.

An institution!! Clean and very well organized iconic London bookstore. Well-qualified staff who are friendly and very helpful. Plan on spending extra time there if you love books. The only downsides are their cloth sacs to buy commemorating the store are (surprisingly) not special, and there’s no place to sit if you have trouble standing for long periods.

Favorite book shop in London. Three floors and loads of books on history, politics, crime and detective stories. Moreover, you can get and signed and first edition books here as well. Loved everything about it. You literally want to buy every single book and forget about Amazon altogether. The shop assistants are very friendly and helpful as well.

Oh. My. Goodness. What an amazing place! My wife and I didn't even see 20% of the store between us, but we still needed two bags to carry our purchases. I love a good bookstore and this one is right up there in my opinion with Paris' Shakespeare and Company. I keep coming back and trying to get more coverage of this very large store.

This is probably one of the nicest bookstores in London. It has a very good selection of books of all genres and for all ages. It also offers a variety of other goods, such as magazines, stationery, small decorations and souvenirs, board games, etc. It is an excellent bookstore and certainly worth a visit when you are in the vicinity

I love Hatchards in Piccadilly, the shop has everything a booklover wants and the staff are ever helpful and know where to look for titles. It's an experience in itself visiting this great old shop and i always leave laden down with lovely reads and bearing them away in the posh Hatchard bag is a London pleasure i never tire of.

If you are a book lover, do not skip a trip to Hatchards, London's oldest bookseller. Four floors of wonderfully diverse and fascinating books. Beautiful antique books mixed in with a truly astounding selection of contemporary fiction, poetry, children's books, and non fiction. I loved every moment of my trip there

My absolute favourite bookstore in London. Conveniently located a stone’s throw away from Piccadilly Circus / Fortnum’s, the selection is impeccable — including a sterling rare books and first editions section — staff are knowledgeable, and the historical environs are simply charming! Highly recommend a visit.

Oldest bookshop in London, set in a beautiful historical building right in the heart of London. Three Royal seals, five floors that will satisfy everyone from children to pensioners, students to artists. Rare books department and subscription services for any taste, perfect gift for a book lover in your life.

Easily in the top 5 bookshops in London. Consistently well-stocked, and they do some nice modern first editions if you need a last minute gift. Open a bit later in the evenings so good to stop by after work. It gets a little too busy/congested for relaxed browsing with tourists at the weekends.

So many books to choose from. A bibliophile’s dream. Here’s a few books that piqued my interest, and as you can tell, I love reading history and politics. Shame that I couldn’t buy it all because your boy’s broke and he couldn’t fit it all in his luggage to take on the plane ride home.

I always pay a visit to Hatchards whenever in London, often finding books of interest which are hard to find elsewhere. The shop, staff, the quality of diverse and sometimes eclectic reading choice, always make a visit to Hatchards a pleasant and enjoyable shopping experience.

There is a lift to all floors here! The lift entrance however is very narrow so beware. Not entirely sure if there is a cafe here. The bookshop is actually quite medium in size. However I absolutely loved it in here so I'm giving it 4 stars just because it's so pretty.

Amazing bookstore, beautiful and well stocked and displayed, huge selection, extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff with great recommendations, 100% worth a stop. If you are into books you could spend hours browsing and even if you are not it is a sight to behold.

An Exquisite bookstore appointed by HMH Royal family’s bookshelves. Particularly love the collection of history, nature and small section on manners/family life for kids, animals. The art of books, as a book and library lover, don’t miss it as my favourite bookstore.

I can't resist this fantastic bookshop. The staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They consistently offer excellent book recommendations. There are always author signed copies of the latest books and their gift wrapping service is both excellent and free.

This is my second time at the store and I've had fantastic services both times. A lady that worked there went out of her way and helped me find a book that had just arrived but not on the sales floor yet. Adorable shop and impeccable service. I love this store!

Such a warm and welcoming environment when you first arrive. The staff are all so friendly and helpful and there is such a deep selection of every genre. It's very reasonably priced and they have signed copies and first editions of a variety of authors.

What a genuinely fantastic bookshop. I could have spent days here. They stock a really decent selection, covering a wide range of topics. Felt like it really is a well thought through shop, planned with care by knowledgeable staff. Really loved it.

One of my favorite new books store because of its ‘classic British library’ interior , it’s coziness and great selection of books . There is a hidden floor with lots of old/rare/first edition books . Ask some from staff to take you there .

(Visited on Tuesday, July 18th 2023, after 7pm). Customer service on the ground floor and on the basement floor is appalling: staff disregarding customers to talk to their friends who came to visit?! Or interviewing candidates in presence

Honestly might be the nicest bookshop I’ve ever visited. The selection was incredible especially for more specific topics such as nature and history. Absolutely beautiful interior filled with lots of cosy spots to rummage through books.

The store was cozy even though it is so big with numerous options in any book category. As a crime book lover, I really loved the crime category corner! The staff was knowledgeable and very polite. I believe I found my happy place!

The unique atmosphere in this book store makes you want to dive straight into the classics, maybe stay for a while, maybe live there. It's beautiful, it's rich, it stays with you. Only minus, they have almost no stationaries.

I'm in love with this bookstore. It's so cozy and cute. They have a great selection for everyone. Each floors is packed with books to get lost in. The only thing I don't like is that we don't have one here in the U.S. …

Really great bookstore! It has 4 levels and I wanted to buy 80% of their books - such a diversity. You can easily find what you are looking for, as all is well organized. Great selection of books for the late Queen, respect!

This bookstore has a long history - it's the oldest bookstore in London. Once you enter the shop, you can feel the history. Also, there are plenty of book selections! I'll visit there again! Visited: Wednesday 1st June 2022

Oldy worldy Hatchards is a great source for more off piste books. Interesting book launches in bygone era surroundings. Staff who know their books or where to locate a book in the store or offer alternatives always useful

Hatchards is a historic bookstore that is mentioned in many historical novels. It is compact, neatly organized, and lovely inside. In spite of its size, there is a huge selection of books. It's worth a visit.

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world!! The building, the atmosphere, the variety of books, everything is beyond excellence. You can't be a bibliophile and not visit Hatchards when in London!!

Absolutely love this place!!! I love books and here you can find literally any book you want! Strongly recommend to everyone to visit if you’re visiting London or if you just want to find a good bookshop)

Part of the Waterstones chain, so a very similar experience if you’ve visited one of those, good selection of books organised on several floors, all in a beautiful building that’s worth a visit in itself.

My favourite bookstore in London. Fantastic selection with beatiful interior, knowledgeable and helpful staff. The oldest one in London, it feels like you travel back in time. Always a must stop for me!

A lovely bookshop! They have, among other things, special sections for books about Churchill, and books by P.G. Wodehouse and Agatha Christie. I also noticed that they have signed copies of many books.

Oldest bookshop in London and a must-see for any Virginia Wolfe fans. Friendly and knowledgeable staff with five floors and lots of books. Well organized and not overwhelming. A bibliophile’s paradise!

Book after book after book - Hatchards' large selection of books stretches across beautiful wooden shelves and boards. What a feeling to walk through this shop with books as far as the eye can see.

Loved loved this tall winding -staired multi-tiered wonder of a bookstore. Full of rye wisdom (books organized around famous quotes), a feast for the senses and a quiet place to stop and read.

This is a splendid book shop. The ground floor is busy but if you explore say crime fiction or food writing upstairs there is lots of space. A wonderful selection of books including old ones .

Gorgeous book store with a wide selection of books. The lovely gentleman cashier was very well versed on the rare books sections It’s a lovely place to loose an hour and of course buy a book!

What an amazing bookstore. Definitely one of the best I’ve ever been. Book variety is beyond believe and staff just amazing. So attentive, helpful, and patient. Will definitely come back.

It is noted as the oldest in London. I found the book I was looking for and saw they have so many early edition copies of notable works. A person could get lost here in a pleasant way ✨️

Oldest bookshop indeed! Many of titles and editions, and lovely staff to help you around. Interesting to see as a place of interest even though you are not meaning to shop for a book.

A lovely bookstore. From the lovely decor, to the wonderful architecture, it's a bookstore that you just want to go and spend hours inside. 4 floors of amazing books to select from.

Awesome store, has more or less everything you could ask for if you love books of all sorts - from non-fiction to fiction. Worth a visit if you're a bookworm and vising London.

A very pleasant place to marvel at beauty of a old bookshop and beautifully bonded books. There are some antique books on sale as well! Boys really loved spend time in it.

What a cool historic location with both knowledgeable and friendly staff. A must visit for all book lovers, and if you can’t get enough, they have a subscription service!

A beautiful experience. As soon as you enter the store, you feel welcome. Staff were warm, kind and onnhand to assist your experience. One of the best book stores by far!

What a bookstore!!! every book you could want and more!!! Awesome kids range and great choice of puzzles. Recommended for everyone, book lovers and non-book lovers!!!

That place is the definition of a hidden gem. Amazing bookstore atmosphere. Bonus points for the friendly service at the till by the lady with the Smaug tattoo !

Amazing bookstore!! Love the old style decorations with so many shelves of books. 6 floors and a basement. We bought 3 books. Lovely staff, helpful and friendly.

Fabulous labyrinth bookshop, something for everyone, excellent selection, well laid out, books are displayed in interesting fashion, staff helpful on the whole

Probably the best bookshop I've ever browsed through. Top quality and staffed by very bookish people who seem to know the answer to every question I had.

Beautiful bookshop. Wooden bookshelves, many floors. I could have spent hours inside just browsing every book in there. I loved it. I recommend 100 % <3

An amazing surprise. One of the most beautiful libraries that I have ever seen. The oldest one in London. A mix of old/ first hand copies and new ones.

An amazing book shop covering such a wide range of topics, stocking books you just don't find elsewhere. The staff tend to be amazingly knowledgeable.

definietely the best bookstore in whole london! the owner is such a nice man and went beyond himself to help me find a book i really wanted …

Beautiful bookstore in London. This is a bookworm’s favourite hideout. Something about the interior just feels very sophisticated and organised.

Great multi-level bookstore perfect for browsing on a rainy day! They had some signed new releases upstairs and a few seating areas throughout

Book store with varied genres. Massive collection of books. A three storey building with beautifully crafted interiors. Loved the place.

Wonderful to see such a large bookstore surviving in the Amazon era. Four or five floors with a section on just about every topic!

Amazing book collection including rare books. The staff comments on some books are very insightful as well.. Highly recommend it.

There are 4 floors of books, I didn't want to leave! Absolutely incredible book shop☺️The top of the book shop is so surprised

Very cozy vibe. A very friendly, knowledgeable staff. The entire vibe makes one want to come back for more!!!!

One of my favorite bookstores I’ve been to in the world. Great selection of non-fiction and children’s books.

Excellent Bookshop. If you like books love to read. THEN THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO BE GO TO HATCHARDS.

It’s amazing what a bookstore can achieve! Others just copied its style and failed, this one still here.

Could honestly spend a whole day browsing, it's a huge store! Highly recommend the rare books section.

Very helpful staff, was assisted by a lovely girl called Mae- managed to sort all my Xmas gifts!

Oldest bookstore in London. This place is very beautiful inside and has good range of books.

Beautiful incredible bookshop right in the heart of London. A must go for every books lover.

I am literally obsessed. OBSESSED. So cute. Great selection. Basement is my favourite spot.

most beautiful bookshop I’ve ever been in with a wide range of different books

Spectacular website and stock,hopefully can find what I am looking for.

Our favourite bookstore in London. Love their children’s section.

Such a beautiful bookstore! A must-see if you are in London.

This is a very beautiful bookshop. Totally worth it a visit.

Amazing bookstores with interesting selection

Just the best bookshop I have ever visited!