Edinburgh’s rich history with literature is well-documented and the city’s love affair with all things books is obvious when you take a look at some of the fantastic bookshops at our front door.
The capital boasts huge sprawling stores, intimate and cosy snugs, and vintage-laden antiquated shelves meaning that there is something for every kind of reader in the city.
Thursday, March 5 marks the annual World Book Day, when readers across the world will be celebrating their favourite characters, authors, and bookshops.
We asked our readers which bookshops are their favourites for World Book Day 2026 - here’s what they had to say.
5. This beloved Stockbridge bookstore has become a cult-hit amongst book lovers in the city. Beginning life as a book club dedicated to female authors, Rare Bird Books opened their first store in August 2021 and is "dedicated entirely to women's writing". Rare Bird Books is open 10am - 5:30pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am - 5pm on Sundays.
This beloved Stockbridge bookstore has become a cult-hit amongst book lovers in the city. Beginning life as a book club dedicated to female authors, Rare Bird Books opened their first store in August 2021 and is "dedicated entirely to women's writing". Rare Bird Books is open 10am - 5:30pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am - 5pm on Sundays. | Google Maps
6. The Portobello Bookshop - Portobello High Street
Based in the wonderful seaside town, The Portobello Bookshop has an "original and diverse" selection of fiction and non-fiction books alike. Staff are "passionate and experienced"’ booksellers and there is an extensive online store at: theportobellobookshop.com. The Portobello Bookshop is open everyday from 10am until 6pm. Photo: Google
7. Golden Hare Books - St Stephen Street
Another Stockbridge store has made the list of our readers' most loved bookshops in the city. Golden Hare Books is located on St Stephen Street and stocks titles for readers of all ages, no matter what genre you are in the mood for. The store is open from 10am until 6pm every day. | Google Maps
8. The Gently Mad - Summer Place
The Gently Mad has come highly recommended by Evening News readers for its charming atmosphere that mixes the old with the new. With plenty of new offerings for avid readers, there is a chance to pick up unique items such as vintage postcards, mounted prints and antiques. The Gently Mad is open from 11am until 5.30pm everyday. | Google Maps