Armchair Books

Armchair Books is an absolute treasure! This is not just a bookstore; it's an experience. The shop is a glorious labyrinth of books, stacked from floor to ceiling and overflowing into every nook and cranny. The wonderful, dusty scent of old paper and the cozy, cluttered atmosphere create a perfect haven for any bibliophile. You could easily lose hours in here, just wandering and discovering new titles or long-forgotten classics. The selection is incredibly diverse, and the charm of the place is only enhanced by the lovely, knowledgeable staff. Armchair Books embodies everything a great second-hand bookshop should be. A truly magical and unmissable spot in Edinburgh.

Such a cute and lovely shop ❤️ the staff is really nice and their selection of books special.

This is one of my top 3 secondhand bookshops in the UK. Not only do they have amazingly well organized collections in many genres (I have bought sci-fi, philosophy, history and fantasy), but the books are truly affordable (I have never paid more than £5, and I have found many books for £2 or £3). Second hand bookshops in the UK are not always cheap as they focus on antique books, but not here. They even give you an additional discount as a student. The attendants are helpful and friendly. I live in Glasgow and go to Edinburgh just to go here, as it is a treasure trove for a book lover.

We had a fantastic time searching through the aisles and shelves of this hidden gem. This bookstore collects a vast selection of old books, ranging from classics and religious texts to comic books from your childhood. You may find your treasure here! If you wish to sell books to Armchair Books, you have to email them first before you arrive.

I've visited multiple bookshops in Edinburgh and Armchair Books is my absolute favorite. It has a collection of books I could browse for hours – varying from modern literature to very old books. There are literally isles after isles after isles of bookshelfs from the floor to the ceiling. However, this isn't what makes it the best bookstore. As Edinburgh is an UNESCO City of Literature, there are a lot of other magical bookstores as well. However, they vary from friendly to, dare I say, elitistic. Armchair books feels like home. The staff is are not just friendly, they feel like your friends. If I ever become a ghost in Ediburgh haunting the city for all of eternity, I hope I can spend most of it haunting this bookshop.

The space is really nice and calm. You can find first editions and a lot of books second hand

Super cute store with some very nice collection of second hand books. Especially some old editions

One of the most ancient libraries I've ever been. It's so cute, there is something magical on the air you breathe there! I wish I could have so space in my bag for some books!

I completely forgot to review this place! It's one of the nicest used books store I've seen in my life. Edinburgh is filled with all these lovely stores and shops I just can't. This little book store is what I imagine other used bookstores wish they could be. I don't even want to buy a book there because then it would disturb the order of things. It's small but perfect for a bookworm to read a book in the corner and enjoy being surrounded by books.

Ahhhh LOVED this bookstore. As an avid reader, I was drawn to literature like any woman who lives in Booktok would be. The store is cute, cramped and smells like old books. It was perfect. I even overheard a women say the first edition Hobbit was £925!!! We weren't greeted, but who is when you walk into a quiet, moody bookshop. I for one, don't want anyone talking to me when I am browsing. The books were an array of prices- ranging from high to low.

An absolute gem of a bookstore, just sitting on the street down from the main commons of Grassmarket. My friend and I were walking around on our first day in Edinburgh and just happened on this bookstore. She's working on her PhD in poetry and loves bookstores. When you walk in, it feels like you've been sent into a bookshop that you would see in the Harry Potter films. It has that old bookshop smell too. We don't have that in the U.S. as much anymore. It's small as can be, you have to navigate around people, but don't forget to look up because you never know what you'll find. The staff are friendly and helpful and you never know what you will find in here. Lots of rare first editions of books. I found a signed copy of a book from my childhood which I had to purchase. Make a point of stopping here. The pros: 1. Fantastic little bookstore with hidden gems if you search. 2. Friendly staff who are very helpful if you ask for assistance. 3. Just a beautiful little piece the old days that we need to keep around. The cons: 1. You're in a major city, so parking might be the only issue. Suck it up and walk around my friends.

Oh my goodness. I found my nirvana. Armchair books is a local bookstore on the Grassmarket, packed full with fiction, non-fiction and a huge selection of antique books. I spent an hour here just browsing, taking in the smell and looking at the books on offer. You could probably spend half a day here browsing. Authors are easy to find and the bookstore is divided into different sections with shelvesin alphabetical order. I found myself a copy of Oliver Twist from 1880 which totally made by day, there is also a huge collection of antique poetry, religion and history books on offer. An absolute must for any book lover. Depending on the book it can get quite pricey especially for the antiques (Aesop's Fables for £78, it's in my Christmas list) but non-fiction books don't seem to be all that expensive. This place could also be useful for students, I noticed a section of books on the different sciences, architecture, religion, etc.

Love the atmosphere in this bookstore. So vibrant so lively. There are lovely decorations everywhere and the shopkeeper is so nice and friendly. Lots of the spots are VERY PHOTOGENIC. The books in there are more commonly viewed. There are organized and categorized. There is also a 20% off discount for students!!!

What a wonderful bookshop and like Ali Baba's cave, there are wonderful treasures to be found in its depths. I was impressed by how well everything was categorized on the shelves and also the wonderful service. Secondly, the bookshop just expands beautifully and there is plenty more to wander thru, towards the back as well. We picked up three sci-fi books for £10 pounds so felt that was a great bargain. Wish could have spent more time browsing thru the shelves.

If only all bookshops were like Armchair... An independent, secondhand bookshop on West Port, it's spread across two shops and has a ramshackle charm that's hard to resist. There's bookshelves from floor to ceiling and although most of them are arranged in alphabetical order, it feels a world apart from the neatly arranged displays of Waterstones and Blackwell. Subject wise, Armchair is more rewarding too with a distinct absence of chick-lit, cheap thrillers and celebrity biographies. Instead you'll find rows of contemporary, classic and prize-winning fiction, poetry, plays and science fiction alongside factual books, encylcopedias and antequarian books. Prices are reasonable and the long summer opening hours mean I usually leave with at least one or two novels.

Ah, my favourite kind of secondhand book store - a cheap one! With an array of boxes piled high with £1 paperbacks lying outside, I was immediately enticed in. Like the other reviewers have said, there is an overwhelming amount of books in here, packed tightly into strained bookshelves. It may make it difficult retrieving such items, but you could never accuse Armchair Books of lacking in quantity. The age and condition of the books vary but I quite like getting tucked into a tatty old paperback. If a novel isn't creased at its binding, then it hasn't been loved. With the cheap prices, impressive assembly of books and the sheer variety of the stock, it's a winner as far as I'm concerned. Great for students who need a classic for a flea market price, and considering the amount of literature in here the store is kept considerably tidy. If it exists, they've probably got it.

This is a very well supplied bookshop and unlike many it still manages to be helpful when it comes to finding things. Everything is in its correct place, and whilst this seems a slight detail its absence can really be felt elsewhere. My favoured section here is the fiction section and this section is impressively stocked with a variety of good books that guarantee being a pleasure to read. The books are also physically of good condition and after the generous student discount very good value for money, plus you don't have to request this discount like you do elsewhere. I got my very favourite book, David Copperfield from here for £3 in immaculate old hardback so as far as I'm concerned it's a great shop.

Another excellent second hand book shop within such a small area! Opposite the perhaps better known "Edinburgh Books", Armchair offers just as valuable a service. Whilst perhaps not as big (though spread across two shops), Armchair Books has its shelves, from floor to ceiling, filled to the brim. As others have mentioned the collection is particularly good when it comes to classic fiction and does tend to not cover the cheap, pop, chick-lit genres quite so well. However I was impressed that beside works by Tolstoy and Chekhov, Byron and Shelley, there was also a range of really great graphic novels on offer. I managed to pick up the first four volumes of Mike Mignola's Hellboy for a bargain! I didn't have the same problem with the proprietor when I was in as others seem to have, perhaps I got him on a good day.

This is a proper second hand book shop, and an absolute Edinburgh gem. Everything and anything is squirrelled away here, from classic to trash (and apparently if you look hard enough there is some classic gay porn). Its in a fun to visit area, and was perfect to nip into when I was at art school. Staff are great and super knowledgeable and the stacks are lovingly organised. Please please go here, I promise you will love it.

Of course, this is a used bookstore, so it is crammed from floor to high-ceiling with nothing but the pages of the printed word. While we had been heading to a different bookstore, we stumbled into this one and were pleasantly glad we had found it. Wide selection of antiquaruan books, and a number of first-printing children's fiction books. Also a very good history section. Wonderful place, helpful staff. 20% student discount!

Two bookworms. Fifteen minutes. Fifteen books. I brought my mother here on her brief visit to Edinburgh. We're both bonafide bibliophiles, with a combined collection of over 2000 novels and I dare say we raised a few eyebrows when we got into a physical fight over the last copy of a Marquez novel we're both missing from our collections. Unfortunately, she's a good foot taller than me and wins in the "raise it above your head and watch your daughter jump around like a ninny" category. Thankfully, there were rows upon rows of books to serve as consolation prizes and I happily poked my way through the stacks - leaving with seven of my own, which was 1/4 of the books I could have happily trotted away with if it weren't for the lack of bag space and the fact I was walking. I've dug through many a used bookstore and this little spot is one of the best i've ever found. They carry a beautiful selection of leather bound and collectables alongside an overwhelming collection of used paperbacks. Plus, they seem to be a treasure trove for hard to find titles - hence the physical altercations in the aisles. I grabbed (and held on for dear life) three copies of novels i've been searching for for the better half of five years. A quick tip: much of their non-fiction is tucked away with the fiction, so if it reads like a novel (David Sedaris, Bill Bryson, Eric Lawson, etc), it's likely on my main shelves. Anyone who doesn't believe in love at first sight, is not a bookworm that found themselves at this front door. It's officially top of the list in my happy Edinburgh places and I look forward to buying many a bookcase to host what will quickly become a book buying addiction. Love. Love. Love.

Hello, my name is Clarissa and Armchair Books is my spirit animal. I know that doesn't make sense, but just go with it--sometimes people don't make sense when they're in love! Armchair Books is a little gem in the already delightful area of Grassmarket. (Seriously: cute pubs. View of castle. Mary's Milk Bar. Yeah, it's safe to say I am quite taken with Grassmarket!) I've been ogling the used bookstores in the area for some time now, and as Armchair was the only one open on a lazy Sunday jaunt, I jumped at the chance to finally explore. (Perk number one: open on a Sunday!) As soon as you walk in you're lovingly punched in the face with that aroma of books--not the "new" smell, but that old, beloved smell that comes from books that have been owned and loved before. Then you take in the walls stacked floor to ceiling, with hand-written labeling to mark the different genres (and a cautionary handwritten warning for the use of the step-ladder), and the enchantment begins! Usually used bookstores are a messy heaven that you have to trawl your determined bibliophile way through. However, I'm impressed by the level of organization in Armchair. Clearly marked sections, as much alphabetization as possible, and hardly any books found on the floors to be stumbled over. The place is surprisingly big and charmingly lit with wee hanging lightbulbs. But the real finds for the hubs and I were the antique books. Oh, the glory! Hardback copies on all subjects with beautiful bindings and gilded pages. Atlases and dictionaries and quirky bibliographies and more. As the permanent tourists we are, we had our camera on hand and had a delightful time taking shots of some of the more beautiful or silly books we found, and we weren't the only ones doing the same. It's understandable really--this place is fancy-camera heaven! The only downside to my Armchair experience is that I walked out empty-handed. Let's blame it on the stimulus overload, but I won't be so shell-shockingly awed next time, mark my words!

Wow! I could not even begin to explain how amazing the experience of this place was. We spent hours browsing in there and could have certainly spent a few more.

This little shop seems to cram quite a few books into its space without seeming cluttered. It is simply wall-to-wall books packed tightly into the shelves. They also put out a sale box on the stoop without too much fanfare, and are open a bit later than I would expect (it was early evening but I don't remember the exact time). The proprietor was painfully indifferent on the day that I was there but that's par for the course with bookstore owners. Lots of fiction here.

Edinburgh = UNESCO City of Literature = Second hand bookstores EVERYWHERE. Seriously, throw a stone and you'll hit ten irritable booksellers with crumbling shelves and tweed elbow patches. I do absolutely plan on reviewing them all, starting with my favs. Armchair books is the best bookstore in this fine city. I have pumped some crazy hours into this place, mostly browsing as it took me a while to build up the courage to buy from the shopkeep. My first few visits we both ignored each other, me slowly searching for my usual Bukowski-esque team of favourite authors and him playing jangly folk song after jangly folk song on his laptop. Once he began to recognise me, it became almost like a standoff, with him waiting to see the cut of my jib and me not wanting to disappoint. And disappointment was not felt! We have some similar tastes in fiction and like some of the same writers. I have second-hand bookstore-cred! Woo! Did you enjoy 'The Help'? Do you LOVE Alexander McCall Smith? Have you ever read a Katie Price book? This might not be the shop for you.

I've given Armchair Books four stars, but it's mainly for the sheer range of books which they have on offer. The guy who owns this place really isn't the most friendly. He has a sign up on his front door telling people not to urinate in the dorrway - fair enough. However, he also has another snide, obnoxious litte note trying to belittle people who are too 'afraid' to ask for help or something along those lines! It's a bit pointless and gives people a flavour of what sort of a guy they are going to be greeted with once inside. He keeps a beady little eye on you at all times and tries to give the impression that he's some sort of intellectual fiend. Anyway, the books are all in relatively good condition for a second hand shop. He stocks an excellent range of fiction as well as non-fiction. You can find some really specific material in here, from 1950s sci-fi to critical responses to Nixon's presidency. In this sense it really isn't your average second hand bookshop as there's shelf after shelf of material on subjects you may never even have heard. It's a pretty enlightening experience to have a short look around, but the owner's attitude kind of spoils it a bit.

Really fantastic bookshop. I always make sure to check this store when I want a book, as multiple times I've stumbled across a used version of a book that I wanted and thought I would have to buy new. I have also discovered wonderful new things by just browsing. Extensive art and lit and play section. The drawback to this store is two fold. One, it's strangely split between two stores side by side where you may have to walk out of the store with books you want in order to browse another section you are interested in. The shopkeepers don't seem to mind this. Two, it's a bit dank and crampt. I know this sometimes adds to the charm of used bookstores , but I really think this subtracts in this case. Anyway, I highly recommend it for the quality of books but purely as a browsing store and not as somewhere to sit and enjoy.

I had only ever been on this street at nighttime, to get from one bar to another and had never really noticed this small and dusty looking bookshop. However, when the sun was out I decided to venture along here. It's a bit like the series of Black Books although minus Bernard Black. It's a sweet place, worthy if you like looking at bargain second hand books. I quite have a romantic ideal for places such as this one as opposed to new overpriced flashy bookshops which also serve lattes and comfy couches. I prefer my bookshops to be from top to bottom with books, tumbling at the corners and the people running them not really sure what's in them or not. Add to this a sales box with tatty looking books and I can spend an age in here.

Allot hours for this shop because there's stacks on stacks on stacks of books available. SO many vintage copies, collectibles. It was so exciting every corner I turned. Definately worth a peek-in!

A really interesting bookstore with good prices and almost a hole in the wall feel which is what I love in bookstores.

A treasure trove of books--both rare and mainstream--that made me feel like Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" when I walked in. Shelves to the ceiling staked with all sorts of books, sci-fi fantasy to poetry. I was confronted with Tolkien as soon as I came in the door and knew I had found my happy place. They give student discounts, and the books are really cheap. It's a delight! Go!

I ordered a copy of a Bloomsbury edition of the first Harry Potter book. It was as they described on AbeBooks, and it arrived more promptly than I expected. I'm absolutely pleased with my order, and I only wish I could go to their store and peruse their collection.

A shop spread over two doors on the Grassmarket, and a really refreshing change from commercialised fodder. I love Grassmarket because of the wee gems you find here and there, and I think that Armchair books could be one of them. If you have a spare hour to browse then perfect. If not, you could be forgiven for dismissing this as a jumble sale of tatty books in boxes. Inside, the place is super tiny and literally packed to the rafters with literature. I was scared to move in case I caused some sort of book avalanche. Books are also placed outside in boxes, all of which are £1, which I was bemused to see was literally scribbled in the door way on the pane with permanent marker. Hmm. Very bohemian though. The assistant wasn't in your face and acknowledged me with a nod and then got back to the books. Typical really, but just what is needed. A great wee shop where you are sure to find something special. Just be warned, serious rummaging will be required!

This is a classic, incredibly well stocked, and very pleasant bookshop. These charming shops are becoming fewer and farther between, what with the competition from the big stores. Its the kind of place you'll pick up something you hadn't necessarily planned on reading. Some great bargains and approachable staff - I once, stupidly, spilled some yoghurt on the floor and they just dealt with it, no fuss!

This is where books would choose to live out their old age if they had a choice and a voice. The bookshelves are filled to the ceiling with endless books, and this is the best shop for fiction and novels, a reader's delight. It is fairly well organised by subject and in alphabetical order, so although you can spend hours poring over the titles you will also find what you need quickly if you need to. There is no point in buying new books when a shop like Armchair exists- it gets recently published semi-new books as fast as you could expect for a second-hand shop, at cut price. Keep it in business by making an effort to get your books from here instead of the big chains; the books are cheaper, the staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and the city centre location makes it accessible to all. Perfect.

This second-hand bookshop is packed full ceiling to floor with all kinds of books. It is like a little world all on its own and a great haven on a rainy day. There are bargain books outside in boxes, or inside when the weather's bad. If you can't find a book, someone will most likely look it up for you.

This place is awesome! It's a cosy wee maze of shelves with all the book I have been meaning to keep an eye out for. For some reason this place seems to have all that I'm after- even two (TWO!!!) old 19th centuary books that I've been keeping an eye out for that I've never seen anywhere else. And OMG IT HAD BROWN'S BIBLE DICTIONARY!!!! (I'm not a religious obsessive- just geeky). Most importantly- the staff are just the lovliest! Just nice and friendly and even offered a wee discount which was really nice. The good customer service is what makes me want to go back which isn't good cos I'm buying books faster than I can read right now...

This has got to be one of the best places to get an obscure or old book, if you are looking for a book that you cant find anywhere else this is the place where you will find it and if they dont have it just ask the staff as they are brilliant and will go out of their way to help you