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    No Alibis

    4.2 (24 reviews)
    ModerateBookstores
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

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    Robbie B.

    No Alibis is Northern Ireland's only specialist crime bookstore. They are based on Botanic Avenue, in the centre of Belfast. They specialise in crime fiction and American studies publications. If you are looking for a novel, book or publication in the crime genre e.g. true life or fictional crime stories, thrillers, whodunits, mysteries, police and detective stories then then you have come to the correct place. If you are looking for American studies books, both factual and fiction, then No Alibis is the major clue in resolving your search. Their bookstores offer everything that you would expect from an innovative company. They have signed editions and special bookshop events including visiting authors. Bookmark the website and check the News page regularly to see what events are coming up and what special offers we currently have in the stores. A class wee book shop that gives a brillant change from the Eason and WH Smith dominated nonsense that most people read. Well worth checking out.

    Conor K.

    I love independent book stores! I'm not sure if it's an unhealthy obsession with the show black books or that it's just such a rare sight these days. No Alibis book store is something special. They say themselves that they specialise in crime literature and are your one stop shop if that's what your looking for, and their right. But what I love so much about this store is the events they host. No Alibis often plays host to singer song writers, poets and authors in the evenings, where you can sit in an amazing place and enjoy artists that wouldn't be seen in the regular live clubs and pubs in Belfast. Recently I went to see a singer song writer called John Smith. I had never heard of him, but having a spare tenner and a free night decided to go. The guys at No Alibis really create an enjoyable environment to sit back and take in some little known talent. These little nights have became small adventures into the unknown. Sometimes their good, others their terrible. But they are always worth a try.

    Andrew B.

    This bookshop was a place that I walked by for a long time without even really knowing what it was. I think I just thought it had an interesting front door. Ok, I'll admit it!! The last time I read a book let alone shopped for a book without having too for some university task was 'yonks ago'. So why would I even attempt to write a review for a bookstore? The answer would be that I think this bookstore is so much more than a bookstore. I first ventured into this shop not to check out the latest 'John Grisham' but to go to a little gig. It was then that I walked through its doors to see it in its full glory. i've since been back and if your in the area it is definitely worth calling in. You can also grab a coffee while you have a browse.

    A crime not to go in..
    Jules S.

    The selection of books available in No Alibis is criminal. See what I did there, it's a specialist crime book shop, and it is awesome! Crime fiction is my thing, and this is like Mecca for me. Unlike the big chains who may have a section with a few James Patterson on a table, this place is a buffet where you just don't know where to start. The owners are on site, and their knowledge and passion is infectious. They also hold events both in store and off site such as readings with authors and even music gigs. I cannot stress enough what a great wee place is, and if you even like reading at all but not sure if crime is for you, you should check it out.

    Front

    A unique bookshop in this bustling area of Belfast. Specialising in crime and noir fiction the atmosphere is set as soon as you walk in. Down the length of the long book lined shelves hang wonderful paintings of classic (and not so classic) pulp novels and movie posters. This well stocked shop boasts an attentive staff that are helpful to point you in the right direction of any first edition or author signed copy you may be after. There's also a large poetry section and plenty of cards, prints, posters and calendars if you're after more than the written word. It's not all hardboiled detectives and gritty dialogue as tucked away in one of the corners is a smallish section of kid's books and some more 'esoteric' reading. There also are regular readings by authors and the occasional 'acoustic' gig in the evenings. One of a kind. Visit and enter another world. Pros: Quiet, very specialised with knowledge staff. Cons: A lot to look through, give yourself at least an hour to browse.

    Geraldine D.

    Ok so, No Alibis is a bookshop but it's a bookshop with a difference. The owner is such a nice man who chats happily to each person and makes each person who walks through the door feel welcome and not in a 'I'm watching you, you wee thief kinna' way. He will chat, advise and suggest... if you want, or leave you to browse if he feels that vibe from you. They hold a great mixture of local authors such as Seamus Heaney as well as a large collection of crime fiction, popular fiction and children's books. I picked up a few little basic alphabet books for my nephew in here a while back. NOW, the real reason I love No Alibis - every now and again the bookshop becomes a rather cosy little auditorium for local and not so local musicians. He also runs book launches and interviews/ question and answer sessions of authors. I went to a very intimate gig recently with maybe thirty people in total all seated with a drink listening to some funky folk music. I was able to pick up a signed copy of an album I love after the gig - all on a rainy Wednesday in Belfast - fantastic! Definitely worth a look!

    I have read news articles that detail the death of the book and the rise of the eReader (iReader, possibly - I don't care what it's called, I will never own one) that make me quiver with rage. How can the giants of technology be so deluded to think that people will ever want to give up their beautiful books, all musty-smelling and tactile paper, pages marked with their beloved bookmarks, for a small electronic device containing a thousand classic novels on a silicon chip? Muppets. Having said that, I do fear for the future of independent bookshops such as No Alibis. I like it very much, even though they seem to limit their stock to the crime fiction variety. It seems odd to me that you'd want to narrow your potential customer base like that, though I have been able to pick up a couple of Vonneguts. All books are brand spanking new so expect to pay the full whack for the newly-published. I've never been to any of the local writer / reading evenings which I hear are very enjoyable. I shall have to remedy that.

    10% discount on student texts at No Alibis...
    Ciara S.

    Brilliant bookstore and another place I've to thank my brother for introducing me to. No Alibis deal mainly in crime fiction, mysteries, thrillers and American books. However I have spotted some great art books in store too (Irish and American artists). It's a pleasure to visit as due to the rise of Amazon and Kindles there are so few independent book shops left. There's nothing better than a rummage through a great bookshop. Although I've never been to one I hear No Alibis host some great events which include author book signings, readings and talks.

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    18 years ago

    If you're up near queens this wee store is definitely worth a visit. You can also grab a great coffee while you have a browse.

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    Review Highlights - No Alibis

    No Alibis deal mainly in crime fiction, mysteries, thrillers and American books.

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    Waterstones - Gift ideas for Father's Day

    Waterstones

    4.0(20 reviews)
    0.8 miCity Centre
    ££

    I'm actually in Waterstones a lot without every buying a book. You see Waterstones houses one of my…read morefavourite coffee shops in the city, Ground Espresso Bar. The bookshop itself is always busy but don't worry there's also plenty of staff although sometimes I find it hard to distinguish between staff and browsers as they don't appear to have a clear uniform. The shop displays are always excellent - they often have featured books highlighted on a table and then related works nearby. I really like this concept as it makes it a really easy shopping experience. Waterstones has a really nice relaxed feeling about it - you won't get told off for having a good rummage and likewise if you want to contemplate your next novel choice the upstairs coffee shop is the perfect place to do that. I know this review wasn't exactly a thriller but hopefully it's a good non-fiction.

    Waterstones does not strike me as 'mainstream' as Easons or WH Smith. There is more of a homely,…read moresort of old fashioned atmosphere at Waterstones which takes the shabby bookshop feel but invests lots of money and time into it to make it into a great store. It is a great mix of old and new. The shop gives you a feel of being a bit like going to your gran's house, but instead of old photo albums, you have the latest bestsellers dotted around instead. They have some great offers, particularly on children's books. I went in with a friend to buy books for primary school teaching and they had some great ones for very cheap. The shop also has some travel guides, a great section on irish history, and is a perfect stop if you need to get someone a Christmas present and you've already exhausted the CD and DVD route one too many times. The staff are really nice and smile and do everything you want from a bookshop member of staff. Remarkable how some shops not too far away have the most ignorant members of staff you can find, yet a quaint little bookshop has the most polite and pleasent people you will ever find. Although I don't like buying books and not ever getting round to reading them, I do like to browse bookshops and Waterstones is one of my favourite in all of Belfast.

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    Waterstones - Waterstones

    Waterstones

    Waterstones
    Waterstones - Autumn of sport- ALL MEN :(

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    Autumn of sport- ALL MEN :(

    Bookfinders - Bookfinders Cafe

    Bookfinders

    4.3(8 reviews)
    0.2 miQueen Quarter
    £

    Stepping into Bookfinders is like stepping back in time 30 years. It's a proper old fashioned,…read morebohemian book shop and café located in the Queen's Quarter of Belfast. I love it but it won't be to everyone's taste - it's definitely a place you'll either love or hate. Other reviewers have mentioned this and the vibe is definitely like stepping into a Harry Potter movie or an episode of Black Books. It's full of second hand books, plants, candles, ornaments and paintings. The floors are uneven, the walls are crammed with paintings, posters and newspaper cut outs and a lovely peaceful, charming atmosphere prevails. They serve sandwiches, toasties, soups, stews, pastas, salads, teas and coffees - I can vouch for the cheese and tomato toasty being extremely tasty. Queen's University English Society hold monthly poetry events in Bookfinders (Poetry and Pints) and drama groups meet here too. Bookfinders is open from 11am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday and later during the light evenings of the summer months. A big plus is there's free Wi-Fi and you can BYOB of wine for lunch, an afternoon meal or to an event. This little bookshop and cafe is the true definition of a hidden gem. I love it and would highly recommend a visit.

    I really adore this little place. It's old, the books tend to be tattered, the floor is a bit…read moreuneven and the place looks like it would be freezing in the winter. However, it is as traditional as a bookshop can ever get. It's like some old Victorian bookshop that you might see in the movies. I've had lunch here which is so cheap and quite nice but its the 'get-away-from-it-all' atmosphere which you cannot pay for. I've also had a few classes and meetings in here and its always really quiet so you feel a bit out of place making noise. It's like a library where you can have lunch. Combines my two favourite things... food and words. Perfect! Definately a must if you ever fancy a book and somewhere to read it undisturbed

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    Bookfinders - Bookfinders

    Bookfinders

    Bookfinders - Art in Bookfinders

    Art in Bookfinders

    Bookfinders - Bookfinders

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    Bookfinders

    War On Want

    War On Want

    3.0(6 reviews)
    0.1 miCity Centre
    £

    I prefer this shop to the Oxfam across the road, which, although certainly better looking with a…read morebetter selection of books, is a bit pricier than the War on Want one. Plus, this is beside Rusty Zip and the Marie Curie charity shop, meaning that trafficphobic me can shop for my books without having to cross the road. Yes, I'm that pathetic. The fiction section is quite extensive for such a little shop, and arranged alphabetically so you can quickly find what you want if you already have a title in mind. Non-fiction is a little less so, but I've bought a few old textbooks here in my time (I'll read anything). There's usually a box or two of books near the front in a small 'bargain' section, as well as a separate Irish section for both fiction and non-fiction. Given that I write teen fiction, I always browse the kids' section (well, that's my excuse), and almost always come away with a battered Enid Blyton or yet another Chalet School story. Then I take my life in my hands and dash across the street to Oxfam to buy some more tomes.

    Compared to Oxfam books, just across the street, this place is a real let down. I don't know what…read moreit is. Maybe the people who donate to War on Want just have really bad taste in books? I have been in here once to have a nosey, a regular thing for me when it comes to book stores. But all I found was the biggest bunch of dull, B-list books and I can completely understand why people wouldn't want them in their house. I know it's for a good cause and all that, but no ones going to buy just anything, so a little more effort wouldn't go a miss.

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    War On Want
    War On Want

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    Eason

    Eason

    3.5(11 reviews)
    0.8 miCity Centre
    £

    There are not many Eason's stores around these days but this one seems to be thriving, set in a…read morecentral location they've given the interior a real facelift - it's bright and vibrant and seems to be doing the trick when it comes to drawing the Belfast punters in. Eason's are specialist's in stationery and magazines, especially niche ones. I popped in here last week to grab a birthday card and to be honest I was a little disappointed with their selection but I suppose there's dedicated card shops for that sort of thing. One thing I noticed is that Eason's seems to have moved with the times, selling electronic goods and essential office supplies such as printer cartridges. On the lower floor there's a huge book selection that would rival Waterstones. Belfast actually doesn't have that many big book shops so if you still haven't succumb to a Kindle this will be your idea of heaven. This Eason is really well staffed so if you're looking for something in particular I would just ask one of the many attentive assistants (who are also pretty quick on the checkouts). All in all it's nice to see a familiar name in the city centre, I'm sure at some point the majority of Northern Ireland picked up their school stationery and chose that all important pencil case from an Eason's branch.

    Easons claims to be a bookstore, but it is not a bookstore in the traditional sense of the word. It…read moreis a corporate store than sells art supplies, stationary, newspapers, chocolate, fizzy drinks etc. I am a fan of old rickety bookshops which you have to bump into people to get past. This is not one of them. Though they do have cheaper priced books than old bookshops, they can still be gotten on the internet so again if all you need is a book, try the internet. If you want the experience, go to an oldfashioned book shop. Not a fan

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    Eason - Read all about it!

    Read all about it!

    Eason - Art supplies at Eason

    Art supplies at Eason

    Eason - Art supplies at Eason

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    Art supplies at Eason

    The Old Abbey Bookshop

    The Old Abbey Bookshop

    4.5(2 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    There are not many of these old fashioned, independent bookshops left anymore and so when I find…read moreone I like to spend a bit of time browsing around. I spent about twenty minutes in here the other day as the place is very small and quite intimate which made me feel I couldn't really use the place as a library. There is an extensive of first editions as well as a surprisingly large collection of old children's books - many of which I recognized from my own childhood such as Jemima Puddle duck and Thomas the tank engine. Because of the uniqueness of some of the books and the extraordinary condition they have been kept in some cost over £40. Obviously there are other books you can pick up for a fraction of the recommended retail price and I was able to find a book on painting on glass for a mere £6.00 - let my new hobby commence!

    An antiquarian/second hand book shop of the best sort with an interesting selection of books…read moreincluding first editions on history, literature, art and cookery. There's also a rich selection of children's titles from days gone by from old authors like GA Henty and Alison Uttley, as well as early editions of Enid Blyton and Biggles. The shop is small but well laid out, kept well and cosy. I could have spent ages in here looking at the fascinating titles as there were so many boosk that I'd like to read though it does also cater for the serious book collector/antiquarian enthusiast.

    Octopus's Garden - Wavey Garments

    Octopus's Garden

    5.0(2 reviews)
    0.7 miCity Centre
    ££

    I was cutting through Wellington Street on my way to Upper Queens Street yesterday when I stumbled…read moreacross Octopus's Garden. Belfast used to be a wash with Vintage stores but over the years these have slowly become extinct so it's always good to see a new one rise from the bottom of the ocean - much like an Octopus. Octopus's Garden has many strands or arms/tentacles (may as well continue down pun street). It sells vintage clothing for both males and females, old school vinyl and various other retro artifacts. The main thing I liked about Octopus Garden was that their was a varied choice - the rails were jam packed with everything from flannel shirts, band T's to leather jackets and potentially bum cheek exposing denim hot pants. The prices were reasonable too - you often find that vintage stores inflate the prices of their stock but it seems that Octopus Garden have made a concerted effort not to extort their clientele. I was only going in for a browse but I ended up walking out with a loud shirt that has already proved a controversial choice - but that's the beauty of buying vintage items - they always divide opinion and create a talking point. I recommend popping in here for a wee duke round - you never know you might come out with your (not everyone's) new favourite shirt.

    If I was trapped in the Garden of The Octo I would never have a time of misery or boredom. This is…read morethe slickest place so far and I would tell anyone who visits this city that loves music and old clothes to begin their journey here. I love this place!

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    Octopus's Garden - Octopus's Garden

    Octopus's Garden

    Octopus's Garden - Shop exterior outside, shop window

    Shop exterior outside, shop window

    Octopus's Garden - Really well priced

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    Really well priced

    No Alibis - bookstores - Updated June 2026

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