Visiting this store was one of the highlights of our Edinburgh trip. We got lucky enough to have our coffee by the windows with a view and the coffee was delicious. Nothing better than a book store/coffee combo! read more

Waterstones - Edinburgh - Bookstores Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

My happy place. I stopped off here to pick up some books for the remainder of our trip to the EU and for the long plane rides ahead of us. This is a giant location with friendly helpful staff. read more

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Hidden gem for one of the best views in Edinburgh! Plus, you know.. an incredible selection of books :) read more

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In terms of volume, this branch of Waterstones could probably rival The Strand in New York and Foyles in London. Spread over several floors in a historic building on Princes Street, it has literally acres and acres of books on every subject from art, photography and architecture to business studies and the economy. Whilst I regularly browse the shelves of the Film, Food & Drink and Travel sections, I have to admit the section I always head for is the Fiction. Earlier this year, they had a wonderful display of female authors including Anais Nin, Angela Carter and Zadie Smith and they're currently promoting Short Story Masters from Flannery O'Connor and Tobias Wolf to Sherman Alexie. There's regular 3 for 2 offers on cult and classic fiction and if you sign up for a Waterstones card you get free points for each book you buy. Well, what are you waiting for? read more

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Since I am a book nerd, you will often find me in any branch of Waterstones in Scotland, sitting on a comfy armchair with my nose in a book. Ha ha, to be fair though, I really love books and this massive store has a lot of them. It is on 4 floors, which are divided up by an awesome wooden Harry Potter style staircase. The main attraction for me is the children's books, which are located on the first floor, which is bright, airy and has giant windows overlooking Edinburgh Castle which flood the store with lots of happy Edinburgh sunbeams. There is a cafe on the second floor called Café W, which looks great. I will have to try one of the cupcakes, which are supplied by Cuckoo's Bakery and look simply delicious. The toilets that are located within the cafe are really ropey and manky and I only use them if I'm desperate. Right now, they are getting an extension, so the place is a bit of a mess but it will soon be gone and there will be a nice modern bookstore in place of the current dated one. I don't think it's quite as big as the store on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow but it's still pretty huge! And the architecture of the building is gorgeous. I don't visit this place enough but I live in the Fort Kinnaird Waterstones. I think it may be time to change that! read more

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I'll focus first to what I love the most here: their cafe!!! (It used to be Starbucks but not anymore). You're surrounded by books, there are tables and stands to sit, the typical coffee choices from a professional coffee machine, teas, cupcakes with epic flavours like sticky toffee pudding and Belgian chocolate (not on the same cupcake ;-) ), fresh biscuits and cakes, free WiFi, relaxing atmosphere and the best display for sunny days (and cloudy/rainy too) with view to the castle and Princes street/gardens! I do enjoy the modern look with big pictures on the walls close to the cafe, cozy temperatures and 3 floors of books were you can spend, no sorry, invest hours or days of your life, you name it!!! If you don't have the time to come in for browsing, then you can still order online and collect your book(s) in this store usually within a few hours. I was pleasantly surprised that for some books there will be price match with major online sellers, bit without any wait since you can see the stock availability online ! Oh, and there are plenty of magazines as well, calendars and some merchandise related to popular books, i.e. Game of thrones . The staff has been brilliant to me the 5 times I've visited this store. Definitely my go-to big store in Edinburgh!! read more

Waterstones - Edinburgh - Pictures on the wall close to the cafe - Bookstores Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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The romance of bookshops and the intimate feeling of choosing a novel that's going to be with you for the next week is truly lost on this place. Based smack bang in the middle of the city centre it means to get the masses, people looking for Jordan's new "novel" or people just bored waiting for busses. Therefore the shop floor is catered to the wider, if not commercial market. I'm not being a snob because I don't read anywhere near as much as I like/feel I should but I also like the unique find. Everything's obviously reasonably prices but is no competition to the internet, the staff know the shop like it's the back of their hand but it's still not enough to make you want to spend anymore time in here than you need to. read more

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Given my generally poverty stricken status, I can't really justify buying books when Edinburgh has such a fantastic network of libraries, but every now and again I get sucked into Waterstone's. I harbour dreams of one day living in a house large enough to accommodate a library and Waterstone's helps to facilitate these dreams. I can spend a good hour in here browsing, picking out tomes with which to fill up imaginary shelf space. The people who work here seem to be quite knowledgeable and will happily give you some inspiration if you're looking for a present for someone or a treat for yourself: I trust their opinions as dotted around the shelves are little handwritten notes explaining why such and such is a worthwhile read. The store also runs regular in person events with high profile authors. These are usually ticketed and cost a couple pounds to attend, but could provide an invaluable insight into your favourite book or author's mind. read more

Waterstones - Edinburgh - Bookstores Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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Edinburgh has quite a few wonderful indie bookshops of which I'm a fan but, I have to say, I've a soft spot for this Waterstones. - There's something about the cafe and its beautiful view of the castle. Although just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street, you can feel far, far away from the hectic city centre in a tranquil world of books and tea. A half hour here with a book on a spring day is a real treat. The shop is spacious and well-organised and the window features and table displays are frequently changed. I always find browsing this bookshop enjoyable! read more

Trying to figure out what to get friends for Christmas can be tough, but can't ever go wrong with books so I went here to look at their selection. This Waterstones has a big selection of books, spanning 4 floors. The bottom floor has books on history, study books, self-help books. Ground floor have various novels, new fiction and books on sale, first floor has children books, arts and crafts, while the top floor has a huge selection of cooking books and biographies. I was needing self help books to give my friends... In particular on dating and how to deal with men, yes sir and ma'am, I figured my girls can get help from some dating books and luckily the books I wanted to give them were being sold here! Whoo hoo! Not sure how helpful these books will be with their dating game, but at least it'll bring them some laugh after being on tinder... Ha! Back to the review...ok! The staff are nice, friendly and helpful. They are all over the place so if you need help finding a book, they are more than willing to help. I love this book store just cause of its set up and coziness... Can get a bit pricey but books are expensive and they always have sales! Sometimes their stocks are limited, so I gotta bump the stars by one, but they are willing to order books. read more

I actually quite like Waterstones now. I do have a love-hate relationship with it, especially over its travel section which ranges from fab to absolutely dire depending on when you visit. However on this visit, everything was tickety boo. There are usually some great offers on such as buy one, get one half price on some great, current books. This time, I was here for the book group choice of Agatha Christie, 5 Little Pigs. There had clealy been a 'run' on this text as I had struggled to get my two little mitts on it, but after phoning ahead and checking its availability, I found it at Waterstones Princes' Street. Staff were able to locate the book, check it was where it was meant to be and put it aside so I could collect which I did - all a seemless process. I also realised that the last 3 or 4 times when I've been struggling to find books, I've tracked them down here which has pleased me no end. Combined with the fact that Waterstones now sells Cuckoo's cakes (including the gf carrot cake) then I'm as happy as a little piggy in the merde to shop here... read more

Reasonably decent bookshop. Doesn't hold a candle to Blackwells on Nicholson Street or any of the smaller independents scattered around Edinburgh. Plenty 3 for 2 offers to keep your wallet happy, but lacking in capturing the excitement that books hold for readers. There's also a half-decent selection of note pads, address books, calendars etc, but if I was you I'd toddle up the road to Paper Tiger and find a more inspiring selection there. Still, it's clean, spacious and well-laid out. As book shops go, it's alright. read more

Yesterday I was having a pretty crap day and just needed to coorie up a dark corner somewhere, but that's not really something you can do at work, so instead I ventured to Waterstones. There's something about the dark wood and the many, many books that's incredibly soothing, and allows you to forget all your worries. I did have a couple of specific books in mind that I wanted to buy (and buy them I did), but just flicking through some interesting looking novels (one of which I also bought) and comparing travel guides was enough to offer me some respite. I know it's a chain, but at least it's an actual physical book shop, and I'd much rather support that than an online megastore (that and I get my hands on the book straight away rather than having to wait for it in the post). Plus, as chains go, Waterstones is a good 'un. They have regular book signings, and a wonderful social media presence, not to mention that this particular branch has a café that stocks Cuckoo's Cupcakes and Hank's Sandwiches which is reason enough to visit. Waterstones, you hold a special place in my heart. read more

Waterstones in Edinburgh is one of my favourite buildings, Georgian, selling one of my favourite items, printed knowledge and serving one of my favourite beverages, coffee. Staff is well informed and helpful, shelves are pretty well assorted and if you cannot find what you need, well...they can order it for you. Waterstones is surviving the e-Book revolution by embracing it and in this particular Edinburgh branch...the so un-needed tram works... There is always a place to seat, read and browse and to enjoy your coffee and snack from Café W while connected to their pretty strong WiFi with a direct view to Edinburgh Castle. Waterstones is a haven for those who want to unplug from the daily nonsensical fast life carousel to pause and feed their minds. Recommended. read more

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SHHH! It's not all about the books, there's coffee too! Ever wanted a latte atop a four-story bookshop? Head up the crazy winding staircase worthy of a Harry Potter movie set, and discover one of the most wonderful little cafes on Princes Street. Surrounded by hundreds of books and overlooking the castle through large stone windows, this is certainly one of the more unique coffee experiences you're likely to have in Edinburgh. Buy a book or bring your own, and enjoy a relaxing hour cuddled up with a coffee and a story. read more

I am not a fan of Waterstones book shop at all. Not just this one in particular, but as a chain I think they are quite limited, and after visit after visit looking for books that weren't on the shelves, I gave up completely. I was literally dragged into this shop when my other half wanted to buy a new Geography book, which had just been released. I noticed this was a rather small store, with only 2 floors, so probably even less choice than usual. We looked and looked but, as I told him as I was being pulled through the door, they didn't have it. I don't know how they manage to do it but each and every Waterstones has a unique, depressing feel about it which you just don't get anywhere else. Kudos for the wee handwritten notes stuck on shelves from the staff recommending books to customers. But other than that, no thanks. Bring back Borders! read more

Waterstones - Edinburgh - Bookstores Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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This particular Waterstone's bookstore on busy Princes Street has always been a bit of a disappointment. I tend to walk in here with the optimism that this will be the day I find the most amazing novel and usually come out empty handed. I don't quite know what exactly doesn't work in this one. The staff our friendly and it is spread over a couple of floors. I think I am mostly disappointed with the variety of stock. Perhaps we have been spoilt with the abundance of choice we are used to, but this ain't no charity shop- they are supposed to have too much choice! Some novels are overemphasised and their posters whammed into your face anywhere you turn whilst others are completely overshadowed! Once after failing to find the Little Prince I asked a girl who worked there. It must have been her first day, she had no idea about this book and where it would be located in the shop. We ended up hunting around together only to find one copy squeezed between some Wriggles books. Not cool. read more

Going to Waterstone's reminds me of being a child and spending my Saturday afternoon browsing the books while the parentals did the same. Wow I was a geek. Waterstone's is probably the best High Street book retailer as it stocks a huge range of genres, and if they don't have it in then they will probably order it for you. I actually really like Waterstone's but I rarely shop there after becoming a Amazon whore. read more

Good as Waterstone's is, having spent many years endlessly browsing the massive and sadly now departed Borders in Glasgow city centre, few other bookshops can compare. Waterstone's is now perhaps the last major High Street bookseller left, and while I've never found it can compete with it's bankrupt rival in terms of either stock or atmosphere, I hope to god they can continue to keep afloat. Otherwise I might have to go on a placard waving "save your local bookstore" protest. Bearing in mind every single publication here can be bought on Amazon for about half the price, they'll need to think of something fast. read more

I love this place, I always feel super clever when I'm browsing the shelves! It's a great place! I especially love to come here when I need to buy some presents. The downstairs books are great - they literally have everything! I've bought a few good fashion books and brilliant selection of memorabilia! There's something about the smell of books that's really quite special, isn't there?! They have it in abundance here! If you have an hour to spare, spend it in here, it's absolutely brilliant! read more

You cant go wrong with Waterstones. While I would rather go to Blackwells for my academic books - Waterstones still has an excellent selection of study books for sale, and sometimes they stock ones you just cant get any where else. Aside from that, I would always come to Waterstones for all of m other book needs - thier selection of classical, fiction and non-fiction is second to none, and thier other book catagories, such as graphic novels and childrens books are also splendid. This shop is also nicely laid out, with the classical architecture of the shops on Princes Street really lending itself to Waterstones - theres just something abouit a grand staircase and pillars that does it for bookshops. read more

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This particular branch of Waterstone's is by far the biggest on Princes Street, which is why I usually head straight to this one as you're much more likely to find what you're looking for. Although I'm embarrassingly uncultured and don't read very much, and therefore probably not an expert on bookshops, I still think the sheer range of stock that you find here is really good. They have sections on everything from 'Local Scottish History' to 'After Dinner Speeches', and everything in between. The other thing I really like about it is how knowledgeable the staff are. No matter how obscure the book that you're looking for is, there'll always be somebody around and willing to go and look it up for you on the database. A lot more than can be said for a lot of other High Street chains! Maybe they've always stocked them and I've just never noticed, but I saw last time I was in that they also have quite a big range of greetings cards, making present shopping much easier and more convenient. read more

A good selection of books in just about any subject matter you can think of; if you can't find it on the shelves, one of the store's friendly assistants will be happy to direct you to the correct location, or look at ordering it in for you. Unlike a lot of book stores I've been to, they have a genuinely wide and varied selection of sci-fi, fantasy and horror books; they've even been kind enough to separate out the more modern "dark romance" novels onto a different set of shelves so you can find the Stephen King's and Clive Barker's of this world without having to wade through the detritus of modern teen culture. This particular Waterstones features a Starbucks on the top floor, with stunning views of Edinburgh castle to mull over whilst you enjoy a latte and contemplate your next purchase. If you're interested in sci-fi and fantasy, I recommend asking in store about the sci-fi and fantasy book group that meets every second Thursday in the Starbucks. They offer good company, an open mind, a store discount on the night, and the occasional free cake if anyone remembers. read more

Waterstones is the Barns and Nobles of the USA, minus the Nook book reading devices. This store is always clean and has a HUGE selection of books on 2 or 3 floors if I am not mistaken. Also has a little coffee shop on the top floor so you can buy your books , go get some coffee and read. I love going into the entrance and seeing what is on sale and all the new best sellers. Has a great selection of Scottish and UK writers and such. Staff seem to always be there to help you with any questions you might have. Downstairs is my favorite though , thats where all the science and history books are so I can nerd out and read about astronomy and other nerdy things. Over all lovely store and I am a fan! read more

Love this bookshop, and cafe on floor above, on visits to Edinburgh. Just bought my niece a Waterstones gift certificate to celebrate her promotion and birthday, and she can spend it on line, or in the store/cafe. I also am glad that Waterstones is now going to be affiliated with Barnes & Noble in the U.S. which can only be good for B&N, my other favorite book store chain! read more

In the day, before I had any incline of indie coffee chains(pre Yelp) and when my favourite place to chill out after work was Waterstones, the coffee supplied by its previous occupiers, was more than just well coffee...I mostly went there for the banter, from the baristas. So tell me Edinburgh what's happened to this bookywooky shop? Really do nice cakes make up for the gapping chasm of friendliness and passion that used to lure me back week upon week; I think not! Somehow it has left me less warm to the chain since the renovation, just like a random wifi connection. Yep the black/cream walls could do with a good lick of paint, the toilets could be more welcoming, the dwindling book stock could be more...stocky! New coffee team, different position of the coffee shop(why change it if it ain't broken) this place is in real danger of of going either one of two ways. Either turning into an abode that resembles Black Books or a massive Kindle shop? I know which one I'd prefer? God help me if one day I go in and Bernard Manny and Fran are sitting drinking red wine in the corner, swatting strange unseen creatures, while they discuss the reasons not to throw a kindle in the bin, or end the suffering of book lovers and give this place back the dignity and charm it deserves or put it out to pastures new. I did like coming here, but now as I know it's lost a few regular customers, dropped a few more books since I started writing this email and not really made many inspirational changes to keep me from going elsewhere then apologies to them. But if your gonna subtract something then if you add something else you really should multiply to get better results. With great power comes greater responsibility so please Waterstones be even greater and more responsible! read more

This is a wonderful bookshop. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Edinburgh. They have all you need and more. Great history section in the cellar and a fine collection of fiction. The also have a nice Scottish collection. The cafe on the top floor is fantastic!! Definitely go! read more