London's legendary cathedral of books, offering over 200,000 titles and a serene literary haven since 1903.
Foyles is a world-renowned flagship bookshop located on Charing Cross Road in London, celebrated as a stunning modern 'cathedral of books' with multiple floors housing an incredible range of over 200,000 titles. This historic establishment, founded in 1903, features specialized sections including fiction, art, languages, military history, music with Ray's Jazz, and children's books, all set in a beautiful, airy layout with bright atriums and winding stairs. The knowledgeable and passionate staff provide exceptional service, while the on-site café offers a pleasant spot for coffee and light bites, and an auditorium hosts author events. Foyles combines historic charm with a welcoming, contemporary energy, making it a must-visit destination for book lovers and a benchmark for 21st-century literary spaces.
107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0EB, UK
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Vast selection of over 200,000 titles across fiction, non-fiction, art, languages, and specialist subjects.
Light bites, coffee, and meals served in a top-floor café with views over the bookshop shelves.
Hosting literary talks, signings, and performances in the on-site auditorium for community engagement.
Dedicated areas for music (Ray's Jazz), children's books, games, and academic titles for niche interests.
Spacious, well-lit floors with curated displays and knowledgeable staff to assist with discovery.
Overall rating
Jackson Salzman
The cafe was crazy, in a good way. If brains could give off signals the harder they're working, this place would be overwhelmed with them. Quick service even for how many people are in and out. The bookstore is super cool with 5 levels and tons of books. A bit on the narrow side, but that's fine as long as people are respectful.
Kevin Kwan
Foyles on Charing Cross Road is hands-down one of the best bookshops in the world. This flagship store is a stunning modern “cathedral of books” with multiple floors (around 4-6 levels) packed with an incredible range — over 200,000 titles covering everything from fiction and art to specialist sections like languages, military history, music (including Ray’s Jazz), children’s books, and more. The layout is beautiful: bright atrium, winding stairs, great lighting, and knowledgeable staff who are genuinely passionate and helpful. I could spend hours browsing — the selection is vast yet well-organized, with hidden gems, new releases, and classics everywhere. The café upstairs is a lovely spot for a coffee or light bite while overlooking the shelves, and there’s even an auditorium for events (wish I’d caught one!). It’s got that perfect mix of historic charm (Foyles has been a London legend since 1903) and fresh, welcoming energy in the current location. If you’re in London and love books, this is an absolute must-visit. Whether you’re hunting for something specific or just wandering, it’s pure joy. Highly recommend — easily worth 5 stars and more!
Mioma Priora
Foyles is a cathedral to the written word, a masterful reinvention of a legendary bookseller that retains its soul while offering a sublime modern browsing experience. Its five light-filled floors are a deliberate, curated universe where every section—from the colossal fiction hall to the dedicated Ray's Jazz room—feels like a specialized shop in itself. This isn't merely a retailer; it's a civic space for literary discovery, underscored by a world-class program of author events. My advice is to approach it with time and vertical ambition. Start at the ground floor's tempting tables, then ascend to the dedicated arts and academic floors, where the depth of stock is astonishing. The top-floor cafe provides the perfect perch to survey your finds. While other great bookshops crowd Charing Cross Road, Foyles distinguishes itself with its sheer, breathable space and an atmosphere of serene, intelligent enthusiasm. Visit not just to buy, but to participate in a London tradition that has elegantly evolved from chaotic marvel into a spacious, luminous sanctuary for readers. It is a benchmark for what a 21st-century flagship bookshop should be.
Sam Aberman
One of the last great bookshops standing in London after so many others have disappeared, and absolutely one of my favourite places in the city. Foyles remains a proper haven for anyone who genuinely loves books—not just buying them, but being around them and the people who care about them. The building itself is beautiful, spread across multiple floors with that lovely airy feel that makes you want to spend hours just wandering. They claim to have four miles of shelves holding over 200,000 titles (I did not count) means whatever specific topic you're after, they've probably got it covered. The atmosphere is exactly what a bookshop should be—the kind of place where you can feel the books settling in around you, if that makes sense. The cafe upstairs is a proper bonus. It's pleasant enough for a decent coffee break, though it does get busy. I really love is being surrounded by fellow book lovers.. that sense that everyone there actually cares about what they're browsing rather than just killing time. If you love books and you're anywhere near Charing Cross Road, this is your pilgrimage site. It's the kind of place that reminds you why physical bookshops still matter.
Eva
I was very impressed by this 5 stories bookshop in SoHo area. The setting is very lovely and spacious, very clearly classified all category of books. I love the game area, can easily find a fun game for different ages as a present! The top floor is a cafe, the set hot lunch is very reasonable. Nice escape from the busy street.
