Armchair Books

For more than fifteen years, Armchair Books has been a favourite stop for bibliophiles, who'll appreciate the way the shop combines an eclectic stock with a sterling regard for the health and safety of its customers. Notices kindly warn customers of the difficulties they might encounter when walking on the floor or eating a banana. The shop is in fact divided over two premises; number 72, closer to the Grassmarket, has an impressive stock of fiction, alphabetically arranged, as well as a dazzling selection of science fiction, poetry, myth, philosophy and Scottish books. Number 74, next door, contains mostly factual books, a strong selection of antiquarian tomes and a dizzying array of light bulbs (energy efficient). With every possible surface piled high with books from floor to ceiling, Armchair Books is a haven for book lovers of all persuasions, with staff as lovely as you'd expect in such a wonderfully cosy place. And they even do student discounts to boot.