Bookshops in Manchester

Waterstones Manchester Deansgate, 91 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 2BW - Visit now

Waterstones are the reigning champions of high street bookshops, but don’t let that put you off. Filled to the brim with all the titles you would expect, the Deansgate branch of Waterstones frequently appears in our Literature Guide for hosting regular signings and in-store events.

Magma Books, 22 Oldham Street, Manchester, Manchester, M1 1JN - Visit now

If you need a book on which to rest that Leica camera you’ve never got around to using, head straight to Magma. Lots of beautiful books and a great choice of magazines alongside some excellent stocking fillers. No need to panic on the 24th December.

Chorlton Bookshop, 506 Wilbraham Road, Manchester, M21 9AW - Visit now

If you have ever dreamed of owning a bookshop, it probably looked like this one. Pleasingly petite, family-owned with a good selection of books, and even pet-friendly. Perfect.

Chapter 1 Books, 19 Lever Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1BY - Visit now

Chapter 1 Books is an independent bookshop and coffee shop on Lever Street. The coffee is good, the cakes are excellent, and the books are beautifully displayed. They also have a fountain, naturally.

Paramount Books, 25-27 Shudehill, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 2AF - Visit now

The award for the bookshop with the most personality goes to…  Paramount books. They buy and sell books and comics — a paradise for those looking for something a little unusual.

Travelling Man, 4 Dale St, Manchester, M1 1JW - Visit now

If you like your comic books with some role playing games on the side, look no further than Travelling Man. The choice of books and comics is arguably the best in Manchester. Plus the staff friendly and knowledgeable.

Aspidistra Books, Kiosk 1, Great Northern Warehouse, 235 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4EN

A somewhat unusual but incredibly welcome addition to the Great Northern Warehouse, Aspidistra Books are independent retailer who have crafted a gorgeous little spot near the AMC cinema box-office.

Blackwell’s Manchester, Nr Arthur Lewis Building, The University of Manchester, Bridgeford Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9PL - Visit now

Currently living in a temporary home as the universities continue their endless game of knocking down old buildings and putting up new ones. Blackwell’s are the specialists in specialist and academic reading.

Forbidden Planet International, 65 Oldham St, Manchester, M1 1JR - Visit now

If you’re still wondering how C3PO got that red arm (and I mean, who isn’t?), then you’ll probably want to start your shopping here. The Waterstones of the geek world, Forbidden Planet have books, comics and some undeniably cool pop culture merch to boot. Hulk Hands anyone?