If you’re looking for the best independent bookshops in Aberdeen look no further. Allow us to share our favourite five within Aberdeen, and then it's time get shopping!
1. Old Aberdeen Bookshop
Address: 140 Spital
Located near the University of Aberdeen, this secondhand bookshop is a bookworm’s dream. Any available surface or shelf is packed with books, making for a lovely bookish environment. They specialise in Scottish and local, antiquarian, classics, and particularly academic books. Being so close to the university means it is the perfect place to go for a textbook or reference book. However, they have a huge range from theology to sci-fi to children’s literature. Whether you are looking for a Shakespeare play for your course, a cheaper medical textbook, or just a cute picture for your Instagram, the Old Aberdeen Bookshop is the place to go.
2. The Mercat Bookshop
Address: 45 Castle Street
Aberdeen has a range of great charity bookshops, but The Mercat Bookshop is one of the best. It stocks not only books, but also CDs, DVDs, and records, making it a hot shopping spot! Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, Mercat demonstrates it has a great heart by raising money for the charity VSA. VSA is a charity that strives to support vulnerable people in the North East and Mercat has raised £150k for them over the last five years. So, if you fancy a bargain with your pennies going to a good cause, make sure to pop in to The Mercat Bookshop.
3. Books and Beans
Address: 22 Belmont Street
If you fancy a book with a cup of tea or coffee, Books and Beans is the place for you. With books lining the wall and a menu full of breakfast and lunch items, cakes, and a range of drinks, it is a lovely cafe in which you can happily relax. Not only that, but it’s fairtade! There is also a space showcasing local artists, meaning you’re surrounded by books and beautiful art. What could be better than picking up a good read from their range of 10,000 and settling down with a coffee and a cake? Books and Beans’s answer is: absolutely nothing.
4. Equip.
Address: King’s Community Church
Equip is Aberdeen's local Christian bookstore and sells a range of resources! Along with bibles, you can find all sorts of books on theology and faith, CDs and DVDs, children and youth resources, and all sorts of church supplies and study guides. And, of course, some great fiction titles. Equip is also next to The Coffee Bar which is a brilliant coffee shop with lots of space for kids.
5. Asylum Books & Games
Address: 29 Adelphi
Another specialist shop is Asylum, a comic book and graphic novel shop just off Union Street. They have been catering to the comic book community in the city for over twenty years, putting on signings and ordering in anything a customer needs. Apparently, they take in so many parcels the postmen joke they’re part-post office! They offer a loyalty card scheme and plenty of offers, so it’s worth making Asylum your top spot for any comic book needs.
We hope this has helped you find some exciting independent bookshops in Aberdeen. Know of any more bookstores in Aberdeen? Let us know your recommendations in the comments!
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