Stanfords: London's Incredible Travel Bookstore

On your next weekend in London, let your feet lead you to Stanford, an iconic store in the capital located not far from the’Covent Garden Hotel. The store not only specializes in maps and travel books, but you’ll also find a whole range of practical accessories for all your trips and adventures.

For adventurers, travelers—and more!

At Stanfords, you’ll run into globetrotters, but also plenty of people who love to travel and escape from the comfort of their armchairs, leafing through the pages of a book. The current store has been around since 1901 and is always bustling, as everyone knows they’re sure to find something they love there.

The concept: There, you’ll find everything you could ever dream of as a nomadic or settled traveler. Maps and atlases of all kinds, tons and tons of travel guides that will take you all over the world, as well as accessories for the whole family. At Stanfords, you can buy not only adapters for every country (such a handy accessory!), first-aid kits, but also books that are both fun and practical—teaching you how much to tip in different countries or how to «swear» like the locals!

And if you're the type who likes to escape by exploring the world with a cup of tea in hand, Stanfords has a wonderful collection of globes! Of course, kids will find something they love, too, with books and toys for all ages.

The extra perk: Because Stanfords really has it all, the store now features a café where you can relax with a cup of coffee and a pastry while browsing your latest purchases. Pure bliss!

The address:  12–14 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London

The website: http://www.stanfords.co.uk/