Sydney might be one of the country’s most bookish places boasting a great number of spots for readers. You can find streets full of books, an entire trail lined with charming locally-owned bookshops and places doing double duty with heart meals and books lining the walls from floor to ceiling. If you’re trying to get ahead of your Goodreads goals or get your hands on the latest bestseller, here are some of the best bookshops in Sydney for a cosy day out.
1. Better Read Than Dead
This Newtown staple has been around since 1996 offering a diverse variety of books to locals while also hosting a number of engaging events like book signings, author events, book clubs and community events. It was also heralded as Sydney’s favourite bookshop by Lonely Planet so it’s a must-visit if you enjoy books. Find it on the bustling King Street which is also home to clothing stores and eateries so you can make a day out of it. Find all their upcoming events here.
2. Berkelow Paddington
There are many Berkelow stores around Sydney but its most popular one is the three-storey bookstore that has enticed readers since 1994. The landmark location offers everything from new releases to crime fiction, history, non-fiction and more. It also houses a cosy wine bar and cafe upstairs if you like a drink to go with your book along with abundant booklover paraphernalia. Even better, it’s open late so you can head here after a busy day if you’re looking to unplug. Find their online catalogue here.
3. Gould’s Book Arcade
This family-run bookshop has been around for 30 years and carries everything from second-hand and rare books to records and more. It’s a legendary Sydney bookshop and one of Australia’s largest so you’ll be hard pressed to not find something worth your while here. On offer is an impressive collection of vinyl records, magazines, biographies and more. The King Street institution also has an online catalogue if you prefer to shop digitally.
4. Gleebooks
With over 30 years of experience in bookselling, Gleebooks is a longstanding and dependable bookstore with a wide selection of books, journals, music and DVDs on sale. The shop also hosts regular book talks and events, hosting talented local and international writers over wine and cheese. Tucked away in Glebe, the bookshop is also a great place for cinephiles offering an eclectic collection of mainstream, arthouse and rare classics.
5. Elizabeth’s Bookshop
As one of Australia’s largest second-hand bookshops, this charming spot boasts an impressive 400,000 books across its 4 shops on both sides of the country. Its popular Newtown outpost is well-known for its “Blind Date with a Book” — a hand-wrapped, carefully chosen book just for you but you’ll only what it is once you’ve bought it. Every inch of the bookstore is filled with travel, law, fiction, philosophy, comics, graphic novels and much more. Find more about Elizabeth’s Bookshop here.
6. Love Vintage Books
Love Vintage Books is a popular North Shore bookshop that is all about rare and hard-to-find gems across a variety of genres. Find titles dedicated solely to history, transport, military, classic literature, children’s books and a lot more. You can also get your hands on antique postcards, maps, rare publications and architecture. This bookshop nestled in Willoughby offers a cosy ambience that itself seems to exist out of time.
7. Bookoccino
Another popular Northern Beaches staple, Bookoccino is a lit lover’s paradise but offers a lot more beyond books. Expect trivia nights, coffee and pastries and community events like book clubs and author meetups. The shop is also home to a cafe that offers light but wholesome food options and very good coffee. Founded in 1992, it’s now home to stacks of books across fiction, non-fiction, poetry and more. Find it in the lovely seaside suburb of Avalon. Find and sign up for one of their upcoming events here.
8. The Best Little Bookshop In Town
The charming name of this shop will probably draw you in, but it’s the books that will keep you there. Find rare and collectible books, the latest bestsellers, classics, adult fiction, magazines, poetry and more. While it’s a dependable spot to browse for your next read, it also offers a diverse range of activities that include book launches and signings and even psychic readings. Find their online offerings here.
9. Title Barangaroo
This bustling bookshop in Barangaroo is the Sydney flagship of Australia’s largest independent retailer of books, music and film so it’s a pop culture lover’s dream destination. Snag out of print titles, classics, latest releases, eccentric art books and a range of vinyl records. This vibrant bookstore is also part record store and offers something for everyone. Find more info about Title here.
10. Hordern House Rare Books
If you’re looking for the latest Emily Henry or Taylor Jenkins Reid, you probably won’t find it here. This airy and bright spot is the place to visit if you’re after an antique or hard-to-find title. The acclaimed specialists in rare books also store historical maps, rare reads, drawings, paintings and more, reflecting a special focus across Australia and the Pacific. Hordern House Rare Books is a one-of-a-kind bookshop and offers a step back in time with its impressive catalogue both at its chic Surry Hills store and online.
11. Ariel Booksellers
Art and literature lovers will rejoice that a place like Ariel Booksellers exists. This Paddington mainstay is an independent bookseller with a special focus on architecture, art, design, fashion and photography titles. Small but mighty, the bookshop also stocks a range of fiction and non-fiction, children’s literature, art, poetry and m0re. Check out their Instagram page for more.
12. Constant Reader
This independent bookstore has a quiet vibe and has been serving the local community in Crows Nest for many years. Offering something for all kinds of readers, this classic bookshop sells a variety of books across fiction, crime, non-fiction, children’s books, sports, science and more alongside an impressive collection of records. Check out their full online catalogue here.
13. Grand Days
Love all things vintage? Grand Days is the place to be. This quirky spot in the heart of Woolloomooloo is part bookstore and part vintage clothing store making it a one-stop shop for both readers and shoppers. Get your hands on pre-loved clothing and designer pieces then make a beeline for the bookstore and browse the shelves for an excellent collection of secondhand books, vinyl records and memorabilia. Find their online shop here.
14. Blues Point Bookshop
Blues Point Bookshop is a charming little independent bookshop that has housed a fine collection of books, vintage clothes and records since 1987 with an incredibly photogenic reading lounge to boot. Packed with European vibes and an old-world charm, readers can find a variety of new and old books including fiction, non-fiction and children’s books and it also hosts cool author signings and other awesome events.
15. Ampersand
Saving one of our favourites for last — Ampersand offers thousands of books across three storeys. There are plenty of cosy corners to settle into with cosy armchairs and light-filled spaces with a vast selection of genres to explore. They also have coffee and food with menu offerings that include breakfast bowls, salads, burgers, toasties and more. Find the full menu here.