The 7 Best Bookshops in Sydney

Sydney in Australia is a fantastic city for bookworms as it is bursting with brilliant bookshops. From modern shops selling the latest bestsellers to atmospheric old shops selling rare copies, Sydney has something for all bibliophiles. Ready to get reading? Here are some of the best bookshops in Sydney that well-read visitors should seek out.

The 7 Best Bookshops in Sydney

1. Kinokuniya

Located in the heart of the CBD, Kinokuniya has the largest range of books in Sydney with over 300,000 titles in English, Japanese, Chinese, French and German. The shop also has an art space called The Wedge Gallery that exhibits work from both local and international artists. With friendly, chatty staff, a super stationery section and book signings and readings, there is lots to keep you entertained in Kinokuniya.

2. Abbey’s Bookshop

This Australian-owned bookshop has been in operation since 1968 and it is where you’ll find one of the best selections of sci-fi and fantasy novels in Sydney. Also on the shelves, you’ll find a well-curated collection of titles on the topics of history, science, the classics, crime and literature. The shop also hosts great author’s events from signings to readings. This really is an Aladdin’s cave for readers.

3. Elizabeth’s Bookshop

Established in 1973, Elizabeth’s Bookshop, with over 400,000 books in stock, is one of Australia’s largest second-hand bookshop operations. They also deal in out-of-print and discounted new books. Located on King Street, this charming and enduring bookseller is well-known for its “blind date with a book”. This is where the bookseller gives you a brand new book wrapped in brown paper. You’ll only find out what you got once you’ve made your purchase.

4. Berkelouw Books

This three-storey literary landmark on Oxford Street in Paddington, Sydney, has been a fixture on the street for over two decades. Downstairs, you’ll find shelves filled with new books, magazines, curios and gifts. The next two floors are filled with secondhand titles covering fiction, art, culture, and history. On the second floor is a licensed café that looks out over Oxford Street and is open late. It is the perfect spot to read and watch the world go by whilst sipping coffee or wine late into the night.

5. Gleebooks

Gleebooks is an independent bookseller in business for over forty years. There are branches in Glebe, Dulwich Hill, Blackheath and Walsh Bay, but our heart belongs to the original bookshop on 49 Glebe Point Road. On the shelves, you’ll find an excellent range of new and classic titles – with a particular good young adult section – and the shop also hosts author events, readings, signings, launches and more.

6. Bookoccino Bookshop & Cafe

If you like your literature with a side order of coffee or wine, then make your way to Bookoccino in the beautiful seaside village of Avalon, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. On the shelves, you’ll find a broad range of titles of classics and unexpected literary gems. The staff love to talk about books and will happily help you find the perfect read. This bookshop is also famous for its terrific events with great speakers from politics, law, science, journalism, art, literary fiction and more.

7. Desire Books and Records

This book, record shop and performance space is located off the Manly Corso. With five very creative owners, this space is incredibly eclectic and you’ll never know what you’ll find on the shelves. Second-hand books sit side-by-side retro vinyl and there is a great selection of philosophy and psychology titles. The bookshop is full of community spirit and you’ll find exhibits of local artists and open mic nights, cultural conversations, and a community choir called Choir at Desire.

Melanie May

Melanie is an intrepid solo traveller, endlessly curious about people, places and food. She is a fan of slow travel and loves exploring the world by mouth, discovering a culture through its food. Having backpacked her way around the world she turned her wanderlust into a career and is now a full-time travel writer.

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