Across Sydney, there are many bookstores waiting to be discovered and explored.
Literary lovers looking for their next great read won’t be disappointed, because these amazing bookstores in Sydney are sure to inspire with their unique and extensive collections.
Opening image: Michelle Cameron at Better Read Than Dead Bookshop. Image: James Horan.
Berkelouw Books
While book-lovers will find many Berkelouw Books stores located across Sydney, our favourite is in Paddington. Spread over three floors, each containing a different array of new and old titles, this shop really has it all. And, from a closing time which caters to late-night book emergencies, to a cafe serving up delicious coffee while you browse, it’s not hard to see why. Berkelouw stocks over two million books across all their stores, so there is truly something for everyone.
Books Kinokuniya
Located in Sydney’s CBD, Kinokuniya is home to one of the largest collections of books in Sydney, including everything from Japanese, French, Chinese, and Australian titles. They house titles covering a wide range of topics, everything from fiction, to manga, to art and design, and more. The friendly staff are very knowledgable, and always available to help you find your next read. Plus, Kinokuniya also features an in-house art space which showcases the talent of local and international artists, with new exhibitions on every two weeks.
Hordern House
Specialising in rare books, manuscripts, and paintings, Hordern House offers a unique shopping experience. The store can be found in a converted warehouse, with lots of natural light and open space. Their unique and rare material focuses mostly on voyages and travel, with a collection of paintings, historical maps, and manuscripts. Hordern House may be one of the most beautiful bookstores in Sydney, and definitely worth a visit.
Better Read than Dead
Found in the heart of Newtown, Better Read than Dead is one of the best bookstores in Sydney, providing customers with an amazing reading experience for over two decades. Their staff are friendly and knowledgable, and ready to help you navigate the floor-to-ceiling shelves, all stocked with a collection of the best contemporary and classic books. It’s no wonder that it has been called “Sydney’s favourite bookstore” by Lonely Planet.
Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore
Gertrude & Alice is a literary haven, a community space for Thespians and lovers of literature alike. Located in Bondi, you will find books on the walls, on the floor, and even on the tables, including some vintage and collectable copies. The owners are passionate readers, aiming to provide every visitor with their next great read, as well as serving delicious coffees and cakes for the local community.
Grand Days Books and Records
Stocking everything from classic to contemporary, art to history, Grand Days Books and Records is home to the unexpected and unique. While there, you will find a wide variety of literary titles, as well as an extensive collection of vintage clothes, shoes, hats and bags. The backroom is even dedicated to vinyl, meaning you’ll be able to grab a great new read, and a new record.
Sappho books, cafe & wine bar
A bookshop, cafe, and tapas bar, Sappho books cater to lovers of literature and food. During the day, you can browse for some of your favourite titles in their secondhand collection of over 30,000 books, before relaxing with a coffee or tea in their courtyard. At night, watch the store transform into a tapas bar, which hosts open mics, poetry readings, and other events. This is a bookstore that can’t be missed.
For a complete list of the best cultural experiences and spots in Australia, click here.
These bookstores may be closer than you think! Rex flies to Sydney daily, and you can find more information about their routes on the map below.
