Five of the Very Best Bookstores in Sydney

The best bookstores in Sydney are distinct in their disposition, highlighting and promoting the joy of reading in their unique ways. At the helm of these establishments are passionate booksellers, people who have taken their love for books to new heights, often working against economic hardships to keep alive these much-needed institutions that provide comfort and an escape to thousands of bibliophiles every day. A city with an avid book culture, Sydney bookstores will leave you in awe of their charming personas. 

The Best Little Bookshop In Town

One of the most delightful bookstores in Sydney, The Best Little Bookshop In Town might be little, but it has a big heart. Situated in Cronulla about half an hour from central Sydney, the bookshop sells both new and old books in addition to holding a book club and story time sessions for children. Their rare book section in the back consists of treasures you do not want to miss. Perfect for an ardent book collector, you can find the first edition of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood, David Marr's signed Patrick White: A Life, and the first edition of Graham Green's Our Man in Havana here. The staff is friendly, and the bookstore also holds in-shop book events for readers and authors regularly. 

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Constant Reader

A "village-style bookshop," Constant Reader has been operational since 1979 and is among the most-loved bookstores in Sydney. This relatively large space is home to novels that fall under diverse genres. However, the selection is curated with care, keeping in mind local and popular interests. Constant Reader is famous for being "one of the oldest independent bookshops in Sydney." It is also known for its Writers at Stanton program that consists of free author talks during lunchtime. This weekly program has been going on for over 20 years now. In 2019, owner Jay Lansdown took over another independent bookshop, Pages & Pages in Mosman, and converted it into a second location of Constant Reader.

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Bookoccino

A contemporary escape in the city, both in its character and looks, Bookoccino is a treasured Sydney gem. Book lovers walking in for the first time will find that there is ample space to move around, and if the name wasn't a dead giveaway, Bookoccino does serve a mean cup of coffee and some wine to compliment the book browsing experience. The uniqueness of the bookshop lies in its constant endeavor to merge culture with books. As a result, musical evenings and author events are a frequent occurrence at Bookoccino.

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Gertrude and Alice

Bondi Beach is a beautiful spot in Sydney to read, relax, and bathe in the sun. It is also the location of Gertrude and Alice, a gorgeous bookstore that sees visitors from all over the world walk in through its doors daily. The 25000+ collection of books on sale here is as eclectic as the shop's persona. Comprising of varied genres across new, second-hand, rare, and first editions, Gertrude and Alice is a playground where ardent book lovers choose to get lost. Named after real-life art and literary figures, the bookshop has long been a favorite destination for local writers and international celebrities. A genuine one-of-a-kind literary address, the bookshop's mantra is to create a space that is "a true oasis for book lovers, coffee aficionados, and thespians alike."

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Love Vintage Books

Amongst the best second-hand bookstores in Sydney, Love Vintage Books only deals in rare, out-of-print, and select books that predate 1990. Unlike some other second-hand establishments, this jewel of a bookshop takes excellent care of its collection, displaying and preserving novels in a well-organized and sophisticated space that is both inviting and visually soothing. Love Vintage Books takes pride in focusing on specific genres such as military, Australiana, travel, art, transport, maps, and children's literature that gives the bookshop an exclusive and appealing aura. 

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