Delhi, with its back alleys littered with bookshops, streets lined with books for sale and parks holding regular book reading clubs, might just be the place for bibliophiles. You can spend your afternoons flipping through pages at some of the city’s oldest bookshops or browsing through collections at some of the most aesthetically pleasing bookstores. So, if you are chasing your goal of finally hitting a century of books read this year, make your way down to some of the best bookshops in Delhi.
1. Bahrisons Booksellers
Bahrisons, known for tickling intellectual brains since 1953, is among the capital’s best bookshops. From the works of Man Booker Prize winners and nominees to coffee table books and magazines, you will find everything under its single roof. Explore several genres from history and true crime to mythology and romance, while grabbing a piping hot cup of coffee from their onsite café.
📍Khan Market, Opposite Main Gate
2. Oxford Bookstore
One of the biggest bookshops in Delhi, Oxford, boasts trendy interiors, cosy lighting, and an easily explored layout. You will likely find them here if you are looking for all-time bestsellers, new releases, or even rare books. From biographies, children’s books, religious works, and cookery books to translated pieces, classics, science books, and travelogues, there is much to browse at Oxford. Moreover, the on-site Cha Bar is perfect for sipping on a fragrant cup of tea as you while away your time.
📍N Block, N-81, Connaught Place
3. Faqir Chand & Sons
An aesthetic trove, this old-world gem has drawn book lovers since 1951. Brimming with old-world charm, Faqir Chand has something for every kind of reader – whether you like history, mystery, poetry, classic literature, or comics. With stacks out on display and its narrow corridor overflowing with books touching on every genre, this Pinterest-coded shop is the one to visit.
📍Shop 15/A, Khan Market
4. Midland Book Shop
Among all the bookshops in Delhi, Midland enjoys a special place owing to its vast collection of science fiction works. You will find some of the best graphic novels and comic books here. Midland also boasts a decent selection of classics, crime fiction, biographies, coffee table books, politics, humour, and even regional books. You can further check out their pieces on photography, spirituality, and self-help. It is also possible to pre-order books online and visit the store once they are in stock.
📍Shop – 20, Aurobindo Palace Market, Hauz Khas
5. Crossword
Bright, contemporary, and featuring a massive selection, Crossword boasts categories ranging from fiction and non-fiction to business management, young adult collection, and kids’ books. From romance, mythology, finance, and fitness to current affairs, science, marketing, and philosophy, many interesting genres exist to explore here. You can pick up comics, picture books, puzzles, colouring books, fables, and more for children. This holistic haven for bibliophiles also organises book-reading sessions occasionally and sells toys, games, craft kits, activity sets, and stationery items.
📍Shop F-18, Select Citywalk Mall, District Centre, Saket
6. Chapter 101
If you’re the kind who treasures first editions, vintage volumes, and limited-run hardcovers, Chapter 101 is a must-visit. Elegant wooden shelves, earthy-hued flooring, leather furniture, and elegant décor are a dream come true for book lovers. From classics to contemporary releases, there is a wide selection of books to browse here.
📍South Point Mall, Golf Course Road, Sector 53, Gurgaon
7. Jain Book Agency
Among the oldest bookshops in the city, Jain is full of vintage allure and hosts a double-storied paradise for bookworms. Besides fiction and children’s books, you will find impressive collections in different genres, such as computer, agriculture, banking, construction, crime, ecology, nutrition, sports, and more. It is also a great place to find anything related to current affairs. So, whether you are looking for a light, casual read or something that can help you with your exams or a project, the Jain Book Agency won’t disappoint you.
📍C-9, Block C, Connaught Place
8. Om Book Shop
An innovative layout, bright lights, and the smell of books greet you when you enter Om. From fantasy, romance, thriller, photography, and philosophy to business, marketing, art, horror, and humour, you will find every genre possible at this well-known store. Fashion, law, cinema, and comics are other categories you can explore. Om Book Shop not only houses works of popular authors but also newbies starting with their fresh manuscripts.
📍DLF Avenue, 1st Floor, Saket