The best bookstores in Singapore

This underrated bookstore–café at Duxton is a calm and inviting nook run by a passionate bookworm, featuring shelves full of SingLit titles and a dedicated focus on Asian authors. In an era dominated by all things digital, it is a vital independent space where you can easily spend all day supporting local literature. The cosy atmosphere is complemented by soft music and a menu that settles lunch with sandwiches, French toast, and freshly baked Earl Grey scones, which can be washed down with tea, wine, or ice cream floats. You should not miss the in–house literary events announced via Instagram, including writers’ open mic sessions, author talks, bookworm banters, and book launches.

Kinokuniya is the undisputed giant of Singapore's book scene. Spanning a massive floor in Takashimaya, this bookstore remains unmatched for its sheer volume of graphic novels, magazines, guides, fiction, and non-fiction titles. You can browse here for hours, and even leave with stationery and other knick-knacks. 

Basheer Graphic Books is no stranger amongst the art types in Bras Basah. A regular haunt for graphic designers and illustrators, the bookstore stocks the best and latest in disciplines that range from graphics and architecture to fashion and animation. There are also regular discounts offered on specialised magazines and publications. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Leave your name, number and the desired title(s), and you’ll be notified once it arrives.

Browsing books promises to be a fun affair in this charming two-storey shophouse-turned-bookshop. The indie bookstore carries titles across all genres that range from specially selected literary, non-fiction, travel narratives and award-winning children's books. Additionally, the books on sale – ranging from bestsellers and literary classics to children's titles – are actually quite affordable or at least cheaper than you'd expect compared to other bookstores.  

When all you want to do is curl up with a book and a good drink, Bommoi is your place. Formerly at Armenian Street, this Korean bookstore now occupies a two-storey shophouse space on Neil Road. The second floor is a dedicated reading space – access costs just $4 with no time limit. Otherwise, spend $20 or more at the bookstore to use the space for free. Drinks like water, Milo, and tea are complimentary. Meanwhile, you'll find the first floor stocked with picture books by South Korean artists, Korean novels, art books, language books, and English translations of Korean titles. Beyond the books, you'll also discover zines by independent creators, and a cosy nook showcasing ceramics and artworks by South Korean makers. 

Chinese book lovers will have lots to browse at Grassroots Book Room. Started in 1995, this quaint bookstore stocks an impressive range of Chinese language books, spanning modern literature, history, politics, art and more. English speakers, no need to feel alienated – there are also local and international titles in English for your reading pleasure. For something different, check out the selection of beautifully illustrated picture books too. And once a new café moves in to replace the now-closed Katasumi Koohii, you'll have the perfect cosy spot for a lazy afternoon with books, dessert and coffee. 

For those concerned about hard copy books going out of print, there lies an inconspicuous brick-and-mortar bookstore that’s in the heart of Joo Chiat. Not only is it a welcoming, cosy space with natural light streaming through, but it also has a hidden stash of out-of-print books and rare titles. While this bookstore has a clear preference for Chinese literature, there is also a selection of international titles that are sure to spark your curiosity. A deep dive into the history of Malaysian railways, local Singlit poetry, or even Bengali fiction – this indie bookstore has quite the range. 

If pages full of words bore you, check out this shop that specialises in picture books. Woods in the Books offers a feast of pictorial treasures, including works by award-winning French cartoonist Jean-Jacques Sempé – known simply as Sempé – plus quirky graphic novels, the popular 1980s Malaysian series Lat, pop-up versions of The Little Prince and of course, classic children’s books like Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are. There are now two Woods in the Books stores – one in Katong and one in New Bahru. 

There's a Kino of Chinese books right in the heart of town. Taking over a two-storey space at Wheelock Place is ZALL Bookstore, a haven for lovers of Chinese culture, literature and art. It stocks more than 30,000 Chinese literary works for adults and children, and has an art gallery and in-house gallery to boot.  

This might be Singapore's tiniest bookshop, but it's packed with some of the most intriguing titles. Eliko, a whimsical micro-bookshop in Chinatown Complex, spills over with vintage picture books from the '70s and '80s and rare out-of-print titles, as well as more contemporary reads. And don't think these picture books are for kids only – founder May Lin is drawn to works with deep themes, with some approaching heavier topics such as death and war candidly. Many are in foreign languages too, but easily understood with a translation app. Eliko runs on a library system: $8 will give you one hour of browsing and a free coffee. Books without the blue dot sticker are for purchase while the rest are for browsing only.

Whet your wanderlust at the Hungry Traveller Bookstore. Located in Bras Basah Complex, this niche shop has everything its name promises – books about food and books about travel. Here, you'll find vintage travel guides, maps and travelogues as well as vintage cookbooks on global – and even obscure – cuisines (Recipes from America's Restored Villages is one example). Hungry Traveller Bookstore runs an online store, but we really recommend heading down to the physical space for the experience of holding these rare, antique tomes in your hands. 

Rightfully located in the heart of Kampong Gelam is Wardah Books, a sanctuary for those who wish to immerse in Islamic thought and literature. The bookshop specialises in books on Islam in English, boasting more than 4000 titles across history, philosophy, literature and the arts. In its beautiful shophouse space on Busorah Street, there is even a nook dedicated to books for children. Visit to browse Wardah Books’ extensive collection or to steal a pocket of quiet reading time, and stay up to date with its book clubs and reading sessions via its official website.

You can’t miss the whimsical, colourful Chinese-language bookstore on Neil Road. Adorned with dried flowers, handmade decorations, and bundles of cotton suspended from the ceiling like clouds, Hook on Books is a children’s bookstore like no other. Though the bookstore sells mostly toys, books, and stationery for children, there’s also a cafe and a small reading corner for adults, so parents can get a coffee and relax while kids browse the shelves. Hook on Books also offers walk-in workshops – kids can make their own cards, notebooks, or dried floral arrangements using a wide range of materials.

Twotwobookshop is a new, cosy independent bookstore tucked inside an office unit along Serangoon Road (specifically at 1122A, which inspired its name). The warm, living room-like space will make you feel like you're browsing a personal collection, one specialising in niche art, photography, and research-based titles from publishers like Apartamento and Mack. Co-founded by Guo Jie, the space reflects the founders' personal tastes, featuring works by renowned photographers like Masahisa Fukase alongside indie local and regional presses. It currently operates on an ad-hoc schedule, so check their Instagram for opening hours before visiting.