The best bookstores in Singapore

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.

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. 

Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop at Urban Redevelopment Authority Centre in Maxwell Road reopened on January 6 after a five-month hiatus, but has sadly closed its doors again. The good news is that since March, Epigram has reopened again in Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. Pick up books by your favourite Singaporean and Southeast Asian writers while sipping on coffees by coffee partner Balestier Market Collective. A nice bonus? You can conveniently pop into the SAM art galleries as you like to check out the latest contemporary art exhibitions too. 

There's a new bookstore in the heart of town, and it's a haven for lovers of Chinese culture, literature and art. Taking over the space in Wheelock Place where the Borders flagship used to be is the ZALL Bookstore. It stocks more than 30,000 Chinese literary works for adults and children across two storeys, and has a café and art gallery to boot.

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. 

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.  

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.

Books Ahoy! at Forum the Shopping Mall is the brainchild of Shannon Ong and Mark Foo – the same folks behind Tiong Bahru’s Woods in the Books, an independent bookstore that specialises in picture books. Just like its sister outlet, Books Ahoy! has its eyes trained on reading materials for children, with a thoughtfully curated collection of classics, new releases, graphic novels, as well as niche titles that are hard to come by in Singapore. Aside from the usual classics by Roald Dahl and Hergé, the store also carries books with a local flavour – think Samsui Girl, Wayang Girl, Gasing Boy and Coolie Boys from local publisher, The History Workroom. With books lovingly displayed like artworks on shelves and walls, Books Ahoy! mirrors a mini-museum of children’s literature more than anything else. 

With so many titles across so many genres and languages, this Japanese book giant’s computerised book search stations are a blessing. Located in a massive space, Kinokuniya's extensive collection of graphic novels, magazines, guides, fiction and non-fiction titles will have you browsing for hours. It also offers stationery and other knick-knacks to go along with your purchase. 

Stock up your shelves with newly released paperbacks, the New York Times bestsellers, and the latest issue of your favourite magazine. Titles include fiction, non-fiction, lifestyle and children's books, but don't expect to find many specialist ones here. However, do keep your eyes peeled for exciting activities such as author appearances, book signings and workshops. Times at Paragon is permanently closed, but there are still multiple stores around Singapore where you can get your shopping done.