Chennai’s Book Lovers' Paradise: Top 12 Bookstores You Can't Afford to Miss

Established in 1844, Higginbothams stands as a historical icon in Chennai and ranks among India's most ancient bookstores. Nestled in the city centre, it radiates a classic allure and presents an extensive array of books spanning diverse genres and languages. Originally the sole destination for acquiring new releases and vintage editions prior to the emergence of the OG book stores Starmark, Landmark and Odyssey, it has transformed into a sanctuary for book enthusiasts. With its abundantly stocked shelves and well-informed staff, Higginbothams is an essential destination for Chennai's bookworms.

Located in Thiruvanmyiur, Tara  a unique bookshop, that goes beyond merely selling books and takes the unique approach of crafting their own cards and unconventional books. Their focus lies in incorporating captivating concepts, whimsical designs, and vivid illustrations into their creations. Although their collection prominently features children's literature, they also curate an exquisite selection of art and design books. The store boasts an assortment of books in English, Tamil, and German, standing out as one of the rare establishments that strives to seamlessly blend Indian heritage and the craftsmanship of Indian artists into the fabric of their publications. The store's ambience exudes a minimalistic charm.

This bookstore is a delightful haven for bookworms, featuring an art gallery on its first floor. It has an impressive assortment of Tamil literature, and there's a cosy café in the open area that serves snacks and beverages. Run by individuals from the film industry, this place exudes inspiration for scriptwriters and screenwriters alike. While primarily focused on Tamil books, they also offer a modest collection of English novels. Beyond being a bookshop and art gallery this place has a screening hall and even a discussion room for artists.The helpful staff and well-maintained environment add to the experience, making it a must-visit.  Despite its central location, reaching the shop by car can be a bit tricky due to the chaotic intersection traffic, so we would suggest you plan accordingly. 

For cinephiles, Pure Cinema Book Shop in Vadapalani is like paradaise, catering to all your cinematic passions. Whether you're interested in mastering camera usage, screen filming techniques, acting methodologies, or colour theory, this place has you covered with a comprehensive range of resources. The bookstore also offers books delving into beloved actors and musicians, along with insights into the creation of iconic classics such as Wuthering Heights, The Lion King, and even Sholay. Established in April 2016, Pure Cinema Book Store is more than just a bookstore, it's a treasure trove. 

Situated within Express Avenue Mall, Crossword is a contemporary bookshop characterised by its fresh and dynamic ambience. This establishment caters to a wide-ranging clientele and boasts an extensive assortment of both local and global literary works. Additionally, Crossword serves as a venue for book-signing events, educational sessions and workshops, as well as storytelling sessions, rendering it a favoured selection for readers spanning various age groups.

Started in the 2000s, this bookshop swiftly captured the attention of Chennai's residents. Apart from offering an array of products ranging from writing supplies to fragrances to presents, Odyssey's primary focus lies in literature, showcased across its three distinct floors. Sporting a unique atmosphere and an expansive array of reading materials, it has etched a notable reputation in Chennai's realm of bookstores. The establishment frequently hosts the launch of books, author dialogues, and literary affairs, further amplifying its allure.

Murugan Old Book Stall might be small in size but holds a rich history of providing vintage books for decades. Renowned among students for its extensive collection of academic material, the stall also houses an impressive array of fiction books and unique journals that are difficult to come by elsewhere. The shop's tradition of selling books spans generations, with individuals generously contributing their books over the years. Notably, they possess remarkable handwritten journals from the British Raj era, adding to their allure. Serving as a nostalgic haven, Murugan Book Stall has become more than just a bookstore, it has evolved into a cultural heritage site of sorts. As if that was not all, the prices here start at just INR 50!

This establishment is a haven for book enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of books, both new and second-hand, often at exceptionally reasonable prices. Situated in an old marketplace behind the Central Metro railway station, it's a go-to place for those looking to buy competitive exam books. At times the cost of new books can be as low as that of older ones. You can buy Old Books at 50% of the price and return it once you've read them and get back 25% of the money spent. Engage in some polite bargaining. Overall, this market is an invaluable resource for students and scholars on a budget.

The store proprietor is always ready to help and provides a wide-ranging selection of books, encompassing materials for TNPSC, SCC, UPSC, RRB, and various government exams. This includes past papers, model queries, and subject-specific resources, all available at reasonable prices. Nevertheless, parking availability is restricted, so it's advisable to call in advance to check stock levels. It also stocks fiction like the Mahabharata and various authors' works, in addition to academic subjects such as physics and chemistry. A 10% discount applies to all books with a 15% discount on bulk orders. Phone orders are welcome, albeit with extra courier fees. Situated near Mambalam railway station, this store has catered to generations of customers, providing an extensive collection and superb customer service. It's a must-visit for students and book enthusiasts. 

Your education house is right here in the middle of T. Nagar! Indian Book House stores all type of educational and reference books, starting from nursery rhymes and picture books of fairy tales to CBSE and state board books. You can find particular college reference books here as well. Preparing for entrance exams? Well, you can find some previous years' papers here. They have some useful range of stationery in-store as well.

Situated in Mugalivakkam, The Used Books Factory lives up to its name by accommodating a range of vintage books, spanning fiction, references, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and academic materials, with an inclusive approach that doesn't differentiate. The collection also encompasses diverse items like photo books, fashion magazines, and numerous contributions of engineering and medical books over the years. Additionally, the store features dedicated sections for psychology, philosophy, children's literature, and self-help resources. Essentially, it serves as a factory of books from A to Z.

You might have walked past Asia Book Point on CP Ramasamy Road countless times without noticing it, but it's time to unveil its mystery. This hidden gem is accessed by descending a flight of stairs, revealing an expansive warehouse-like space full of shelves filled with books spanning various categories. From fiction, non-fiction, and academic to travel, science-fiction, finance, and graphic novels, the selection is comprehensive. Comic enthusiasts can discover a trove of Marvel and DC comics as well. Notably, the fiction section showcases works by a multitude of authors. With prices starting at INR 150, the collection features both popular and lesser-known titles in excellent condition. The store's accommodating staff can also assist in finding what your looking for.