15 Awesome Bookstores That Should Be On Every Dilliwalla's Radar

A childhood favourite, Midland is a cosy little bookstore in Aurobindo Market that's family-run and has a great science-fiction selection. They always have the latest books by Indian authors and their comic book and graphic novel collection, while small, isn’t bad either. If you want a book they don’t have, they are more than willing to order it for you.

Timings: 10:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Google Ratings: 4.5

A Khan Market classic since 1953, Bahrisons is also one of Delhi’s better-known bookstores. We’ve always enjoyed their selection of coffee table books, and they always seem to have every Man Booker Prize nominee available (which is not easy!). The magazine section in the back is always packed. Bahrisons, a while back, underwent a renovation, making their upper section roomier and easier to browse through.

Timings: 10:30 AM - 8 PM

Google Ratings: 4.5

Pro-Tip: They now have outlets in Saket, behind the malls, Galleria, Gurgaon, and Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj

One of the very few Indie bookstores in the city, May Day is situated in a place most bookstore owners would consider fatal for business. But there’s good reason for that, as the idea was not so much to earn profits as it was to grow and promote a community that has great love for reading.

Referred by rickshaw-wallas in the area as ‘bayaasi number’, May Day stocks various genres of books (we hear the owner refuses to stock books by Chetan Bhagat and writers of the similar clan, even though they generate maximum profits), but it is their selection of second-hand books that we keep going back for.

Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM

Google Ratings: 4.4

One of the largest bookstores in Delhi, Oxford greets patrons with a series of photography and coffee table books on the walls. The aesthetics of the bookstore invites even non-readers for a quick trip. The size and selection of the store could have you browsing for hours. With Cha Bar inside, it is the perfect meeting spot for readers. Buy a book, grab a chai and patiently await your friend’s arrival.

Timings: 10 AM - 10 PM

Google Ratings: 4.3

Chapter 101 is a book store with lots of character, rare books and coffee. In addition to all the classics (including first-edition copies), contemporary releases are well-represented, so there’s a book for everyone at Chapter 101. Curl up with a cup of coffee and settle down, the wooden shelves at this book store are lined with literary dreams.

Timings: 11AM - 7 PM, Closed on Tuesday

Google Ratings: 4.4

Open two days a week (Mon and Sat), Book Shop (it’s called that) is tucked in a corner of Lajpat Bhawan’s Sisters of the People NGO building, and stocks up books people have lovingly donated over the years. Books here start at just INR 10!

Timings: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Google Ratings: 5

Full Circle Bookstore in Khan Market is like a maze we never want to find a way out of. It's sunshine walls, green arches and brown bookshelves that are ever so charming, and you'll find books of all genres here. Do check out the leather-bound classic books beside the billing counter, they're a collector's dream come true.

Timings: 10 AM - 8 PM

Google Ratings: 4.6

Books on books on books—that's literally how Faqir Chand & Sons looks like on the inside and we love every bit of it. The old-world charm and nostalgia engulfs you as soon as you step inside the store and the massive collection of new arrivals, classics, bestsellers and even children's books will keep you coming back for more. This is one of the oldest family-run bookstores in Delhi loved and cherished by every Dilliwala. 

We recently spoke to the owner of the bookstore, Mr Anup Kumar in an interview where he shared some warm stories about the bookstore. Check it out.

Timings: 11 AM - 9 PM

Google Ratings: 4.5

There are seven outlets of the OM Bookstore in Delhi NCR. Selling almost every genre, this bookstore continues to be one of the most popular bookstores amongst Delhiites. This not only serves the dreams of every Bibliophile, they also cater to almost every kind of stationery needs. You will always spot children at the bookstore begging their parents to get them just one more book or stationery item before they head out to the other shops at the mall.

Timings: 11 AM - 9 PM

Google Ratings: 4.2

Crossword is a haven for book readers, we know we’ve said this about a lot of other bookstores but this one sets apart from others because they stock the widest range of books, magazines, stationery, gifts, toys and hardware accessories. The bookstore aims to be a point of cultural and social interaction where authors and poets host book-reading sessions, where children are amused, where people tend to be informed, to be entertained and even enlightened. Crossword bookstores also promote the reading habit among children with a weekly activity every Sunday morning across various stores.

Timings: 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM

Google Ratings: 4.3

Located in C-Block this is one of the oldest book agencies in Connaught Place. You will always spot that one old customer talking fondly about how precious this store is. Catering to almost every genre of books from current affairs to one of the classic non-fictions this two-storey bookstore is always full of loyal customers searching for that one book they know they will find here. The old soul in us loves the quaint vintage vibes of the store and the smell of books can keep us here for hours.

Timings: 10:15 AM - 7:30 PM

Google Ratings: 4

Kunzum has multiple stores across Delhi NCR, we've personally been to the one in Vasant Vihar market. It's a quaint little shop that has warm people. They offer you a coupon for free coffee and biscuits with every purchase and have a small seating space too adjacent to big windows, to sit, sip on coffee and enjoy your purchase. 10/10 would recommend it. They also have stores in GK2, DT Mall, Gurgaon, Hauz Khas Village and Jorbagh. 

Timings: 11 AM - 9 PM

Google Ratings: 4.7

Located in GK2, CMYK is the place to find all your art and design books, which are sourced from around the world. The ambiance of the bookstore is again very cosy, with a great collection of illustrated books that relays the design and architectural ingenuity of the greatest places, and they have an online bookstore as well. Head here, if you are always on a hunt for some design books by acclaimed authors.

Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM

Google Ratings: 4.3

Eureka bookstore is also a GK gem, especially catered towards children. It's the perfect place to find all your favouirte children's authors, plus they do keep hosting many workshops, inviting authors from all over to take interesting sessions that kids love. The owners of the bookstore also run a Children's book festival, called Bookaroo', which is children's book festival that is a hoard of fun, with some really exciting activities.

Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM

Google Ratings: 5

Just an 8-minute walk from Moolchand metro station, Vadehra Art Gallery consistently holds many art exhibits and showcase, which are perfect to check out for an artsy day out. Not only this is your place to discover art from some stellar artists, but they also hold art fairs, with a bookstore in the corner, selling some of the most unique collections of books from brilliant artists. We also recommend getting some absolute gems of coffee table books.

Timings: 10 AM - 6 PM

Google Rating: 4.3