You know who you are. You felt a little buzz inside when you read the headline of this article. When faced with a bookstore, your inner voice can always justify spending on another book. And while you aren't averse to the e-book, nothing beats flicking the pages of a physical copy you can hold in your hands.
Bookstores are your haven, and especially the cosy bookstores Melbourne is home to. We’re talking warmly lit stores with floor-to-ceiling shelves packed to the brim with novels you want to take home.
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From independent to specialty to secondhand, settle in with a cup of tea (or glass of wine), because here are our top picks for the best bookstore in Melbourne CBD and outer suburbs for 2025, according to Urban List.
The Paperback Bookshop
60 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Image: The Paperback Bookstore | Supplied
This is how all bookshops should look. Cramped and musty, practically overflowing with paperbacks, stacked in such dense and precarious constellations that any semblance of Dewey Decimal order is almost impossible. Wandering the isles at The Paperback Bookstore should take all of 15 seconds (it’s that small), but there are hidden gems practically everywhere. You’ll be lucky to get out of there in under an hour. While the store itself might be small, there is no question that it is one of the best bookstores in Melbourne CBD.
INSIDER INTEL
- They run a free monthly Salon Series where authors are invited to talk about recent releases at the Bard’s Apothecary downstairs.
- The Paperback Subscription involves surprise books delivered to your door each month.
- It’s open until 10pm most nights, perfect for a late night perusal.
Readings
Various Locations
Image: Readings Carlton | Supplied
The city's well-known favourite, Readings’ stores are a cult classic and a hot contender among the best bookstores Melbourne has to offer. The original Carlton store was acclaimed as the number #1 bookstore worldwide in 2016, so you know they’re pretty good. Their new release selection is always up-to-date and interesting, but if you push past, deeper into the stacks, you’ll find a top-notch collection of travel, design, architecture, and history. The team is super helpful too, offering the friendliest service and top-tier recommendations.
- Locations are sprinkled across Melbourne: Carlton, Melbourne CBD, Hawthorn, Malvern, St Kilda, Doncaster, and more.
- There are regular events and book clubs.
- Their books of the month are bangers, we highly recommend checking them out.
Hill Of Content
32 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Opening in 1922, Hill of Content takes out the prize for Melbourne’s oldest bookstore. The owners recently enlisted hundreds of eager bibliophiles who formed a human chain to move thousands of books down the road to their new location. While the old store was charming and cosy, the new one is modern but just as inviting. You could easily lose a few hours here.
INSIDER INTEL
- A small selection of gifts and reading accessories are on offer, one of our favourites being the clever tote bags by Out of Print.
- Check out their in-store newsletter for some great book recommendations.
- You can see their upcoming events here.
Coventry Bookstore
265 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
South Melbourne delight Coventry Bookstore is another Melbourne bookstore that delivers the goods on service and content from a small location. Owner Stephen Hepburn takes great pride in the store and loves connecting with his customers, making it one of the best bookstores in Melbourne for great recommendations. Whether you’re looking for yourself, a friend or a loved one, the team is always willing to talk about your preferences and offer tailored suggestions.
INSIDER INTEL
- Typed recommendation slips on the books are the wholesome content you're craving.
- There’s a little alcove where you’ll find all the children’s books.
- Buying a gift? They’ll even gift wrap it for you.
The Sun Bookshop
10 Ballarat Street, Yarraville
Image: The Sun Bookshop | Supplied
There’s more than a dollop of old-world charm to this former candy bar turned bookshop, sitting snug inside Yarraville’s Sun Theatre building. Owner and operator Deb Force opened the doors back in 1998 and has included a focus on upcoming Aussie authors. A true Yarraville gem, The Sun is one of 2025’s best bookstores in Melbourne.
INSIDER INTEL
- Looking to join a book club? Check out The Sun’s bookclubs here.
- There’s a thoughtful mix of coffee table books on offer.
- The Younger Sun is The Sun’s in-house children’s bookstore.
Happy Valley
294 Smith Street, Collingwood
Image: Happy Valley | Supplied
Owner Chris Crouch has made it his mission to source eclectic novels from all over the world. Happy Valley is home to books and items that you won’t find anywhere else — it’s almost impossible to leave the store empty-handed. Also stocking vinyl and the most perfectly curated gifts, it’s the perfect place to find something for a special someone, or to treat yourself.
INSIDER INTEL
- With over 10,000 vinyl titles available, it’s your one stop shop for books and records.
- Know exactly what you want? They have click & collect, with orders generally ready within an hour.
- Cook books, design, travel — there’s a little bit of everything here.
Perimeter Books
734 High Street, Thornbury
Image: Perimeter Books | Supplied
Independent publishing love is what it’s all about at Perimeter Books. The focus here is on small press titles, art and design books, and zines. It’s a humble little Melbourne bookstore that's taking big strides in supporting both local and international indie names. Boasting clean lines and loads of natural light, Perimeter is a dream for the minimalist meets design enthusiast. There is no denying that this little oasis is one of Melbourne’s best independent bookstores in 2025.
INSIDER INTEL
- Follow their Instagram for upcoming events and new titles.
- It’s closed on Sunday and Monday, so plan your visit accordingly.
- You can order online as well, there’s free pick-up or it’s $10 for domestic shipping.
Willows & Wine
315 Victoria Street, West Melbourne
Our new favourite reading nook, and a brilliant idea to boot. Willows & Wine is all about books, wine, and cheese. The rustic wooden shelves are stocked with a thoughtfully handpicked mix of weather-beaten paperbacks and new releases by First Nations, black, brown, queer, disabled, and trans authors. Behind the bar, there’s an excellent wine selection, with a particular focus on local bottles. The combination of candlelit benchtops and old-school board games makes it an ideal place for rainy days or cold winter afternoons.
INSIDER INTEL
- They have an in-house bookclub if you fancy chatting about your book related musings.
- There’s wholesome events like wine clubs, book binding, and tea blending.
- As well as a variety of cheeses, there’s gozleme and jaffles on the menu.
The Little Bookroom
220 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North
Image: The Little Bookroom | Supplied
If you fell in love with the 90s hit You’ve Got Mail, you’ll adore The Little Bookroom. It’s the oldest bookshop in the world that specialises in children’s books, stocking everything from baby’s first book to middle fiction for the over 10s. The range of picture and young fiction books (and classics, of course) is seriously impressive. For one of the best Melbourne bookstores dedicated to cutting-edge children’s literature—The Little Book Room is one you’re not going to want to miss.
INSIDER INTEL
- After 17 years there’s a new owner who’s giving The Little Bookroom a new home. It’s currently closed but big plans are in the works.
- Check out the Instagram page for updates.
- Sign up to their newsletter to be the first in the know.
Books For Cooks
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne CBD
Books For Cooks is for all the foodies, home cooks, professional chefs, and wine-lovers out there. In the heart of the Queen Vic Market, this award-winning shop is devoted to the culinary arts. You’ll find new releases alongside a carefully stocked range of rare and old books, including handwritten recipes from the 1700s. The team are seasoned pros and their books are pretty much the secret ingredient to a delicious meal. This is the best bookstore Melbourne has to offer for the food-minded.
INSIDER INTEL
- They run intimate events, usually involving paired tastings and drinks.
- If you can’t find what you’re after in-store, they’ll do their best to track it down for you.
- Have a collection of good cook books? They’re always interested in buying them, and you can pop in for a quote.
Already Read
98 Scotchmer Street, Fitzroy North
Image: Already Read | Supplied
Already Read is a humble second hand book store in Melbourne’s north. For over 10 years, the little store has valued great reads and genuine connections with customers. Whilst their range includes all genres, there is an emphasis on contemporary fiction and interesting non-fiction titles making this one of the best second hand bookstores Melbourne has to offer.
INSIDER INTEL
- In need of a recommendation? Check out this list of their favourites, all of which they have in stock.
- They're open 10am to 5pm, Friday to Sunday.
- There’s new stock arriving weekly, so you'll always have new content to explore.
Buck Mulligan's
217 High Street, Northcote
Book in one hand, a glass of fine Irish whiskey in the other. What could be better? That’s the thinking behind Buck Mulligan’s, a whiskey bar and bookstore. Their unique niche means a superb whiskey selection, including several hard-to-find Irish bottles. As for the books, if your literary taste runs to James Joyce, you’re in excellent luck. You won’t find every novel here — but you will find some great ones written by Irish authors. Maybe Ulysses will make more sense after a couple of whiskies…
INSIDER INTEL
- There’s also a section of local titles on offer, with occasional book launches by local writers as well.
- You can get your hands on a finely poured Guinness here.
- They encourage book groups in their perfectly snug and cosy venue.
Main image credit: Readings | Supplied
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