Podcasts & Books

One step into this cosy, light-filled space in Surry Hills and you’ll feel instantly at home. It’s an internationally renowned bookshop specializing in rare reads, manuscripts and paintings. It’s got all those mega stunning library feels that you kind of wish you had in your own abode.

Tucked away in Cronulla, Anna’s Shop Around the Corner is one of our fave spots in Sydney to cosy up to a good book and sip on velvety hot chocolate on a cold, rainy, winter’s day.

Gleebook’s is a quaint bookstore in Sydney’s Inner West, with literally (you guessed it) every book you can image. Whether you're a small human, a design nerd, weekend chef or literary AF, you're guaranteed to find your next read here. 

Located in Coogee, La Spiaggia is run by the Lombardo family and offers the perfect place for a mid week wine at the bar, an intimate dinner date or a Sunday family get to together. Think simple, traditional and delicious. That is La Spiaggia on a plate. A generous plate of pasta cooked to perfection, al dente style, our favorite!   

This place sells second-hand books, wine, craft beer and tapas... Yep, Sappho Books, Café & Wine Bar in Glebe has got it all. This trendy little book store in Glebe is where you go to enjoy a glass of wine or a bottle of craft beer, sit back in the courtyard, listen to some live acoustic music and maybe even read a book. 

Where does it all come together in seamless style, edginess, taste and aesthetic? Black Boho, that’s where. In the mood for quirky hand-made bangles, scarves and peanut butter swirl cookies? Most people would tell you you’re dreaming, no place would provide all of that in a breeze of proximity and convenience. Black Boho does and they do it with flair.

Parliament on King has made the news for its important work with refugees and asylum seekers, organising barista training sessions, providing a catering service which employs them, and running a Saturday family dinner service which dishes up those feel-good feeds made by refugees and asylum seekers employed onsite. 

Elizabeth's Bookshop is for those who live to read, and would quite happily date their reads too. This pre-loved bookshop has so much love for books you can get a "blind date with a book" - a lucky dip of sorts that pairs perfectly with the couch and a glass of wine. The blackboard outside often offers sage advice from the well-read team within. 

New York City may be far away, but at least a little has come that bit closer in the form of the Met Store. If not for the stairs at the Metropolitan Art Museum allowing you to sit like Gossip Girl's Blair and Serena, at least you can wear the jewellery, accessories yourself and hang the artwork just as they would. 

Situated in the heart of the up and coming foodie district of Cammeray, The Hunted Store not so coincidently hunts down the finest apparel and products made by local Australian designers. 

This charming old-world bookstore is located at McMahons Point but will instantly transport you to the streets of London or Paris. A treasure trove for book lovers, Blues Point Bookshop houses a wide selection of classics, non-fiction, fiction and children's books, with friendly notes and recommendations from the shop's owner Helen Baxter. The comfy armchairs are the perfect spot to while away an afternoon.

Set against the restaurant precinct of Norton Street, Leichhardt, Berkelouw Books is your one-stop-shop for books (both new and old), cards, wrap and specialty stationery. The Berkelouw family has been trading in books since 1812, and with more than 2 million books in stock, Berkelouw Books has become a household name amongst Sydney book lovers.

Gertrude & Alice Café Bookstore in Bondi is a book-lover's dream. Hard and softbacks are literally everywhere; on the walls, the floor, and even the tables.

A haven for design enthusiasts, the MCA Store boasts a unique collection of books, publications, gifts and design products. From hand-crafted jewellery to bags, accessories, stationery and current exhibition merchandise, the MCA Store is brimming with gift ideas for creative minds.  

Lose yourself in a good book at the delightful Potts Point Bookshop, where you'll find an absorbing collection of contemporary and classic fiction, history, biography, art, photography, design and cookbooks. Potts Point Bookshop also features a large selection for children. 

Better Read Than Dead has been named the Lonely Planet Guide's favourite Sydney bookstore—enough said. Opened in 1996, Better Read Than Dead has also been repeatedly recognised for its commitment to customers, knowledgeable and passionate staff, and a huge selection of books.

Bringing a little piece of Paris to the streets of Sydney, The AparTTment is a luxurious concept store headed by Claire Coppins and her fashion label TT. A fusion of fashion and furnishings, the store was created to replicate an idyllic Parisian apartment. Wander through AparTTment and discover beautiful products spanning homewares, womenswear, art and accessories. 

Culture buffs will be familiar with Title, a Surry Hills boutique stocking a curated selection of cult music, films and books. Because it focuses on the unique, Title hasn't gone the way of Borders or Sanity, with loyal customers and chance strangers alike dropping in to discover (and rediscover) great works.

Image credit: Alex Squadrito