Welcome to the world where the scent of new books and the feel of pages between your fingers bring unspoken joy. In today’s digital age, the allure of a paperback remains unmatched. Singapore’s bookstores, brimming with vintage classics, local gems, and international bestsellers, are a sanctuary for book lovers. Their shelves, adorned with tales both familiar and undiscovered, cater to every reader’s craving. Whether you seek the works of local wordsmiths or niche publications, these havens promise an escape into worlds waiting to be explored between the covers of your next treasured read. Because, as they say, “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy books.”
Discover the Popular Bookstores in Singapore
Books Beyond Borders
Books Beyond Borders welcomes readers with its cozy charm. It is where you can get second-hand books in Singapore for both adults and children. More than a bookstore, it’s a social enterprise led by Randall Chong. The store fervently champions educational empowerment in Nepal through scholarships, enabling girls to pursue secondary education and realize their dreams. This endeavor extends to funding classroom projects, particularly advocating for girls’ education. Collaborating with local partners like Teach For Nepal, it initiates remote learning programs in rural areas.
Click here to know more.
Or, you can visit The Book Barracks by Books Beyond Borders at 41 Jln Pemimpin, #03-01E Kong Beng Industrial Building, Singapore 577186
Nearest MRT: Orchard
➕Insider Tip: Don’t forget to bring a recycled bag to tote your newfound literary treasures from these popular bookstores in Singapore!
1. Woods in Books
Discover the wonderland at Woods in Books! This popular bookstore in Singapore in Tiong Bahru specializes in captivating picture books for any age. From cherished classics like The Hungry Caterpillar to beloved characters like Tintin, it’s a nostalgia-filled journey to the days of innocence. Feast your eyes on a treasure trove of pictorial wonders, including works by renowned cartoonist Jean-Jacques Sempé, quirky graphic novels, the beloved 1980s Malaysian series Lat, and cherished classics like Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are.
Click here to know more.
Nearest MRT: Tiong Bahru
➕Insider Tip: Also explore Wood in Books’ sister store – Books Ahoy! in Forum the Shopping Mall, a hidden gem for young readers. There are children’s classics, graphic novels, and rare local titles, all presented as a mini-museum of children’s literature, adorned on shelves and walls like cherished artworks.
2. Epigram Coffee Bookstore
Epigram Coffee Bookshop at the Singapore Art Museum is a unique blend of local reads and aromatic coffees from Balestier Market Collective. Nestled among contemporary art exhibitions, this popular bookstore in Singapore invites you to relish books by beloved Singaporean and Southeast Asian writers while indulging in a steaming cuppa. Take a literary journey amidst art galleries, making it a delightful rendezvous for book lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
Click here to know more.
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar
➕Insider Tip: There’s Epigram Treehouse, a community of your little ones, where they will get to engage in numerous exciting activities that involve favourite children’s book characters and videos.
3. Basheer Graphic Books
Situated in the Bras Basah Complex, Basheer Graphic Books caters to design professionals and enthusiasts. This popular bookstore in Singapore is known for its extensive range of publications for architecture, interior design, landscape design, graphic design, animation, product design, fashion design, arts and crafts, typography, and photography.
Click here to know more.
Nearest MRT: City Hall
➕Insider Tip: Can’t spot your desired title? Simply leave your details for a personalised notification upon its arrival.
4. Zall Bookstore
Zall Bookstore is a sanctuary for admirers of Chinese heritage, literature, and artistry. Situated in the former Borders flagship location at Wheelock Place, this haven showcases a treasure trove of over 30,000 Chinese literary marvels. Explore books on Chinese culture, history, and philosophy across two floors. Complementing this popular bookstore in Singapore, a charming café and an engaging art gallery await your exploration.
Click here to know more.
Nearest MRT: Orchard
➕Insider Tip: If you are looking for bookstores that specialise in classic, home-grown Singaporean literature alongside other rare and obscure editions, visit Books Actually Tiong Bahru.
5. Wardah Books
Wardah Books, established in 2002, is a haven for English-language books focusing on Islam, found in Kampong Gelam, Singapore. Boasting a diverse inventory of over 4000 titles, it covers Arts, Philosophy, Quranic studies, regional history, fiction, and children’s books. A reading culture within the community through engaging book clubs, reading sessions, and author interactions makes it a popular bookstore in Singapore. Wardah Books’ expertise lies in Sufism, Islamic history, and philosophy, complemented by a rich selection of children’s books.
For more insights, explore their offerings at their official website.
Nearest MRT: Bugis
➕Insider Tip: Explore second-hand bookstores like GOHD Books, which offer a collection of eclectic and rare titles, including leather-bound biographies, fairy tale tomes, and translated classics.
6. Hook on Books
Nestled along Neil Road stands Hook on Books, a vibrant Chinese-language bookstore bursting with colour and whimsy. Festooned with dried flowers and handcrafted décor, it’s a haven for kids filled with toys, books, and stationery. Adults can unwind in the cosy café or a small reading nook while children explore. Engage in walk-in workshops where little ones craft their cards, notebooks, or dried flower arrangements, fostering creativity with an array of materials.
Click here to know more.
Nearest MRT: Outram Park
➕Insider Tip: Want to explore a Japanese bookstore? Visit Kinokuniya. They have an extensive collection of graphic novels, magazines, guides, and fiction and non-fiction titles.
7. Littered with Books
Discover a literary gem tucked within the vibrant Chinatown- Littered with Books. Housed in a charming two-storey shophouse, this indie, popular bookstore in Singapore promises an enjoyable browsing experience. With an eclectic collection spanning various genres like literary works, non-fiction, travel narratives, and captivating children’s books, it caters to diverse reading tastes. Moreover, despite its remarkable assortment, the books are affordable, making it an inviting space for book lovers seeking quality reads at pocket-friendly prices.
Click here to know more.
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar
➕Insider Tip: This independent book in Singapore is also known for one more thing—Bibliosmia—the smell of books. Visit and check for yourself!
Wrapping Up
In a city adorned with the marvels of modernity, these popular bookstores in Singapore offer a delightful retreat into the world of literature, art, and cultural exploration. Each store presents a distinct charm, promising an enriching experience for visitors passionate about the written word.
