Bookshops are full of inspiration. They are the place I go when I’m feeling a bit stuck or uninspired. I have a personal rule with books - if it looks interesting and like I might learn something then I buy it. No questions asked. For $20 or $30 you even if you learn just one thing that changes your life for the better that is a great value purchase.
Below is a list of my favourite bookshops in Sydney to visit.
Gleebooks, Glebe
Located near the University of Sydney, Gleebooks has a great selection of books written by academics and a particularly good fiction selection. The bookshop also regularly hosts talks and events with high profile writers.
Located at 49 Glebe Point Road Glebe
Sappho, Glebe
Sappho bookshop sells an eclectic mix of second hand books. Be sure to make time to visit the cafe which is a sprawling labyrinth of tables that extends from inside the store out into the courtyard. It’s also open late and in the evenings is host to writers and poets talks and musicians.
Located at 51 Glebe Point Road Glebe
Better Read Than Dead, Newtown
If you need some recommendations for your next book to read, check out the staff recommendation at Better Read Than Dead. These are mini reviewed posted around the store for the staff’s favourite books. The collection of contemporary politics and history is especially good, as well as a good quality children’s section. The store also helps to build a community of readers and is also host to regular writer’s talks.
Located at 265 King Street Newtown
Elizabeth’s Bookshop, Newtown
Located a few doors down from Better Read Than Dead, Elizabeth’s Bookshop is home to a good quality collection of second hand books. Find a mix of folio classics to contemporary books. If you’d rather someone else choose for you, they also sell a ‘blind date with a book’, where a book is wrapped up in brown paper so you will have to buy it first to find out the title of your new book.
Located at 257 King Street Newtown
Potts Point Bookshop, Potts Point
The tiny Potts Point Bookshop reflects the varied reading tastes of the staff. The travel book selection is particularly good, as is the collection of books about Sydney and Australia. The collection of coffee table books have both style and substance and make great gifts. The store also hosts a popular monthly bookclub. Check the website for booking details.
Located at 14 Macleay St Elizabeth Bay
Hill of Content, Balmain
Come to the Sydney branch of well loved Melbourne bookshop Hill of Content for a great selection of contemporary fiction and political science books. The store also has a large range of cooking and food books, and a large children’s books section at the back of the store.
Located at 245 Darling Street Balmain
Ariel Booksellers, Paddington
Located on Oxford Street, head here for a curated selection of contemporary books. Ariel Booksellers have a particularly good selection of photography, art and design books. There are also a small selection of design related gifts.
Located at 326 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021
Berkelouw, Various Locations
The original Berkelouw Bookshop in Paddington is department store style bookshop with multiple levels and a large range of books across different categories. Once you have purchased a new book, visit the cafe upstairs to start reading and for some celebrity writer people watching. Their sticky masala chai is especially good. Other locations include Leichhardt, Mona Vale, and Balgowlah.
Locations available here
Harry Hartog, Various Locations
There are several Harry Hartog stores across Sydney including in Bondi Junction, Macquarie Centre and Marrickville. Despite mainly being located inside shopping centres, Harry Hartog stores have the feel of an independent high street bookshop, and with a book selection to match.
Locations available here