Top Bookstores in Delhi for Book Lovers
In case you didn’t know, Delhi is a great place to buy books. Due to lower printing and labour costs, books in India are much cheaper than in the US and Canada. And there are excellent bookstores in Delhi, with the majority of titles printed in English.
Even before I moved to Delhi, I would always stock up on books to bring back to Canada. I’m not a publishing expert, but I didn’t see any difference in quality, at least in the books from a bookstore. The books from the street vendors and guys you see roaming around the bus stations are a different story…
Top Bookstores in Delhi for Book Lovers
Delhi does have some great bookstores, but don’t expect them all to be organized. Some of the best book shops are full of books stacked floor to ceiling, with little apparent order and not much room to squeeze by. But this is just part of the Delhi charm. So keep an open mind, and ask the proprietors for help to find what you’re looking for.
While nothing can replace the experience of roaming through aisles of books, just about all of these bookstores offer online ordering also.
1. The Bookshop Inc.
This is one of the best independent bookstores in Delhi. It’s well organized, has a good selection of internationals and Indian authors and regularly hosts author and guest speaker events.
My favourite thing about the Bookshop Inc. is the location in Lodhi Colony, in the heart of the outdoor art district. After book shopping, explore magical Lodhi Gardens, just across Lodhi Road.
https://linktr.ee/thebookshopinc
2. Midland Book Shop
There are two locations in South Delhi, both run by brothers from a family of book sellers. Both stores are well liked by locals for their vast selection and budget friendly prices. These shops are full of all sorts of books, from floor to ceiling. You’ll find every genre here, including children’s and text books.
You may have to ask for help finding titles or authors – but chances are they’ll have it. The staff are very helpful and know where everything is.
https://www.midlandbookshop.com/en
3. Faqir Chand Bookstore
This bookstore is like no other. There are literally books stacked floor to ceiling with a narrow aisle down the middle to walk through. They have an exceptional selection of hard to find books on Indian history, mythology, poetry and Indian authors. If you’re looking for something special, this is where to come.
The shop has been in Khan Market since 1951 and has a very loyal clientele. It’s actually one of my favourite bookstores in Delhi. Whether you want a new bestseller, one of the classics, or something harder to find – it will probably be here.
https://www.instagram.com/faqirchandbookstore/?hl=en
4. Bahrisons Booksellers
This is one of Delhi’s oldest family run bookstores. It first opened in 1953, by a husband and wife who moved to Delhi as refugees of Partition.
I’ve been shopping at Bahrisons for years, it’s one of my favourite Delhi bookstores. They always have the latest literary award nominees, and an excellent selection of English and Indian literature. If they don’t have the title you’re looking for, they will happily order it.
The location is fantastic too, right in Delhi’s best upscale market, Khan Market, with loads of shopping, dining and coffee options.
5. Full Circle Book Store
Besides the usual bestsellers, classics, Indian and foreign writers, Full Circle is known for their mind-body-spirit books and children’s section.
It’s a well-established, family run business that currently has one shop in Greater Kailash.
https://www.fullcirclebooks.in
6. Jain Book Depot
I really like this well stocked Connaught Place bookstore. Don’t confuse it with Jain Book Agency – they’re practically side by side, but different. I’ve shopped at both stores, and Jain Book Depot has a bigger selection and is a bit more organized.
Jain Book Depot has an excellent selection of books on all subjects regarding India. The location is terrific, right on the inner circle of Connaught Place, close to many of Delhi’s sites like Jantar Mantar and Agrasen ki Baoli.
https://www.jainbookdepot.com/servlet/Home
7. Oxford Bookstore
This is a good all-around bookstore. You can expect to find recent releases, best sellers, a collection of classics, international literature, and children’s books here. It’s well organized with room to browse and a reading area. The bookstore has a cafe, Cha Cafe, and sells a selection of journals and stationary.
Oxford Bookstore is one of the oldest bookstore chains in India. The Kolkata branch opened in 1919. The Delhi bookstore is conveniently located in Connaught Place on the second floor of N Block.
https://oxfordbookstore.com/stores
8. Kunzum
Kunzum is a bookstore that is passionate about promoting the love of reading and books in the community. Now with 4 stores in South and Central Delhi, it is one of the largest independent book chains in the city.
All Kunzum stores are spacious with plenty of room to browse and read, and customers get a coupon for a fresh cup of coffee and cookie with each purchase.
If you go to the original location in Hauz Khas Village, be sure to check out historic Hauz Khas Complex while you’re there. The entrance is just down the lane from the book shop.
The largest store is Greater Kailash II, with a theatre for events and a whole floor dedicated to Penguin/Random House publications.
9. Om Book Shop
Om Book Shop has 8 stores in Delhi NCR, and others across India. It’s one of India’s largest bookstore chains, and they always have books on sale. I’m not really a fan of shopping mall or franchise bookstores, but I’ve been to the Gurugram Ambience Mall location a couple of times, and it’s pretty good…for a mall book shop.
10. Chapter 101
Stepping through the doors of Chapter 101 will transport you back in time many decades. The bookstore is designed to feel like a private den, where you can browse and read at leisure. They have an enviable selection of rare, first edition and signed copies, making this book store a favourite of collectors.
Technically Chapter 101 is not in Delhi, it’s in the suburb of Gurugram – but it’s beside a metro station so still easy to get to. Visit the excellent Museo Camera while you’re in that part of the Delhi NCR.
11. May Day Bookstore
This is the thinking man’s bookstore. May Day Bookstore is run by a Delhi based publishing house that specializes in the political left. You’ll find all sorts of books on Marxist theory, international affairs, LQBTQ and social justice issues, feminism and all manner of radical literature here.
I guess you could call it a sort of socialist book shop. The bookstore regularly hosts speaker and author events promoting social activism.
12. Eureka! Bookstore
This is a fabulous children’s bookstore in Greater Kailash. When it opened, it was the first independent children’s book store in India. Eureka! used to have a stand-alone store, but was forced to close after many years due to escalating rents and operating costs. It reopened in 2020 and now shares space with CMYK Bookstore.
https://www.eurekabookstore.com
13. Daryaganj Sunday Book Market
This is not a bookstore – but if you’re a visitor to Delhi you probably don’t know about this specialty market that sells new and used books.
You’ll have to take the time to look at stacks of books on the pavement and tables in no apparent order, but the prices are great and you can bargain. New books may be pirated copies, so just be aware and check the binding and print quality. Bring your own bag – not all vendors have them.
The book market is beside historic Old Delhi, so if you venture here make a day of it and explore the sites of Old Delhi.
The Wrap-up on Top Bookstores in Delhi for Book Lovers
Whether you’re in Delhi long term or just visiting, it’s a great city to stock up on books. Delhi has lots of excellent bookstores, and they’re less expensive than in Europe and North America.
Looking for More? You Might Also Like…
- Shopping Malls in Delhi that Shopaholics Will Love
- Where to Buy Authentic Gifts and Souvenirs in Delhi
- 25 Best and Cheapest Markets in Delhi and What to Buy
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
