Sydney’s Best Independent Bookstores

🛋️ Sydney’s Independent Bookstores

📖 Intro

Tucked between the beaches, laneways, and buzzing cafés of Sydney are some absolute gems for book lovers—independent bookstores that have captured the hearts of locals and travelers alike. These aren't your run-of-the-mill shops; they're community hubs, creative spaces, and cozy sanctuaries rolled into one. With quirky layouts, carefully curated shelves, and the occasional in-house cat, these spots offer so much more than just books. Whether you're hunting for a rare find, flicking through second-hand pages, or looking for a quiet nook to escape the world for a while, these are the indie bookshops across Sydney you absolutely need to check out.

🏡 1. Gleebooks (Glebe)

Why it's a fave:
A literary institution since the 1970s, Gleebooks has earned its place as one of Sydney’s most respected independent bookstores. Step inside and you’re instantly embraced by shelves brimming with thoughtful staff picks, new releases, political reads, and timeless classics. This is the kind of place where you can easily spend hours getting lost in the aisles or strike up a conversation with staff who actually read the books they recommend. Gleebooks also regularly hosts author talks and community events, so there's always something happening beyond the pages.

📍Location: Glebe Point Rd

☕ Bonus tip: Before or after your book hunt, stop by Badde Manors Café across the street for an old-school latte and people-watching from their sunny outdoor tables.

📚 2. Better Read Than Dead (Newtown)

Why it's a fave:
Nestled right in the heart of Newtown’s buzzing King Street, Better Read Than Dead is a beacon for readers who like their literature bold, inclusive, and beautifully presented. Known for its floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and vibrant window displays, this store has a strong focus on contemporary fiction, feminist works, LGBTQIA+ voices, and social justice titles. It's also the home of several much-loved book clubs catering to all kinds of tastes—from romance to politics. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’re in a space that celebrates the power of words and diversity in every sense.

📍Location: King Street, Newtown
🌈 Vibe check: A creative and welcoming hub that champions progressive literature and community conversation.

📦 3. Sappho Books, Café & Wine Bar (Glebe)

Why it's a fave:
This book-lover’s paradise is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. Sappho is a second-hand bookstore by day and a live music and poetry venue by night, with a sun-dappled courtyard café tucked out back that feels like a little oasis in the city. Inside, shelves of gently-loved books stretch from floor to ceiling, stacked with literary fiction, philosophy, travel, art, and poetry. The vibe is cozy, eclectic, and a little bohemian—perfect for grabbing a book, a chai, and settling in under the fairy lights.

📍Location: Glebe Point Rd
🎤 Don’t miss: Their courtyard transforms into a magical space for poetry nights, acoustic sets, and the occasional spontaneous singalong.

🔍 4. Elizabeth’s Bookshop (Newtown)

Why it's a fave:
Walking into Elizabeth’s Bookshop is like stepping into a nostalgic world of pre-loved treasures. This retro-styled space is beloved for its chaotic charm, towering shelves, and one-of-a-kind vibe. Its signature "Blind Date with a Book" section is a big draw—books wrapped in brown paper with only a few teaser words scrawled on the front to spark your curiosity. With every genre under the sun, it's the perfect spot to go when you're open to a little literary serendipity.

📍Location: King Street, Newtown
🎁 Try this: Pick up a blind date book and challenge yourself to read something you'd never normally choose. You might be surprised.

📕 5. The Bookshop Darlinghurst

Why it's a fave:
For over 30 years, The Bookshop Darlinghurst has been a vital part of Sydney’s queer community, offering one of the most comprehensive collections of LGBTQIA+ literature in the country. Despite its small footprint, it’s packed with history, identity, and pride. The shelves are lovingly curated, featuring everything from queer fiction and memoir to children’s books, academic texts, and pop culture gems. Whether you’re part of the community or just looking to expand your reading horizons, this is a place that feels both personal and powerful.

📍Location: Darlinghurst Rd
🏳️‍🌈 Fun fact: It’s one of the longest-running queer bookstores in the world, with a legacy rooted in visibility, activism, and celebration.

🐾 6. Gertrude & Alice Café Bookstore (Bondi)

Why it's a fave:
Just blocks from the ocean, Gertrude & Alice is what happens when a love of books and a passion for good coffee collide. Named after the literary power couple Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, this café-bookshop hybrid in Bondi is overflowing with charm, vintage flair, and literary history. Shelves groan with second-hand novels, biographies, cookbooks, and classics, while the air smells of espresso and pages. It’s the perfect spot to sip, snack, and flip through a new read before heading down to the beach.

📍Location: Hall St, Bondi Beach
📸 Aesthetic level: Think vintage wood furniture, handwritten price tags, and ambient tunes—it’s pure cozy chic.

💬 Wrap-up

Sydney’s independent bookstores are more than just places to buy books—they’re portals to community, creativity, and quiet moments of discovery. Whether you’re seeking your next great read, a conversation with a passionate bookseller, or just a peaceful spot to rest your feet, these beloved spots deliver every time. So next time you’re wandering the city, skip the chains and step into one of these cozy corners—you might just find your new favorite book, café, or hidden hangout.