As the adage goes, knowledge is power, and continuous learning by doing something as simple as reading books is among the most valuable investments you can make for yourself. By expanding what you know and improving or diversifying your skill set, you become adaptable in an ever-changing world as well as more competitive and versatile in your personal and professional life. As such, whether you’re into reading for the fun of it or to improve yourself, these book shops in Singapore hold mountains of pages filled with insight and new information that can potentially change your life.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
1. Books Kinokuniya
Books Kinokuniya is a Japanese-based book shop in Singapore that opened its doors in its home country way back in 1927. Today, it has grown into an international venture with an impressive collection of books and magazines totalling more than 500,000 quality titles from many parts of the world and features various languages such as Japanese, Chinese, French, and English. Their main store mainly deals in books and an ever-expanding list of other items like Blu-rays, stationery, toys, and more, while their satellite store in Bugis is more focused on front-list essential reads that appeal to millennials and the Gen Z crowd.
Customer Reviews:
Christina Ang
Best local bookshop in Singapore. It has a very wide spectrum of books from local and overseas. Over here you can get books & magazine; fiction and non fiction, in English, mandarin, Korean & Japanese.. the rest please find out from the customer service counter. Their staff are proficient and they are more than happy to assist you.
Yuan Tian
This is my favourite bookstore in Singapore. Many books I can find, Chinese, english, Japanese. It is huge. There are many books open for people to read, unlike some bookstores full of wrapped books.
Saltwater
The layout of the bookstore is so funny 😂 I get lost inside pretty easily! The selection of books they have here are varied and interesting 🩷 I wish there were more kinokuniya’s in Singapore. 😔🙏
Website: https://kinokuniya.com.sg/
Contact:
6737 5021 (Ngee Ann City)
6339 1790 (Bugis Junction)
Location:
391 Orchard Rd, #04 – 20 / 20A / 20B / 20C / 21 Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
200 Victoria Street #03-09 Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: Open Daily 10 AM–9:30 PM
2. The Bookstore by Books Beyond Borders
The Bookstore by Books Beyond Borders is a cozy little book shop in Singapore that mainly deals in imported second-hand books. Despite being pre-owned, each title on their shelves is immaculately maintained and well-priced to boot, with discounts being available when purchasing multiple items. While their inventory pales in comparison to the others on this list, their genre selection is just as extensive and ranges from non-fiction and children’s books to history and more. Moreover, the shop has a dedicated reading corner where you can take a break and read what they have in store.
Customer Reviews:
Jas Explores
Incredibly beautiful bookstore featuring secondhand books in good condition, delicately-wrapped blind-dates-with-a-books, and pretty handicrafts designed by local artists. There’s even a cozy reading nook in the bookshop and the overall layout of the store is beyond perfection. I can easily spend an entire day simply browsing through the titles or chatting with the super friendly staff. Highly recommend checking this hidden gem out!
lontongstroong
Quaint little spot in the bustling downtown area and a heaven for those looking for imported secondhand books. Despite being secondhand, the books are in immaculate condition and relatively well-priced ($10-15, some discounts for multiple purchases). Although the inventory seems pretty small, it boasts different genres, from child’s books, to fiction, non-fiction, history, and developments. I surprised to find there’s even a dedicated section that showcases books specializing on Singapore socio-economic development! Can’t resist to buy a couple rather rare books I was looking for so long which happened to be on the shelf. The revenue from the sales is donated to a partnered charity organization in Nepal specializing on girls education, whose some of the handcrafted produces (like speciality soaps) are available for purchase too. There’s also a reading corner for those who want to unwind and spend time reading the books. Do pay a visit here if rare secondhand books are right up your alley.
Mark Pereira
Love the concept and the social aspect of the bookstore. The outlet is cozy and comfortable. There’s a sofa and some seats to chill whole reading. Books are organiser and easy to find among similar genres. Highly recommended. Pics of some great finds as posted.
Website: https://booksbeyondborders.org/
Contact: –
Location: 33 Erskine Rd, #01-08 Opp Maxwell Foodcentre/MRT Exit 2, Singapore 069333
Opening Hours: Open Daily 11 AM–8 PM
3. POPULAR Bookstore
POPULAR Bookstore is one of the branches of POPULAR Holdings, a Singapore-based publisher, distributor, and retailer of books catering to the general fiction and education markets in South East Asia and many other parts of the world. Their branch at Bras Basah Complex is one of, if not the largest bookstore in Singapore that has just about every genre and title you’re looking for. The store itself is divided into three stories, and sells many other items besides books such as stationery, IT peripherals, academic assessment resources, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Hao Tan
A popular book store at this location. Its actually a 3 levels books store where its connected with steps. Plenty of stationeries and books for reference and purchase. Its a good location for shopping for the school kids. U can consider a visit.
LiV3 LiFe
This is a four-level high Popular bookstore at Bras Basah complex! There is no escalator within the bookstore and starts on the second level of the complex. The next level into the bookstore is on Level 4 and/or Level 5 (not so inconvenient at level 5). Level 5 is the best floor to be for me to look at stationery, adorable items/cartoons and many more merchandises. 🙂
Gareth Chen
Large bookstore with all the Singapore school books from P1 upwards. They also have an impressive collection of stationery and some electronics as well. There aren’t many books on Fiction, Kinokuniya would be a better bet for works of Fiction.
Website: https://www.popular.com.sg/
Contact: 6462 9555
Location:
9 Bishan Place #04-02A Junction 8 Shopping Centre, Singapore, 579837
530 Toa Payoh Lor 6 #02-01 HDB Hub, Singapore, 310530
101 Thomson Road #02-22/25 United Square, Singapore, 307591
1 Jalan Anak Bukit #01-16 Bukit Timah Plaza Singapore, 588996
23 Serangoon Central #04-59/60 NEX Mall Singapore, 556083
3155 Commonwealth Avenue West #05-01 to 05 The Clementi Mall, Singapore, 129588
1 Bukit Batok Central Link #04-02 West Mall, Singapore, 658713
90 Hougang Avenue 10 #03-15 Hougang Mall, Singapore, 538766
3 Gateway Drive #04-26/27 Westgate, Singapore, 608532
1 Harbourfront Walk #B1-16/17 VivoCity Singapore, 098585
Other locations can refer to their website
Opening Hours:
Junction 8, HDB Hub, NEX, Westgate: Monday – Friday 11 AM – 9:30 PM | Saturday – Sunday & PH 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
United Square, Bukit Timah Plaza, Clementi, West Mall, Hougang, VivoCity: Monday – Friday 11 AM – 9 PM | Saturday – Sunday & PH 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
4. Book Treasure
Book Treasure lives up to its name as being a haven for book lovers with its sizable inventory of new and pre-loved books in quality condition all at unbeatable prices. Naturally, this selection that’d have anyone spoilt for choice covers the most common genres and even rare ones such as retro comics. While it can be challenging to sift through their piles upon piles of titles, it is what makes up the store’s charm and encourages you to explore and find something new and interesting to read. And should you be looking for something specific, their friendly staff are always eager to help you find what you seek if they have it in store.
Customer Reviews:
Nizam Mohd Reza
Good place to hunt for 2nd hand books, fiction and non-fiction! Adorable aunty who’ll greet you and engage with some light conversations. Hope to be able to see her again during next trip to SG! Just bring some cash along. However, there’re ATMs outside for you to cash out.
janxl
This is my MOST FAVOURITE bookstore !! It is a small hidden bookstore with piles and piles AND PILES of secondhand books everywhere. Books there are very affordable (a lot are under $10!!) because they are preloved, but they are good for broke students like me 🙂 Wide range of books too! Has many genres and even comics! (INCLUDING RETRO COMICS! I always buy Archies from them. :3) It does look a bit messy BUT if you have any genres you are looking for or maybe even a specific title, just approach the friendly aunty and uncle there :)) they can speak English well too in case youre like me and suck at Chinese. Aunty will also recommend you more similar or popular titles. :)) In conclusion, friendly staff, wide range of books, EXTREMELY pleasant experience. Its a must to visit them!!! <3 Book Treasure? more like National Treasure. 💙
Monica Arnady
A good friend of mine brought me here. This is a heaven for every book readers. You really have to look here and there in the piles to see if there’s any interesting books. But hey, it’s their charm. The uncle is so nice as well. Definitely a must visit place later when I visit Singapore again.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/booktreasureSG/
Contact: –
Location: 35 Selegie Rd, #01-31 Parklane Shopping Mall, Singapore 188307
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 AM–7:15 PM | Sunday 11 AM–6 PM
5. Hungry Traveller Vintage and Antiquarian Book & Ephemera Store
Hungry Traveller Vintage and Antiquarian Book & Ephemera Store is a one-of-a-kind book store in Singapore that caters to those with a passion for good food, adventure, or both. With the belief that the two go hand, the store’s founder then decide to embark on a journey to curate a selection of hard-to-find and incredibly rare travel guides and cookbooks, many of which are from times long past, that strives to inspire the inner chef and bring out the wanderlust hidden deep within everyone. Besides vintage travel books and cookbooks, the shop also has antique maps, menus, food ephemera, and other related miscellaneous items.
Customer Reviews:
Ranil Perera
Wonderful store, full of vintage travel and cool books from around the world. If that not to your fancy, a lot of vintage labels, menus and other paraphernalia. Shop owner, Peter, is knowledgeable and always open for a chat. Can easily loose yourself in here for an hour or two.
ming foong
First of its kind, and one of its kind in Singapore! Large collection of vintage, antique collectible books and decorative items related to food and travel culture. Worth a browse.
Peter Mason
Treasure trove of food and travel related books from yesteryear!
Website: http://www.hungrytraveller.com.sg/
Contact: 8600 0553
Location: 231 Bain St, #01-31 Bras Basah Complex, Singapore 180231
Opening Hours: Tuesday 10 AM–6 PM | Wednesday 10 AM–3:30 PM | Closed on Thursdays-Mondays
6. ResearchBooks Asia
ResearchBooks Asia is the largest bookstore in Singapore for nursing, medical, and scientific books, with titles from just about every field and subspeciality from obstetrics and gynecology to clinical consultation and much more. In addition, they also stock medical-related items such as stethoscopes, charts, anatomy models, training mannequins, and so on. With the help of their knowledgeable staff who are well-versed about the best titles for various stages of study and different subspecialties, it is relatively easy to find whatever resources you need.
Customer Reviews:
Raymen Arviin Chandrasagran
Had an amazing experience at this bookstore! The staff here were very friendly when I first walked into the store, and gave me a tour of all the books they had and how the different specialties were connected in the Singapore healthcare system. He was also very well versed in the kind of books that would be needed at different training levels, which allowed me to decide which books would best suit me, being in the system for the first time. As I was paying, we had quite a good chat about living in Singapore and even places to find good food. Overall, am very grateful to the staff at this bookstore for enlightening me and helping to ease my transition into my medical career here in a Singapore. Would definitely recommend my medical colleagues to visit this bookstore to see what they have to offer!
Henley Hen
Have been a client for 10+ yrs, i really appreciates the staff as 1)they are very familiar with the book category and even all common book lists for all sub specialty, 2) they even can pre-order and make free delivery, 3) very kind and warm hearted with smile on face, 4) they keep client name and contact number carefully, and they can even recognize me and the delivery address even before I told them my name!! I will definitely recommend this store to my friends and colleagues!
Tan Wei Quan
Have been visiting this shop since 2017. The owner of the shop is very friendly and knowledgeable about different books suited for different subspecialties as well as stages of study. Widest range of medical books in Singapore. Recently bought several books and the owner personally delivered the books speedily to my house. On one occasion, I ordered through the store’s WhatsApp business account and the books were delivered to my doorstep in 4 hours. Excellent service! Thank you.
Website: http://www.researchbooks.asia/
Contact: 6252 5575
Location: 10 Sinaran Dr, #03-22 Square 2, Singapore 307506
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 12 PM–7 PM | Sunday 12:30 PM–6 PM
7. Littered with Books
Littered with Books is an independent book shop in Singapore that features a quaint and intimate atmosphere where you can get lost in the moment as you explore their vast collection of titles across many genres. Beyond that, what adds to the store’s charm is its personal decor characterized by tiny handwritten notes tucked all over the place bearing quotes, commentaries, and recommendations for book lovers on the hunt for their next read. From best sellers and fiction to curious odd titles, Littered with Books certainly has something for everyone.
Customer Reviews:
Joey Sun
Nice and conducive environment. The books are neatly placed and love the decors of the shop. Make me want to read. There is a public parking space right across. Convenient.
Stephanie Loi-Watson
Quaint book shop with a variety of book titles to explore. Including children’s books. A good place to come looking for children’s books as gifts.
Christopher Link
LWB is the perfect refuge from glamorous malls and sweltering heat. A proper independent book store in Singapore with a lovingly curated selection. Quiet and inviting.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Littered-with-Books/153135064725041
Contact: 6220 6824
Location: 20 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089486
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 12–8 PM | Saturday-Sunday 11 AM–8 PM
8. Books Ahoy!
Books Ahoy! is a children’s book store in Singapore with a specialty in chapter books and picture books that caters to young minds. The store is a subsidiary of Woods in the Books, an independent bookshop that also deals in illustrated books. With their mission to foster a love for reading among children, Books Ahoy! strives to whet the appetites of young readers with their titles that each hold fantastical worlds and adventures just waiting to be explored. Besides their physical location, shoppers can also purchase the store’s offerings at Woods in the Books’s online store which features quality titles, art prints, gifts, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Mahpara Faatin
Lovely book store for children. Lots to select from for various age groups. My 8 year old was able to find several fiction books, while I picked out 6 picture books for my kindergartener. Lots of activity books as well for writing, maths, art and just plain fun. It is definitely on the pricey end but I really enjoyed browsing and appreciated the thought that went into organizing the books. E.g. picture books were organized by topic (animals, emotions, friends, etc.).
Jaslyn Sim
A child friendly bookshop that you can find lots of interesting children books!
Jz L
Love the variety of extensive kids selection they have, will spend quite a while to be immersed in the interesting titles they carry. Like their green acts too and how each book is twined to prevent browsing (good and bad). Price is slightly higher for certain but worth for special ones that one is unable to get easily.
Website: https://www.woodsinthebooks.sg/
Contact:
88152446 (East Coast)
6684 0138 (Orchard)
Location:
206 East Coast Road, Singapore 428905
583 Orchard Rd, #02-03/04 Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore 238884
Opening Hours:
East Coast: Tuesday – Thursday 9 AM – 6 PM | Friday – Saturday 9 AM – 7 PM | Sunday 9 AM – 6 PM
Orchard: 10 AM–7 PM Daily
Conclusion
Reading books has been and always will be a great pastime and means of maintaining lifelong learning. From enhancing your understanding of complex subjects to stimulating your imagination, there is much good that a quality title can bring to everyone. So, if you’re looking to pick up reading or already an avid collector looking to add one more to your shelf, consider dropping by these book shops in Singapore at any time.