Flick through your next favourite read at these six bookstores in Melbouren!
As the cultural hub of Australia, Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene and rich literary heritage makes the city is a book lovers haven.
From cozy, independent shops tucked away in laneways to grand, historic establishments, Melbourne’s bookstores are more than just places to buy books—they are cultural landmarks that invite you to explore, discover, and lose yourself in the world of literature.
Whether you’re hunting for rare finds, the latest bestsellers, or simply a quiet corner to read, this guide will take you through the best bookstores in Melbourne to browse in 2024. Get ready to embark on a literary adventure through the heart of the city.
Avenue Bookstore is a cherished independent bookstore in Melbourne, celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere and extensive selection of books. After setting up shop in 1986 in Albert Park, it has since expanded to include locations in Elsternwick and Richmond. Avenue Bookstore is known for its carefully curated collection of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, with friendly staff ready to offer recommendations. The store also frequently hosts author events and book clubs, fostering a community of local book lovers. So, whether you’re searching for the latest bestseller or a unique literary gem, Avenue Bookstore has earned its reputation as one of the best bookstores in Melbourne for all readers. 
Photography by quokkabottles via Unsplash.Avenue Bookstore
Photographed by Cotton Bro. Image via Pexels.
Hares and Hyenas
This Fitzroy space is more than just a bookshop cafe, it’s also a literary hub for members of the LGBTQI+ community. Boasting titles for queer, gender- and sexuality- diverse people, Hares and Hyenas also hosts a selection of kids and young adult books with needed representation. Bookshop by day and fully licensed venue at night, Hares and Hyenas provides the best of both worlds offering literary events and musical performances welcome to everyone. For those looking for a great bookstore cafe to read at in Melbourne, nothing is as enticing as Hares and Hyenas.
Along the pristine Bourke Street lies a slice of Melbourne’s rich literary history. First established in 1922, Hill of Content is one of Melbourne’s oldest bookstores, providing readers with a wide yet curated selection of Australian and international titles for over a century. Despite the age, this Melbourne bookstore keeps up to date with the latest contemporary fiction and non-fiction that are captivating modern audiences. And with an elegant and serene ambiance, Hill of Content is a delightful space to browse for your next reading obsession!
Image via Visit VictoriaHill of Content
Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller is a standout in Melbourne’s literary scene, renowned for its impressive collection of fine and rare books spanning from the 15th to the 21st centuries. Located on Collins Street, this bookstore offers a salon-style atmosphere that invites visitors to explore its extensive selection of antiquarian books, prints, and collectibles. Whether you’re searching for a rare first edition or simply want to immerse yourself in the rich world of antiquarian literature, Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller provides a unique and enriching experience.
Photography by dorsetman via ShutterstockKay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller
Image via Visit Victoria.
Paperback Bookshop
Hidden inside a tiny storefront, Paperback Bookshop makes our list of the best bookshops in Melbourne. Established all the way back in the 1960s with the aim of making paperback books more available to Melbourne readers, this bookshop continues to delight readers with a handpicked selection of the best reads from around the world. Despite its quaint size, the store if jam packed with books in every nook and cranny across every genre and subject matter. And with the Salon Series, a monthly reading event that showcases conversations with local authors, indulge into Melbourne’s literary scene at Paperback Bookshop.
Arguably one of the most well-known bookstores in Melbourne, Readings is a must-visit for any bibliophiles wanting to pick up the latest releases or the hardest to find treasures. A Melbourne institution since 1969, Readings has multiple locations across the city, each with its own unique character. Their flagship store on Lygon Street is particularly beloved, offering a wide range of books and frequent literary events. And with a constant stream of book signings and readings from prominent Australian and international authors, Readings has handcrafted a local literary community unmatched in the city!
Image via Visit Victoria.Readings
Looking for book recommendations? Check out our complete list of the 7 Best Art Coffee Table Books as well as the Top 8 Books to Read on Your Next Long Flight. And for more bookstores outside Melbourne, here are our favourite Best Bookshops around Australia to Browse in 2024.
