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Bangalore’s literary culture is a unique blend of heritage charm and modern community hubs. Whether you are a student, a collector, or someone looking for a quiet corner to read, the Book Stores in Bangalore offer an experience that digital screens cannot replicate!
Top 10 Book Stores in Bangalore
1. Blossom Book House
Image Credit: Facebook
Location: Church Street
Still the undisputed king of Bangalore’s literary scene, Blossom Book House on Church Street remains a sprawling maze of stories. It continues to operate across its iconic original store and the newer, more spacious branch just a few doors away. Whether you’re hunting for a cheap second-hand thriller or a rare collectable, its “floor-to-ceiling” stacks are as legendary as ever, making it the primary pilgrimage site for any visitor to the city center.
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2. The Bookworm
Image Credit: Outlookindia
Location: Church Street
Located in the BPL Building on Church Street, The Bookworm is a beloved fixture among the most iconic Book Stores in Bangalore. Known for its incredible “buy-back” credit system and curated selection of used books, it has evolved into a vibrant community space. The store frequently hosts book auctions and author interactions, making it a lively hub for local bibliophiles.
3. Goobe’s Book Republic
Image Credit: indiebookshops
Location: Church Street
Tucked away in a cosy basement off Church Street, Goobe’s continues to be the “intellectual rebel” of Bangalore’s bookstores. It specialises in genres that mainstream stores often overlook—radical politics, independent sci-fi, and gender studies. The staff’s deep knowledge and the shop’s eco-conscious, community-focused vibe make it a sanctuary for those looking for “off-the-beaten-path” titles.
4. Paperback Bookshop
Image Credit: whatshot
Location: HRBR Layout
This neighbourhood gem in Kalyan Nagar (HRBR Layout) serves as a vital cultural anchor for North Bangalore. While the city center gets all the fame, Paperback Bookshop offers a quiet, well-curated selection of fiction and non-fiction without the Church Street crowds. It is particularly well-regarded for its warm, personalised service and its collection of affordable paperback editions for daily readers.
5. Higginbothams
Image Credit: Google Images
Location: MG Road
Established in 1844, the MG Road branch of Higginbothams is not just a shop but a heritage landmark. Its white-and-blue Palladian-style building stands as a testament to the city’s colonial history. It remains a top destination for travellers and history buffs, offering a massive collection of academic texts, children’s books, and beautiful coffee-table books on Indian art and architecture.
6. Select Bookshop
Image Credit: Tripadvisor
Location: Brigade Cross
Located off Brigade Road, Select Bookshop remains a “treasure hunter’s” dream. Following the legacy of the late K.K.S. Murthy, the shop is now managed by his son, Sanjay, who maintains the tradition of antiquarian book selling. It is the only place in the city where you might stumble upon a 19th-century map or a signed first edition hidden behind stacks of vintage magazines.
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7. Gangarams Book Bureau
Image Credit: Gangaramsbooks
Location: Church Street
A name synonymous with Bangalore’s education, Gangarams has established its primary presence on Church Street (3rd Floor) while also operating a specialised technical book outlet in Domlur near the Indiranagar Flyover. It remains the go-to destination for technical, medical, and school books, drawing a loyal crowd of professionals and students who appreciate its organised layout and extensive stationery department.
8. Lightroom Bookstore
Image Credit: Lbb.in
Location: Cooke Town
Hidden in the quiet lanes of Cooke Town, Lightroom is widely considered the best children’s bookstore in the city. The space is uncluttered, elegant, and specifically designed for young readers and their parents. They continue to host popular storytelling sessions and workshops, focusing on inclusive and diverse picture books from both Indian and international publishers.
9. Sapna Book House
Image Credit: sapna-group.com
Location: Gandhi Nagar, HSR, Koramangala
As Bangalore’s largest bookstore chain, Sapna remains the “mega-mall” of the book world. With massive branches in Gandhinagar, Jayanagar, and Indiranagar, it is the best place to find regional Kannada literature and educational resources. Its 2026 operations are highly tech-integrated, allowing for easy online ordering while maintaining vast physical spaces for browsing.
10. Champaca Bookstore
Image Credit: Tripadvisor
Location: Vasanth Nagar
Nestled on a rooftop in Vasanth Nagar (with a newer branch in Indiranagar), Champaca is one of the most “Instagrammable” Book Stores in Bangalore. Part bookstore and part cafe, it focuses on independent voices, nature writing, and feminist literature. Its open-air vibe and frequent literary retreats make it a top cultural destination for modern readers.
FAQ’s
Determining the optimal location for your bookstore is crucial. Aim for areas with significant foot traffic, easy accessibility, and a robust demand for books. Seek out spots visible from the street, with ample parking, and nearby bustling businesses.
India’s largest book mall is Sapna Book House Pvt. Ltd. Recognized by the Limca Book of Records, Sapna has held the title of the largest bookshop in India for seven consecutive years.
India’s first bookstore is Higginbothams. It stands as one of the oldest, most iconic, and historically significant landmarks in Chennai. This beautiful, historic bookstore is believed to be one of the oldest in India.
ThriftBooks is not owned by Amazon. It is known among book collectors, especially those who prefer alternatives to Amazon, as one of the few independent online bookselling platforms in North America, distinct from being a subsidiary of the retail giant.
In a book cafe, patrons can browse and purchase books while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea and a snack. These cafes offer a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making them ideal for studying, working, or simply unwinding with a good book.
As of 1995, Guinness World Records states that the Bible holds the title of the best-selling book of all time, with an estimated 5 billion copies sold and distributed worldwide.
Romance stands as the bestselling book genre, leading in profitability among fiction genres. In non-fiction, Religious & Inspirational books reign in popularity, while thrillers dominate the audiobook category.
