The Best Bookstores in Singapore Where I Get the Latest BookTok Recos
As a kid, I lived near a public library, which made me a voracious reader. Sadly, I fell out of love with this hobby as a teen, but now that I’m an adult with my own money, I decided to come back to it.
I’ve now discovered many bookstores in Singapore boasting diverse collections.
If you want to get into reading again or expand your literary horizon, stop by any of the following bookstores.
Books Kinokuniya
— From: kinokuniya_singapore
Address: 391 Orchard Rd, #04-20/20A/20B/20C/21 Takashimaya Shopping Center
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +6567375021
Located in one of the most popular shopping malls on Orchard Road, Books Kinokuniya is THE bookstore to go to, whether you’re an avid bibliophile or a casual reader. This is a popular brand in Japan, and it’s now expanded to Singapore.
I love coming here to get the latest bestsellers in the English language. But sometimes I also browse the non-English sections. I pick up a Chinese or Japanese book every now and then, and there are also books in French if you’re interested.
Pro Tip:
- Get the Kinokuniya Privilege Card so that you can enjoy exclusive perks like discounts and members-only promotions.
Littered with Books
— From: litteredwithbooks
Address: 20 Duxton Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—12 to 8 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6562206824
If you’re exploring Chinatown, then Littered with Books should be on your itinerary. This independent bookstore is housed inside a conservation shophouse, so the space feels very quaint and cozy, which I like.
The book selection here is well-curated, and it mostly consists of literary fiction, crime, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy books, and nonfiction. There are also award-winning children’s books for your little ones (or yourself; I don’t judge because I love children’s literature myself).
Pro Tip:
- You can send an email to [email protected] to ask if a certain title is in stock.
Grassroots Book Room
— From: grassrootsbookroom
Address: 25 Bukit Pasoh Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Saturday—12 to 8 pm
- Sunday—12 to 6 pm
Contact Number:+6563379208
Another great bookstore to check out in Chinatown is Grassroots Book Room. In particular, this store is perfect for Chinese readers because it’s mostly stocked with Chinese books.
My favorite things to check out here are the books on Chinese history because I find this topic fascinating. There’s also a selection of English books here, and though it’s small, I personally think the array is well-curated.
Pro Tip:
- If you’re hungry after shopping, you can grab a snack from the cafe at the back of the shop.
Basheer Graphic Books
— From: basheergraphic
Address: 231 Bain St, #04-19 Bras Basah Complex
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6563361917
If you’re interested in architecture, design, and other related topics, Basheer Graphic Books is the bookstore to go. Here, you can find many design books and magazines!
I’m no professional designer of any kind, but I do love to sketch and paint from time to time, and I like that this store has some books about art. I’ve also found many travel books here, which I appreciate because I love to read more about places I want to visit in the future.
Pro Tip:
- Check this page to see what books are currently on sale.
Woods in the Books
— From: woodsinthebooks
Address: 46 Kim Yam Rd, #03-06 New Bahru
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday—10 am to 4 pm
- Wednesday and Thursday—10 am to 7 pm
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6588152446
It’s always a good idea to start fostering a love for literature at a young age. So whenever I want to buy a book for my baby nephews and nieces, I go to Woods in the Books, a popular bookstore in Tiong Bahru.
I usually buy them picture books with an engaging story and adorable illustrations. For my nieces and nephew who are more artistically inclined, I go for activity books (e.g., for drawing or origami) and journals where they can sketch and paint.
Pro Tips:
- Check this page to see what the current bundle deals are.
- If there’s a book you want but you can’t find it in-store, you can email a request to [email protected], and the staff will try to order the book for you!
Books Ahoy!
— From: yl.reads
Address: 583 Orchard Rd, #02-03/04 Forum The Shopping Mall
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6566840138
Books Ahoy! is actually the brainchild of Woods in the Books, so it’s another perfect place to shop for children’s literature.
While Woods in the Books is catered to younger readers, Books Ahoy! offers reading materials for older children. Mostly you’ll find middle-grade books and graphic novels here.
I also love that this store has some niche titles that I don’t really hear about elsewhere. I like picking these titles up whenever I have the chance, and so far, I’ve enjoyed every single one of them.
Pro Tip:
- Call the bookstore if you want to inquire or request a certain title.
The Zall Bookstore
— From: zallbookstore
Address: 501 Orchard Road, Wheelock Place
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Contact Number: +6562327549
The Zall Bookstore is a hidden gem inside Wheelock Place, and the moment you step inside, your jaw will drop to the floor at the sight of the interior. This store feels like a futuristic palace with sleek walls and shiny floors!
Browse the shelves here, and you’ll find that most of the books are Chinese novels and philosophy texts. There’s even a hidden art gallery here behind revolving bookshelves! I recommend checking it out when you can.
Pro Tip:
- The store has a cafe that sells drinks and pastries. It’s the perfect spot to take a bite for a little while.
Wardah Books
— From: wardahbooks
Address: 58 Bussorah St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 8 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +6562971232
Interested in Islamic literature? Then Wardah Books is for you!
I’ve visited this store with my Muslim friend several times, and I’m very impressed with the extensive display. There are many books about the history of Islam as well as prayer books and religious texts, so Muslims will find everything they need here.
My favorite section of the bookstore, though, is the one dedicated to fiction and poetry. I’m dipping my toes into translated Arabic poetry so far, and I’ve also picked up books by Muslim authors that I love. Can’t wait to read more in the future!
Pro Tips:
- Sometimes there are talks about Islam hosted at the bookstore. Check this page to see if there are any upcoming events that you want to attend.
- There are book clubs for women (Al-Fihriya Book Club) and children (Pretzel Book Club) that you might be interested in joining.
OpenTrolley Bookstore
— From: opentrolley
Address: 8 Burn Rd, #07-13 Trivex
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday—11 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +6565091706
OpenTrolley Bookstore is a well-known online bookstore in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and I’m glad it now has a brick-and-mortar store on Burn Road. This store stocks the bestselling books from the UK and the US.
This is where I tend to go when I’m looking for a popular book I saw trending on social media because the store will always have the title in stock. But other than that, this store has books in genres I don’t normally gravitate toward, so I get exposed to other types of books as well.
Pro Tip:
- Check this page for monthly promos. The store drops promos often, and they’re always a great deal. For example, you can score 20% off all books for a month!
SKS Books Warehouse
— From: ronaldjjwong
Address: 315 Outram Rd, #09-03 Tan Boon Liat
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +6562279700
Located in Outram Park, Tan Boon Liat Building is best known for its array of furniture shops, but there’s also a bookstore inside: SKS Books Warehouse.
This bookstore is centered around religion, especially Christianity, so you can expect to find Bibles and picture books that make some biblical stories accessible to children.
My favorites are the nonfiction books about Christianity because the authors discuss the religion through a different lens, usually historical and sociological. I find that very fascinating!
Pro Tip:
- Check this page to see what books are currently on sale.
The Bookstore by Books Beyond Borders
— From: booksbeyond.borders
Address: 33 Erskine Rd, #01-08 Opp Maxwell Food Centre
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
What I love about The Bookstore by Books Beyond Wonders is that it has a clear purpose. The owner is passionate about supporting young girls’ education in Nepal, so all proceeds from the store are donated to various Nepali charities and scholarships.
Most of the books here are vintage and secondhand, and many of the titles and authors are unknown to me. But that’s okay because I love picking up niche books!
I also love getting accessories like bookish tote bags and decorations. They look so good in my home office!
Pro Tip:
- You can donate books here.
City Book Room
— From: citybookroom_singapor
Address: 387 Joo Chiat Rd, #03-02 The Modules
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +6569011583
Located in Katong-Joo Chiat, City Book Room is an independent bookstore specializing in Chinese literature. This store also shines a spotlight on local authors like Yeng Pway Ngon, Wong Koi Tet, Liu, and Soon Ai Ling, which I appreciate.
If you don’t read books in Chinese, there’s a section for English books as well. The selection is small but well-curated. I love that most books aren’t your typical bestsellers, so I get the chance to support under-the-radar authors. Plus I get to find new favorites!
Pro Tip:
- To remain updated about upcoming events, be sure to follow the bookstore’s Facebook page.
POPULAR Bookstore
— From: popular_singapore
Address: 1 Woodlands Square, #03-29/30 Causeway Point
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 9:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +6567671250
True to its name, POPULAR Bookstore is one of the most, well, popular bookstores in Singapore. In fact, there are so many locations throughout the country! My go-to is the one in Causeway Point.
You can expect to find the most recent bestsellers in English here, especially in the romance and young adult genres. There’s also a great selection of Chinese books here if you’re interested.
Pro Tips:
- Take advantage of the promos here! Usually, you can expect to find deals during holidays and other major celebrations like Halloween and Christmas.
- Become a member here, and you’ll be able to enjoy fun perks like exclusive discounts. You can even score bundles with partner stores like Jollibean.
Ana Book Store
— From: ana_bookstore_stationery
Address: 14 Scotts Rd, #05-01 Far East Plaza
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—12:30 to 7 pm
- Sunday—2 to 5 pm
Contact Number: +6567372385
If you can’t afford to buy brand-new books, then you should check out Ana Book Store. Located in a quiet corner inside Far East Plaza, this store sells secondhand books, so you can still nurture your love for reading without breaking the bank!
The selection of books here is very eclectic, but I don’t mind because it just gives me an excuse to browse for a longer time. My favorite finds here have to be the old-school editions of Agatha Christie, which have scribbles of the previous owner. I thought that was charming!
Pro Tip:
- Since the store has a small space crammed with lots of books, you might find it hard to find what you’re looking for. I recommend telling the shopkeeper of a title you’re looking for, and he can find it for you.