Mumbai’s relationship with books is as vibrant and rich as the city itself, creating a haven for bibliophiles. From bustling street markets to cozy cafes and expansive malls, the city is covered with bookstores that invite you to lose yourself in their literary treasures.
Whether you’re seeking timeless classics, craving solitude, or looking for a cozy spot to impress your bookworm date, Mumbai offers an array of bookstores that can cater to all your desires. To help you explore this literary landscape, we’ve curated a list of must-visit bookstores in Mumbai that promise to enhance your reading journey.
Must Visit Bookstores In Mumbai
- Kahani Tree
- Kitab Khana
- Crossword Bookstore
- Title Waves
- Leaping Windows
- Granth
- Bargain Book Hut
- Vasundhara
Kahani Tree
Kahani Tree is an independent children’s bookstore in Mumbai with an expansive selection of books by Indian publishers. One can also find bilingual works along with books in various regional languages while scrolling through their collection. These books try to give children a unique multilingual experience with a touch of Indian contexts and graphics. Kahani Tree is also known for its amazing story-telling sessions, author interactions, and many more such activities, both in schools and the bookstore.
Location: Vakils, Feffer & Simons Pvt Ltd., Industry Manor, Second Floor, Above J. K. Banquet Hall, A. Marathe Marg, Prabhadevi – 400025
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Kitab Khana
One of the most beautiful bookstores in Mumbai, Kitab Khana boasts a two-story space with a café on the ground floor. Founded in 2009 with the aim to revive the soul of reading, the bookstore has become a hub for literature lovers. It offers an array of books in English, as well as Marathi, Gujarati, Sanskrit, Urdu, and more. The store was opened to bring the readers back to the world of pages, where one can travel to distant lands while sipping a coffee in a corner. Kitab Khana wishes to offer the tranquility Gulzaar sahab talked about, “दिल ढूँढता है फिर वही फुर्सत के रात दिन.” You can easily spend a whole day browsing through the thousands of books this place has to offer and experience the sukoon.
Location: Somaiya Bhavan 45/47 MG Road, Fort – 400001
Timings: Every day from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Crossword Bookstore
Founded in 1992 with a mission to positively impact the world through the power of reading and learning, Crossword Bookstores have come a long, long way. You can easily spend a whole day scrolling through the great collection of books available at Crossword stores. With interiors that provide a relaxing environment for reading, these stores also sell colorful stationery and toys. You can always find some or the other special event being organized at one of its branches, be it weekly reading sessions, author interactions, or fun activities for kids.
Location: Crossword Bookstore has branches all over Mumbai, from Juhu to Kurla, to Goregaon, and many more
Timings: Every day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (approx)
The timings are different depending on the branch; you might want to check the official website for the exact details.
Title Waves
Title Waves is one of the must-visit bookstores in Mumbai owing to its spacious indoors and customer-friendly atmosphere. The store has signs that help you find your favorite selection in minutes and if this hasn’t already convinced you to visit, then the touch screen kiosk might ignite your curiosity. You can search for an author, book, or publisher and the kiosk will provide you with the book’s exact location. What makes this bookstore stand out even more is its exclusive collection of CDs and DVDs.
Location: Title Waves has two branches in Mumbai
Bandra West: St Paul Media Complex, Rd Number 24, opp. Duruelo Convent School – 400050
Vikhroli: Retail Street, 5, The Trees Rd, Juhi – D wing, Pirojshanagar – 400079
Timings:
Bandra West: Every day from 10:00 am to 8:45 pm
Vikhroli: Every day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Leaping Windows
A haven for comic book lovers, Leaping Windows offers a cozy space where you can enjoy browsing through a variety of graphic novels and comics. This two-story bookstore is also a lovely cafe with its walls decorated with comic strips and its menu customized to match the theme. But the best part of this place is its basement which has a vast variety of comics ready for you to dive into. This place charges you on an hourly basis but it’s totally worth it with the kind of experience it offers.
Location: Corner View, 3, Dr.Ashok Chopra Marg, Opp. Bianca Towers, Amit Nagar, Versova, Andheri West, 400061
Timings:
Monday – Friday: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am
Granth
Granth offers a tranquil, peaceful ambiance where you can browse in peace and ask for recommendations from the staff whenever needed. The bookstore features an eclectic selection of titles, from international bestsellers to rare and niche reads. It’s also known for hosting quiet reading corners, making it the perfect retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Location: Plot No 30/A, H M House,Juhu Tara Rd near Maneckji Cooper School, Santacruz (West) – 400049
Timings: Every day from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm
Bargain Book Hut
A treasure trove for bargain hunters, Bargain Book Hut offers an extensive range of books at discounted prices. Whether you’re into fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, or academic texts, this store has something for everyone. Known for its frequent promotions, this is the perfect place to stock up on reading material without stretching your budget. For those who don’t like stepping out too often, there’s good news for you! Bargain Book Hut has now made its collection available online so that it can reach an even wider audience.
Location: Bargain Book Hut has branches all over the country including some major ones in Mumbai, like Kalaghoda, Worli, and Ghatkopar.
Timings: Every day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
The timings are different depending on the branch; you might want to check the official website for the exact details.
The Book House
Tucked away in Matunga, The Book House is a small but well-curated independent bookstore. It specializes in both fiction and non-fiction, offering a selection that has been carefully chosen to appeal to readers of all ages. With its cozy layout and welcoming environment, it’s a perfect spot for leisurely browsing. Fun fact, it is believed that the owner has a hidden collection of books that he only shows to his oldest customers. So what are you waiting for, go there and get in line to become one of his favorites for special treasures.
Location: Maheshwari Udhyan, Circle House, Telang Cross Rd Number 3, Brhmanwada, Matunga East – 400019
Timings:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Vasundhara
A hidden gem, Vasundhara offers a mix of new and second-hand books in a quiet, inviting atmosphere. This bookstore was started by the Hindi writers Sudha Arora and Jitendra Bhatia with a passion to bring prize-winning literature from both India and abroad to Mumbai locals. Besides books, Vasundhara also features a collection of artistic posters, making it a favorite among art enthusiasts and bibliophiles alike. The best part about this store is their commitment to getting you every book you need, and even if they don’t have it, they will arrange it as soon as possible.
Location: 602, Gateway Plaza, Hiranandani Garden, Powai – 400076
Timings:
Monday – Friday: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 am to 5:00 pm
Summing Up
Mumbai’s bookstores offer a delightful blend of literary charm and cultural vibrancy, making them essential stops for any book lover. Each location provides a unique atmosphere, whether you’re hunting for rare finds, enjoying a quiet moment, or socializing with fellow readers. As you explore these must-visit spots, you’ll discover that in Mumbai, every page turned is an adventure waiting to unfold. So grab your favorite book and immerse yourself in the magic of this city’s literary scene.
FAQs
Is Buying Second-hand Books Okay?
Yes, buying second-hand books is completely okay. People have different reasons to buy used books; some buy them for the love of the environment while some buy them for the lower rates, but all of the reasons are okay.
What Are The Best Bookstores in Mumbai?
Some of the best bookstores in Mumbai are:
- Kitab Khana
- Crossword Bookstores
- Title Waves
Is It Ok To Read At A Bookstore?
Yes, it is perfectly normal to flip through books and read a few pages at bookstores. But if you can sit and read the whole thing is something you should always ask the staff members.
