In this bookshop guide, Tanya Goyal takes us on a tour of some of the best spots for book lovers in Delhi, India. If you know a city with great bookshops, further information about contributing to the series follows this article.

Delhi, India’s vibrant capital, has a long history (reportedly the area was settled in 1400 BC) and is known as a site of great political struggle over the centuries. Today, it is a globalised metropolis that wears its multicultural heart on its sleeve. In Delhi, global and local coexist seamlessly, creating a tapestry of cultures and traditions. Delhi’s neighbourhoods and marketplaces are like microcosms of the nation, where each state, region, and culture has a place to call home. And within this urban sprawl, nestled among remnants of the Mughal and British Empire juxtaposed with modern grey high-rises, its thriving book culture stands out, reflecting the city’s diverse historical spirit. 

From the commuting readers who devour books on bustling metro rides to the readers who enjoy losing themselves in pages with a warm cup of coffee, Delhi has a reading nook for every literary soul. Tucked in various parts of the city, Delhi’s bookshops aren’t just retail spaces – some of them are now cultural landmarks, bringing together curious minds through a shared love for the written word. Here are three of Delhi’s most iconic booksellers, each offering a unique slice of Delhi’s literary life. 

Oxford Bookstore & ChaBar – Connaught Place 

In the heart of Connaught Place, where colonial architecture meets a dynamic modern shopping and café culture, the Oxford Bookstore is a sanctuary for book lovers. It’s important to mention that it is not affiliated to Oxford University Press, which was a subject of extensive debate in the early 1900s. This isn’t just a bookstore; it is a literary experience. With towering shelves and an incredible range of titles spanning various genres, Oxford Bookstore serves as an oasis for readers young and old. Over the years, it has hosted numerous literary discussions, book launches, and author events, further enriching the literary scene in Delhi. The attached ChaBar, with its assortment of teas from around India, transforms this bookshop into a cosy reading haven. Sip on a steaming Ayurvedic blend or an exotic floral tea while flipping through pages – a rare treat in a city that never stops moving. For tourists and locals alike, Oxford Bookstore is a place where you can retreat from the hustle and bustle while delving into the pages of your next read. 

The interior of Oxford Bookstore, Connaught Place, Delhi by  mr.ashishsolanki on Shutterstock.

Faqir Chand & Sons – Khan Market 

Nestled in one of the upscale lanes of Khan Market, Faqir Chand & Sons Bookshop is a historic Delhi gem that is favourite among writers, journalists, academics, and now the Instagramers. Founded in 1951, with roots dating back to 1931 in pre-partition Peshawar, entering this small family-owned store feels like stepping into another era. It is a space where time slows, and the aromatic ocean of classic and contemporary books, stacked from floor to ceiling, lures you to explore them. Known for its impressive selection of fiction, philosophy and rare volumes, within its picturesque structure, Faqir Chand & Sons is the place for those who love to browse and discover unexpected literary treasures. Its shelves carry a unique mix of both international titles and hard-to-find Indian editions, making it a real treasure trove. 

Faqir Chand and Sons at Khan Market, Delhi via the Salt and Pepper Food Guide.

Sunday Book Bazaar – Mahila Haat 

For bibliophiles who prefer a bit of adventure with their book shopping, the iconic Sunday Book Bazaar at Mahila Haat (which translates to “Woman Market,” since it was initially envisioned to be a famous market for female artisan-entrepreneurs) is the place to be. Originally it was located in Daryaganj, where it opened in 1964, selling rescued books each weekend, and later, was shifted to the Haat in 2019 for good – the new location proves to be far superior due to its traffic-free environment and a lovely sun-soaked lawn. 

Held every Sunday, this open-air market with some semi-hut-like stalls is where you can uncover books of all kinds – from mounds of academic textbooks and classics to out-of-print novels and quirky finds, plus with all kinds of stationary for your next DIY project. This isn’t a place for a casual look-around; here, you dive into stacks, flip through pages, and haggle for deals. Beyond just books, it’s the atmosphere that draws you in– think vibrant bougainvillea framing the scene, vendors everywhere, readers lost in their own world, and the thrill of uncovering that unexpected rare edition you didn’t know you needed. Hungry from all the exploring? A handful of street-food sellers right on the Haat’s gates will be of help. 

Books at Daryaganj Delhi, a stall at Mahila haat bazar by Ravi_Sharma1030 on Shutterstock.

In a time when reading often means scrolling, places like these remind us of the joy of the tangible, the serendipity of stumbling upon a new author or rediscovering an old classic, inviting us to slow down, explore, and find a little piece of home between the pages. 

Note: This bookshop guide gives the views of the author, and not the position of the LSE Review of Books blog, or of the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Main image credit: Finn stock on Shutterstock.

Do you know a place with great bookshops? As part of a regular feature on LSE Review of Books, we’re asking academics and students to recommend their favourite bookshops in a particular city or town to share with our book-loving community of readers the world over.

Bookshops could be academic, alternative, multilingual, hobby-based, secret or underground institutions, second-hand outlets or connected to a university. We’d like to cover all world regions too and are particularly keen to feature cities outside of Europe and North America.

If something comes to mind, we’re looking for a brief introduction about the city, a selection of three or four bookshops with around 150 words per bookshop, detailing why each one is a must-see. Our editorial team can then find suitable photos and links to accompany the piece, though you’re welcome to supply these too.

Email us if you’d like to contribute: lsereviewofbooks@lse.ac.uk