If you’re looking for the best book stores in Adelaide, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for the hottest new release or trying to find a particular copy of your favourite book, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for at one of these book stores in Adelaide.
We think there’s nothing quite like a good book, and although we have apps by the dozen nothing replaces the real thing. Plus, we can’t think of anything better than wandering the aisles of our favourite bookshops, or discovering the treasures in a new-to-us one.
We’ve compiled all the very best bookshops from the city to the Adelaide Hills, happy reading and wandering, fellow bibliophiles.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2023
Best book stores in Adelaide:
Imprints Booksellers
Imprints Booksellers has been the cultural cornerstone of Adelaide’s West End since opening in 1984. The quintessential modern Australian bookshop, Imprints carries an eclectic range of books by local, national and international authors. Whether you’re after a good read for your weekend away or a great gift for your bookish friend, you’ll find it at Imprints.
107 Hindley St, Adelaide
Dillons Bookshop
Dillons Bookshop on popular shopping precinct the Parade, Norwood offers a large range of children’s, fiction, and non-fiction reference books. The team at Dillons Bookshop prides themselves on stocking and sourcing the hardest to find titles. They also have a wide offering of a range of puzzles, board games and gift cards. It’s the perfect place to get lost and spend a few hours wandering the aisles.
160-166 The Parade, Norwood
Dymocks Hyde Park
Dymocks Hyde Park is a welcoming store with a staff team made up of passionate readers who pride themselves on their great customer service.
More than just a book store – dedicated stationery, gift and puzzle ranges complement their extensive range of books, making the store an appealing destination for people of all ages.
The cooking section is any ‘foodies’ dream, with books from celebrity chefs or recipes spanning the globe. They also boast a large children’s section with a custom built children’s reading nook.
147 King William Road, Unley
Mostly Books
Mostly Books is Adelaide’s oldest bookstore still in existence, located at Mitcham Square in the southern suburbs. Established in 1977, they are proudly independent. Mostly Books stock a wide range of books, and delight in delivering excellent customer service and product knowledge. They also run book clubs, knitting groups and regular events with authors.
119 Belair Rd, Torrens Park
Matilda Bookshop
A local Hills institution, Matilda Bookshop has been selling books since 1982. Owned and staffed by book-lovers, Matilda Bookshop is an independent bookshop, specialising in New Release fiction, Gardening, Cooking, Art & Design, Current Affairs, Biography and History, we cater to a range of desires and sensibilities. Matilda also hosts book clubs and author sessions, they also support community projects and supply books to local kindys, schools and community libraries.
1/8 Mt Barker Road, Stirling
Harry Hartog
located in the Vine Mall, within Burnside Village shopping precinct, Harry Hartog proudly features a curated range of books alongside exceptional giftware. Their eagerness in exhibiting unique items in a warm and welcoming space is owed greatly to their innate passion for the literary world, and expert guidance from the friendly staff will ensure you find the right book.
From the new and notable to essential gems and cult classics, there’s something in store for any intrepid bibliophile.
Burnside Village – 447 Portrush Rd, Glenside
Dymocks Adelaide
Dymocks Adelaide is a bookstore with a specialty focus on Fantasy & Science fiction, world and military history, cooking, foreign language, travel, art and children’s books. Dymocks Adelaide’s well-read staff are always delighted to make recommendations to suit your reading interest – or to check out other sources to assist. They also have a special order service and source books from around the world.
Regent Theatre – 101/107 Rundle Mall, Adelaide
Orchard Bookshop
Orchard Bookshop is the latest refinement from the team that brought you Chapter Two Books & Adelaide’s Pop-Up Bookshop. Located in the elegant Adelaide Arcade, Orchard Bookshop with their curated mix of New, Vintage and Collectible books is one of Australia’s premier boutique bookstores. Their hand-picked books offering includes the classics, important works, beautiful bindings, notable new releases and books to reread.
Adelaide Arcade – 112/116 Grenfell St, Adelaide
Adieu Bonjour Bookshop
Adieu Bonjour Bookshop lives in the historic Ashton Post Office next door to cafe, Cherry Bomb.
Artists, writers, designers, musicians, and other creatives will find books relevant to their work here. Families will find books for young readers.
The bookshop’s slogan is “the new and the old, the boutique and the iconic” reflecting the eclectic, curated selection.
257 Lobethal Road, Ashton
