My two favourite things to do are travelling and reading. It feels like the stars align when the two come together. If you’re also a travelling book-lover, don’t miss these five lovely bookshop cafés in Sydney.
Berkelouw Books, Paddington
First, Berkelouw Books in the district of Paddington claims to be “Australia’s largest and oldest new, second-hand and rare bookseller”. Indeed, it’s stocked with several floors of books, both old and new. The café is on the edge of the upper floor and its cakes are absolutely excellent.
Ampersand Café and Bookstore, Paddington
Sticking around in Paddington, Ampersand Café and Bookstore is a must-visit for any booklover visiting Sydney. It was my favourite one on this list! It feels like someone’s house (someone very classy anyway). You walk through the rooms which are furnished with cosy armchairs, wooden dining tables and chandeliers. Of course, books line the walls in each room.
Downstairs, the café has both indoor and outdoor seating and serves not just coffees and cakes but actual meals. And not only that but the food is nutritious and absolutely delicious.
Gertrude and Alice Café Bookstore, Bondi
Gertrude and Alice Café Bookstore in Bondi is another lovely bookshop café to add to your list. This one sells new books but accepts used books and redistributes them to schools and libraries.
It has a great menu, with breakfast/brunch foods, sandwiches and toasties, smoothies and of course coffee and tea. And it’s got a busy schedule of book-related events.
Glee Books, Glebe
Moving over to Glebe, call in at Glee Books. This one has warehouse vibes: high, wooden ceilings and tall shelves stacked messily with books. I don’t know why but that sort of slightly untidy setup always makes me doubly excited to browse the books.
Glee Books has a schedule of events with talks and interviews with authors. Try and catch one of these events whilst you’re in Sydney but make sure to book in advance.
Glee Books has another branch in Dulwich Hill (in southwest Sydney) and also one in Blackheath in the Blue Mountains (northwest of Sydney).
Sappho Books Café and Bar, Glebe
Finally, Sappho Books Café and Bar is a second-hand bookshop has an older feel to it. Similarly to Glee Books, the books on its shelves are a little bit disorderly which makes it feel like someone’s home library.
Again, Sappho Books has excellent coffee and cakes during the day. What makes this bookshop café stand out is that it becomes a bar in the evenings and hosts events, some with live music. What better environment can there be than a bookshop-turned-café-turned-bar?
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