Reader’s Delight

Sometimes, the best way to make the most of your time is to slow down with a good book and a cup of coffee. Give yourself a dose of downtime without turning your back on Melbourne.

Melbourne has many beautiful bookstores amid its thoroughfares and laneways. In fact, it was the prevalence of libraries, independent book retailers and cultural centres that contributed to the city being only the second in the world to earn the UNESCO City of Literature tag in 2008.

Of course, there’s no better way to start a new book than being curled up with a beverage with an hour or two up your sleeve. Here are a few of our favourite spots where you can do just that.

Metropolis Bookshop + Curtin House

Bustling Swanston Street might not seem the most logical place to find a quiet bookstore, but Metropolis Bookshop, upstairs at Curtin House, is waiting for you. Once you’ve made your purchase, head down one level to the Toff in Town for a cocktail and a few chapters, or brave the Melbourne conditions at Rooftop Bar with a well-earned pint of stout under a gas heater.

Metropolis Bookshop, Level 3, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street
metropolisbookshop.com.au

The Toff in Town, Level 2, Curtin House
thetoffintown.com

Rooftop Bar, Level 7, Curtin House
facebook.com/rooftopbarmelbourne

Hill of Content + Pellegrini's Espresso Bar

No matter what your literary preference, you’ll find something to your liking at Hill of Content. Just a few doors up is Pellegrini’s, a Melbourne institution where you’ll feel right at home sitting in the window, sipping an espresso and reading your new book.

Hill of Content Bookshop 86 Bourke Street
hillofcontentbookshop.com.au

Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar, 66 Bourke Street
9662 1885

All Star Comics + Journal Cafe

A big Marvel or manga fan? All Star is arguably Melbourne’s most innovative comic book store, with latest releases and fan favourites covering two storeys of the building. Wander up Flinders Lane and duck into the Journal Café, which is connected to the Melbourne City Library and supportive of some quality reading time.

All Star Comics 53 Queen Street
ascmelbourne.blogspot.com

Journal Cafe 253 Flinders Lane
journalcafe.com.au

Readings Carlton + Lygon Street

There’s a reason that Readings in Carlton was recently named the best bookstore in the world. It’s because no matter how old you are or what you’re interested in, there’s bound to be a book or three that will inspire you to cancel the rest of your day’s plans and settle into a comfortable chair. Luckily, on bustling Lygon Street, there are plenty of those. While Brunetti’s, across the road, always draws a crowd, Tiamo and the Jimmy Watson’s courtyard are excellent options for a glass of wine, expertly brewed coffee, or simply a glass of water and a delicious lunch.

Readings Carlton, 309 Lygon Street, Carlton
readings.com.au

Tiamo, 303 Lygon Street, Carlton
tiamo.com.au

Jimmy Watson’s, 333 Lygon Street, Carlton
jimmywatsons.com.au