Bhopal, the City of Lakes, wears its charm in two colours – the deep blue of its shimmering waters and the warm sepia of its rich literary tradition.
The city is known for its history, art, and culture, and has also nurtured a community of readers, writers, and storytellers. Bhopal’s love for books is woven into its everyday life, and stretches from the quiet bylanes of the Old City to the modern hubs like DB City Mall.
The city’s reading culture reflects its diversity, which includes students searching for competitive exam guides, researchers digging into historical archives, and fiction lovers exploring Hindi, Urdu, and English classics. Bhopal is also home to celebrated authors whose works have travelled far beyond the city’s borders and small independent booksellers who keep local literature alive.
Whether you prefer the polished shelves of national bookstore chains or the chaos of second-hand book markets, Bhopal offers an experience for every bibliophile. In this guide, we explore popular bookstores in Bhopal, local literary voices, and tips for book lovers in Bhopal.
Popular Bookstores in Bhopal
| Bookstore | Address | Google Maps Link |
| Crossword, DB City Mall | 3rd Floor, Dainik Bhaskar Mall, Unit No. T19 & T20, Opposite MP Nagar, Zone-I, Arera Hills, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462011 | View on Map |
| Books N Books | Shop No. 16, 11 No. Market, Opp. Apna Namkeen, Arera Colony, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462016 | View on Map |
| Books & Books | 219, Zone-II, Behind Sargam Talkies, Zone-II, Maharana Pratap Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462011 | View on Map |
| Vidhyarthi Book Depot | Crystal Tower, 76-B, Chetak Bridge Chouraha, Housing Board Colony, Kasturba Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462023 | View on Map |
| Variety Book House | S-14,15, G.T.B Complex, Bhadbhada Rd, 45 Bunglows, North TT Nagar, TT Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462003 | View on Map |
| Garg Book Depot | Shop No. 11, Jumerati Rd, Dayanand Chowk, Jumerati, Peer Gate Area, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001 | View on Map |
| New Sneh Book Centre | Shop No. 31 and 32, Nagar Nigam Parking, Zone-I, Maharana Pratap Nagar, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462011 | View on Map |
| Vijay Book Stall | Shop No. 31, Chetak Bridge, Gautam Nagar, Housing Board Colony, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462023 | View on Map |
| Bhumik’s Books & Stationery | Shop No. 6, Sivoy, Gulmohar Colony, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462039 | View on Map |
| Dubey Books | Ibrahimpura, Peer Gate Area, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001 | View on Map |
Read More: Why Books by Kilo May Not Be the Best Way to Buy or Sell Books?
Local Authors & Literary Voices from Bhopal
| Author | Notable Works | Genre / Contribution |
| Manzoor Ahtesham | Sukha Bargad, Basharat Manzil | Renowned Hindi novelist known for exploring socio-political themes of post-independence India. |
| Rahman Abbas | Rohzin, Nakhalistan Ki Talash | Urdu fiction writer and Sahitya Akademi Award winner. |
| Rajkamal Kaul | Kya Tumne Bhopal Dekha Hai | Local historian and chronicler of Bhopal’s cultural and literary history. |
| Saba Naqvi | Shades of Saffron, In Good Faith | Political journalist and author with Bhopal roots. |
| Rachna Singh | That Autumn in Awadh, Dating, Diapers and Denial | Contemporary fiction writer with light-hearted and relatable storytelling. |
FAQs
Which is the most popular bookstore in Bhopal?
Crossword at DB City Mall is one of the most popular and modern bookstores in Bhopal. It offers fiction, non-fiction, academic titles, and children’s books. It also has a comfortable browsing environment, making it a favourite weekend stop for many book lovers.
Can I find second-hand books in Bhopal?
Bhopal has several local shops and street stalls where you can buy affordable second-hand books. For instance, Ibrahimpura and smaller independent stores in old market areas often stock used books in good condition at bargain prices.
Are there bookstores in Bhopal that stock competitive exam books?
Shops like Vidhyarthi Book Depot and Garg Book Depot are known for their range of competitive exam preparation material, academic books, and stationery for students.
Where can I find stationery along with books in Bhopal?
Many bookstores in Bhopal double as stationery shops. Stores like Bhumik’s Books & Stationery and New Sneh Book Centre stock both books and stationery items under one roof.
Can I buy rare or out-of-print books in Bhopal?
Finding rare books locally can be tricky, but older bookstores in the old city areas sometimes have these hidden gems. For highly specific titles, BookMandee can be a great complement to local searches.
Can’t Find a Book in Bhopal? Try BookMandee
While Bhopal’s bookstores offer a mix of new titles, there’s a different kind of charm in owning an old book that has passed through other hands, carrying underlined passages, folded corners, and its history. Traditionally, finding such books meant visiting small shops in Ibrahimpura or browsing through local street stalls.
Now, readers in Bhopal have another option: searching for old and second-hand books online.
BookMandee brings together individuals/small sellers from across the city who wish to sell their used books. This means you can discover that elusive paperback you’ve been hunting for or give your old books a new home.
It’s a win-win – your shelves get more space, someone else gets a story to cherish, and books continue their journey from one reader to another.
How to Use BookMandee for Old Books in Bhopal
| Step | What to Do | Why It Helps |
| 1. Search by Location | Search Bhopal in the location to find books listed by local sellers | Saves on delivery time and shipping costs |
| 2. Filter by Category | Choose genres like fiction, academic, or competitive exam prep | Helps you find relevant titles faster |
| 3. Post Your Listings/Book-Ads | Upload details of books you want to sell | Makes it easy to reach buyers in your city and beyond |
| 4. Arrange Safe Exchange | Opt for delivery or meet in a public place | Keeps the transaction smooth and secure |
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Disclaimer:
The bookstore details, addresses, and Google Map links provided here are for informational purposes only. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up to date, we recommend confirming timings, availability, and services directly with the respective bookstores before visiting. BookMandee does not endorse or have any affiliation with the listed bookstores unless stated otherwise.