Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, is celebrated for its tehzeeb (etiquette), poetry, and cultural richness. However, beyond the aroma of kebabs and the charm of chikankari embroidery, the city holds a quieter yet equally soulful treasure: its bookstores.
From the old-world charm of Hazratganj’s heritage bookshops to the student-filled lanes of Aliganj and the modern reading corners in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow has something for every bibliophile. You can stroll into a shop for a rare Urdu poetry collection, hunt down competitive exam guides, or simply get lost among colourful stacks of novels and children’s books.
Many of these bookstores have been around for decades, serving generations of readers, while newer ones bring in bestsellers and trendy reading spaces. If you prefer a budget-friendly route, the city’s smaller bookshops and BookMandee can make it easy to buy or sell used books without hassle.
In this guide, we’ve curated some of the most popular bookstores in Lucknow.
Popular Bookstores in Lucknow
| Bookstore Name | Location & Google Maps Link | Address |
| Modern Books & Books | View on Map | Plot No 20, Purvanchal Sadan, behind FBB Showroom, Kapoorthla, Aliganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226024 |
| Universal Book Centre | View on Map | Commercial Complex, A-1, Arif Chambers – 1, Aliganj, Kapoorthala Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226024 |
| Universal Booksellers | View on Map | 82, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Block E, Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001 |
| Pari Pustak Kendra | View on Map | 60 Feet Rd, near Atal Chauraha, opposite CBI Colony, Janki Vihar Colony, Jankipuram Vistar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226021 |
| The Bookland | View on Map | Shalimar ELDEE PLAZA, G-24, Faizabad Rd, near BHOOTNATH METRO station, Bhoothnath Market, Sector 5, Indiranagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003 |
| Kumar Book House | View on Map | Aliganj, near old Hanuman Mandir shopping center, Dandiya Bazar, Sector CS, Aliganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226024 |
| Vishal Book Store | View on Map | Azad Market, Opp Hal, Faizabad Rd, Indra Nagar, Sector 18, Indira Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226016 |
| Books & Books | View on Map | Naval Kishore Rd, opposite Skylark building, near Leela cinema, Newal, Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001 |
| Universal Book Sellers | View on Map | Mithaiwala Chaurah, 1, 10, Lohia Path, below Flyover, Vivek Khand 2, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010 |
| Azad Book Depot | View on Map | Azad Market, S-6/62, opposite H. A. L Gate, Indira Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226016 |
Local Authors & Literary Voices from Lucknow
| Author | Genre / Speciality | Notable Works | Connection to Lucknow |
| Ismat Chughtai | Urdu fiction, short stories | Lihaaf, Tedhi Lakeer | Born in Badayun but spent formative years in Lucknow; her bold narratives often drew from the city’s social fabric. |
| Agha Shahid Ali | Poetry (English & Urdu influence) | The Country Without a Post Office, Call Me Ishmael Tonight | Lived in Lucknow during early life; his poetry reflects the cultural richness of Urdu traditions prevalent here. |
| Anees Jung | Non-fiction, social commentary | Unveiling India, Lost Spring | Studied and wrote extensively about Indian society; Lucknow’s heritage often features in her work. |
| Parveen Shakir | Urdu poetry | Khushbu, Sad-barg | A beloved poet whose works remain popular in Lucknow’s Urdu literary gatherings. |
| Qurratulain Hyder | Urdu novels, historical fiction | Aag Ka Darya, River of Fire | Though born in Aligarh, she had strong literary ties with Lucknow’s publishing and cultural scene. |
Buy & Sell Old Books in Lucknow with BookMandee
If you have old books piling up at home or are on the lookout for affordable old books, BookMandee makes it simple. We connect book buyers and sellers in Lucknow, so you can give your books a second life while saving money.
Whether you’re a student wanting to sell last semester’s textbooks, a parent passing on children’s books, or a reader clearing space on your bookshelf, BookMandee ensures your books find the right hands without the hassle.
You can:
- Post your old books for sale in minutes
- Browse listings from sellers across Lucknow
- Save money on second-hand textbooks, novels, and more
FAQs about Bookstores in Lucknow
Which is the most famous bookstore in Lucknow?
Hazratganj’s Universal Booksellers is among the most well-known and offers fiction, non-fiction, and academic books.
Are there bookstores in Lucknow that sell second-hand books?
Yes, you’ll find second-hand books in smaller shops near Aliganj and Aminabad, and also on BookMandee.
Do Lucknow bookstores stock competitive exam books?
Most large bookstores have dedicated sections of books for UPSC, SSC, banking, and other competitive exam materials.
Are there Urdu literature bookshops in Lucknow?
Several shops in Hazratganj and Aminabad stock classic and contemporary Urdu literature, reflecting Lucknow’s rich literary heritage.
Explore Similar Bookstores in Other Cities
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- Bookstores in Chandigarh
Disclaimer
The list of bookstores in this article is compiled from publicly available sources for informational purposes only. We do not claim affiliation with or endorsement from any of these businesses. Readers are advised to verify store details such as location, stock availability, and opening hours before visiting.