Shelf-care: Inside Delhi’s weekend book crawls

In a city where leisure often defaults to malls and cafes, bookstore hopping offers a quieter form of exploration. Tucked inside bustling markets, with low-hanging ceilings and the quiet hum of readers, bookstores are becoming destinations in themselves – spaces where readers linger over shelves, discover titles, and map the city one stop at a time. For a growing number of young readers, the ideal weekend now means a tote bag, an iced latte, and an afternoon spent moving from one bookstore to the next.

font-size: inherit; background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: 0.3px;Why readers return to intimate shelves

Bookstores are a shared space that keeps people connected through stories. Subir Dey, curator at a city-based bookstore, Kunzum Books, says, “There is that thrill of the hunt, the creak of a floorboard, the narrow aisles, and sometimes the recommendation notes pinned to the stacks. When you explore a bookshop, you are participating in a cultural ecosystem. You might come across a handwritten ‘Staff Pick’ note that tells you more about the book. You might overhear a stranger’s conversation that changes your perspective on an author.”

'Mapping a city through ideas'

Aarzoo Kumar, 23, who frequents bookstores across south Delhi, says, “Books find you when they have something to say to you, and often it’s the cover I stumble upon. I love checking out the staff recommendations of what they think is popular, trending, or something they’re reading. I compare bookstores’ recommendations and popular titles too because it’s almost like a window into the personality of the bookstore, which is distinct for each of them.” Subir adds, “In India, some bookstores serve as the keepers of our local history and languages. When you hop between shops, you are navigating the country’s intellectual landscape. It’s a way of mapping a city through its Ideas.”

Disha Verma, who runs Chapters Bookstore in Gurgaon curates the collection herself and slips little reviews with her favourites. “There’s very little room for exploration when ordering online. While that works for a lot of people, readers like me enjoy getting a feel of the book, flipping through a few pages and seeing if it connects. And if there’s a curator around, those conversations and recommendations often lead you to books you wouldn’t have found otherwise.” Fostering a culture of second-hand reads, she also has a cafe attached providing the perfect escape for readers.

'Tiny bookstores have an unmatched charm'

24-year-old Samiah Anjum prefers bookstores where she can find exclusive copies, especially ones about the history of the city. “There’s something special about tiny independent bookstores tucked away in busy streets. The old-world feel, the smell of old paper, yellowed pages, and worn-out covers – it all adds to the experience. Every book feels like it has belonged to someone before, like it carries a bit of history with it. These spaces feel personal, formed by people over years, unlike the spotless uniformity of larger corporate stores.” Neha Barik, 29-year-old a counselling psychologist, adds, “Bookstores bring people together but they can also be great individual experiences. I prefer going by myself because it makes me feel more connected to who I am as an individual. It’s an intimate and sensory experience which you can’t get online.”

For curator Subir Dey, “The ‘afterglow’ of a bookstore hop doesn’t end at the door, it sits on your nightstand for weeks."

Plan your NCR bookstore trail: Four stops. One day. Countless discoveries.

• Start in the South Extension Market at Midland Book Shop, the Mirza family-run basement bookstore. Don’t forget to grab a drink first!
• From there, hop into an auto to Hauz Khas Village and browse the green-lined shelves of Kunzum Books, with enough time to stop for a quick snack nearby.
• Your third stop is N Block Market, Greater Kailash I, where Full Circle Bookstore offers a quieter, unhurried browsing experience.
• Wrap up the trail at the iconic Faqir Chand Bookstore or Bahrisons Booksellers in Khan Market, then round off the day with a late lunch.

Bookstore hop tips

• Carry a tote bag – your hands will thank you
• Look out for signed copies, special editions, and stationery corners
• Pick up bookmarks and store keepsakes along the way
• Plan to spend more time to browse slowly, the best finds are rarely planned