The Ultimate FAQ Guide to Colombo's Best Bookshops: Your Literary Journey

Colombo is a vibrant hub for book lovers, offering everything from large, modern stores with international bestsellers to hidden alleys overflowing with rare, second-hand gems. Whether you're a tourist looking for a novel to read on the beach or a student hunting for academic texts, this guide covers the most frequently asked questions about book shopping in the city.

1. Top Bookshop Recommendations

Q1: What are the biggest and most popular bookshop chains in Colombo?

• A: The Sri Lankan book market is dominated by two major chains known for their wide selection of both English and vernacular (Sinhala/Tamil) publications, as well as academic supplies:

Q2: Where can I find the best selection of international English fiction and new releases?

A: For the latest international bestsellers, popular fiction, and imported non-fiction titles, look for the following:

• Vijitha Yapa Bookshop: Highly regarded for its excellent selection of imported English books, including bestsellers, literary fiction, and a good range of local titles in English. Key branches are often found in major malls (like Crescat Boulevard) and prime locations like Unity Plaza.
• Makeen Books: Known for curating an extensive collection of international fantasy novels, contemporary fiction, and comics, catering well to the modern English reader.

Q3: Are there any unique or boutique bookshops popular with tourists?

A: Yes, for a more unique experience, visit:

• Barefoot Bookshop (Galle Road): Located within the iconic Barefoot gallery and café complex. It specializes in books by local Sri Lankan authors, arts, culture, and high-quality children's books, often alongside a curated selection of international titles. The ambience is a major draw.
• Chapters (Colombo 4): A cozy bookstore, sometimes featuring a small café, which provides a relaxed environment to browse and shop.

2. Second-Hand & Academic Books

Q4: Where can I buy affordable or second-hand (used) books in Colombo?

A: The undisputed hub for second-hand books is the Maradana Book District (Dr. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10).

• Maradana: This area is famous for its long rows of independent kiosks and small shops overflowing with used paperbacks, classic literature, academic texts, and magazines.
• Pricing: Books here can be significantly cheaper (sometimes half or less than the cover price) and haggling is a common practice, making it a paradise for budget-conscious bookworms.
• Online/Hybrid: Platforms like also offer used books online at heavy discounts, often with physical pickup points in locations like Liberty Plaza.

Q5: What is the best bookshop for medical, engineering, or academic textbooks?

A: For specialized academic and technical books, the following outlets are most commonly searched for by students:

• Expographic Books: Traditionally strong in educational and academic books, with a main shop in Pettah and other branches.
• Jeya Book Centre: Known as a reliable dealer for a wide range of medical, school, and academic books and imports from various international publishers.

3. Logistics, Location, and Convenience

Q6: What are the typical opening hours for bookshops in Colombo?

A: Most of the large commercial bookshops and chains operate on standard retail hours:

• Weekdays: Generally, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Weekends: Many larger branches (especially those in malls) remain open on weekends, though hours might be slightly shorter, for example, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Maradana Second-Hand Shops: Tends to be open earlier, usually 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Always check the specific location's hours before visiting.

Q7: Are the main bookshops centrally located and easy for tourists to access?

A: Yes, the key bookshops are located in easily accessible central areas:

• Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya) & Colombo 4 (Bambalapitiya): This stretch of Galle Road hosts major branches of Sarasavi, Vijitha Yapa, Makeen Books, and is home to the Barefoot Bookshop. It is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or tuk-tuk.
• Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens): Considered the heart of the city, you'll find boutique stores and smaller, upscale branches here.
• Maradana (Colombo 10): The second-hand book alley is near the Fort and Maradana railway stations, making it a short commute from the city center.

Q8: Do bookshops in Colombo offer online ordering and island-wide delivery?

A: Yes, virtually all major bookshop chains and popular independent stores offer robust online services, which became particularly popular during the recent years.

• Chains: Sarasavi, Vijitha Yapa, and M.D. Gunasena all have active e-commerce websites.
• Online Specialists: Websites like BooxWorm and Makeenbooks.com are dedicated online platforms offering island-wide delivery, often with Cash on Delivery (COD) and discounts.

And Many places offer online delivery to your doorstep. Check the best online places that deliver books here.

And if you are looking for the places to get the best stationery delivered, check this out.

Shopping for books is the second best experience for a bookworm. (first, of course, is reading books). How about you? Suggest your favorite bookstore if it is not here.

If it is on the list, don't forget to vote!