What to see in Singapore in 1 day is not an easy question to answer, especially if it is your first visit in the city-state. Despite its fairly small size compared with its other Southeast Asian neighbors, Singapore is packed with popular and under the radar attractions you will want to explore. But if you all things books and literary, here are some of the must-see bookish spots you need to check out.
Basheer Graphic Books
Location: Bras Basah Complex #04-19, 231 Bain St.
Why go: Basheer Graphic Books is a go-to bookstore for anyone looking for everything graphic design. It also has a wide collection of titles on architecture and other creative and design topics.
BooksActually
Location: 9 Yong Siak St.
Why go: One of the country’s best-known independent bookstores, BooksActually features an extensive collection of Singaporean literature including hard-to-find titles. It also boasts a wide array of notebooks, stationeries, and other items.
Kinokuniya
Location: Various (Ngee Ann City, Liang Court, Bugis Junction, Jem)
Why go: Kinokuniya is Singapore’s biggest bookstore with numerous local and foreign-language titles. From comics and magazines to books and so much more, this is a place bibliophiles will surely love.
Open Book Cafe
Location: 25 Bukit Pasoh Rd.
Why go: Open Book Cafe is a cozy small cafe at the back of the Grassroots Book Room which offers mostly Chinese books. It is easy to miss if you do not know what lies hidden behind the bookstore which makes it a great place to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while reading a good book.