After spending a whole week in the hustle and bustle, one needs to unwind and unplug oneself. There are several ways to find an escape from a monotonous life. For bibliophiles, the best escape is an amazing book. And if you get a scrumptious meal with a fascinating book then life is bliss I must say. Reading your favourite book while munching some delectable and savoury snacks is an ideal way for some people who want to spend quality time on a weekend.
Check out some fantastic book cafes in Delhi which you shouldn't miss.
Cha Bar, Connaught Place
Cha Bar, which is right next to Oxford Book Store, is one of the most sought-after place by bookworms. One can read a book in the Oxford Book Store and also grab a bite at Cha Bar which is situated right next to it. Cha Bar offers a wide-ranging variety of teas and beverages. The interior of the cafe is decorated with shades of white, blue and black which provides a soothing effect. Also, the cafe offers non-fuss food and more than 100 varieties of teas and snacks. Even if you are not a bibliophile you must once pay a visit to Cha Bar to check out the varieties of herbal teas and snacks.
Cost: INR 300 – 500 for 2
Nearest Metro Station: Barakhamba Road Metro Station
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Kunzum Travel Cafe, Hauz Khas
If you are a traveller and also a book bug then this place will surely become your dream destination. Situated in the tucked away lanes of the Hauz Khas Village, this unique cafe does not boast of pricey menus and also does not burden your pockets as the cafe has “pay what you like” kind of service. You can sit here all day long and share your stories with fellow travellers. There are travel posters, photographs, paintings, magazines and books which are the main attractions of this place. You can sit there, use free wifi and order a cup of tea or coffee to get refreshed while reading.
Cost: Not fixed
Nearest Metro Station: Hauz Khas Metro Station
Timings: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cafe Turtle, Khan Market
One of the most quintessential book cafes in Delhi, Cafe Turtle is located above a full circle bookstore. There are mostly foreign tourists and book lovers who can be spotted reading or writing some amazing stuff. The cafe is well-stocked with some fantastic books and best seating options. The vintage ambience, sophisticated atmosphere and the availability of books of all genres make this place a gem which is easily accessible in the narrow bylanes of Khan Market.
Cost: INR 800- 1100 for 2
Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market Metro Station
Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.mMay
May Day Cafe and Bookstore, West Patel Nagar
This cafe is divided into 3 parts – the bookshop, the cafe and the office. The place is more about books and less about food. It is a place where you can find quality literature with bundles of freshly printed Das Capital as the place is owned by a left-wing publishing house. Samosas, coffee and chicken soup are some main attractions of the kitchen of this place which you can have while reading and discussing topics with people. The place also has a theatre space where performances and reading sessions take place.
Cost: INR 400 – 500 for 2
Nearest Metro Station: Shadipur Metro Station
Timings: 11 a.m. To 8 p.m.
Jugmug Thela, Saidulajab
Located in Champa Gali, Saidulajab, this cafe wasn't originally a place where one can read books but with the aim of promoting the reading culture, the place now has its own reading room. You can bring a book of your own and read it while munching on Jugmug's specialities like Vietnamese iced coffee, masala lemon iced tea, handmade biscuits or masala chai. You can take a book home which is priced less than the actual price of the book sometimes and also donate your own books.
Cost: INR 500- 600 approx for 2
Nearest Metro Station: Saket Metro Station
Timings: 11 a.m. To 8 p.m.
Ivy & Bean Book Café, Shahpur Jat
The quaint ambience, the quirky interiors and free wifi is the reason for the popularity of this little gem. Located in the kitschy Shahpur Jat, this book cafe has an Australian touch. The place has a remarkable book collection from where one can borrow or donate their books. They also have Australian cuisine in their menu which can be relished while reading your favourite books.
Cost: INR 800 - 1100
Nearest Metro Station: Hauz Khas Metro Station
Timings: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
You should not miss these cafes if you are a bibliophile!