The Best Independent Bookstores In Charlotte North Carolina

The six independent bookstores on this list all have a distinct mission and environment, so no matter what kind of bookstore you prefer—cozy and classic, hop-focussed coffee, bright gift shop, or borderline warehouse—Charlotte has a bookstore for everyone.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Julia’s Cafe & Books

Seeking books with a side of goodwill? Visit Julia’s Cafe & Books, which makes up the fundraising arm of Charlotte’s Habitat for Humanity. Proceeds from each purchase, whether a rare used book, a cup of locally roasted coffee from Magnolia Coffee Company, or a nibble from their selection of sandwiches, salads, and locally sourced pastries, go directly to the non-profit. The cute lofted café and cheery space are smile-inducing, too!

As the only independent bookstore in the city that stocks only new titles, Park Roads Books has been a beloved community pillar for over 40 years. Winning the number one spot as Charlotte’s best bookstore year after year, the cozy space has wooden rocking chairs, book club nook with couches and armchairs, and an old-school vibe that makes book-browsers feel welcomed.

Book Buyers

Arguably home to Charlotte’s best selection of used books, Book Buyers sits in a strip mall, but towering shelves of books await inside. Visitors will find unexpected sections, such as paranormal romance. Be sure to stop by the aviation section to see the in-progress rebuild of a 1940s plane model.

Paper Skyscraper

More gift store than a bookstore, Paper Skyscraper nevertheless has plenty of children’s books, trending titles, coffee table books, and cookbooks that will catch your eye. Candles, stationery, glassware, etc.—all kinds of home goods and décor make this store a great place to shop for friends and family and pick up a few things for yourself, too.

The Book Rack

Add this bookstore to your itinerary if your goal is scooping up bargain books—The Book Rack has bargain racks with three-for-$1 deals. Yet, new titles are also available here, often for 20–50% off the publisher’s price. A few chairs reside inside, but most people browse, buy, and go.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.