A Guide to KL's Best Bookstores + Reading Cafes: 8 Places to Spend a Slow Afternoon

In a city perpetually humming with activity, Kuala Lumpur's bookstores and reading cafes offer sanctuaries for those seeking slower, more contemplative afternoons. Whether you're drawn to architectural grandeur, curated indie selections, or the simple pleasure of reading whilst sipping quality coffee, these eight establishments combine literature with atmosphere in ways that make spending hours amongst pages feel like a privilege rather than an indulgence.

BookXcess at Rex KL

The transformation of the iconic Rex Cinema into arguably KL's hippest bookstore creates an experience that transcends mere book shopping. Visitors consistently praise the labyrinthine layout with towering bookshelves across multiple levels, creating a maze-like structure that's so picture-perfect that tourists arrive in droves specifically for photographs. What makes BookXcess at Rex KL particularly appealing is its extensive collection spanning fiction, young adult titles, and children's picture books, with discounts reaching up to 80 per cent.​

Reviewers love that browsing here feels unhurried, with the repurposed cinema architecture providing natural nooks for reading. The addition of Stellar Café by the entrance and popup stalls selling local artist merchandise outside means you can easily spend an entire afternoon here without needing to leave. Located on the second floor of RexKL on Jalan Sultan, the bookstore operates daily from 10am to 10pm, making it accessible for both morning browsing and evening visits.​

Kinokuniya at Suria KLCC

Described by reviewers as "ginormous" and "bibliophile heaven," Kinokuniya's KLCC branch rivals even the celebrated Singapore and Japanese outlets in sheer scale and collection range. What visitors consistently highlight is the mind-boggling breadth of titles available, from mainstream bestsellers to specialty publications. One reviewer notes this is "probably the biggest bookstore (carrying English books) in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia". The fact that most books aren't wrapped in plastic allows customers to flip through before purchasing, a feature reviewers genuinely appreciate.​

Beyond books, the stationery section draws particular praise, reminiscent of Japan's Loft and Tokyu Hands, featuring specialty papers, stickers, an official Studio Ghibli merchandise corner through Donguri Republic, and even Hobonichi Techo planners for journaling enthusiasts. The Malaysian souvenir items, especially wooden bookmarks and tote bags, offer affordable pasalubong options. Located on Level 4 of Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers, it operates daily from 10am to 10pm. Reviewers mention an in-house café with beautiful views, perfect for breaking up intensive browsing sessions.​

Tsutaya Books

Famously named "one of the world's most beautiful bookstores," Tsutaya delivers on aesthetic expectations whilst fostering genuine reading culture. Reviewers describe being greeted by "the scent of new paperbacks neatly stacked on antique-looking bookshelves" that creates a timeless, chamber library atmosphere. What distinguishes Tsutaya is the ample space provided for sitting and simply enjoying reading, with books arranged by categories and genres using "a little bit of free association".​

Visitors particularly appreciate spending two hours or more wandering through sections spanning humanities, young adult fiction, and non-fiction, stopping to skim prologues before deciding on purchases. Beyond literature, the store offers extensive stationery, arts and crafts, essential oils, and accessories. One reviewer emphasises how Tsutaya "elevates the reading culture and experience," noting the endearing sight of children scrolling through collections in an age dominated by digitalisation. The outlets at both Intermark KL and Pavilion Bukit Jalil operate daily from 10am to 10pm, with reviewers praising "the beautiful layout of the bookstore, the immense floor space, the wide array of books available, the service and the knowledge of the staff".​

Riwayat Bookstore

Tucked along Jalan Tun H S Lee, just a short walk from Masjid Jamek LRT station, Riwayat offers a curated alternative to mega-chain bookstores. Reviewers highlight the sizeable section dedicated to Malaysian topics and fiction by Malaysian authors, making it essential for those interested in local literature and Southeast Asian works. "A must visit for book lovers," shares one reviewer. "They curate a unique blend of new and used books as well as heavily feature local authors".​

What makes Riwayat special is its focus on promoting local writers alongside carefully selected international titles covering diverse subjects from Malay music history to colonial anthropological accounts of 18th-century Malaya. The neat, cosy atmosphere contrasts sharply with the sprawling chaos of nearby Junk Bookstore, offering a more intimate browsing experience. Reviewers note that Riwayat regularly hosts events like author discussions and book launches. The bookstore sits next to several picturesque cafes, perfect for post-purchase reading sessions over tea. Operating hours and further details are available on their Instagram page @riwayatmy.​

Lit Books

Run by a husband-and-wife duo who are former journalists and ardent bibliophiles, Lit Books specialises in English literary titles with an emphasis on acclaimed and obscure fiction across genres. Located at Unit P-1-11, Level 1, Tropicana Avenue in Petaling Jaya, this independent bookstore earns praise for its carefully curated collection that reflects genuine literary passion rather than commercial trends. "It was a pleasure to run into this place," shares one visitor who discovered the shop.​

What reviewers appreciate about Lit Books is the expert curation that helps readers discover titles they might not encounter in larger chain stores. The owners' journalism background informs their selection, creating a collection that balances popular literary fiction with more challenging, thought-provoking works. As an independent bookstore, Lit Books represents the kind of specialised, personality-driven shop that bookworms actively seek out for recommendations and serendipitous discoveries.

M'Laboori

This vegetarian café doubling as a library in SS2, Petaling Jaya, offers a unique combination that bookworms and health-conscious diners equally appreciate. Just a five-minute walk from Taman Bahagia LRT Station, M'Laboori provides "a very inviting place to work or just chill for a coffee, with a bit of library atmosphere". Reviewers rave about the food quality, with one visitor describing the Veggie + pizza (RM12) as "one good pizza" featuring thin crust with plenty of mozzarella cheese, broccoli, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, eggplants, and olives.​

The Nyonya Curry Mee (RM9.90) "exceeded our expectation" with tasty, well-flavoured gravy that reviewers enjoyed slurping on its own. What makes M'Laboori particularly suitable for slow afternoons is the combination of quality vegetarian cuisine, library atmosphere, and work-friendly amenities including Wi-Fi and charging points. One reviewer praises the "cozy atmosphere" and notes that "the library concept truly" enhances the experience. Run by the same team behind Murni, M'Laboori represents a different direction focused on vegetarian cuisine in a literary setting.​

The Messengers by JWC

Hidden inside Eslite Spectrum bookstore at The Starhill, The Messengers by JWC creates what reviewers describe as "a calm coffee escape". Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on over 392 reviews, this book café combines coffee roastery expertise with dessert offerings in an Instagrammable setting that's genuinely work-friendly. "It's a delightful place where you can sip on your favorite coffee or tea and immerse yourself in reading or studying," notes one reviewer.​

What distinguishes The Messengers is its integration within the bookstore environment, allowing visitors to browse Eslite's collection before settling in with quality coffee. Reviewers particularly appreciate the "peaceful space" for enjoying "a slow coffee break" whilst browsing through books. The unique concept of embedding a specialty coffee roaster within a bookstore creates natural synergy, where purchasing and reading books flow seamlessly together. Located at The Starhill in Bukit Bintang, it operates during the bookstore's hours, making it accessible for both daytime studying and evening relaxation.​

These establishments prove that KL's literary scene extends far beyond simple book retail, offering spaces where reading, socialising, working, and simply being can coexist in environments designed to slow time rather than rush it.