Blues Point Bookshop

Set inside a picture-perfect terrace in the McMahons Point village, The Blues Point Bookshop has become something of a tourist attraction in recent years. 

It wasn’t entirely clear why though, until owner Helen Baxter queried a tour guide who had just pulled up with a busload of foreign sightseers. The answer? It almost looks like The Shop Around The Corner – the quaint village bookshop Meg Ryan’s character owns in the ’90s romcom, You’ve Got Mail.

What it is though, is an institution that’s stood strong for almost 25 years, with the feel of a quintessential European bookseller (spy the Persian carpets and reading lounge). And where most Australian vendors display their books spine-out, Baxter prefers to face hers cover-out instead, so that the shop looks more like an art gallery.

The shop is right by a couple of local icons including the Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and some very pretty bush walks. But you can’t miss this iconic shop, especially at night. A blue neon light that spells “Books” goes on at closing time every night.