College Street (Boi Para)
The World's Largest Second-Hand Book Bazaar
Profile Overview
College Street (known locally as Boi Para or Book Town) is a 1.5 km long avenue spanning from Bowbazar crossing to Mahatma Gandhi Road. It stands as the largest book market in India and the world's largest second-hand book market. The street is lined with hundreds of small wooden bookstalls selling every publication imaginable, alongside premier educational institutions like the University of Calcutta, Presidency University, and Sanskrit College. It is also home to the legendary Indian Coffee House.
The Book Stall Experience
Looking for a rare first edition or an out-of-print textbook? Boi Para's vendors have a unique indexing system in their heads. Even if a stall doesn't have the book, the owner will search neighboring lanes to find it for you. Bargaining is standard practice here.
Indian Coffee House (Albert Hall)
Situated near the Presidency University gate, this historic coffee joint has hosted generations of writers, filmmakers (Satyajit Ray), and revolutionaries. Sit under the high ceilings, order a cup of infusion black coffee with hot mutton cutlets, and soak in the intellectual conversations (adda) echoing around the hall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College Street open on Sunday?
Most pavement bookstalls remain closed on Sundays. However, the Indian Coffee House and some major publishing showrooms are open.
What is the closest Metro station to College Street?
The closest metro stations are College Street (Green Line Metro terminal under construction) or MG Road / Central Metro stations (Blue Line).
Quick Factsheet
Verified StatisticsRegistry & Address
College Street (from Bowbazar crossing to MG Road), Kolkata - 700073