Hong Kong is brimming with brilliant bookshops. For literary lovers, the Pearl of the Orient is the perfect place to visit. As you stroll the atmospheric streets you’ll stumble upon small independent bookshops, big branch bookshops as well as charming second-hand bookshops too. Ready to get reading? Here are some of the best bookshops in Hong Kong that should be on every bookworm’s list.
The 7 Best Bookshops in Hong Kong
1. Taschen
Taschen is a chain store and one of the world’s leading art book publishers. The branch in Hong Kong is on Hollywood Road and it is sleek and cool looking and sells all manner of books from art to food to travel to fashion. On the shelves, you’ll also find limited-edition, oversized-sized books that are so large they come with their own coffee table. Expect to pay hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars for these.
2. Bookazine, Landmark Prince’s
Bookazine is a family-run bookshop that has a few branches throughout Hong Kong. The English-language shop sells the latest bestsellers, greeting cards as well as a whole host of gifts and souvenirs. It also has Hong Kong’s largest selection of international magazines and periodicals. This is also a great place for the little ones as it has a wonderful selection of children’s products and books from South America, Germany, France, the UK, US and Australia.
3. Kelly & Walsh
Kelly & Walsh has a great selection of coffee table books ranging from art and design to business and travel, classic and contemporary literature, biographies and culinary books. There’s also a great children’s book selection. There are two branches – at the Landmark and Pacific Place – and there is a great calendar of events that includes author talks and signings.
4. Muse Art & Books
Muse Art and Books stocks a wide range of books from around the world on culture, art, design, lifestyle, photography, poetry, and much more. There’s even a section dedicated to Yau Ma Tei. This cultured enclave, in the basement of Hotel Stage in Kowloon, is a treasure trove of artisanal books and rare titles and you can even enjoy reading them at one of the many reading tables. Got some time to kill? While away the hours in the adjoining cafe lounge or visit the Hotel Stage’s art gallery, which features works by local and international artists.
5. TheBookshop
Located in the Hong Kong Museum of Art on the ground floor, the shelves here are filled with English and Chinese books on fine art, culture, and urban design and living. You’ll also find a lovely selection of artworks, pottery, photo prints and cards for sale. TheBookshop also hosts lots of great cultural events like author meet-and-greets, live music performances and creative workshops.
6. Lok Man Rare Books Ltd
Lok Man Rare Books offers a wide range of signed and rare books, first editions and important folios. Centrally located in Hong Kong on Chancery Lane, Lok Man Rare Books also helps customers source extremely rare books. The beautiful shop, with its elegant feel, is also a private space for events such as cocktail parties and wine tasting events.
7. eslite
Located in Hysan Place in Causeway Bay, eslite is a massive Taiwanese bookshop chain with tens of thousands of titles to choose from, over a third of which are in English. There’s also a smaller branch in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. In the shops, you’ll also find a huge selection of magazines, funky writing and accessories including a Moleskine concession stand.
