What’s not to love about book shops? The smell of the books, some new some old. The rows and rows of wonderful colourful spines stacked neatly (sometimes) side by side. The chance to explore something completely new, or to immerse yourself into your favourite fiction novel, or spy thriller. Adults and children alike, wondering down the rows, or sitting in a corner flicking through pages. We’ve rounded up the best book shops in Hong Kong.
Bookazine
A smorgasbord of english language books, as well as toys, gifts, lifestyle, and magazines, you name it! Bookazine has been a staple in Hong kong since 1985 and continues to be one of the best book shops in Hong Kong. The staff are always helpful and knowledgable and there is always something new to explore in store. It also has a wonderful selection of Hong Kong based books and gifts, and a selection of classic sweets from the UK. Bookazine also now has an e-shop, for those wanting to shop from the comfort of their home.
Address: Various locations check the website for further information
Book Buddy
A cute little book and toy shop in Causeway Bay. With a wide selection of english storybooks, sound books, educational toys, puzzles, games, arts & crafts and also teaching materials. This is a great place to stock up your home library and also to buy gifts. Be warned, taking children there will almost definitely result in your pockets being emptied!
Address: Shop 213 on 2/F, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay and Popcorn Mall, Shop Units F88 & F89, Level 1, PopCorn, 9 Tong Chun Street, Tseung Kwan O, N.T. Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 11.00 – 9.00pm
Taschen
Located in the courtyard of Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and arts, Taschen’s first ever store in Asia opened in 2018. The range of books on offer are extensive, covering many disciplines like, Architecture & Design, Children’s, Classics, Pop Culture, Music, Photography, Fashion and Film. They also have many limited editions for sale. Being part of the cultural centre the store often hosts book signings and live talks. A great place to buy your coffee table books.
Address: Shop 01-G02 Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Rd, Hong Kong
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday 11.00 – 7.00pm
Books & Co
A sweet little bookshop on Park Road in Sai Ying Pun, where used books are stacked up in almost every empty corner and floor space. The place smells like you are walking into an old antique library on a film set. A perfect place to wile away a few hours with a good book and a steaming cup of coffee and cake.
Address: 10 Park Road, Mid Levels, Hong Kong Opening Hours: 11.00 – 7.00pm
Swindon Book Co Ltd
The Swindon Book Co Ltd is an established books and stationery business in Hong Kong since 1918. Its associated companies are also Hong Kong Book Centre and Kelly & Walsh Ltd. All retail outlets have an extensive range of books covering all disciplines for instance, Arts & Leisure, Children’s books, Education, Health, Sports, Business & Management to name a few. Kelly & Walsh in particular has an impressive range of culinary books and hosts regular events and talks.
Lok Man Rare Books
Not your average bookshop, Lok Man Rare Books as the name suggests is a place to find rare and priceless collectors items. With Christmas fast approaching this is an excellent place to find that rare gift for your loved ones. The books don’t come cheap however it is a wonderful place for all book lovers.
Address: 6 Chancery Lane, Central, Hong Kong Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11.00am–7.00pm.
Metro Comics
A great place for comic books fans, with a good selection of reasonably priced comic books and also very easy to order things that are not in stock. Knowledgable and friendly staff.
Address: Causeway Bay Centre, 15-23 Sugar St, Causeway Bay Openings Hours: 2.00 – 9.30pm
Book B
Located in trendy hotpot The Mills, Book B covers niche and independent publications across literature, history, art, design and illustration. They also have a local emphasis in store with their range of independent and locally distributed publications. Be sure to keep an eye on their facebook page for events ranging from exhibitions, talks and jazz and coffee events.
Address: Shop 111, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong Opening Hours: 12.00 – 7.00pm
Kubrick
Attached to Broadway Cinematheque this eclectic bookstore comes with a strong emphasis on community. You can casually browse through the catalogue of art, film and lifestyle books, and also DVDs and movie memorabilia, (Empire Records anyone) or grab a coffee and bite to eat at the charming cafe. With a nostalgic feel and cursory nod to old skool this is a very cool bookstore to visit.
Address: Yau Ma Tei, Public Square St, Prosperous Garden Block 3, Shop H2 Opening Hours: 11.30 – 10.00pm
reBooked is partnering up with Rosey Cloud and will have a physical location in Central from 12 – 25 January 2021. reBooked will be selling pre-loved childrens books and they will also have a dedicated drop box for book donations.
Address: 2/F, 29 Hollywood Road, Central Opening Hours: 12.00 – 6.00pm
Eslite
Located in Hysan Place in Causeway bay, Eslite covers an impressive three floors, with a good range of english and non english books, and a large magazine section. The children’s section also has many Chinese books and you can often find the place littered with children reading. Eslite also has 3 other locations in Hong Kong.
Address: 8/F-10/F Hysan Place, 500 Hennesey Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Opening hours: 10.00 – 22.00
Bleak House Books
Established in 2017 Bleak House Books is relatively new but none the less has made an impact on the book scene in Hong Kong. They deal in new and used English language books, and also have a community space which is used for events. Bleak House Books “is a place where booklovers and thinkers can take refuge from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong to meet, share ideas, and do what they love most: read!” The bookstore also has vintage comics and sheet music, a must for serious booklovers, and one of the best book shops in Hong Kong.
Address: Unit 2705, 27/F, Well Tech Centre, 9 Pat Tat Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Opening Hours: Check website for further details.
*As events are changing fast, It’s always best to check directly with the store before planning your visit.
Read More: Bring me a Book
