Save up to $1,322 on our trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

Authentic Chinese culture fuses seamlessly with Western inspiration to create the vibrant and diverse city of Hong Kong. Setting aside mainstream shopping malls and cuisines, curious expats can find some wonderful bookshops hidden in the neighbourhoods here; we have listed our favorites.

ESLITE

ESLITE

Spread out over three floors, this Taiwanese book store gained immediate popularity after landing in Hong Kong, and not least of all for its massive collection of tomes and the tranquil atmosphere it offers. Focusing on arts and humanity, ESLITE is a paradise for book worms hunting for extraordinary sources that cannot be found in mainstream shops. Interesting extras like gifts, handicrafts and stationery are also displayed alongside the shelves, and the whole joint is open late.
ESLITE, 8-10/F Hysan Place, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 3419 6789

Lok Man Rare books

Book worms looking for wonderfully weird volumes must try their luck at Lok Man Rare Books. The heaving shelves here are packed with hundreds of local and international rare books, bursting with pre-2000, first editions and important folios that offer a chance for readers to discover the out-of-the-ordinary. The incredible array of genres covered here includes business, humanities, food, wine, art and even sports.
Lok Man Rare Books, 6 Chancery Lane, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2868 1056

Tai Yip Art Book Centre

This smart, well-laid-out book store specializes in Chinese art and is an oasis for artistic locals and expats in Hong Kong. An extensive list of topics are up for grabs, aside from mainstream selections such as classic literature, architecture, painting and religious art, uncommon titles in genres ranging from tea ware to snuff bottles to lacquers are also on the shelves.
Tai Yip Art Book Centre, 1/F., Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2732 2088

Kubrick

Named after the American director Stanley Kubrick, this book store features books about film, music, humanities and travel, and is mostly frequented by art enthusiasts. Kubrick is less of a bookshop and more of a library experience, since all the books and magazines here are unwrapped and visitors are free to browse around or even have a read while sipping coffee in the adjoining cafe.
Kubrick, Shop H2, Properous Garden, 3 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, +852 2384 8929

FLOW

Founded In 1997, Flow secures its continued longevity with a massive collection of brand new and second-hand bargains. Novels, text books and magazines team with rare items and collectibles such as first editions, out-of-prints and even auction items to fill up the shelves. CDs, DVDs and Blu Rays can also be found in the store. Be prepared to join the pack of passionate book lovers wandering through the aisles here, all searching for the next thing to command their attention.
Room 204. Lyndhurst Building, No. 29 Lynhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2964 9483

Book restoration

The Book Attic

Established by book restoration specialist Jennifer Li in 2008, The Book Attic is a second hand book store offering book restoring service to customers. While enjoying the complimentary Chinese tea, guests can look for classic and contemporary titles among book shelves. A variety of events such as monthly poetry and book club, story time sessions and irregularly scheduled open lectures contribute to the vibrancy of the city. Pay a visit to unmask the literary side of Hong Kong, remember to bring along unwanted items to exchange for purchase credits.
Address: The Book Attic, Cockloft, 2 Elgin Street, Central, +852 2259 3103

Travel books

Traveller’s Home

Traveller’s Home is a prominent watering hole for jet setters and backpackers to exchange travel tips and itineraries. The cozy corner, combining books and a café is dominated by second-hand travel books with a few other additions. Search around the selves packed with Lonely Planet volumes to get inspiration for your next adventure out of Hong Kong.
Traveller’s Home, 55 Hankow Road, 2nd Floor, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2380 8380

close-ad