The Best Bookstores In Hong Kong: Where To Buy English Books

From large bookstore chains like eslite to stores stocking more specialised books like Kelly & Walsh and second hand bookshops, here are our favourite English bookstores in Hong Kong.

There are a number of book lovers on the team, and we’d all agree that nothing can beat the feel and smell of a physical book. If your ideal weekend involves popping into a bookstore “just for a browse” (we say – but inevitably buy), then allow us to direct you to the nearest bookstore in your area, or perhaps help you discover a new favourite shop to pick up the latest releases, rare titles and more. In this list, we’ve curated 15 bookstores in Hong Kong that stock English language books.

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eslite – Well-stocked Taiwanese bookstore chain

With its Hong Kong flagship store in Causeway Bay spanning three floors and more than 40,000 square feet, Taiwanese lifestyle bookstore chain eslite is a wonderland of printed offerings, with hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from – a good number of which are in English! Whenever we’re here, we can never skip passing through the stationery section which stocks a superb range of local and international brands.

eslite, various locations across Hong Kong, 3419 6789, www.eslitecorp.com

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Kelly & Walsh – Independent bookstore stocking specialist and best-selling titles

As bookstores in Hong Kong go, you can’t get better than Kelly & Walsh for all things art and culinary. This pick boasts an impressive and in-depth selection of titles, all housed in an intimate, boutique-style shop. The bookstore also hosts author talks and signings, so be sure to look out for events on its Facebook page!

Kelly & Walsh, Shop 204, Level 2, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 2801 6131, www.facebook.com/Kellyandwalsh

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TASCHEN – Coffee table books on art and design

With its oversized art books on display and animal-print couches, TASCHEN could almost be mistaken for an art gallery. The Tai Kwun flagship bookstore is its first (and only!) post in Asia. The shop exclusively sells books it publishes, which largely include tomes on contemporary art. From photography to comics and fashion, TASCHEN might appeal especially to art aficionados, but it caters to everyone.

TASCHEN, Shop 01-G02, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2544 8016, www.taschen.com

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Bookazine – The go-to bookstore for new and best-selling titles

As one of the oldest bookstores in Hong Kong (established way back in 1985!), Bookazine is a great stop if you want to get your hands on new releases, best-sellers of last-minute gifts. There are six locations across the city, each offering a unique browsing experience.

Bookazine, various locations across Hong Kong, 2555 0431, www.bookazine.com.hk

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Kubrick – Art and design books, speciality magazines, novels and more

For a curated selection of books in an uber-cool setting, head to Kubrick. This hip little bookstore stocks a range of art and design books, speciality magazines, novels and more. Kubrick highly values film, music and local culture, so you can find a wealth of DVDs, vinyl records and movie posters here too. It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon with its own cafe, and even an art-house cinema next door!

Kubrick, Shop H2, Prosperous Garden, 3 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2384 8929, www.kubrick.com.hk

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Hong Kong Book Centre – A vast collection of English fiction and classic literature

Part of the Swindon Group, the Hong Kong Book Centre is located in a basement space on Des Voeux Road and has a extensive selection of English fiction and classic literature. Chances are you’ll be able to find or order any book you need here. The spacious bookstore also houses a decent assortment of greeting cards, notebooks and stationery if you’re looking to stock up.

Hong Kong Book Centre, On Lok Yuen Building Lower Level, 25 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 7064, www.swindonbooks.com

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Books & Co. – A cosy bookstore and coffee shop filled with pre-loved books

Mirror fans might recognise this bookstore from a certain Anson Lo video. Just a short walk from Sai Ying Pun MTR station, Books & Co. will have you surrounded by shelves and stacks of pre-loved books. We like to come here specifically for its fantastic selection of fiction, including mystery, fantasy and romance. The shop also offers food and drinks, allowing you to cosy up with your book and a warm cuppa.

Books & Co., 10 Park Road, Mid Levels, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2559 5199, www.facebook.com/BooksAndCo

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Lily Bookshop and Flow Bookshop – An independent bookstore specialising in antique, first-edition and out-of-print books

Lily Bookshop is home to a rare collection of mostly English second-hand titles, specialising in antique, first-edition and out-of-print books. Stocked with everything from autobiographies to cookbooks and classic novels, there are plenty of titles you’ll want to take home from this independent bookstore. After merging due to rising rent, Lily shares its location with Flow, a cosy second-hand bookshop where you can find pre-owned gems for as little as $40.

Lily Bookshop and Flow Bookshop, 1/F, Kai Fung Building, 189 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 6977 5833, www.facebook.com/lilybookshophk

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Cosmos Books – Popular English titles, magazines & stationery

This Wan Chai bookstore stocks a variety of English and Chinese books and boasts a particularly good social science section. It’s also known to host book fairs and book launch conferences throughout the year, so stay tuned for upcoming events on its Facebook page.

Cosmos Books, Basement & 1, 30 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2865 0708, www.facebook.com/cosmosbooks.hk

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Joint Publishing (HK) – Local bookstore chain with a wide selection of Chinese and English books

With an impressive 14 locations across the city, we’re sure you’re no stranger to this local bookstore chain. On top of stocking all types of books, some branches also host book fairs and other cultural events. It’s also a great place to pick up stationery! If you’re looking to enjoy your book with a cup of tea, head to either the Wan Chai or Yuen Long location, which both house a small cafe where you can sit and enjoy your book.

Joint Publishing (HK), various locations across Hong Kong, 2523 0105, www.jointpublishing.com

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Lok Man Rare Books – A rare collection of first editions and valuable folios

Lok Man Rare Books offers a vast array of rare reads, from valuable folios to first editions of modern and classical literature, children’s literature and more. The proprietor of this bookstore, Lorence Johnston, also offers visitors personal guidance and is readily accessible if you need help sourcing extremely rare books. The bookstore also doubles as a sophisticated venue for private cocktail parties and wine-tasting events.

Lok Man Rare Books, G/F, 6 Chancery Lane, Central, Hong Kong, 2868 1056, www.lokmanbooks.com

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VIBE Book & Music Shop – Eclectic second-hand bookstore on Lantau

A one-stop-shop for all things entertainment in Mui Wo, VIBE sells an eclectic mix of new and pre-loved books, alongside a collection of CDs, DVDs, vinyl LPs and more. This second-hand bookstore scores extra points for supporting local artisans, authors and musicians by stocking their creations, and running events to showcase their work.

VIBE Book & Music Shop, Shop E, Silver Centre, Silvermine Bay, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 9088 2370, www.vibehk.com

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Clark’s Comics – Book retailer of US comics and collector’s items

Are you a bit of a nerd for comic books? Clark’s Comics has been around since 1993 and is by far the city’s largest comic retailer. You’ll find everything from Japanese manga, Marvel and DC comics and graphic novels to action figures and collectible toys to display on your bookshelf.

Clark’s Comics, Shop B13, Basement, Causeway Bay Centre, 15-23 Sugar Street, Causeway Bay, 2890 7718, www.facebook.com/ClarksComicsHK

一拳書館 Book Punch – Local independent bookstore with cosy reading nooks

If you’re wandering around Sham Shui Po or Quarry Bay, it’s worth stopping by this unique independent bookstore. What sets this local gem apart is its clear appreciation for authors and their work. Its first store in Sham Shui Po has a cosy reading corner, perfect for starting a new book, and we were very happy to hear that a second location opened in Quarry Bay at the end of last year.

一拳書館 Book Punch, 3/F, Tai Nan Street, 169-171 Tai Nan Commercial Building, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/bookpunch
二拳書館 Book Punch Quarry Bay , Shop N, Tai Lung House, 123 Quarry Bay Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/BookPunch.QB

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Muse Art & Books – Hidden bookstore housing artisanal books and rare titles

Hidden in the basement of Hotel Stage is Muse Art & Books, a treasure trove of artisanal books and rare titles. The bookstore features a broad range of books, including a small section dedicated to Yau Ma Tei. Sit down with your book at one of its many reading tables or at the adjoining cafe. It’s also worth visiting the hotel’s art gallery, which features the works of different local and international artists.

Muse Art & Books, B/F, Hotel Stage, 1 Chi Wo Street, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3953 2203, www.hotelstage.com/the-muse

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Editor’s Note: “The Best Bookstores In Hong Kong” was most recently updated by Nicole Moraleda in April 2024. With thanks to Jessica Wai and Sakina Abidi for their contribution.