Literary fanatics and bookworms, give your bookshelves a makeover by filling them with a broad range of underground comics, novels, and secondhand books from these Hong Kong bookstores.
If you’re a dedicated reader and/or a big fan of these popular Chinese authors and Japanese authors, then you’ll understand how much joy a big fat heavy hardcover book gives us. Here, we’ve put together a list of the best Hong Kong bookstores – including chains and independent bookstores that stock a range of bestsellers, secondhand books, novels, and nonfiction, so you know where to shop books and indies for serendipity. Looking to read more? Kick-start your book habit with our big fat list of books to read.
Our favourite bookstores in Hong Kong
1. Cosmos Books
If you’re wandering through Wan Chai and in the mood for a good read, Cosmos Books is your go-to spot. It’s a bookstore that has it all – a mix of English and Chinese books, with an extensive selection in social science and translations that’s tough to beat. It’s where the bookworms of Hong Kong head to get their fix, with shelves packed with everything from scholarly reads to the latest fiction and non-fiction. In addition, Cosmos throws regular events, like fairs and launches, to keep the place buzzing all year. This place is a hotspot for a reason – it’s got the charm and the chatty community that’ll make any book lover feel right at home.
Cosmos Book Ltd, Basement, 30 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2865 0708
2. Taschen
The world-renowned art book publisher has made quite the splash in Hong Kong’s bookstore scene – and what a thrill it is! Taschen’s first foray into Asia has seen it set up shop in the historic Tai Kwun, bringing an impressive selection of reads to the city. As expected, the store’s sleek interior is chock-full of Taschen’s arts-focused inventory, with shelves brimming with volumes on photography, design, and fashion – and you won’t miss the eye-catching coffee table books, too. Aside from gorgeous fine art volumes, you’ll also discover more affordable offerings in architecture, music, history, and children’s genres. While the limited-edition collector’s items are definite highlights, Taschen remains a space that’s accessible and inviting for the everyday reader.
Taschen, Shop 01-G02, G/F, Headquarters Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2544 8018
3. Books & Co.
Coffee connoisseurs and book enthusiasts, take note – your perfect retreat awaits. Tucked away in Mid-Levels, you’ll find Books & Co, a snug book cafe that’s every bibliophile’s paradise. This place welcomes visitors to browse through its well-stocked shelves before snuggling up with a book and a warming brew. In this wonderfully nostalgic and vintage-styled space, you can enjoy the calm and quiet needed to immerse yourself in a fascinating read for hours on end. For those cherished moments of quality reading paired with classic coffeehouse charm, Books & Co stands out as a must-visit sanctuary in Hong Kong.
Books & Co., 10 Park Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, p. 2559 5199
4. Bei Bei Bookhouse
Established by a friendly couple in Yuen Long, not only is Bei Bei Bookhouse a hidden literary oasis, it also encourages the art of slow living. The bookshop has an interesting leave-a-book/take-a-meal policy, in which customers can feel free to give a book to the bookstore in exchange for a meal cooked by the owners, using their own fresh grown produce. Bei Bei is only open on Friday and Saturday, so make sure to check your calendar before visiting them!
Bei Bei Bookhouse, 67 Tai Kong Po Tsuen, Kam Tin, Yuen Long, Hong Kong, p. 5225 4119
5. Hong Kong Reader Bookstore
Selling an array of both Chinese and English books on humanities and social science – including literature, philosophy, political science, cultural studies, and more – Hong Kong Reader Bookstore is a beloved academic bookstore in Mong Kok. It aims to create a culturally inspiring space for readers to explore their own thoughts and perspectives.
Hong Kong Reader Bookstore, 7/F, 68 Sai Yeung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2395 0031
6. Kelly & Walsh
Starting out as a publisher and retailer in Shanghai in the 1870s, Kelly & Walsh has now branched out to Yokohama, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Aiming to facilitate the cultural and intellectual pursuits of readers, Kelly & Walsh has got great books in store for its customers. We’re huge fans of its stunning giant coffee table books that cover all sorts of topics, from design to fashion to the weird and wonderful.
Kelly & Walsh, Shop 204, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong, p. 2522 5744
7. Art and Cultural Outreach
Situated in Foo Tak Building, independent bookstore Art and Cultural Outreach is well known for its great selection of alternative reads, ranging from photography books to poetry to children’s books. It’s also dedicated to promoting different cultural events and art exhibitions in Hong Kong.
Read more about Foo Tak Building.
Art and Cultural Outreach, 14/F, Foo Tak Building, 365-367 Foo Tak Building, Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2893 4808
8. Lily Bookshop
One of our favourite independent Hong Kong bookstores to grab second-hand books, Lily Bookshop is a wonderful community-building bookstore situated in the heart of Sheung Wan. The quaint independent bookstore has a great collection of secondhand books – ranging from European History and Chinese Poetry to Gender Studies – proving it to be a gem in our vibrant literary community, and a calm oasis amidst the concrete jungle.
Lily Bookshop, Room F & G, 1/F, Kai Fung Mansion, 189-205 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2964 9483
9. Bookazine
With multiple branches spread across Hong Kong, Bookazine is an English bookstore chain that supports and champions local authors and writers. Other than the New York Times’ Best Sellers, it also sells greeting cards, a selection of cookbooks, adorable knick-knacks, and kids’ favourite sweets, making it a fun and diverse place for families and friends to hang.
Bookazine has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
10. Kubrick
One of our favourite Hong kong bookstores, Kubrick is just right around the corner from Broadway Cinematheque. We’re fascinated by its vast collection of nonfiction, graphic novels, soundtracks, CDs, and vinyls, and it also has a lovely selection of niche magazines from across the globe. From underground graphic novels published by Fantagraphics, to selected works by the legendary poet Bei Dao, Kubrick never ceases to surprise us with its outstanding choice of books. This place is a fun house for all the indie kids that are into literature, music, and film!
Kubrick, Shop H2, 3 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, p. 2384 8929
11. Clark’s Comics
Opening its first shop in 1993, Clark’s Comics has grown into the largest comic retailer in Hong Kong, selling not only comics but also interesting action figures and collectible toys. From Marvel to DC Comics to Image Comics, including the hit I Hate Fairyland by Skotti Young, Clark’s wide variety of American comics has gained the shop a huge following. It’s one of the best Hong Kong bookstores to shop comics.
Clark’s Comics, Shop B7, B/F, Causeway Bay Centre, 15-23 Sugar Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2890 7718
12. Parenthèses
Parenthèses is a cosy French bookstore located on the second floor of Duke Wellington House in Central. It has an amazing array of French books, including textbooks, magazines, travel guides, graphic novels (we’re big fans of Guy Delisle) – and even French films on DVD! French beginners, it’s time to grab your copy of Le Petit Prince or L’etranger at Parenthèse and practise.
Parenthèses, 2/F, Duke Wellington House, 14-24 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2526 9215
13. Vibe
A haven for book and music lovers, Vibe is hidden in Mui Wo and stands in the former site of Imprint, a bookstore known as the ‘nameless’ bookstore due to the absence of a proper signboard. The previous owner, Terry Boyce, has passed his legacy on to Gary Brightman in 2018. Renamed Vibe – and now having an actual logo outside – the store now offers both well-loved and new books in English, Chinese, French, and other languages. It also welcomes local creators to sell their own literary and musical compositions, making this venue a neighbourhood favourite when it comes to finding a quiet place to read and listen to music.
Vibe, Shop E, Silver Centre, Silvermine Bay, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, p. 9088 2370
14. Eslite
As the best known retail bookstore chain in Taiwan, Eslite has taken Hong Kong bookworms by storm since arriving in our city back in 2012. The multi-level location in Hysan Place is our favourite – it’s easy to spend hours here strolling around completely lost in time. Spanning several floors, this space is filled with quality books by writers and illustrators across every genre imaginable. There’s also a large selection of stationery, DVDs, and other small, wonderful finds tucked into the shelves.
Eslite has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
15. Muse Art & Books
Nestled inside Hotel Stage, which is located just three minutes away from the Jordan MTR Station, Muse Art & Books is part of an organic space named The Muse. This area includes a book shop and art gallery, a wine bar, and the Spotlight performing arts venue. Seamlessly transitioning between the three, Muse Books & Art is the perfect starting point to your journey at The Muse. You can explore a plethora of artisan books there, covering topics ranging from design and photography, to lifestyle and poetry. Found a book of interest? Simply make the purchase and head up to Club Stage, where a tranquil library lounge awaits.
Muse Art & Books, Hotel Stage, 1 Chi Wo Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, p. 3953 222
16. Rebooked
Rebooked holds the title of Hong Kong’s largest bookstore for second-hand English children’s books, with a commitment to sustainability and making reading accessible. Established in 2019, the store has crafted a handy platform where families are encouraged to both donate and pick up quality pre-loved children’s books. Starting at the modest price of just $10, Rebooked makes it affordable for kids to discover the joys of reading, all while playing a part in cutting down waste.
Check out our guide to the coolest gifts for kids in Hong Kong for even more great finds!
Rebooked, 1/F, 9 Mee Lun Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6349 5025
17. Lok Man Rare Books
If you’re in search of rare books and signed editions, look no further than Lok Man Rare Books. This classy bookstore has an array of antiquarian books, including first editions and folios by celebrated authors from around the world. Genres such as modern and classic literature, children’s fiction, food and wine, history and travel, even finance and sports can be found at this bookstore – a true treasure trove for bookworms in Hong Kong.
Lok Man Rare Books, 6 Chancery Lane, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2868 1056, 中環贊善里6號樂文
18. My Book One
My Book One has emerged as a saving grace for iconic Hong Kong bookstores. This platform unites cherished names like The Commercial Press, Joint Publishing, and Chung Hwa Book Co Ltd, empowering them to continue operations both online and offline. Since early 2022, My Book One has been the backbone for nearly 40 brick-and-mortar bookshops scattered throughout various Hong Kong neighbourhoods. By rallying these establishments under one banner, My Book One not only safeguards their esteemed histories, but also ensures that the local community continues to have access to a wealth of books and reading culture.
Find bookstores under My Book One at multiple locations across Hong Kong.
[This article was originally published in July 2018 and updated in 2024 by Catherine Pun.]