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

From large bookstores like eslite and Bookazine to artsy spots like Kubrik where you can shop second hand books, here are our favourite English bookstores in Hong Kong.

If your ideal weekend involves thrifting, cafe-hopping and wandering into a bookstore “just to browse” (we say – but inevitably buy), then allow us to direct you to a bookstore near you! Alternatively, discover your new favourite bookshop to pick up the latest releases, rare titles and more. In this list, we’ve curated 15 bookstores all across Hong Kong that stock books in English books.

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eslite – Massive Taiwanese bookstore chain with Causeway Bay flagship

With its largest Hong Kong store in Causeway Bay spanning three floors (more than 40,000sqft!), 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! We can never skip passing through the stationery section which stocks a superb range of local and international brands.

Sassy Tip: If you get peckish while browsing, check out in-store Japanese restaurant Noir Modern Bistro, hidden amidst the bookshelves!

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

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Seeds Bookstore – English children’s books in Lai Chi Kok

Seeds Bookstore, Flat 6, 5/F, Sun Cheong Industrial Building, 1 Cheung Shun Street, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, 2801 6131, seeds.com.hk

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Kubrick – Art and design books, magazines and novels in Yau Ma Tei

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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Bookazine – HK’s go-to bookshop and online bookstore for new and bestselling 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, bestsellers of last-minute gifts. There are six locations across the city, each offering a unique browsing experience. You can also save your time skimming through shelves by looking up the book you’re after on its online bookstore.

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

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TASCHEN – Flagship bookshop in Tai Kwun selling art and design books

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 collections, TASCHEN is the perfect place to shop for coffee table books!

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

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Kelly & Walsh – Pacific Place bookstore stocking art books and more

As bookstores in Hong Kong go, you can’t get better than Kelly & Walsh for all things art and cooking. 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 Kelly & Walsh’s 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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Hong Kong Book Centre – Collection of English fiction and classic literature in Central

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 – Cosy Sai Ying Pun bookstore and cafe with second hand 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 coffee.

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

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Lily & Flow Bookshop – Bookstores with rare and second hand books in Sheung Wan

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. 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 and stationery in Wan Chai

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 – 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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Clark’s Comics – Causeway Bay 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

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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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一拳書館 Book Punch – Local independent bookstore in Sham Shui Po & Quarry Bay

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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