Must-visit bookstores in Hong Kong

Hong Kong boasts a variety of bookstores, specializing in all different genres and languages, so finding a good book should be a breeze.

Must-visit bookstores in Hong Kong
Source: Pexels/Stanislav Kondratiev

Calling all bookworms! Hong Kong boasts a variety of bookstores, specializing in all different genres and languages, so finding a good book should be a breeze. Whether you're looking for academic textbooks, manga and comics, fiction or the newest bestselling biography, you'll find it at one of the city's many bookshops. To help you out, we've curated a list of the best bookstores in Hong Kong. They're not just a destination to shop but also a place to relax, read and escape from reality for a while. 

Eslite Bookstore 

Established in 1989, Eslite Bookstore first started out in Taiwan with the philosophy of “Humanities, Art and Creativity into Life” Now, it's become one of the most iconic bookstores in Hong Kong as well as a spot to take in cultural events and exhibitions. Bookworms love Eslite for its variety of genres, from young adult and history to politics to art. Whether you’re looking for English, Japanese or Chinese books, you'll find it here. But, Eslite is more than just books, it’s about the experience. You'll find book cafes in the store and shops with unique Taiwanese brands to explore as you search for your next great read.

Quick facts 

  • Where – 8/F-10/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 3419 6789
  • Website

Bookazine 

Bookazine is a family-run business founded by a couple in 1985. They were inspired by their own love of books, and wanted to create a welcoming space for bookworms in the city. Now, it's one of the largest book chains in Hong Kong, mainly selling English titles in genres like popular fiction, non-fiction and children's books, making it a favorite for locals and expats. But it also offers books that pay homage to Hong Kong’s vibrant culture. Apart from reading material, the store sells games and puzzles, stationery, lifestyle products and prints.

Quick facts 

  • Where – Shop 326 - 328, 10 Chater Road, Central
  • When – Monday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 2522 1785
  • Website

Lok Man Rare Books

With a name like Lok Man Rare Books, you can guess its speciality – rare books. From first editions to signed copies, you can find a collection of rare literary finds here. Whether you’re a fan of modern and classic literature, history or travel books, this bookstore is the ideal spot to check out if you're adding to your own collection or searching for a gift for a bookworm in your life. The scope of the bookshop's literary treasures extends beyond Hong Kong, with acquisitions from different corners of the world, including Singapore, Australia, Borneo, Nepal, Indonesia and other places. 

Quick facts 

  • Where – 6 Chancery Lane, Central
  • When – Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Closed on Monday and Sunday
  • Phone – +852 2868 1056
  • Website

Cosmos Books

Explore a collection of books spanning various genres at Cosmos Books, including romance, historical and political books. This shop publishes a variety of Chinese titles from Hong Kong and Taiwan, such as “Dream of the Red Chamber” (also known as “Dream of Red Mansions”), “The Complete Works of Jade” and “Anthology of Contemporary Hong Kong Writers.” Readers are also kept in the loop with new releases, publications and books through the store's online platforms.

Quick facts 

  • Where – Basement, 30 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 2865 0708
  • Website

Muse Art & Books

The Muse, located in the basement of Hotel Stage in Yau Ma Tei, is more than just a cultural venue showcasing the talents of various artists. It also features a bookshop, Muse Art & Books, that houses a carefully curated selection of local and international titles, focusing on topics like culture, art, design, lifestyle and photography. Most of the books are in English, but there's also a section for Cantonese reads.​ If you have some more time to kill, take your new book to the on-site cafe for a relaxing reading sesh while you sip on a coffee or grab a bite.

Quick facts 

  • Where – 1 Chi Wo Street, Jordan
  • When – Monday to Saturday, 1 - 10:30 p.m.; Closed on Sunday
  • Phone – +852 3953 2221
  • Website