
Best Bookstores & Libraries in Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
1. Eslite Songyan Store
A famous bookstore with a wide selection of books in English and other languages, plus a café and a rooftop garden.
- Unique Selection: Offers a variety of international titles that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Café and Rooftop: Provides an excellent spot for relaxing with a coffee while overlooking the city.
- 24/7 Accessibility: Stays open 24 hours, making it convenient for late-night readers.
2. National Central Library
Taiwan's largest library with a vast collection of books, journals, and multimedia resources.
- Size: Houses millions of books across various disciplines.
- Multimedia Resources: Offers access to digital resources, including e-books and online databases.
- Architectural Marvel: Showcases an impressive modern design, making it a landmark in Taipei.
3. Rooftop Reading Room
A unique library with a stunning rooftop view of Taipei 101 and the cityscape.
- Rooftop View: Provides breathtaking views of the city while reading.
- Open-Air Design: Offers an open-air, relaxing atmosphere for readers.
- Cultural Events: Hosts cultural events and workshops related to literature and art.
4. Bookstore at Taipei Fine Arts Museum
A bookstore specializing in art books and magazines located within the museum.
- Art Focus: Dedicated to art-related literature, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
- Integration with Museum: Incorporated into the museum, allowing visitors to easily explore both art and books.
- Exhibitions and Events: Hosts exhibitions and events related to contemporary art and design.
5. Dahu Park Library
A tranquil library surrounded by greenery in a picturesque park setting.
- Park Setting: Located within Dahu Park, providing a serene environment for reading.
- Children's Corner: Features a dedicated space for children with storytelling sessions and activities.
- Community Engagement: Offers various workshops, lectures, and cultural events to engage the community.
6. Tong Hwa Book Store
A traditional Taiwanese bookstore offering a wide variety of books, including rare titles.
- Traditional Atmosphere: Retains a traditional bookstore aesthetic with wooden shelves and comfortable chairs.
- Rare Titles: Stocks rare and hard-to-find books, making it a treasure trove for bibliophiles.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into Taiwanese culture through its extensive collection of Taiwan-related literature.
7. Warehouse No.5 Bookstore
A vintage bookstore housed in a repurposed warehouse, offering an eclectic mix of books and records.
- Vintage Appeal: Set within a refurbished warehouse, preserving its industrial charm.
- Wide Genre Selection: Offers an extensive collection of books across various genres and themes.
- Record Collection: Boasts a selection of vinyl records, adding to its unique character.
8. Taipei Public Libray Zhongshan Branch
A historic library featuring architectural elements from the Japanese colonial era.
- Historic Architecture: Showcases a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles.
- Digital Resources: Provides access to digital resources, including e-books and online databases.
- Community Space: Serves as a community hub for lectures, workshops, and cultural events.
9. Book Off
A second-hand bookstore selling a vast selection of affordable used books.
- Affordability: Offers an extensive collection of affordable used books.
- Second-Hand Selection: Specializes in second-hand books, making it a great place to find rare and out-of-print titles.
- Multiple Locations: Has multiple branches throughout Taipei, making it easily accessible for visitors.
10. Tianmu Bookstore
A quaint bookstore nestled within Tianmu Mountain's scenic area, offering a peaceful reading atmosphere.
- Scenic Setting: Located within Tianmu Mountain's beautiful landscape, providing a serene setting for reading.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Features a cozy interior with wooden shelves and comfortable seating areas.
- Coffee Shop: Has an attached coffee shop, allowing readers to enjoy refreshments while browsing books.
11. Taipei International Bookstore
An English bookstore offering a wide range of international titles, including bestsellers and academic texts.
- International Titles: Stocks a variety of international titles in English, making it convenient for English speakers.
- Academic Collection: Features an extensive collection of academic texts and reference materials.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Has knowledgeable staff members to assist with book recommendations and information.
12. Book City Ximending
A popular bookstore located in Ximending, offering a wide selection of books, music, and stationery.
- Convenient Location: Located within the bustling Ximending shopping district.
- Wide Selection: Offers a wide variety of books, music, and stationery items under one roof.
- Affordable Prices: Provides affordable prices for books, making it accessible to budget-conscious visitors.
13. Bookstore at National Palace Museum
A bookstore specializing in Chinese art, history, and culture located within the National Palace Museum.
- Art Focus: Dedicated to Chinese art, history, and culture-related literature.
- Integration with Museum: Incorporated into the museum, allowing visitors to easily explore both museum exhibits and books.
- Exclusive Titles: Stocks exclusive titles on Chinese art, history, and culture, making it a valuable resource for scholars.
14. Taiwan Bookstore
A bookstore specializing in Taiwanese literature, including contemporary works and classics.
- Taiwan Focus: Dedicated to Taiwanese literature, making it a great resource for understanding the local culture.
- Contemporary Works: Features contemporary works by Taiwanese authors.
- Classics Collection: Offers a collection of classic Taiwanese literature, providing historical context for visitors.
15. National Taiwan University Library
A comprehensive academic library offering access to extensive resources in various disciplines.
- Academic Resources: Houses an extensive collection of academic resources, making it a valuable research tool.
- Multidisciplinary Collection: Offers resources across various disciplines, catering to a wide range of academic interests.
- Digital Resources: Provides access to digital resources, including e-books and online databases.