Best Bookstores & Libraries in Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan, Taipei, Culture & Entertainment, Best Bookstores & Libraries

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.