Incredible Bookstores of Taipei

After a visit to Taipei’s most famous library, I was eager to check out some of the city’s unique bookstores. We explored everything from the famous chains like Eslite and Kingstown, to obscure places like mystery-themed store Murder Ink and art book store Artland. This is a city where people love to read and appreciate a unique buying experience. 

Eslite 誠品網路書店

Taiwan’s largest and most famous bookstore is worth a visit for the sheer volume of it. There is an Eslite near practically every major station and each once has something special to offer. One Eslite we visited featured an art gallery on the fifth floor. I compare Eslite to Japan’s Tsutaya, which also exists in Taiwan.

Kingstone 金石堂書店

Another chain bookstore with the typical offerings, but a little more down to Earth and with cheaper prices on some items.

Mollie Used Books 茉莉二手書店

A popular stop down a narrow allow by the university, this bookstore offers a large variety of magazines and used books for very reasonable prices.

Murder Ink 偵探書屋

A mystery- and murder-themed bookstore and café, with a curated collection by the other and other enthusiasts of mystery novels.

Artland 亞典藝術書店

Focusing solely on Artbooks from around the world, Artland also features a small gallery with local artists, as well as a café.

VVG 好样本事

A small shop covered wth greenery sells foreign books and antiques. A very cool place to check out for gifts and things you can’t find in other shops.

Muji Books 無印良品

Famous clothing brand Muji from Japan has it’s own bookstore in Taipei, which features Chinese-translations of popular Japanese books.

Portugal's Amazing Bookstores

I normally check out libraries in every country I visit, but in Portugal, the bookstores are what you want to see. Both Lisbon and Porto have some gorgeously unique bookstores that would seduce any bibliophile.

Livraria Bertrans in Lisbon

This gorgeous tile-clad building is even more intriguing inside, where arches doorways lead you through deep rooms. The passageways feel very cathedral-like while the final chamber leads to the Fernando Pessoa Café, aptly named after Portugal’s most famous poet.

Ler Davagar in Lisbon

This hipster haven, right in the middle of LX Factory, is impressive upon first impression. Walking up the stairs and exploring the nooks and crannies of this sprawling store’s used and rare book collection is even more rewarding.

Livraria Lello in Porto

Porto’s most popular tourist destination is by far the hardest-to-access bookstore I've ever seen. First, you must go to a separate location to purchase a ticket, and that line could be an hour long. Once you have your ticket you can enter the bookstore, but it’s a frenzy inside with so mnay people trying to take photos. Contrary to popular tourist strategy, going when the store opens is even busier than when the store closes. We went about 20 minutes before closing and actually had some time to take photos without too many people in them, and more importantly, to savor the peace that a bookstore should offer.