Guidebook for Bangkok
Drinks & Nightlife
The Club Khaosan Bangkok
123 Thanon Khao SanBrown Sugar : The JazzBoutique
18 Thanon Phra SumenSala Rattanakosin restaurant offers one of the most iconic views it’s possible to find in Bangkok. Located on the riverside directly opposite Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn).
34 locals recommend
sala rattanakosin Bangkok
39 Maha Rat RdSala Rattanakosin restaurant offers one of the most iconic views it’s possible to find in Bangkok. Located on the riverside directly opposite Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn).
TEP BAR - Cultural Bar of Thailand
71 Soi Yi Sip Song Karakadakhom 4Sky Bar
1055 ถนน สีลมHere, familiar Thai bottles line the shelves, while the board indicates six different types of beer on offer each day (B220-240/420ml glass—that’s almost a pint). We love the refreshing Paul Lemon Radler. There’s a pretty large variety of bottles too—Outlaw, Phee Bok, King Kong—and some ciders like Happy Monster and Brothers (prices range from B160-290).
140 Phra Athit Rd., 082-456-4499. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 5pm-midnight
Yolo craft beer bar at Phra Athit Road
140 Thanon Phra SumenHere, familiar Thai bottles line the shelves, while the board indicates six different types of beer on offer each day (B220-240/420ml glass—that’s almost a pint). We love the refreshing Paul Lemon Radler. There’s a pretty large variety of bottles too—Outlaw, Phee Bok, King Kong—and some ciders like Happy Monster and Brothers (prices range from B160-290).
140 Phra Athit Rd., 082-456-4499. Open Mon, Wed-Sun 5pm-midnight
Hidden far from sight, this is Bangkok’s latest “secret” cocktail bar helmed by Anupas Premanuwat, who worked as a mixologist at New York's acclaimed Angel's Share speakeasy. To get here, you'll have to traverse a narrow and dark alley running alongside Brown Sugar jazz bar. The drinks menu changes on a monthly basis, with cocktails that spotlight local ingredients plucked from the fresh market (starting at B350). Ku also offers natural wines from cult wineries, including “orange wine” like Matias Michelini "Via Revolucionaria" Torrantes (B370/glass, B1,750/bottle) from Argentina. Book ahead.
469 Phra Sumen Rd., 02-067-6731. Open Thu-Sun 7pm-midnight
Ku Bar
469 Thanon Phra SumenHidden far from sight, this is Bangkok’s latest “secret” cocktail bar helmed by Anupas Premanuwat, who worked as a mixologist at New York's acclaimed Angel's Share speakeasy. To get here, you'll have to traverse a narrow and dark alley running alongside Brown Sugar jazz bar. The drinks menu changes on a monthly basis, with cocktails that spotlight local ingredients plucked from the fresh market (starting at B350). Ku also offers natural wines from cult wineries, including “orange wine” like Matias Michelini "Via Revolucionaria" Torrantes (B370/glass, B1,750/bottle) from Argentina. Book ahead.
469 Phra Sumen Rd., 02-067-6731. Open Thu-Sun 7pm-midnight
Sightseeing
Khaosan Road has developed into a world-famous "backpacker ghetto".[2][3] It offers cheap accommodation, ranging from "mattress in a box"-style hotels to reasonably priced three-star hotels. In an essay on the backpacker culture of Khaosan Road.
594 locals recommend
Khaosan Road
Thanon Khao San Khaosan Road has developed into a world-famous "backpacker ghetto".[2][3] It offers cheap accommodation, ranging from "mattress in a box"-style hotels to reasonably priced three-star hotels. In an essay on the backpacker culture of Khaosan Road.
The golden chedi at the wat's shrine carries the relics and ashes of Thai royals. The T-shaped bot holds a magnificent Sukhothai-period Buddha, cast in 1257 CE to celebrate freedom from the Khmers.
7 locals recommend
Wat Bowon Niwet
The golden chedi at the wat's shrine carries the relics and ashes of Thai royals. The T-shaped bot holds a magnificent Sukhothai-period Buddha, cast in 1257 CE to celebrate freedom from the Khmers.
Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade.
349 locals recommend
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Na Phra Lan RoadWat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade.
Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a must-do for any first-time visitor in Bangkok. It's one of the largest temple complexes in the city and famed for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 metres long and is covered in gold leaf.
672 locals recommend
Wat Phra Chetuphon
Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a must-do for any first-time visitor in Bangkok. It's one of the largest temple complexes in the city and famed for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 metres long and is covered in gold leaf.
Wat Saket, popularly known as the Golden Mount or ‘Phu Khao Thong’, is a low hill crowned with a gleaming gold chedi. Within, the 58-metre chedi houses a Buddha relic and welcomes worshippers all year round. The temple also hosts an annual temple fair in November, which lasts a week during Loy Krathong.
120 locals recommend
Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
344 Thanon Chakkraphatdi PhongWat Saket, popularly known as the Golden Mount or ‘Phu Khao Thong’, is a low hill crowned with a gleaming gold chedi. Within, the 58-metre chedi houses a Buddha relic and welcomes worshippers all year round. The temple also hosts an annual temple fair in November, which lasts a week during Loy Krathong.
Tha Tian Market, is one of famous historical ordinary community market in the Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is on Rattanakosin Island, located near the Grand Palace – next to Wat Pho, by Chao Phraya River.
ท่าเตียน
Tha Tian Market, is one of famous historical ordinary community market in the Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is on Rattanakosin Island, located near the Grand Palace – next to Wat Pho, by Chao Phraya River.
If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government.
975 locals recommend
The grand palace
If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government.
Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, not only because of its riverside location, but also because the design is very different to the other temples you can visit in Bangkok. Wat Arun (or temple of the dawn) is partly made up of colourfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water.
322 locals recommend
Temple of Dawn
158 Thanon Wang DoemWat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, not only because of its riverside location, but also because the design is very different to the other temples you can visit in Bangkok. Wat Arun (or temple of the dawn) is partly made up of colourfully decorated spires and stands majestically over the water.
The lovely garden-enclosed compound sitting on the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal would have gone completely unnoticed, had it not been for a legacy left behind by a middle-aged American man named Jim Thompson. His elegant residential enclave, comprising six traditional Thai teakwood houses transported from Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Ban Krua community, echoes Jim Thompson’s 30-year love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage.
331 locals recommend
Jim Thompson House
6 Soi Kasem San 2The lovely garden-enclosed compound sitting on the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal would have gone completely unnoticed, had it not been for a legacy left behind by a middle-aged American man named Jim Thompson. His elegant residential enclave, comprising six traditional Thai teakwood houses transported from Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Ban Krua community, echoes Jim Thompson’s 30-year love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage.
Bangkok has no lack of majestic temples, all more elegant and impressive than the next, but some really stand out with their unique architectural identity. Despite being quite near Khaosan Road and next to the well known Wat Saket, the superb Loha Prasat is not often talked about.
57 locals recommend
Loha Prasat
2 Maha Chai RdBangkok has no lack of majestic temples, all more elegant and impressive than the next, but some really stand out with their unique architectural identity. Despite being quite near Khaosan Road and next to the well known Wat Saket, the superb Loha Prasat is not often talked about.
Phra Athit Road
Phra Sumen Road
Banglamphu
86 Thanon Phra SumenAnanta Samakhom Throne Hall
Government House of Thailand
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram Rajawarawiharn - Marble Temple
69 Thanon Rama VEquestrian statue of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)
Soi Uthong NaiGiant Swing
239 Dinso RdDamnoen Saduak Floating Market
Situated by the Chao Phraya River, Bang Khun Phrom Palace is a 100-year-old residence which belonged to Prince Boribhat Sukhumbhandi, considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved colonial-style residences in the country. Standing on the grounds of the Bank of Thailand, the palace is already open for public visits completely free of charge. Group appointments must be made two weeks in advance from Mon-Fri between 9-12pm and 1-4pm, while walk-ins are scheduled every Sat at 10:30am-noon and 1-4pm.
Bang Khun Phrom Palace
273 Thanon SamsenSituated by the Chao Phraya River, Bang Khun Phrom Palace is a 100-year-old residence which belonged to Prince Boribhat Sukhumbhandi, considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved colonial-style residences in the country. Standing on the grounds of the Bank of Thailand, the palace is already open for public visits completely free of charge. Group appointments must be made two weeks in advance from Mon-Fri between 9-12pm and 1-4pm, while walk-ins are scheduled every Sat at 10:30am-noon and 1-4pm.
Shopping
Khaosan Road has developed into a world-famous "backpacker ghetto".[2][3] It offers cheap accommodation, ranging from "mattress in a box"-style hotels to reasonably priced three-star hotels. In an essay on the backpacker culture of Khaosan Road.
50 locals recommend
Khao San road
Thanon Khao SanKhaosan Road has developed into a world-famous "backpacker ghetto".[2][3] It offers cheap accommodation, ranging from "mattress in a box"-style hotels to reasonably priced three-star hotels. In an essay on the backpacker culture of Khaosan Road.
Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’.
945 locals recommend
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’.
CentralWorld mega-shopping complex offers one of the most exciting shopping experiences in Bangkok. It has everything from brand name clothing boutiques, funky fashion, high-tech gadgets, bookshops and designer furniture to imported groceries, a lineup of banks, beauty salons, gourmet eateries and even an ice-skating rink. With so many tantalising options to explore, you could easily spend half a day here without realising it.
795 locals recommend
CentralWorld
999/9 Thanon Rama 1CentralWorld mega-shopping complex offers one of the most exciting shopping experiences in Bangkok. It has everything from brand name clothing boutiques, funky fashion, high-tech gadgets, bookshops and designer furniture to imported groceries, a lineup of banks, beauty salons, gourmet eateries and even an ice-skating rink. With so many tantalising options to explore, you could easily spend half a day here without realising it.
Just few kilometres outside Bangkok but still far enough to not yet have been converted into a full scale tourist attraction is the charming Taling Chan Floating Market. It has everything you need to spend a good half day without having to book a tour and it is far more genuine than the big famous markets. Here you can enjoy a great seafood lunch sitting on the floor with the locals, ride a longtail boat around the nearby klongs (canals) for a 100 baht, do a bit of silly shopping and a lot of food tasting. You can even get a foot massage under the trees for only 200 baht! Enjoy it while it still feels 'local' as it already started to change.
39 locals recommend
Grand Palace
333 Thanon Chim PhllJust few kilometres outside Bangkok but still far enough to not yet have been converted into a full scale tourist attraction is the charming Taling Chan Floating Market. It has everything you need to spend a good half day without having to book a tour and it is far more genuine than the big famous markets. Here you can enjoy a great seafood lunch sitting on the floor with the locals, ride a longtail boat around the nearby klongs (canals) for a 100 baht, do a bit of silly shopping and a lot of food tasting. You can even get a foot massage under the trees for only 200 baht! Enjoy it while it still feels 'local' as it already started to change.
Tha Maharaj is one of only a handful of shopping malls located in Bangkok’s historic Old City. Walking distance from many of the capital’s most famous sights such as Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, Tha Maharaj also benefits from an idyllic riverside location, with a good lineup of cafes, restaurants and bars taking advantage of the handsome views across the water.
83 locals recommend
Tha Maharaj
11 Trok SathienTha Maharaj is one of only a handful of shopping malls located in Bangkok’s historic Old City. Walking distance from many of the capital’s most famous sights such as Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, Tha Maharaj also benefits from an idyllic riverside location, with a good lineup of cafes, restaurants and bars taking advantage of the handsome views across the water.
Wat Phra Kaew
Pak Khlong Talat - Wat KanlayanamitAsiatique The Riverfront
2194 Charoen Krung RdFood Scene
Eat Sight Story is a quirky new spot that serves delicious Thai fusion cuisine and an exciting array of cocktails, complete with views of Wat Arun and the Chao Phraya River. It is a delightful surprise hidden down an alleyway, quite unassuming and you might not find it if you didn’t know what you were looking for. It’s the ideal spot to relax and watch the colours of the sunset reflected in the river, then admire the sparkling evening lights of the temples.
7 locals recommend
Eat Sight Story Deck
47-79 Soi ThatienEat Sight Story is a quirky new spot that serves delicious Thai fusion cuisine and an exciting array of cocktails, complete with views of Wat Arun and the Chao Phraya River. It is a delightful surprise hidden down an alleyway, quite unassuming and you might not find it if you didn’t know what you were looking for. It’s the ideal spot to relax and watch the colours of the sunset reflected in the river, then admire the sparkling evening lights of the temples.
In a cosy double shophouse on a quiet road that visitors don’t really frequent you will find one of the best restaurants in Bangkok. Seven Spoons is so popular that it's recently expanded, but still has the warm atmosphere and large portions of Mediterranean and vegetarian food regulars are familair with and first-timers will be excited by. It now opens for lunch and offers sandwiches alongside its hearty mains.
17 locals recommend
Seven Spoons
22-24 Thanon Chakkraphatdi PhongIn a cosy double shophouse on a quiet road that visitors don’t really frequent you will find one of the best restaurants in Bangkok. Seven Spoons is so popular that it's recently expanded, but still has the warm atmosphere and large portions of Mediterranean and vegetarian food regulars are familair with and first-timers will be excited by. It now opens for lunch and offers sandwiches alongside its hearty mains.
Led by a 70-year-old lady named Jay Fai, this shop-house restaurant of the same name is the stuff of Bangkok street-food legend. Located just steps away from the ever-popular (though dare we say overrated) Thip Samai: Pad Thai Pratu Phi in the Old Town, this restaurant looks and operates not unlike your local tam sang (stir-fries made-to-order) joint, only the prices are much, much higher. That’s largely because these typical Thai dishes like pad kaprao, pad khee mao and tom yam kung are dressed up with super-fresh, giant-sized portions of crab, tiger prawns and other seafood delicacies.
115 locals recommend
Raan Jay Fai
327 Maha Chai RdLed by a 70-year-old lady named Jay Fai, this shop-house restaurant of the same name is the stuff of Bangkok street-food legend. Located just steps away from the ever-popular (though dare we say overrated) Thip Samai: Pad Thai Pratu Phi in the Old Town, this restaurant looks and operates not unlike your local tam sang (stir-fries made-to-order) joint, only the prices are much, much higher. That’s largely because these typical Thai dishes like pad kaprao, pad khee mao and tom yam kung are dressed up with super-fresh, giant-sized portions of crab, tiger prawns and other seafood delicacies.
Pad Thai Thip Samai or Pad Thai Pratu Pi (ผัดไทยทิพย์สมัย (ผัดไทยประตูผี)), which translates to “Ghost Gate Pad Thai,” as it’s more commonly known, is one of the most famous Pad Thai restaurants in Bangkok.
112 locals recommend
Thipsamai
315 Maha Chai RdPad Thai Thip Samai or Pad Thai Pratu Pi (ผัดไทยทิพย์สมัย (ผัดไทยประตูผี)), which translates to “Ghost Gate Pad Thai,” as it’s more commonly known, is one of the most famous Pad Thai restaurants in Bangkok.
The Ultimate Street Food Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok. Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu (ร้านต้มยำกุ้งบางลำพู), a well weathered street food stall just two blocks from Khao San road, located on the sidewalk outside of the main Banglamphu car park, is a street food stall that produces some seriously glorious shrimp dishes.
Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu
Soi KraisiThe Ultimate Street Food Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok. Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu (ร้านต้มยำกุ้งบางลำพู), a well weathered street food stall just two blocks from Khao San road, located on the sidewalk outside of the main Banglamphu car park, is a street food stall that produces some seriously glorious shrimp dishes.
A café all dressed in blue hidden within Bangkok’s old town
Blue Whale Maharaj joins the other hipster havens that are giving more edge to the old town with a grand tribute to the deep blue sea.
Blue Whale Cafe
37 Maha Rat RdA café all dressed in blue hidden within Bangkok’s old town
Blue Whale Maharaj joins the other hipster havens that are giving more edge to the old town with a grand tribute to the deep blue sea.
Ha Tien cafe’ Bkk
4 Maha Rat RdOne of the latest tenants in Tha Tian serves cuisine from Northern and Central Vietnam, where owner Gai Mitwicharn’s grandparents came from. The nem nuong (B250) features house-made grilled minced pork, along with extra-thin rice flour and sauce you can customize with separated chili and chopped peanuts. Try the thit kho tieu (braised pork belly in fish sauce, chili and black pepper) and Vietnamese drip coffee with egg sabayon (B80), too.
69 Soi Tha Tien, 093-469-2969. Open Wed-Mon 11am-10pm
8 locals recommend
Tonkin Annam
One of the latest tenants in Tha Tian serves cuisine from Northern and Central Vietnam, where owner Gai Mitwicharn’s grandparents came from. The nem nuong (B250) features house-made grilled minced pork, along with extra-thin rice flour and sauce you can customize with separated chili and chopped peanuts. Try the thit kho tieu (braised pork belly in fish sauce, chili and black pepper) and Vietnamese drip coffee with egg sabayon (B80), too.
69 Soi Tha Tien, 093-469-2969. Open Wed-Mon 11am-10pm
Starbucks
88/8 Soi Sukhumvit 24Yaowarat Street Food
458 ถ. เยาวราชEden's
7/1 Lan Luang RdAlex & Beth
9 Lan Luang RdMad Moa
211/8 Thanon Chakkraphatdi PhongCoffee Craftsman
153 Thanon RatchawithiHong Kong Noodle House
Supanniga Eating Room
28 N Sathon RdMcDonald's Ratchadamnoen
77/1 Ratchadamnoen Avea pink rabbit + bob
เลขที่ 378 Maha Rat RdThe legendary 80-year-old kaolao soup recipe of Siew Neua Wua Rai Tiem Tan that once stood in the Nakhon Kasem alley has landed in a new location in the heart of Phra Nakhon. Chanyanpat Tiveschayun continues to season and braise his beef for 4-5 hours in accordance with his grandfather's recipe. The soup is a highlight, with its well-balanced flavor from over 10 types of Chinese herbs. Order your bowl of beef soup (B80) with brisket, plate and shank, or go with a bowl of each separately (B100-120).
Open Mon-Sat 9am-3pm
Ten Suns ไร้เทียมทาน 十光
Wisut KasatThe legendary 80-year-old kaolao soup recipe of Siew Neua Wua Rai Tiem Tan that once stood in the Nakhon Kasem alley has landed in a new location in the heart of Phra Nakhon. Chanyanpat Tiveschayun continues to season and braise his beef for 4-5 hours in accordance with his grandfather's recipe. The soup is a highlight, with its well-balanced flavor from over 10 types of Chinese herbs. Order your bowl of beef soup (B80) with brisket, plate and shank, or go with a bowl of each separately (B100-120).
Open Mon-Sat 9am-3pm
Nestled down a small allleyway not far from Chinatown, this cafe brings nightlife’s speakeasy-cool to coffee. Filled with a tasteful array of antique clutter, this three-story shop-house resembles a 19th-century explorer’s workshop. A spiral staircase takes you to where award-winning barista Warong Chalanuchpong serves up signatures like Le Boisson De Kanda (espresso, tea and sparkling rose lemonade topped with milk foam).
31-33 Soi Nana, 089-775-0006. Open Thu-Sun 11am-7pm; Mon 11am-7pm; Tue 11am-7pm.
6 locals recommend
Nana Coffee Roasters
31-33 ซอย นานาNestled down a small allleyway not far from Chinatown, this cafe brings nightlife’s speakeasy-cool to coffee. Filled with a tasteful array of antique clutter, this three-story shop-house resembles a 19th-century explorer’s workshop. A spiral staircase takes you to where award-winning barista Warong Chalanuchpong serves up signatures like Le Boisson De Kanda (espresso, tea and sparkling rose lemonade topped with milk foam).
31-33 Soi Nana, 089-775-0006. Open Thu-Sun 11am-7pm; Mon 11am-7pm; Tue 11am-7pm.
Getting Around
Phra Arthit Express Boat Pier
98 Thanon Phra AthitHua Lamphong MRT Station
Airport Link พญาไท
Suvarnabhumi Airport
999 หมู่ 1Don Mueang International Airport
222 Thanon Vibhavadi RangsitEssentials
Tang Hua Seng Banglumpu
182 Chakrabongse RdArts & Culture
In the former grounds of the 18th Century Wang Na Palace, The Bangkok National Museum houses the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country. It's definitely worth a visit, especially if visiting nearby Wat Phra Kaew or the Grand Palace.
13 locals recommend
National Museum (Thailand)
4 Soi Na Phra ThatIn the former grounds of the 18th Century Wang Na Palace, The Bangkok National Museum houses the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country. It's definitely worth a visit, especially if visiting nearby Wat Phra Kaew or the Grand Palace.
While the Museum of Siam is set inside a very large neoclassical house, it is definitely not the usual display of historical artifacts and dusty mannequins you would expect to find in such an antique building.
103 locals recommend
Museum of Siam
4 Thanon Sanam ChaiWhile the Museum of Siam is set inside a very large neoclassical house, it is definitely not the usual display of historical artifacts and dusty mannequins you would expect to find in such an antique building.
Talad Noi Wall Art
1172 Soi Chareonkrung 22The Museum of Floral Culture
315 Soi 28 Yaek Ongkarak 13The three-story, 4,950-sq-meter library is located in the newly-restored Ratchadamnoen Building on Rachadamnoen Road (near Khok Wua intersection). The B296-million renovation has preserved the building's high ceilings and neo-classical design. Expect an education center, a film and letters archive, an on-site cafe, computers for searching e-books and, of course, plenty of open-floor reading space. Open from 8am-midnight. Membership costs just B10.
42 locals recommend
Bangkok City Library
39 Ratchadamnoen Ave The three-story, 4,950-sq-meter library is located in the newly-restored Ratchadamnoen Building on Rachadamnoen Road (near Khok Wua intersection). The B296-million renovation has preserved the building's high ceilings and neo-classical design. Expect an education center, a film and letters archive, an on-site cafe, computers for searching e-books and, of course, plenty of open-floor reading space. Open from 8am-midnight. Membership costs just B10.