Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise for all kinds of products, including clothes, accessories, electronics, souvenirs and toys. And it’s not just retail bliss for luxury shopping, it also offers a unique experience to visitors looking for great deals. The open-air markets here are clean and well-organised, and one can bargain with the vendors for the best price.
Along with shopping, you can also sample the appetising local cuisine at the many restaurants located near these markets. Some of the venues – such as the Chinese medicine and goldfish markets – also offer a glimpse of local culture. So, here’s your guide to some of the best street shopping in Hong Kong.
Best street shopping places in Hong Kong
Temple Street Night Market
The Temple Street Night Market is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hong Kong. A walk through this vibrant space is always a thrill, with a chance to watch performances by local artists and buy souvenirs. Offering a variety of T-shirts, tech accessories, jade (a mineral used in jewellery) and antiques, you can shop till you drop here. Towards the end of the market, in the north section, you’ll find booths of fortune tellers waiting to enlighten you with their predictions of the past, present and future. The best time to visit the market is from 7 to 10 p.m.
Location: Yau Ma Tei area of the Yau Tsim Mong District
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Ladies’ Market
This one-kilometre-long stretch has more than 100 shops and stalls catering to women. Master your haggling talent here as you browse through stunning jewellery, clothes, handbags, accessories, toys and quirky gifting items. The popular open-air market sells designer knock-offs and factory rejects for a steal.
Location: Mong Kok District
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Stanley Market
Situated in the coastal area of Stanley, this market is famous for its quaint stalls selling silk garments, sportswear, art and Chinese costume jewellery. Enjoy a more laidback shopping experience here, far from the bustling streets of Temple Street Night Market and the Ladies’ Market. Once you are done shopping, check out the nearby historical landmarks like Murray House and the Tin Hau Temple.
Location: Stanley New St.
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Li Yuen Street East and West
If you know the right places to shop in Hong Kong, you will know that it offers the best of both worlds – luxury and budget – to shoppers from across the globe. While Central is famous for high-end shopping, Li Yuen Street East and West is where one must go for incredible deals. The stalls here are stacked with trendy clothes and accessories, including traditional Chinese garments. You will also find some wholesale and vintage shops offering exceptional prices and products.
Location: Central, Hong Kong Island
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Apliu Street
Both locals and tourists flock to the Apliu Street Flea Market to pick up preloved electronics. Here one can get laptops, computers, TV sets and tablets among other products. It is a small street packed with vendors and a great place to find a vintage camera to take back home. A few stalls also stock Chinese relics, antique watches and retro accessories.
Location: Kowloon, about 1.2 km south of the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum. Travel by MTR to Sham Shui Po Station, the market is just around the corner.
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Jardine’s Crescent
Jardine’s Crescent is a small open-air market where you can find a variety of tops, loungewear, hair accessories and lingerie. With various colour and size options, shop for a trendy wardrobe at these stalls. Walking towards the end of the street, you can buy fresh flowers.
Location: Causeway Bay
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Chun Yeung Street
To enjoy grocery shopping at a wet market, head to Cheun Yeung Street. In the narrow street, vendors at busy stalls sell some of the freshest produce, including fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood. Despite the presence of several supermarket chains, locals love buying groceries here as it is not just about the fresh produce but the whole experience of the buzzing marketplace. As a tourist, one can pick edible souvenirs such as bottled sauces and delicious pastries.
Another market close to this street is the Marble Road Market, which is across the road. Here you will find clothing, accessories and other household items. Avoid entering the tram rail area when you visit the street for your own safety.
Location: Chun Yeung Street, North Point
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Cat Street
Take home quirky Chinese antiques, jade pendants, mahjong tiles and figurines of Chairman Mao from Cat Street. Officially called the Upper Lascar Row, you will find an array of vendors selling art, antiques and souvenirs. No matter how hard one tries it is impossible to not be tempted to make a purchase at these stalls.
Location: In the corner of Upper Lascar Row
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Sneakers Street
One place that all sneakerheads should visit is Sneakers Street to find the best deals. Get brands such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok and New Balance among others on this street lined with footwear shops. Sports enthusiasts will also find things of interest as there are several sports shops here as well.
Location: Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok
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Tai Yuen Street
If you are looking for presents for children, then make your way to Tai Yuen Street. This crowded area brims with options ranging from plush dolls to the latest model cars, as well as party favours and fun board games. It is a wonderland for children to buy their favourite toys.
Location: Wan Chai
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Ko Shing Street
This is where Hong Kongers go to cure their aches and ailments using TCM or traditional Chinese medicine. The dispensaries here have been around for years and make for an exotic experience. However, it is recommended to be cautious if you want to pick up any remedies as they could contain ingredients that are illegal in some countries.
Location: Sheung Wan
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Best shopping malls in Hong Kong
With huge cruise-like shopping complexes such as Harbour City, the malls in Hong Kong offer not just extensive shopping but also dining experiences at some of the best Michelin-star restaurants. Some of the malls worth visiting for a world-class shopping experience are IFC, Landmark Atrium, Lee Gardens, Pacific Place, Times Square, Fashion Walk and K11 Musea.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What makes shopping in Hong Kong unique?
Hong Kong offers the luxury of shopping at its many malls as well as bargaining at street stalls.
-What are the best shopping districts in Hong Kong?
Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po are some of the best shopping districts in Hong Kong.
-Are there any famous street markets in Hong Kong?
Yes, there are many famous street markets in Hong Kong such as Temple Street Night Market, Li Yuen Street East and West, Stanley Market and Ladies’ Market to name a few.
-Are prices fixed or can I haggle?
One can only haggle while shopping at street stalls.