Street markets are a big hit among tourists in every part of the world. That is where you really get to see how the locals go about their everyday lives, sample delicious street food and buy interesting souvenirs back home.

In Hong Kong, street markets are an essential part of life for those who live there. Both working adults and students alike enjoy some casual retail therapy with their friends and family after a long day at work or school.

Our guide to 9 Street Markets In Hong Kong will help you figure out which are the best markets you should be including in your itinerary. You are very welcome!

Photo Credit: Apliu Street Market

#1 APLIU STREET

Computer geeks will find it hard to leave Aplu Street Market as the place is home to all sorts of electronics, computer equipment and gadgets. There are both new and preloved electronic and telecommunications products on sale so you can purchase items on a budget that is comfortable for you.

This is also where you can hunt for antique items such as vintage watches, coins and more.

Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Daily: 10am – 8pm (later on weekends & PH)
Nearest MTR: Sham Shui Po

Photo Credit: Cat Street Market

#2 CAT STREET MARKET

Cat Street Market did not have a very good reputation back in the early days as the market was known to sell stolen goods. However, it is a lively antiques market today where collectors can source for jade, silk, wooden handicraft items and other hidden treasures dating all the way back to the Ming dynasty.

Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Road
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Daily: Mid morning to 6pm
Nearest MTR: Central

Photo Credit: Esther Poon

#3 FA YUEN STREET MARKET

Also known as ‘Fa Yuen Gai’, sneakerheads will go nuts at all the sneaker and sports street stalls they can find there that carry big brands such as Nike, Adidas, Converse and many more.

Whether you are looking for a pair of sports shoe to wear at the next fitness training or just as a fashion statement, you can find them all at Fa Yuen Street Market which extends from Dundas Street to Prince Edward Road. Those who are not keen on sneakers can browse through clothing, mobile phone accessories and seasonal products.

Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Sneaker Shops: 11am – 10:00pm
Street Market:10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Mong Kok/ Prince Edward

Photo Credit: Michael Blackford

#4 FLOWER MARKET

Chinese New Year is the busiest period at Flower Market as that is when locals will need to decorate their house with auspicious blooms that will invite good luck. Conveniently located in the heart of Mong Kok, flower market boasts cut flowers, potted plants, seeds, gardening tools and accessories.

Even if you do not have green fingers, why not take this chance to surprise your significant other or loved one with a bouquet of flowers?

Flower Market Road, Prince Edward
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Daily: 9.30am – 7.30pm
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward Station/ Mong Kok East

Photo Credit: I Love Hong Kong

#5 KOWLOON CITY WET MARKET

As the biggest wet market in the city, Kowloon City Wet Market is frequently visited by many chefs who want to pick the best cuts of poultry, fresh seafood and fruits imported from mostly the New Territories and Mainland China.

Apart from its plethora of market goods, this place is also where you can find affordable Chinese food at the many no-frills food stalls. Do not expect to linger there for long as locals generally pop by for a quick meal before going about their business.

100 Nga Tsin Wai Road
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Market: 6am – 8pm
Food Stalls: 6am – 2am
Nearest MTR: Lok Fu

#6 LADIES MARKET

Ladies Market needs no further introduction; every traveler to Hong Kong will know of this iconic street with more than 100 stalls featuring clothing, accessories and souvenirs. It is a place where you can bargain for discounts so you get more bang for your buck.

As this is a popular tourist spot, Ladies Market can come across as rather gimmicky. Do be mindful of counterfeit products that are sold there as you are most likely not allowed to ask for refunds after making a purchase.

Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Daily: 12pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest MTR: Mong Kok

#7 SAI KUNG MARKET

If you are into farmers markets, one of the best you can visit in Hong Kong is Sai Kung Market. Held on the first Sunday of every month from 11am to 5pm, Sai Kung Market is where you can go all out on organic produce, artisanal products and support local businesses.

Parents will also be interested to know that this market is held in a kid-friendly indoor venue. Keep up with their happenings on Facebook!

33 Wai Man Road
Hong Kong Academy
Sai Kung, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2799 9983

Photo Credit: Stanley Market

#8 STANLEY MARKET

Those who are in Hong Kong with a group of friends can consider going to Stanley Market which has a huge variety of products in the likes of clothing, accessories, jewellery, ornaments, homewares and so on. Those who are interested in Chinese-style works of art will find plenty there as well.

It is worth mentioning that Stanley Market is located near to the beach so families can spend a day having fun there and dining at the many seaside bars and restaurants when they are feeling peckish.

Stanley New Street and Stanley Market Road
Stanley, Hong Kong
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

#9 TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET

As its name would suggest, Temple Street Night Market comes to life after sunset where traders will start setting up their stalls. This is probably one of the most vibrant street markets in Hong Kong and there are so many activities to take part in there.

If you are tired of shopping, go around and sample on street snacks, visit a fortune teller or watch exciting opera performances.

Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Daily: 6pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest MTR: Yau Ma Tei/ Jordan

If you need more recommendations on what to see, do and eat in Hong Kong,
read our Hong Kong travel guide.

So they say, when in Hong Kong, just eat and shop all day long. It is true. Two of life’s greatest pleasures is what one should indulge in when taking a holiday in the Pearl of the Orient. Apart from the mass availability of food, there is a lot to shop too – shops by the streets, in random alleys, huge malls, night markets… I could use a shopping trip to Hong Kong on an annual basis.

Whether you are a fan of luxe fashion and high street labels, or have a thing or two for Taiwanese/ Japanese fashion, Hong Kong will not disappoint.

For a start, here is a Beginners’ Guide to Shopping in Hong Kong.

Ladies, get your credit cards ready.

Mongkok

This is the world’s most densely populated area. Located in the Kowloon side, Mongkok is perpetually packed and very happening. You can find almost anything and everything in this area – street snacks, book cafes, dessert shops, manicure parlors, gyms, offices, night markets, hotels… and the best part about hanging out at Mongkok is that operation ends as late as 1am.

When in Mongkok, check out:

Langham Place Shopping Mall – an uber chic one-stop destination. Apart from its restaurants and entertainment offerings, expect to find an array of shops that will easily keep you occupied for half a day – beauty brands like Nars, Lush and Jill Stuart, high street labels and cult brands like H&M, i.t., une nana cool and :Chocoolate, shoes and bags specialists like Staccato, Rabeanco and Dr. Martens etc.

New Town Mall @ Agryle Centre – a heaven for females. I always have this belief that if locals can be seen at that place (be it a restaurant or a mall), it should be substantial. And here at NTM, or Wang Jiao Zhong Xin, more than half the shoppers are actually locals. Think of this place as Bugis Village or Far East Plaza, but with much better offerings at more competitive prices. 4 levels of crazy shopping, mainly Japanese and Taiwanese inspired fashion – apparels, accessories, bags, shoes, lingerie, costumes, cosmetics, toiletries, stationery and random whatnot. Prices begin as low as HK$20 for a top and HK$50 for a pair of shoes.

Tip: Bargain. The shopkeepers will always quote a marked-up price, especially for tourists. But for shops that have price tags displayed, they are pretty much fixed and will only be subjected to a small discount if you buy at least 2 pieces. And, bring (lots of) cash. The shops here only accepts cash payment.

Ladies’ Market – a highly popular night market that stretches across a few streets and opens till late night. Even if you are not a shopaholic, it is fun to just take a stroll down the stalls and you will be enthralled by all that they have to offer – from little accessories and to mobile casings, from an insane amount of counterfeit commodity to unbelievable ranges of sex costumes. No joke.

Causeway Bay

Over at the Hong Kong Island, locals flock to Causeway Bay for a more sophisticated shopping experience. Generally a more expensive area, Causeway Bay is home to the luxe Times Square and Sogo. You may also find shopping malls like Island Beverly, where local designers congregate to offer alternative fashion options, and less expensive mainstream fashion at random zones like Jardine’s Crescent.

Tsim Sha Tsui

A classier version of Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui is less crowded, but nonetheless bustling. Also with a lot to offer and serving all sorts of commercial purpose, this area in Kowloon is popular with both locals and tourists alike. And you will be thrilled to know that Tsim Sha Tsui is another fascinating shopping spot.

When in Tsim Sha Tsui, check out:

Harbour City – A large shopping mall where international and local brands congregate. You may find fashion giants like Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood, and smaller & mainstream labels like Superdry, Zara, Adidas Originals and Club Monaco. Yes, it is like a complete paradise to feed all your fashion needs and to inspire a wardrobe revamp.

On a side note, Harbour City is destination for food lovers, boasting more than 60 restaurants and cafes – perfect for meals in between shopping, or just a nice cuppa and some delectable desserts for a midday boost. If there is one place to dedicate a whole day to when you visit Hong Kong, it is undisputedly Harbour City.

The One – A favourite among the younger crowd, The One stands at 29 floors, and is Hong Kong’s tallest retail complex with a comprehensive store listing from luxury jewellery and watches, to beauty bazaars, to a premium supermarket. And if you fancy alternative fashion and street style, The One houses many cult brands and local designers’ boutiques.

Kimberley Road – Brides and Grooms-to-be will be keen to know that this is an enclave of gowns and suits boutiques. Whether you are looking to have your wedding photos taken, or on a search for the gowns and suits for your Big Day, or to simply get inspiration, this street will have something for you.

Tung Chung

If you are at the Lantau Island, you won’t want to miss Citygate Outlets. As the name has suggested, this is a mall of discounted goods. Citygate Outlets excites with a diverse tenant mix, and definitely has something to offer for anyone at any age. Here, you can find brands that stocks discounted past season merchandises for both adults and children – Esprit, Nike, Roxy and Guess, just to name a few. The females will be delighted to know that there are also popular names like OnPedder, Club 21, Anteprima and Burberry.

Tip: Citygate Outlets only opens at 12pm, so there is no rush to get there.

I hope this guide gets you excited! Now you see why I go to Hong Kong every year, and you see why it is compelling for you to make a trip there too?

Words by Melody Yap, photographs by ladyironchef