Hong Kong is almost always remembered as the city for frugal finds and specialty goods. But navigating the bustling streets–packed tightly with roadside stalls selling everything from watches to Chinese antiques–can be a challenge. Not sure where to start? Ready to embark on a local’s journey through the city’s best shops, stores, and stands? Carefully curated and crafted by insiders who know the city best, discover where to shop and what to buy.
Where To Shop
Markets
Shopping like a local means visiting Hong Kong’s best street markets. Here, you’ll find everything from local products and antiques to apparel, watches, and jewellery. And if you’re looking to haggle, these are the best stops for snagging a bargain deal on some of your favourite items.- Stanley Market: located in Stanley on Hong Kong island, this traditional open-air market is best known for its bargain goods. Here, find everything from jewellery and watches to clothing and antiques.
- Temple Street Night Market: this is one of the busiest flea markets in Hong Kong. Located in Jordan and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon, Temple Street Night Market is famous for the abundant amount of street food stalls. But here, you’ll also find rows and rows of stalls that sell inexpensive merchandise. This is a great place to purchase souvenirs, accessories, trinkets, and sporting goods for cheap.
- Ladies’ Market: this market on Tung Choi Street is considered a premier fashion destination that stretches for one-kilometre, with deals on clothing, bags, accessories, and souvenirs.
- Jardine’s Crescent: a smaller version of Ladies’ Market, this roadside bazaar is great for finding local goods as well as inexpensive clothing, handbags, and accessories. Come prepared to haggle.
- Li Yuen Street East and West: you can find this famous street market in Central on Hong Kong Island. The streets are packed with shops and stalls selling clothing and accessories. This is a great place to find deals on nearly everything. If you’re looking for fabric or textiles, head to “the lanes” – two narrow alleyways linking Des Voeux Rd Central with Queen’s Rd Central.
- Jade Market: this market has hundreds of vendors selling all things jade. Located in Kowloon, the Jade Market is the place to be if looking to purchase a special gift: find jewellery, accessories, pearls, and semi-precious stones.
- Apliu Street: situated in the Sham Shui Po area of New Kowloon, this market should be on your list if you’re in the market for electronics. Apliu Street sells bargain-priced new and second-hand electronics including audio-visual equipment and telecommunications products.
Bespoke Tailors
Getting a tailor-made suit while in Hong Kong is a must-do for any first time traveller. But finding a reputable tailor can be difficult to find if you’re not well-acquainted with Hong Kong. There are skilled tailors in most areas of the city, but these are the best shops to get a custom suit that is worth the money.
- The Armoury: Central, Hong Kong
- Cuffs: Central, Hong Kong
- TCNY: Central, Hong Kong
- Di Lusso: Kowloon, Hong Kong
- J.J. Threads: Central, Hong Kong
- Jim’s Tailor: Admiralty, Hong Kong
- Jantzen Tailor: Central, Hong Kong
- Sam’s Tailor: Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
- Punjab House: Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tips on getting a tailor-made suit:
- Take your time to choose your tailor, especially in tourist hot-spots.
- Don’t be afraid to bargain. If you’re buying more than one suit or shirt, take advantage of this purchase and ask for a better deal.
- Have an idea of what you want to purchase before you buy. If you know what you want, bring a photo from a magazine to give the tailor an idea.
- Pick up your suit in person. Many tailors offer shipping to your home country, but this often comes with high taxes and charges.
Shopping Districts & Local Retailers
Shops and stores are aplenty in Hong Kong–but selecting the right area for your shopping endeavour is key to finding what you need. In Central, find everything from high-end boutiques and shopping malls to designer stores. Here is where travellers can find modern fashion and luxury brands. In Mong Kok, a lively district filled with markets, shops, restaurants, and food stalls, is a bargain shopper’s paradise. If you’re looking to peruse amongst hundreds of stalls fit for haggling, this is where you should be.
Sham Shui Po is great for purchasing electronics and clothing for less; this area comprises both the Apliu Street Market and Cheung Sha Wan Road. Tsim Sha Tsui is packed with bespoke tailors, luxury brands and high-end shops. Travellers can also find local and imported goods here. If you’re looking for more affordable apparel, head to the eastern end of the area. Causeway Bay is perfect if you’re looking for a range of shops–from bargains to boutiques, this area of Hong Kong is meant for shopping.
What To Buy
Hong Kong is well-known as a bargain hunter’s paradise. For the best bargain shopping experience, keep an eye out for these goods:
- Electronics, computers, cameras, and electronic accessories
- Perfume and cosmetics
- Jewellery, watches, and clocks
- Designer clothes, handbags, leather goods, and luggage
- Suits and dress shirts
- Antiques and handicrafts
Hong Kong and all its splendors are best experienced with your own eyes. Whether it’s for the bargain shopping or eclectic food scene, Hong Kong delights all who visit. Ready to book? Or simply browsing for your next adventure? Embark on a tour of the senses–from cityscapes to idyllic islands. Energize & Revitalize in Hong Kong & Thailand
For more destination inspiration, explore our Discover page: from Myanmar to Singapore.
Enjoy your travels!
From the GLP team
