Hong Kong is the place to be for all things shopping. From luxury stores to cheap market stalls, there’s something for every style and budget. Of course, Hong Kong is full of malls and lavish boutiques – but for many of us, the city’s cheap market stalls are more interesting. Something about the loud environment, crowded streets and lively locals adds a thrill to street shopping – one that the Louis Vuitton store just doesn’t provide.
No matter what you’re on the hunt for, it’s unlikely you’ll run out of cheap stores in Hong Kong worth exploring. Who knows what treasures you may find – and all at bottom-dollar prices. So, to awaken the shopaholic in you, we’ve rounded up some fun, cheap places to go shopping in Hong Kong.
Ladies Market, Mong Kok
There is no better place to start our shopping trip than Mong Kok. Every Hongkonger knows the Ladies Market has a reputation as one of the best places to shop in Hong Kong. Offering merchandise from knock-off handbags to the cheapest souvenirs, the Ladies Market is always packed with tourists and locals alike bargaining for the best deals.
If you’re looking for something less conventional like stuffed animal bags, fish sandals or funny costumes, you’ll find it here. Almost 500 meters in length and hosting more than 100 unique stalls, this market will tempt you to load up on bag after bag of irresistible purchases.
The market stalls begin to open around noon and remain packed until 11 p.m. Although there are many ways to get to the market on Tong Choi Street, we recommend taking the MTR to Mong Kok Station. From Exit E2, walk along Nelson Road until you reach the street. It’s hard to miss the colorful collages of T-shirts on display and the crowd of shoppers.
Address: Tung Choi Street between Argyle Street and Dundas Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Argyle Centre, Mong Kok
Argyle Centre in Mong Kok is one of the cheapest places to buy trendy clothes in Hong Kong. With hundreds of stalls crammed across three floors, this is unlike other luxury malls that you typically see around Hong Kong. Shops here stock the latest trends in street fashion from Korean, Japan, Taiwan and more.
The air-conditioned building fights off the beating sun, so the heat won’t slow you down. It’s also one of the cheap places to shop in Hong Kong that is wildly popular with locals. So, shopping at this mall can be almost like a race – powering through each and every corner and dodging other shoppers to score the best sales. Bargaining is welcome at Argyle, but the prices are already super low, so you can save your haggling skills for the Ladies Market.
The stalls usually open around noon and stay open until around 7-8 p.m. Argyle Centre is easily accessible as it is only a one-minute walk away from Mong Kok Station (Exit D2).
Address: Argyle Centre Phase I, 688 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Flower Market, Prince Edwards
Every plant fanatic in Hong Kong would already know Prince Edward’s Flower Market, as it’s the place to go for all things horticulture. However, even first-timers will feel welcome here – resident florists are more than happy to help you adopt your first plant or learn more about developing a green thumb.
The variety of flowers and plants on display transforms the streets into an idyllic, green oasis. From elaborate bouquets for a loved one to a friendly little houseplant to keep you company, the vast selection ensures you won’t want to leave empty-handed.
Once you arrive at the Sham Shui Po MTR Station, Exit at B1 and follow the main road (Prince Edwards Road). You’ll know you’re heading in the right direction as you notice more and more greenery around you.
Address: Flower Market Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon
Tai Yuen/Cross Street Bazaar, Wan Chai
To end our Hong Kong shopping tour, we start our route at Tai Yuen Street, changing course at the intersection with Cross Street. In the heart of Wan Chai’s towering buildings is an open-air market filled with hidden treasures and locals selling necessities you never knew you needed.
Are you missing a single shoelace? Or maybe you’re searching for hand-knit gloves? You’ll find the most random items hanging from each stall, with seemingly endless variety from one stall to the next.
Although this area is mainly known as “Toy Street” for its many toy shops sprinkled along the way, you’ll find more than just toys here. It deserves more recognition for having all the basic essentials.
An exploration of this market will uncover a variety of cheap clothing and accessories, dried snacks and artisan goods, seasonal decorations and more. Of course, if you are a toy collector, this is the place to find limited-edition toys and collectibles, stuffed animals, games and other fun finds.
It’s also easy to get to the market. By MTR, get off at Wan Chai Station (Exit A3). Simply cross the road, and you’re there.
Address: Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai
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