Hong Kong is the place to be for all things shopping. From luxury stores to cheap market stalls, there is never a shortage of must-go places to shop. Hong Kong is full of malls and lavish boutiques – but for most of us, the cheap market stalls are more invigorating. Something about the loud environment, crowded streets and lively locals brings a thrill to shopping in the streets – one that the Louis Vuitton store just doesn’t provide. To revive the shopaholic in you, here are some 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. With everything from counterfeit handbags to the cheapest souvenirs, the Ladies Market is packed with tourists and locals bargaining for the best deals.
If you’re looking for something less conventional like animal head bags, fish sandals or strange costumes, the Ladies Market is where you’ll find it. Almost 500 meters in length and containing more than 100 stalls, the market ensures both your arms will be sore from holding up bag after bag of irresistible purchases.
The market stalls begin to open around 12 p.m. and remain packed until 11 p.m. Although there are many ways to get to Tong Choi Street (Ladies Market), one of the simplest is to take the MTR to Mong Kok Station. From Exit E2, walk along Nelson Road until you reach the street. It’s quite hard to miss the colorful collages of hanging shirts and the busy traffic of shoppers.
Location: Tung Choi Street between Argyle Street and Dundas Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Argyle Centre, Mong Kok
While in Mong Kok, pay a visit to Argyle Centre, one of the cheapest places to buy trendy clothes in Hong Kong. With hundreds of stalls crammed on three floors, Argyle Centre is not your regular luxury mall that you typically see around Hong Kong.
Thankfully for us, the air-conditioned building keeps away the beating sun that might slow us down from reaching our full shopping potential. Shopping at this mall is almost like a race – powering through each and every corner and dodging other buyers to score the best sales. Bargaining is welcome, but the prices are already remarkably 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).
Location: Argyle Centre Phase I, 688 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Flower Market, Prince Edwards
Every plant fanatic would already know all the ins and outs of Prince Edward’s Flower Market, as it’s the place to go for all things horticulture. Even first-timers won’t feel intimidated – the local florists are more than happy to help you adopt your first plant or learn more about developing a green thumb. The many different flowers transform the city streets into a beautiful, green oasis. From grand flower bouquets for your loved ones to a friendly little house plant to keep you company, you won’t want to leave the Flower Market 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 your heading in the right direction as you notice more and more greenery around you.
Location: Flower Market Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon
Tai Yuen/Cross Street, Wan Chai
To end our 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 a market filled with hidden treasures and locals selling necessities you never knew you needed. Are you missing a shoelace? Or maybe searching for some hand-knit gloves? You’ll find some of the most random items hanging from each stall, with endless variety from one stall to the next.
Although the streets are mainly known as the “Toy Street” for the many toy shops along the way, the street deserves even more recognition for having all the basic essentials. You won’t have to worry about your hair ties mysteriously disappearing anymore, as walking down these long streets will help remind you to buy some replacements – and at a super cheap price.
By MTR, get off at Wan Chai Station (Exit A3). Simply cross the road, and you’re there.
Location: Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai
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