With tens of thousands of stores, bustling market streets, and even whole districts devoted to its most famous pastime, it's no wonder that Hong Kong has been known for years as a shopping paradise.
The combination of having China's factories close-by with low taxes, duties, and labor costs make Hong Kong the ideal place for a shopping extravaganza. If you know where to go to find the best discounted products you can even do it on a medium-sized budget.
With the following one-day shopping tour plan, you will unlock the labyrinth of Hong Kong's shopping mecca with time to spare. Besides this plan, we have more places to recommend for middle-budget shopping.
One-Day Shopping Tour Plan
On this one-day tour, you'll start at the famous Nathan Road's Golden Mile and Ladies' Market in the morning, continue at the Citygate Outlets mall for brand-name stores in the afternoon, then end the day browsing through the winding Temple Street Night Market in the evening to round out your shopping day.
Morning: Nathan Road and Ladies' Market
We suggest starting to shop at Nathan Road's Golden Mile, which runs from Salisbury Road in Victoria Harbour to Mong Kok Station. You'll find great shopping opportunities and good places to eat. After you have finished there, you can take a bus or the metro to Ladies' Market.
The Ladies' Market hawker street is not to be missed!The main Ladies' Market street, however, is the next street east, which is called Tung Choi Street. There are bargains available with Chinese factory outlet clothing, accessories, and factory rejects. You'll see brand names, such as Giordano, bossini, and Baleno. Carefully check articles for defects, holes, etc., and test all electronics carefully.
Another 50 meters further east is Fa Yuen Street with a wealth of bargains including sports clothing, brand names, and the latest fashion if you are prepared to search and examine the items carefully. Most shops only take cash, won't make exchanges, and don't provide fitting rooms.
Afternoon: Citygate Outlets Mall
You'll find 80 different brand-name outlets there. These are quality goods, not factory rejects. The outlets claim that their prices are 30 to 70 percent below regular prices. The brand names include, for example, Bally, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Giordano, adidas, Nike, Puma, and Esprit. There is also a Fortress for electronics but it isn't a discount store.
Hours: Most stores are open between 11am and 10pm.
Evening: Temple Street Night Market
Temple Street market opens in the late afternoon until late evening.Going back to Jordan Station on the MTR and walking just a few minutes west, you'll find the iconic Temple Street. This is a good place to go to end a day of shopping.
You can browse through a plethora of items ranging from inexpensive Chinese clothes to watches, children's clothing, toys, and accessories.
The night market is a Hong Kong shopping highlight. The street stalls begin to open at about 2 or 3pm depending on the weather, and they close at about 11pm.
Other Great Middle-Budget Shopping Places in Hong Kong
Shopping in Hong Kong is not just about consumerism but it is also a cultural experience. Besides the shopping places mentioned above, you have even more options for shopping and exploring the local people's daily lifestyles. Add some of these options to your plan.
1. Stanley Market (Hong Kong Island)
Interesting objects in Stanley MarketStanley is a small coastal town in south Hong Kong Island, and the market there is worth a visit. You can breathe in the gentle sea breeze, feel the relaxing township atmosphere, and find some clothes, Chinese handicrafts, and other souvenirs.
After visiting the market, you can also go into a seaside bar and enjoy a drink.
2. Cat Street Market (Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island)
This is not a place to buy cats but is an antique street where you can discover some old objects. It is possible to find old movie posters, books, ethnic ornaments, and interesting handicrafts.
3. Gough Street (Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island)
The street is only 100 meters long but features a series of art galleries, cafés, bars, restaurants, and characteristic shops. There, you can slow your pace and visit the shops that attract you.
Some restaurants sell authentic local food, such as beef noodles, milk tea, and buns. Would you like some afternoon tea?
4. Jardine's Crescent (Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island)
Among the large malls in Causeway Bay, there is an open-air market called Jardine's Crescent. You can find goods there that are also liked by local people, such as clothes, handbags, accessories, and household goods.
5. Tai Yuen Street (Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island)
If you are traveling with kids or want to find some toys from your childhood, you should visit Tai Yuen Street. You can find toys for your kids, some movie or comic-themed toys, as well as some nostalgic toys from when you were younger, which are very hard to find nowadays.
6. Apliu Street (Sham Shui Po, Kowloon)
Filled with stalls and small shops, Apliu Street is not just a street market, even though it looks like it. The vendors there are usually technical experts and it is possible to find some top technological products there, such as electronic components, computer hardware, or camera equipment.
You may also make some unexpected discoveries there, such as finding some old records, watches, or video products.
7. Shanghai Street (Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon)
If you like cooking, visit Shanghai Street because you can find all kinds of kitchenware there. You may have tasted dim sum or street food and you can buy the steamers or molds to make them there.
8. Granville Road (Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon)
Granville Road is a popular shopping place for local youngsters. Along the street, there are stores selling fashionable clothes, cute accessories, and cosmetics.
Another feature of Granville Road is the workshops on the second floor. Many designers have set up their workshops on the second floor, which has a lower rent value. You can find some unique designs or let a designer create an outfit that's just for you.
Tips for Middle-Budget Shopping
Get Free Maps, Promotions, Discounts, and Mall Guides
Shopping in Hong KongYou can look for coupons and promotions at the Hong Kong Tourism Board offices at Tsim Sha Tsui's Star Ferry Pier and in the Peak Tower.
Shop in the Sales Season or During the Shopping Festival
Promotions are likely throughout the year but from December to February, especially during Christmas and before Chinese New Year, most of the malls and stores in Hong Kong will have incredible sales. This period is also for brands to launch new spring and summer clothing.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board helped to set up a shopping festival that runs from July to September, when you can find bargains on end-of-season fashion items. This is also the time for new autumn and winter clothing to be launched.
One issue you should be aware of is that the sales season is also the peak season. Flights and hotels are harder to book during this time. You are recommended to book them as soon as possible or tell us your plan and let us book them for you.
China Highlights' Popular Hong Kong Shopping Tours
Enjoy Hong Kong shopping with usAccording to Shoppers Survey, Hong Kong is the best city to shop at in the Asia Pacific region. It is comfortably ahead of the other cities in their estimation, with everything from entertainment and attractions to services, and from the quality of malls and shops to the prices being among the best.
We can arrange an exceptional Hong Kong shopping tour for you. Just contact us for a personalized Hong Kong tour and we'll design it to suit your tastes and requirements, taking you to the stores/markets that you like.
Traveling with us, you can have a local guide who speaks your language and he/she will help you to bargain or keep you away from fake or low-quality goods.
Recommended Customizable Tour Ideas
- 10-Day Imperial and Scenic China Family Tour — have fun in Beijing, Guilin, and Hong Kong.
- 1-Day Macau Tour from Hong Kong
- One-Day Lantau Island and Giant Buddha Tour — taking you to visit Po Lin Monastery and Tai O Fishing Village