There is something about shopping out in the open air that not only builds an appetite for a good meal, but also builds an appetite for savings. Hong Kong boasts some of the most famous open-air markets in the world. Visitors can buy almost all kinds of goods from the stalls along the streets. If you are a fan of bargaining while doing your purchase, then you will get a lot of fun while shopping in Hong Kong. You can find whatever it is you need for discount prices that you simply won't believe. Some people come to Hong Kong solely to visit these markets. A visit to Hong Kong without a visit to a local street market is simply incomplete.
There are three markets that are well-known to tourists.
Ladies Market - this market offers an exclusive shopping adventure to women. Here, visitors can get one of the best deals in accessories, clothing, cosmetics, among other commodities. But vendors on this market sell not only items for women, you can find men's clothing, such as jeans, jackets, hoodies, t-shirts, shoes, and also kids toys and souvenirs. Besides, the streets nearby, Fa Yuen Street and Sai Yeung Choi Street, offer a wide range of electronic goods and sports accessories. The market is conveniently situated in Mongkok, use exits E2 or D3 (Mongkok MTR station).
Stanley Market - Located on Hong Kong Island, this market grew from a tiny village market to a world-renowned tourist attraction. Because it attracts so many different kinds of people from all kinds of different walks of life, it also attracts a diverse amount of vendors selling everything from traditional Chinese garments to luxury handbags. The street shopping scene in Stanley Market is considered by many to be the world's best, and you won't find many shoppers disagreeing with that. Take the bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260 at Exchange Square Bus Terminus or taxi to get to Stanley Market.
Another popular market is Temple Street Night Market. It's similar to Ladies Market but a variety of goods is mostly oriented to men. This street market is famous for selling food and cheap merchandise. The second name of this market is Men's Street. Numerous stalls offer a wide range of inexpensive goods, such as clothes (men's, women's, kids wear, T-shirts, jeans, jackets), shoes, kid's toys, leather goods, watches, electronic products, jade, DVDs and souvenirs. Also a lot of small restaurants and food stalls surround the market.
There are a few tips to remember that can help you to make sure that you get the best deals for what you're shopping for. 1. The first and most important rule is: always haggle. Vendors are expecting to wheel and deal with you; they're expecting you to make them a counteroffer on the price, and they set their prices accordingly. If you buy an item at its listed price, you're undoubtedly paying too much. It may seem like a bargain to you, but you can always get a better one. 2. Be sure to shop around. If you can buy as many things from one vendor as possible, you'll likely get a better deal than you will buying a bunch of small things from various vendors. The more you buy from one vendor, the bigger a deal he'll give you. You can also cruise the street markets searching for prices to compare. You can always use one vendor's pricing as a bargaining chip against another. With these tips up your sleeve, you're sure to get the best bargains on the things you want.
Also, there are plenty of small street markets which less popular with tourists, and street markets selling one type of goods.
Jade Market - situated at the junction of Kansu and Battery Streets, this market is a nice place to buy jade rings, amulets, bracelets, earrings, small figurines, carvings and ornaments. It is more a local market than for tourists. Morning is probably the best time to visit the market. Yau Ma Tei MTR station - Exit C.
Flower Market is located on Flower Market Road, Mongkok. It is a wonderful place buy fresh flowers in a variety of colors. The market is easily accessible by MTR. Take the Prince Edward MTR station Exit B1 and walk 200 meters to the east along Prince Edward Road.
Read more about Hong Kong Street Markets