Hong Kong's Best Markets

Hong Kong's most famous market, and one of the best for visiting tourists to soak up the hustle and bustle of a Chinese market. Despite the name, the market sells clothes for men and women and plenty of cheap Chinese curios. It's also one of the locations for Hong Kong's buzzing trade in copies and fakes.

Where: Tung Choi Street, Mongkok.

A night market selling mostly gadgets and small electronic items, including a wide-range of second-hand mobile phones. The streets surrounding the market are transformed at night into one big, open-air restaurant, as street food sellers set tables for hungry shoppers. You'll also find fortune tellers and Cantonese karaoke ​stars cranking out tunes under the stars. Arrive after 8 pm to see it at its best. 

Where: Temple Street, Mongkok.

Some claim this is an antique treasure trove, others that it's one big flea market. Stalls sell jade, coins, posters and lots of old looking Chinese bits and pieces, although for the most part they were probably made yesterday in Guangdong. It's a great place to pick up a present. Nearby is Hollywood Road, where the more serious antique dealers can claim the greatest collection of Chinese antiques in the world.

Where: Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan.

Stanley Market is Hong Kong market shopping for beginners. Geared towards tourists hunting for souvenirs, it doesn't have the rough and tumble of a real city market or the hardcore haggling. That's not to say it's not worth a visit. The Chinese style gifts and I Love Hong Kong souvenirs are a good place to stock up for friends back home and this is the spot to test your bargaining skills before trying out Mongkok.  

Where: Stanley Market Street, Stanley

Hong Kong's street front pet store. The Goldfish Market sells just about every species and color of fish you can imagine, as well as lizards, snakes and other exotic creatures. Head here during Chinese New Year or other traditional Chinese festivals to see it at its most frantic. 

Where: Tung Choi Street North, Mongkok

A single lane clogged with sellers of business cards and company chops. Bring your USB flash drive, give the seller your design, or let them design one for you, and you can have your cards made in a day or two. Essential in a city that thrives on the exchange of neatly designed business cards. 

Where: Man Wah Lane, Sheung Wan.

One of the biggest outdoor markets on Hong Kong Island, Wan Chai Street Market sells a variety of everything from kids toys to Chinese clothes. It's essentially an outdoor department store. Locals still shop here and prices remain fair.

Where: Tai Yuen Street, Wan Chai

Probably Hong Kong's best computer market (and there is plenty of competition), the Golden Arcade features hundreds of independent stores flogging the best in computer technology at fairly low prices. Be prepared, the arcade is a maze, almost always packed and sellers can be aggressive. Check out our guide to buying electronics in Hong Kong, for some tips.

Where: Fuk Wa Street, Sham Shui Po

Hong Kong is a party town and this is its party market. There are novelty costumes, ball masks, and various other cheap accessories to make your soiree go with a swing. This place is packed during the run-up to Halloween.

Where: Wing-wo Street, Central.