Calling all shoppers! Markets are a way of life in Hong Kong, and probably one of the best places to bring your whole family to experience a slice of local life. Not only are the city’s wet markets a thriving place to get great bargains on the freshest produce in town, but there are also plenty of market places and specialized streets where you can get the best deals on clothes, toys for the tykes and great bargains on just about anything and everything. Shop and bop your way around town with the Little Steps Guide to The Top 12 Markets In Hong Kong for parents and kids.
Also in Prince Edward, seasonal blooms are on display at the popular Flower Market. It's booming on auspicious days, such as Chinese New Year, Buddha’s birthday and Ching Ming. On any average weekend or afternoon, you can leisurely stroll down the street and feast your eyes on exotic blossoms from around the world. It’s a great place to teach kids about horticulture, and for those with an aspiring green thumb.
Flower Market, Prince Edward, Kowloon, Hong Kong, MTR Prince Edward Station, Exit B1. Walk east along Prince Edward Road West until you reach the market.
As the saying goes: “Birds of a feather flock together.” Bring the whole family to the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden in Prince Edward; in this charming antique-style Chinese park, you’ll see a host of exotic birds on display and for sale. Bird lovers of all ages, stroll around with their birds in cages while the winged creatures happily chirp away inside their bamboo cages. It’s a sight to be seen and a lovely way to spend the afternoon.
Bird Market, Yuen Po Street, Prince Edward, Kowloon, Hong Kong, MTR Prince Edward Station Exit B1. Walk along Prince Edward Road west towards the Mongkok Stadium for about 15 minutes.
You’re looking for junior's first pet, but you don’t want to commit to a furry creature just yet. Venture with your kiddies to the Goldfish Market and choose a few finned friends for them—not only will your kids learn about how to be responsible, but this low maintenance pet will save parents plenty of time and hassle. If your kids want something more interactive, the market also sells turtles of varying sizes, along with more tanks and aquariums than all the fish in the sea.
Goldfish Market, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, MTR Prince Edward Station, Exit B2. Walk east along Prince Edward Road West until you reach the market; or, MTR Mong Kok East Station, Exit C. Walk to Sai Yee Street via the footbridge and follow the signs.
At night, head to Ladies’ Market and try your hand at bargaining... everyone loves to shop, even weary kiddos! There’s over 100 stalls of clothes, accessories and souvenirs. They also have watches, cosmetics, bags, home furnishings, CDs and trinkets also up for grabs.
Ladies Market, Mong Kok, MTR Mong Kok Station, Exit E2. Walk along Nelson Street for two blocks
Jade has long been worth its weight in gold since Chinese imperial times. Jade jewelry and mementos continue to be passed on as family heirlooms. For your own piece of Chinese history, venture to the Jade Market at the intersection of Kansu Street and Battery Street in Yau Ma Tei, to find an assortment of vendors selling this prized stone. To ward off scams, ask lots of questions before purchasing, and make sure the stone is heavy and cool to the touch.
Jade Market, Yau Ma Tei (at the intersection of Kansu Street and Battery Street), Kowloon, Hong Kong, MTR Yau Ma Tei Station, Exit C. Walk along Nathan Road to Kansu Street, then continue along Kansu Street until you reach the Jade Market.,
Cruise the alleyways of Stanley Market, the one-stop retail paradise for children's and babies' overruns and sample clothing at hard-to-beat prices. You will also find everything from beach buckets to ski gear for the whole family. When hunger strikes, be sure to stop into Lucy's, the delicious go-to resto hidden inside the market, which is kid-friendly and has a healthy kids menu. Simply delicious!
Stanley Market, Stanley, Hong Kong
Sham Shui Po is the place to go if you’re in the market for electronics, crafts supplies, discounted clothes, vintage furniture and just about anything under the sun. For a great bargain on toys for the little ones, head to Fuk Wing Street (also known as Toys Street), where you’ll come across a myriad of dollies, teddies, and old school favourites like yoyos and figurines. It’s also a great place for children’s party supplies. Score!
Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong, MTR Sham Shui Po, Exit A2 to Apliu Street
Walk from Hollywood road down and you’re bound to stumble across plenty of antique dealers and galleries. Be cautious about fakes when paying top prices! If you’re in the market for something fun and colorful for your home, or just some souvenirs for your family abroad, head to the outdoor stalls on Cat Street and Antique Street. There are vintage postcards, sculptures and fun knick knacks from a bygone era.
Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, MTR Sheung Wan Station, Exit B. Turn right and walk for approximately three minutes until you reach Western Market.
You’ll find pro chefs rummaging through the bargains in the kitchenware shops lining Shanghai Street. It’s the “it” spot for all for your dining needs at a fraction of the cost. Scoop up handmade woks and knives, Bialetti coffee makers and Riedel stemware to Le Creuset crockery and more; with so many goods that the shops spill into the street. There are also larger appliances and furnishings for restaurant kitchens.
Shanghai Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong, MTR Yau Ma Tei Station Exit C. Walk along Man Ming Lane to Shanghai Street.
Your active munchkins need new running shoes again! Don’t sweat it, take them to Sneakers Street in Mong Kok (along Argyle Street to Fa Yuen Street) for the best assortment of discounted runners in town. You’ll find the latest models from all the best brands, and there are always sales. Along with sports shoes, there are also fitness clothes for mom and dad, along with sports supplies for the whole family. Happy shopping!
Sneakers Street, Mong Kok (along Argyle Street to Fa Yuen Street), Kowloon, Hong Kong, MTR Mong Kok Station, Exit D3. Walk along Argyle Street to Fa Yuen Street.
Ok, ok, so it’s more of a night bazaar than food market, but come here in the evenings and the streets light up with open-air dai pai dongs where you can enjoy local Cantonese eats, including numerous versions of clay pot rice. The rice is cooked inside a clay pot, steamed with a choice of meats then doused with a bit of soy sauce.
Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, MTR Yau Ma Tei Station, Exit C, turn onto Temple Street at Man Ming Lane; or, MTR Jordan Station, Exit A. Turn right onto Jordan Road and then take another right onto Temple Street.
Go back in time with your little ladies and gents in tow. Opened in 1906, the Western Market is the oldest covered market in HK and deemed a heritage building. Now it’s a multi-use mall: souvenir and snacks shops are on the ground floor, while the 2nd floor belongs to The Grand Stage restaurant—a lovely Chinese restaurant with good dim sum. The restaurant is also a popular setting for parties and weddings.
Western Market, 323 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong, www.westernmarket.com.hk, MTR Sheung Wan Station, Exit B or C.
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