Landed in Hong Kong for a visit or a long layover? Being the Asian equivalent of New York City, it is no surprise that this Asian megalopolis is one of this continent’s best destinations for shopping.
If you have no idea where to shop in Hong Kong, this guide will brief you on places that might interest you…
Hollywood Road
If you are looking to pick up art at a discount price while in Hong Kong, then Hollywood Road should be the first place that you should go.
With numerous galleries running its streets, there is plenty of choice for those looking for contemporary art pieces or for antiques stretching back as far back as 1,000 years into the past.
Whether you are seeking a Buddhist sculpture for your garden, or a Tibetan rug for your sitting room, dedicating a full day to exploring this curvy street in Central Hong Kong will eventually lead you to what you are looking for.
Causeway Bay
Those looking for Hong Kong’s version of Times Square will find it in the form of Causeway Bay. Clad from head to toe in neon signs, there are shopping malls filled with exclusive luxury boutiques, as well as some of the most sought-after department store brands from around the world.
Buyers can be assured of the quality of the merchandise here, as the rents in these shops are some of the highest in the world per square foot. Those looking for a new outfit will have plenty of choice here, as most of the finest fashion outlets in Asia have flagship stores in the malls of Causeway Bay.
Tsim Sha Tsui
Looking to get away from the high prices of central Hong Kong, but still want to have a wide selection of first-run products?
Heading over to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon will accomplish this, as it has long been famed for it’s markets that have high quality goods at competitive prices.
Of course, you need to be on top of your haggling game, as the merchants here have plenty of experience dealing with tourists.
Keep a sharp eye out for fakes as well, as many shop owners know that foreign visitors have a hard time telling the difference between knockoffs and authentic goods.
Central
If money is no object to you, then spending some serious time in the central part of Hong Kong should be top priority.
It is here where all the world’s top luxury brands, from Louis Vuitton to Gucci, have their flagship Asian outlets.
Whether you are into the finest clothes, or high end photography equipment, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for here.
One shot that check out whether you have the budget for it or not is Shanghai Tang, which is a homegrown Hong Kong fashion label. Buy some signature pieces here, and you’ll be able to brag to your friends back home that you brought an authentic part of Asia back home with you.
Mongkok
On the other end of the scale, those looking to bargain and shop in markets where working-class Hong kongers do so will want to spend an afternoon in Mongkok.
Being one of the world’s most populated areas in terms of persons per square mile, the density of the market stalls and the people shopping at them will be nothing short of intense for the uninitiated.
So long as you keep your wits about you for pickpockets, you will find your experience here to be one of the days that makes travel the worthwhile activity that it is.