Cecelia ChangHong Kong is every shopper’s paradise. It’s a city where high fashion, local charm, and bargain finds coexist just a few MTR stops apart. Whether you’re on the hunt for the latest gadgets, groceries, or unique local treats, shopping in Hong Kong is an exciting adventure! Here’s the ultimate guide to the city’s most exciting shopping districts, complete with our insider recommendations you don’t want to miss.
Shopping spots in Hong Kong (with insider tips!)
1. Electronics Haven: Sham Shui Po
If you love tech, gadgets, and quirky finds, Sham Shui Po is the place to be. This neighbourhood buzzes with energy, filled with stalls and small shops selling everything from phone accessories and vintage cameras to computer parts.
Ap Liu Street Flea Market is especially popular for second-hand electronics and nostalgic trinkets, while stores like Golden Computer Arcade cater to gamers and PC enthusiasts.
Ching Mi Camera
When along Ap Liu Street, don’t forget to explore Ching Mi Camera, a haven for second-hand cameras. If you’re hunting for anything from a classic film model to a CCD or DSLR, this is the spot. The collection is so vast, it’s almost overwhelming!
Also, don’t overlook another popular and highly recommended 福華相機 stall nearby!
TripZilla tip: Do check each item carefully for mould before purchase, though.
2. Designer Fashion & Stylish Eateries: Causeway Bay
A paradise for fashion lovers, Causeway Bay is where international luxury meets Hong Kong street style. Walk through Times Square and Lee Gardens for the latest designer collections, or hop through popular spots for a caffeine fix in sleek, minimalist settings! Below are some of the spots I personally have been to and recommend.
Times Square
Image credit: Elaine Goh
No shopping trip to Causeway Bay is complete without a visit to Times Square, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic malls. Pop into LOG-ON, a treasure trove of trendy stationery, beauty finds, and collectable blind boxes. It’s practically heaven for anyone who loves cute or quirky things.
Image credit: Elaine Goh
Just nearby, Warmies offers irresistibly soft, microwavable plushies that double as comforting heat packs. They are the perfect souvenirs for yourself or loved ones! And if you’re into effortless, youthful fashion, swing by Brandy Melville. It’s conveniently located right across the street from Times Square.
Bakehouse
This one’s a highly praised bakery that has captured the hearts of even the most discerning Hong Kong locals. Bakehouse is most renowned for its signature, fragrant sourdough egg tarts (HKD$14 or ~S$2.30 for one), served fresh every day. We arrived there early in the morning, yet a queue had already formed. Be sure to try their excellent savoury pastries as well; the sausage roll is a standout!
Panyin Shabu
If you’re looking for a decent Japanese Wagyu shabu shabu experience but without the “fine dining” price tag, Panyin Shabu in Causeway Bay is the place to be. The restaurant specialises in Shabu-Shabu (swishing thin meat slices in boiling broth) and Sukiyaki (a sweeter, thicker broth), offering a clean, minimalist Japanese ambience and highly attentive service.
We ordered the Japanese A4 Lean Kuroge Wagyu Set (HKD$168 or ~S$27.98), which includes 120 grams of premium A4 beef, your choice of rice or udon, an appetiser, and dessert. For the broth, you can choose from Kanto-style Sukiyaki, Kombu and Bonito, or Yuzu Hot and Sour soup. Every bite was rich and satisfying. And clearly, we weren’t the only ones who thought so. Despite the drizzle outside, the restaurant quickly filled up with diners!
3. Street Markets: Mong Kok
If you’re looking for the ultimate Hong Kong shopping experience, Mong Kok is your playground. The area’s famed Ladies’ Market is packed with clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. I bought a quirky mahjong phone case and cute fridge magnets here. Don’t forget to swing by the Goldfish Market and Flower Market for something a little more local and photogenic, too!
TripZilla tip: Try bargaining!
4. Everyday Essentials & Gourmet Finds: Tsim Sha Tsui
For travellers who love exploring local groceries and gourmet products, Tsim Sha Tsui offers plenty of surprises. Personally, it’s my favourite area to shop in.
CitySuper
Pop into CitySuper at Harbour City for a grocery experience that feels more like a gourmet adventure. This upscale supermarket is a haven for food lovers, artisanal pastas, fresh produce, and high-quality imported goods. I was thrilled to find exclusive items like soy milk, Iberico pork, udon soup bases, and ponzu sauces that I’d never seen back home!
Don’t skip the frozen section either! They have locally made matcha and pistachio ice creams that are worth every bite. Despite the premium selection, prices are surprisingly fair for the quality you get. It’s undoubtedly an excellent spot to stock up on special ingredients or edible souvenirs before heading home.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi
Shopping at Matsumoto Kiyoshi was such a fun experience. It was actually my first time visiting this iconic drugstore here in Hong Kong! You can find just about everything here, from cosmetics, skincare, and daily essentials to even pet food. Nevertheless, its true magic lies in the speciality sections.
Beyond the wide range of goods, Gashapon hunters will be thrilled by the dedicated Gashapon area! What surprised me most, though, was the snack section: shelves lined with irresistible Japanese treats that make it hard to walk away empty-handed. My personal favourite? Definitely their in-house brand’s cacao mixed nuts! They’re perfectly crunchy, with a thick coat of cacao for the right touch of chocolatey sweetness.
Whether you’re a deal hunter, trend chaser, or simply love soaking up the city’s vibrant street life, shopping in Hong Kong is an experience that every type of traveller will find fun. Ah, I’m already missing shopping in the city as I write this!
Brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.
All images credited to Cecelia Chang, unless otherwise stated.
