Shop Till You Drop In Hong Kong (Shopping in Hong Kong)

Member Name: aznben1

Product:	Shopping in Hong Kong
Date:	31/07/09 (188 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: There's always something for everyone

Disadvantages: So much to shop, so little time

Hong Kong is truly a shopping paradise. When someone say that to you, don't roll your eyes and think it's just an exaggeration. It fits Hong Kong perfectly with its shops lined with branded products from Louis Vuitton to LesSportSac.

I think that you may actually shop in pretty much every district in Hong Kong like from DIY items in Sham Shui Po to Gucci and Chanel bags in Tsim Sha Tsui. But let's concentrate on the areas that would interest most tourists.

Admiralty
Go to Pacific place where it dedicates truly to high end shopping. The shops seem to get more and more high end, and of course pricier as you head up the three floors. There are quite a few eating places in there but they are also on the expensive side. The building is linked to other buildings such as Queensway building which doesn't really provide for more shopping but does have loads of other restaurants to choose from.

Tsim Sha Tsui
Harbor city is another shopper's paradise. I think it could possibly be the largest mall in Hong Kong. Knock yourself out there with all the high end brands. These brands are not only restricted to fashion but go on to contain electronics along with some real classy food stores and restaurants. Walking the entire length would make you extremely exhausted and...broke.
Tsim Sha Tsui is also home to the largest Adidas store in Asia so just drop in and check out the Adidas products displayed on all THREE floors of the Adidas building.
Tsim Sha Tsui is also a diner's paradise as it hosts to some delicious cuisines around every corner. When you're tired, just stop by these restaurants and treat yourself to the delicacies of Hong Kong

Causeway Bay
High end shopping could also be done in Causeway Bay Times Square. Each level has a specialized area, such as electronics, sports, kids, etc. Fashion brands include Club Monaco, Zara, Juicy Couture, Gucci, etc.
Another major mall in Causeway Way = Sogo. Also with specialized levels, men, women, kids, electronics, household, etc. with a supermarket on bottom floor. Take note the 8th floor which is pretty much empty except for two small shops. It has been rumored that it is haunted. Previously it was completely empty, devoid of even those two small shops.
Around Sogo, there are also local malls such as La Foret and Island Beverley which is the hangout for teens at a more affordable price and houses quite a few of Hong Kong's young designers.

MongKok
For tourists, if you hear Mongkok, you think Ladies Market. It is truly a place a tourist should venture to. It is an entire street with makeshift stalls selling mostly tourist stuff such as T-Shirts or Chinese artifacts. Here, you would have to bring out your best bargaining skills as there is definitely room to haggle especially if you bulk buy. Along with the souvenirs are cheap knockoffs of Tiffany, Ray Bans and tons of other jewelry, clothing and stuffed toys or even kinky underwear that are hung almost proudly over your heads- definitely worth your time
Ladies Market is not unlike Stanley Market, a place far from centre of city and pretty much a tourist attraction as well. Ladies market beats Stanley Market as Stanley is way overpriced, though Stanley Market has the sea view and the nice bars.
Through ladies market, you would catch a whiff of the local delicacy - smelly tofu. Do not be put off by the scent and have a try. It's delicious. It can be bought at the street stalls at around 10HKD. The stalls also sell other local favorites such as curry fish balls, siu mai, etc. However, do note that these places aren't particularly hygienic. I do recommend trying something at these stalls as it really does give you a taste of Hong Kong life (excuse the pun) but if you tend to react badly to food that may not have been handled correctly, then of course, don't try it - you don't want to spend your holiday in the toilet.
Speaking of toilets, it can be difficult to find one in Mongkok so try to relieve yourself before going. There would of course be toilets in the restaurants but they can be extremely filthy and there tend to be quite long queues.
One other reminder is that Mongkok can get crowded so do watch out for pickpockets. Other places in Mongkok such as Mongkok centre can also be interesting. It is not really a tourist area but it certainly is a favorite hangout for HK teenagers. Within this mall are shops selling extremely cheap bags, watches, jewelry, etc but these are mainly targeted at the teenagers. It is not a great place for parents because you will definitely stick out like a sore thumb.

Tung Chung
Tung Chung is somewhere a tourist should be heading in the first place as that's where Ngong Ping 360 is, the cable car.
There, Citygate Mall is filled with outlets such as Esprit, The Body Shop, Club 21, Calvin Klein, Adidas, etc. Food there is also great as it houses Food Republic. Simply relax with lunch at food republic - a food court consisting of international food.


To get around to these places, the best way is to take the MTR. Tung Chung, Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay and Mongkok can all be located on the MTR map. Each station is populated with signs making it extremely easy to find your way around.

Altogether, shopping in Hong Kong is extremely enjoyable. Service is always great - the sales person is initiative and helpful - except maybe for some salespeople in the local malls in Causeway Bay or in Mongkok. The shopping areas tend to be clean - esp. in the high end malls. But beware, Hong Kong malls can be packed on weekends as everyone come out to relax through shopping.

Summary: If you haven't shopped in Hong Kong, then you're REALLY missing out!