By Briar Wooldridge
Hong Kong is full of hidden markets and stalls that line the streets every single day, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
Two of the most popular ones, which really come alive at night time are the Temple Street Market and the Ladies’ Market. Both are located close to one another in the Mong Kok area of Kowloon, and they are most definitely worth a visit too.
Both markets share the same style. Amid the crowded streets they leave very little space for the masses of shoppers to squeeze down a narrow walkway. Each side is lined with hand made stalls where the locals set out their items every morning like clockwork. The markets are open from 9am until gone 11 in the evening.
Temple Street Market is perfect for anyone looking for a busy atmosphere or just a good bargain. It stretches out from Man Ming Lane all the way down south to Nanking street. The Tin Hau Temple separates the two ends and is the meaning behind the market’s name. The famous arch is situated between the two halves is lined with masses of stalls selling all kinds of different goods such as clothing, gadgets and handbags. Not only this, but the market is also packed full of delicious street food stalls.
Temple Street’s famous archLadies’ Market is Hong Kong’s most popular market and is known for being among the best. It runs over a one-kilometre stretch along the Tung Choi Street. With more than 100 different stalls there is something for everyone. Similarly to Temple Street, Ladies’ Market also offers a wide variety of different items for sale.
The narrow street at Ladies MarketMarkets in Hong Kong can be easily made out to be tourist traps but this is not something that should be feared. The prices are there to be haggled, so a top tip is to always go in a half the starting price. Almost every time you will end up winning and walking away paying a fraction of the original price tag.
Not only are the markets a great tourist spot but also a chance to see how the people of Hong Kong go about their daily lives.
