How to explore markets in Mongkok

You don't find a better place than Mong Kok to experience the fast-paced life in Hong Kong. The busiest district in Hong Kong, Mong Kok is a labyrinth of busy streets. This area of the city is known for street markets, malls, cafes and restaurants. There are numerous markets and shopping malls found in Mong Kok, and the list things you can buy here is endless. If this is your first time in Mong Kok, you need to do a bit of research before taking up the challenge of exploring the local markets.

1. Fa Yuen Street

This is where you can have a relatively calmer shopping experience. The place is somewhat touristy, and it's not difficult to find a budget hotel in Hong Kong around here. Fa Yuen Street is lined with boutique shops selling mostly clothes. The end of the street is busy with vendors selling fresh vegetables and fruits. Although you are eager to snatch up all the good bargains you can, you shouldn't jump at the first one you find – you should take your time to walk around and compare the prices.

2. Ladies' Market

Be ready to bring out your best haggling skills at the Ladies' Market. The market is found in the centre of the city, and this is one of the spots where you can get the best bargains. You can find anything and everything here; especially, clothes at very low prices. The market is named the Ladies' Market because it used to sell a lot of women's clothes in the 70s, but these days, the market sells men's clothing too. Apart from clothes, Ladies' Market sells electronics, household items and toys.

3. Mong Kok's Flower Market

Even if you don't want to buy flowers, you must visit this market for the experience. Mong Kok's Flowers Market offers you hoards of fresh flowers, and there's a lot of variety. You find exotic blooms as well as the ones exported from around the world. Chinese New Year is a busy time for the market, and that's when you can see the market in its liveliest form. If you stay at a place like Dorsett Mongkok, you have easy access to the flower market.

4. Sneaker Street

The southern area of Fa Yuen Street is known to sell sneakers exclusively. Named Sneakers Market, this is where you should come to find a good pair of sneakers. The shops are full to brim with brands like Nike, Adidas and Skechers. The place is usually crowded with both tourists and locals looking for good bargains. You also find workout equipment and basketball jerseys here.

5. Temple Street Night Market

This is one of the must-visit markets in Hong Kong. The market operates from 6 pm until 11 pm, and they are the liveliest and the most exciting hours you see in Mong Kok. Temple Street Night Market is bursting with street performers, fortune tellers and traders selling a variety of merchandise. This street market is a major part of the local culture. You find local crafts, antiques, clothes, teapots and souvenirs here.

6. Fei Jie Snacks Shop

After walking around at street markets, you are going to be hungry and tired. When you feel that way, the best place for you to be is Fei Jie Snacks Shop. Located about 400 meters away from Sneakers Street, this food stall sells a range of local delicacies.

7. Sino Centre

Sino Centre is a few-minute walk from Fei Jie Snacks Shop. It's a shopping mall that sells all the nerdy things. You can find a range of items including Manga comics, pictures of celebrities, anime figurines and mus