Mong Kok
Street markets, sneaker shops and neon signs in one of the most crowded districts in the world, in the heart of Kowloon.
At a glance
With about 130,000 people per km², Mong Kok was described by Guinness World Records as the busiest district in the world.
Mong Kok is a district in the centre of Kowloon, north of Tsim Sha Tsui along Nathan Road, and one of the main shopping areas in Hong Kong. Old and new multi-storey buildings crowd the streets, with shops and restaurants at street level and flats and businesses above, and the area stays busy until late at night.
What draws visitors are the street markets, each with its own speciality: Ladies' Market on the southern section of Tung Choi Street, with clothes, accessories and souvenirs; Goldfish Street on its northern section; Fa Yuen Street, known for its sports shoe shops; Flower Market Road and, at its end, the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, a Chinese-style garden of 1997 where bird keepers meet. Shopping malls such as Langham Place and food stalls fill the gaps.
For cruise passengers it is the place to see everyday Hong Kong away from the waterfront. From Kai Tak it takes about 45 minutes by minibus and MTR; two or three hours are enough to walk the markets from south to north and finish at the Bird Garden, next to Prince Edward station. Evenings and weekends are the most crowded times.
Getting there from the port
4 optionsWhat to see
- 1Ladies' MarketThe southern section of Tung Choi Street, a long row of stalls selling clothes, accessories, toys and souvenirs at low prices.
- 2Goldfish StreetThe northern section of Tung Choi Street, with shops selling goldfish and other ornamental fish, plants and pet supplies.
- 3Fa Yuen StreetKnown as Sneakers Street for its sports shoe and sportswear shops.
- 4Flower Market RoadA street of flower and plant shops on the way to the Bird Garden.
- 5Yuen Po Street Bird GardenA 3,000 m² Chinese-style garden with traditional gateways and bird carvings, where bird keepers bring their caged birds; open 07:00 to 20:00.
- 6Nathan RoadThe main avenue of Kowloon, with malls, signs and the bustle of the district.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Walk south to northStart at Mong Kok station, walk up Tung Choi Street through Ladies' Market and Goldfish Street, then Flower Market Road to the Bird Garden, and go back from Prince Edward station.
- Cash and bargainingCarry some cash in Hong Kong dollars for the stalls, and compare prices before you buy.
- CrowdsEvenings and weekends are the busiest; keep bags closed and in front of you.
- Octopus cardIt pays for the MTR, buses, minibuses and the Star Ferry, and is accepted in many shops and convenience stores.
- Bird Garden hoursThe garden is open daily from 07:00 to 20:00 and is free.
Accessibility & families
MTR stations have lifts, but the markets are narrow and very crowded streets; with a wheelchair or a stroller it is easier on a weekday morning. Children enjoy Goldfish Street and the Bird Garden.
In pictures
