Hong Kong is a great place to indulge in retail therapy, given that all goods, other than alcohol and tobacco, are tax-free.

Central is famed for its luxury boutiques and sprawling shopping malls, including The Landmark, The Galleria, Prince’s Building, Alexandra House, and the IFC mall. All ooze glamour with designer shops and exclusive brand names in abundance. But Central still offers a number of bustling local markets where you can indulge in bargaining. Two parallel streets known as “The Lanes,” Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West, are a Ciot of stalls hawking everything from inexpensive clothing, watches, and costume jewelry to luggage and shoes. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.

Farther west towards Sheung Wan is a bustle of sidewalk hawkers on Central’s stepped “ladder” streets. The Western Market in Sheung Wan (at the corner of Connaught Road and Morrison Street) is a beautifully renovated Edwardian building filled with Chinese handicraft stores and fabric shops. The area around here is famous for its small Chinese-style shops selling dried seafood and medicinal herbs.

In Kowloon, be sure to stop by the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. Even if you’re not in the market for a pet, it’s a great place to absorb the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong street life, and is constantly a hive of activity. Similarly, even if you don’t want to buy flowers, don’t miss a stop at the Hong Kong flower market. Here, you’ll find an overwhelming selection of colorful displays, exotic blossoms, and feng shui houseplants.

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