Mong Kok translates to “busy corner” in Cantonese, and is a pretty accurate description of what is the most densely populated area in the world.
Busy it may be, but Mong Kok is also home to many of Hong Kong’s most interesting and popular shops and street markets, with vendors grouping together in one place to sell just one particular product like wedding dresses, or even goldfish! Mong Kok is a great place to practise your haggling skills as you bargain for goods alongside other visitors and Hong Kong locals. The neighbourhood itself is an atmospheric blend of old and new, with historic architecture and stalls mixing with more contemporary additions.Mong Kok has charmingly named streets that tell visitors what kind of goods are sold there. There is the aquarium and fish-filled Goldfish Street near to Tung Choi Street, and Ladies Street, which is the place to head to for women’s clothing and accessories. You can buy fresh flowers at Flower Market Road and even fulfil your photocopying needs at Photocopy Street! Alongside the more eclectic goods on offer, you can pick up the latest Western and Asian fashion on Shantung Street and Dundang Street, while Langham Place shopping centre is the place to go for big international brand names. If you’re looking for electronics, go to the Mong Kok Computer Centre where you’ll find dozens of different shops specialising in electronic software, hardware and accessories.If you’ve worked up an appetite after all that shopping, there are plenty of tasty treats on offer from the many food carts that line Mong Kok’s streets. You can pick from Thai or Japanese cuisine, or Hong Kong staples like dim sum, fried tofu and fish balls.The best way to get to Mong Kok is by metro. Get off at the Mong Kok MTR station and take the E2 exit along Nathan Road.