Cecelia ChangIf you think Hong Kong is just about bustling streets, red taxis, and Victoria Harbour, think again. This vibrant city surprises with its blend of old and new, offering endless options for shopping and entertainment.
During TripZilla’s recent visit to Hong Kong, we discovered some fantastic spots for shopping and entertainment, including hidden gems even frequent visitors might not know about! Read on for an urban explorer’s guide to the top places to shop and play in Hong Kong to elevate your trip! Whether you’re hunting for unique treasures or living out a Monopoly board game fantasy, get ready for unforgettable experiences!
Best spots in Hong Kong for shopping and entertainment
1. AME Stadium
Did you know there’s a place in Hong Kong where you can satisfy your inner gamer while getting a workout at the same time? Located in K11 Art Mall, AME (Asia Motion E-sports) Stadium offers an immersive experience with electronic sports games. This isn’t your typical game arcade where you sit and play; it’s a dynamic and interactive environment that will exceed your expectations!
For just HKD 100 per person, you can select and enjoy three out of nine available games. We tried e-Boxing, e-Kayak, e-Battle Rope, e-Basketball, and e-Racing. And no, this isn’t about sitting and playing to reach a goal — you actually have to move your body and participate in the activities, from controlling the kayak paddles to riding a horse simulator.
The high-resolution graphics immersed us in virtual reality, and riding and manoeuvring the horse simulator felt surprisingly realistic and quite challenging. We could even feel our leg muscles burning during the game!
It didn’t take long for us to complete our games, but we were thoroughly exhausted afterwards, as it was quite a workout! So, if you’re looking for a place to sweat it all out while having fun, this is the spot!
Address: 223, 2/F, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
2. Monopoly Dreams
Whether you’re a board game enthusiast or not, chances are you’ve played Monopoly at least once. What if we told you that you could step into a real-life Monopoly world in Hong Kong? Situated at The Peak, Monopoly Dreams is the first Monopoly-themed attraction in the world, and definitely also one of the newest and most exciting entertainment spots in the city!
Here, you can delve into the life of Mr. Monopoly, before he became the iconic tycoon he is today, through fun exhibits and an immersive 3D cinematic show. You’ll also find an extensive showcase of Monopoly collections, featuring themes like the history of the internet, Texas, and Star Wars, as well as the very first Monopoly games ever released to the public.
Besides that, we also had the chance to snap pictures with the world’s largest car token, certified by the Guinness World Records. Classic elements like the Train Station, Water Works, and Ultimate Banking are brought to life as interactive games and photo spots. At Monopoly Ultimate Banking, we played a game of catching paper notes, which could later be redeemed for discounts on merchandise!
If you’re heading up to The Peak during your trip to Hong Kong, make sure to visit Monopoly Dreams for a truly engaging experience.
Address: Hong Kong, The Peak, Peak Rd, 118號, The Peak Galleria, 3樓301號舖
3. The Mills
In Hong Kong, there’s a place where you can explore the history of the city’s textile industry, admire stunning art murals, and enjoy entertaining art exhibitions — all for free. The Mills in Tsuen Wan, a cultural and creative landmark, is a hidden gem worth adding to your itinerary. Formerly known as Nan Fung Cotton Mills, this site was a prominent textile manufacturing factory before its revitalisation.
Here, we delved into an art exhibition which showcases how artists have creatively utilised the element of textiles to craft extraordinary works of art. For instance, a big roll of knitted paper, and a large cloth featuring lyrics from beloved classic Hong Kong songs, were some of the pieces that stood out to us.
After the exploration, you can also participate in a creative workshop for a small additional fee. We tried out fabric painting guided by two friendly volunteers, and it was such a delightful session! For those eager to experience Hong Kong’s artistic and insightful offerings, The Mills is a must-visit.
Address: The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par St, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
4. Good Bad Creative
Now, Hong Kong isn’t just about play, it’s also a shopper’s paradise! Among all the shopping spots we’ve visited, Good Bad Creative was truly the most memorable. Situated in Sham Shui Po, this hidden gem is the perfect place to shop for quirky souvenirs and unique antiques! Without a flashy banner, the store might be a little difficult to locate, but an adorable cat and retro treasures lured us into the store.
Good Bad Creative is home to an abundance of vintage treasures, ranging from childhood toys and old-school posters to film cameras and cups. We even found new postcards designed to resemble the graphics of old Hong Kong textbooks — extremely nostalgic. And trust us, you’ll want to set aside at least half an hour or more for this place because there’s so much to see!
Address: Shop B1, 124 Nam Cheong St, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
5. Upper Lascar Row
If you’re into antiques and curiosities, why not visit Upper Lascar Row in Sheung Wan? Also known as Cat Street, it’s well-known for its antique markets and shops, offering items such as handpainted vases, cups, vessels, sculptures of Taoist gods, old coins, and accessories.
We also stumbled upon a recycling shop with a diverse selection of books and knick-knacks. With a little digging, you’re likely to find something you like here! And the best part? There are plenty of trendy cafes nearby where you can go for a post-shopping refuel.
Address: 24-46 Upper Lascar Row, Tai Ping Shan, Hong Kong
6. Ladies’ Market
Lastly, for an ultimate day of shopping in Hong Kong, head to the bustling Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok. When we first arrived, we were dazzled by Mong Kok’s vibrant atmosphere — it offers everything from modern cha chaan tengs serving delicious polo buns and popular bubble tea chains to aquarium shops. But when it comes to souvenir hunting, the Ladies’ Market on Tung Choi Street is the best destination.
Here, we picked up some really cool souvenirs, such as shot glasses, cheesy “I love Hong Kong” tee shirts, mahjong phone cases, and charming fridge magnets. You can negotiate with the sellers, and most of the stalls are open daily from 11 am until late at night, ensuring plenty of time to soak in the lively atmosphere.
TripZilla tip: While Ladies’ Market is one of Mong Kok’s most popular markets, we recommend also visiting Fa Yuen Street Market, just a nine-minute walk away. We found similar souvenirs selling there for way less! Fa Yuen Street is also home to Sneakers Street, which boasts Hong Kong’s most extensive collection of sportswear and sneakers. It’s a true paradise for sneakerheads and footwear fanatics!
Address: Tung Choi St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
So, are you ready to ditch the mainstream tourist spots and explore these shopping and entertainment spots for your upcoming trip to Hong Kong? Here’s to wishing you a fun and rewarding adventure!
Brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.
All images credited to Cecelia Chang.
