Is Apliu Street Market (Hong Kong) Worth Visiting?
Apliu Street Market, also known as the Electronics Street, is a vibrant and bustling open-air market in Hong Kong's Sham Shui Po district. It's all about the unique atmosphere and the thrill of the hunt for a bargain, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.
The market is particularly known for its eclectic mix of electronics, gadgets, and vintage finds. Its tourist appeal lies in its authentic Hong Kong experience, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant street culture and the chance to snag some interesting souvenirs.
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit Apliu Street Market (Hong Kong)
If you're planning a trip to Apliu Street Market, knowing the opening hours and the best time to visit is key to making the most of your experience. Here's a quick guide to help you plan your visit:
- Opening Hours: Generally, the market stalls start setting up around 10:00 AM and stay open until around 6:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to go is during the weekdays, particularly Tuesday to Thursday, as it tends to be less crowded than weekends. The best time to see the market in full swing is between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
- Busiest Times: Weekends and public holidays are the busiest times, so expect larger crowds. The period leading up to Chinese New Year is also particularly busy.
- Estimated Visit Duration: Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the market thoroughly and browse the various stalls.
Location Details about Apliu Street Market (Hong Kong)
Knowing exactly where Apliu Street Market is located and how accessible it is can make your visit much smoother. Here's what you need to know about its location:
- Address: Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- Parking Availability: Parking in the immediate vicinity of Apliu Street Market is limited. It's best to use public transport. However, there are car parks in nearby shopping centres like Dragon Centre.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The market area can be quite crowded, and some parts may have uneven surfaces, which might pose challenges for wheelchair users. While the main street is generally accessible, navigating through the stalls might be difficult.
How Much to Enter / Visit Apliu Street Market (Hong Kong)
One of the best things about visiting Apliu Street Market is that it's completely free to enter and explore. You don't need to worry about tickets, passes, or tours to experience the market's unique atmosphere.
- Tickets: There are no tickets required to enter Apliu Street Market.
- Price: Entry is free for everyone.
- Pricing Variations: N/A – entry is free regardless of the day or age.
- Where to Buy: N/A – no purchase necessary.
How To Go to Apliu Street Market (Hong Kong)
Getting to Apliu Street Market is relatively easy thanks to Hong Kong's efficient public transport system. Here's a breakdown of how to get there:
- MRT: The most convenient way to reach Apliu Street Market is by taking the MTR (Mass Transit Railway). Get off at Sham Shui Po Station and take Exit A2. Apliu Street is just a short walk from the station.
- Airport Routes: From Hong Kong International Airport, you can take the Airport Express to Kowloon Station, then transfer to the MTR Tsuen Wan Line to Sham Shui Po Station. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus (A21) to Sham Shui Po.
- Public Transport Tips: Using an Octopus card is highly recommended for easy and convenient payment on public transport in Hong Kong. It can be used on the MTR, buses, and even at some shops and restaurants.
Things To Do in or near the Apliu Street Market
Apliu Street Market itself offers a unique shopping experience, but there's plenty more to see and do in the surrounding area. Here are some nearby attractions and activities to consider:
- Activities in Apliu Street Market:
- Bargain hunting for electronics and gadgets.
- Browsing vintage cameras and audio equipment.
- Searching for unique souvenirs and collectibles.
- People-watching and soaking up the local atmosphere.
- Trying local street food from nearby vendors.
- Activities Nearby Apliu Street Market:
- Exploring the Golden Computer Arcade for computer hardware and software.
- Visiting the nearby Dragon Centre, a shopping mall with an indoor roller coaster.
- Wandering through the fabric shops on Ki Lung Street (Textile Street).
- Discovering traditional Chinese medicine shops on Nam Cheong Street.
- Enjoying a relaxing stroll in Lai Chi Kok Park.
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Nearby MRT Station & Bus Stops near the Apliu Street Market Hong Kong
Navigating the public transport around Apliu Street Market is straightforward, with several convenient options available. Here's a list of the closest MRT and bus stations:
- Nearby MRT Station:
- Sham Shui Po Station (荃灣綫 Tsuen Wan Line) - Exit A2 is the closest, approximately 100 meters from Apliu Street Market.
- Nearby Bus Stops:
- Apliu Street (桂林街, near Apliu Street) - Numerous bus routes stop here, including 2X, 36A, 42, 46, 52X, 68X, 69X, 72, 86, 98C, 214, 234X.
- Kweilin Street (桂林街, near Apliu Street) - Bus routes 12A, 30X, 33A, 35A, 36B, 37, 41, 42A, 43C, 44, 58X, 59A, 60X, 63X, 66X, 67X, 79X, 86C, 93K, 95, 98S, 265B, 286C, 286X, N241, N269, N293.
- Transport Card Info: The Octopus card is widely accepted on all public transport in Hong Kong, including the MTR and buses. It's a convenient way to pay for fares.
Tips To Go to Apliu Street Market (Hong Kong) and Safety Tips
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Apliu Street Market, it's helpful to be prepared. Here are some tips and safety precautions to keep in mind:
- What to Bring:
- Cash: Many stalls prefer cash payments, so bring enough small denominations.
- Reusable Bag: To carry your purchases and reduce plastic waste.
- Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking.
- Water: Stay hydrated, especially on hot days.
- Phone Charger: To keep your phone powered up for navigation and photos.
- Tourist Safety Tips:
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
- Bargain respectfully and be prepared to walk away if you're not happy with the price.
- Check the functionality of electronics before purchasing them.
- Be cautious of overly aggressive vendors.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas to avoid overheating.
Best Hotel Area in Hong Kong
Choosing the right area to stay in Hong Kong can greatly enhance your travel experience. Each district offers a unique atmosphere and caters to different types of travellers. Here's a guide to some of the best neighbourhoods:
- Best Area to Stay in Hong Kong:
- Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon): Ideal for tourists who want to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to shopping, dining, and harbour views.
- Central (Hong Kong Island): Perfect for business travellers and those interested in luxury shopping and fine dining.
- Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island): A vibrant district with a mix of business and entertainment, offering a lively nightlife and diverse culinary scene.
- Mong Kok (Kowloon): A bustling and authentic neighbourhood known for its street markets, local food, and affordable accommodation.
- Causeway Bay (Hong Kong Island): A shopper's paradise with a wide range of department stores, boutiques, and restaurants.
Where to Eat Inside or near Apliu Street Market (Hong Kong)
Exploring the culinary scene around Apliu Street Market is a must for any foodie. From local street food to established restaurants, there's something for everyone. Here are some recommendations:
- Cafes/Restaurants near Sham Shui Po District:
- Australia Dairy Company (佐敦澳洲牛奶公司): A classic Hong Kong-style cafe known for its scrambled eggs and milk tea, located a short MTR ride away in Jordan.
- Tim Ho Wan (添好運點心專門店): A Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant offering delicious and affordable Cantonese cuisine, with a branch in Sham Shui Po.
- Café Sausalito: A cozy cafe in Sham Shui Po offering a range of coffee, pastries, and light meals.
- Local Street Food in or near Sham Shui Po District:
- Egg Waffles (Gai Daan Zai 雞蛋仔): Crispy and fluffy egg-shaped waffles, a popular Hong Kong street snack.
- Fish Balls (Yu Dan 魚蛋): Curry fish balls are a classic Hong Kong street food, often served on skewers.
- Pineapple Buns (Bo Lo Bao 菠蘿包): A sweet bun with a crumbly topping that resembles a pineapple, best enjoyed fresh from the bakery.
Shopping Places near Apliu Street Market (Sham Shui Po District)
Beyond the electronics and gadgets of Apliu Street Market, Sham Shui Po and the surrounding areas offer a variety of shopping experiences. Here are some nearby shopping destinations:
- Shopping Places near Sham Shui Po District:
- Dragon Centre (西九龍中心): A large shopping mall in Sham Shui Po with a mix of retail shops, restaurants, and an indoor roller coaster.
- Golden Computer Arcade (黃金電腦商場): Located near Sham Shui Po, this is a haven for computer enthusiasts, offering a wide range of hardware, software, and accessories.
- IFC Mall (國際金融中心商場): A high-end shopping mall in Central, offering luxury brands, designer boutiques, and fine dining options.
Best Hotels to Stay near Apliu Street Market (Hong Kong)
Finding the right accommodation near Apliu Street Market can make your visit more convenient and enjoyable. While options directly on Apliu Street are limited, here are some hotels in the surrounding area and wider Hong Kong:
- Hotels near Apliu Street Market:
- Hilton Garden Inn Hong Kong Mongkok: Located a short distance from Sham Shui Po, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and convenient access to public transport.
- Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong: Situated in the vibrant Mong Kok district, this hotel provides modern amenities and easy access to shopping and dining.
- The Olympian Hong Kong: A luxury hotel in West Kowloon, offering stunning harbour views and a range of upscale facilities.
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Hotels with Swimming Pools near Apliu Street Market
After a day of exploring Apliu Street Market and the surrounding areas, relaxing by a swimming pool can be a welcome treat. While there may not be hotels with pools directly adjacent to the market, here are some options in Hong Kong:
- Hotels with Swimming Pools in Hong Kong:
- The Peninsula Hong Kong: An iconic luxury hotel with a stunning swimming pool and exceptional service.
- Grand Hyatt Hong Kong: Offers a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with panoramic city views.
- Island Shangri-La Hong Kong: Features a rooftop swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery.
Hotels with Parking near Apliu Street Market
If you're planning to drive to Apliu Street Market or explore Hong Kong by car, finding a hotel with parking facilities is essential. Here are some hotels in Hong Kong that offer parking:
- Hotels with Parking in Hong Kong:
- The Langham Hong Kong: A luxury hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui with convenient parking facilities.
- Cordis, Hong Kong: Located in Mong Kok, this hotel offers parking and easy access to public transport.
- Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui: Provides parking and is situated in a prime location for exploring Kowloon.
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Best Hotels near Hong Kong International Airport
For travellers with early morning flights or late-night arrivals, staying near Hong Kong International Airport can be incredibly convenient. Here are some of the best hotels in the vicinity:
Average Room Rate hotels near Apliu Street Market
Hotel prices in Hong Kong can vary depending on the season, location, and type of accommodation. To get the best deals on hotels near Apliu Street Market, it's always a good idea to check Traveloka for the latest prices and promotions. Keep an eye out for hotel discounts and promos to make your stay more affordable.
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Conclusion
Apliu Street Market is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in electronics, gadgets, and a taste of authentic Hong Kong street culture. From bargain hunting to exploring nearby attractions, there's plenty to see and do in the area. To make your trip even more convenient and affordable, consider booking your flights and accommodation through Traveloka.
Traveloka offers a wide range of options for cheap hotels nearby, ensuring you find the perfect place to stay within your budget. Plus, with Traveloka's easy-to-use platform, you can compare prices, read reviews, and book your flights and accommodation all in one place. Don't miss out on the best Hong Kong hotel deals – book with Traveloka today!
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