What is Temple Street night market?
If you only have time for one of Hong Kong's night markets, make it Temple Street Night Market. Located across Jordan and Yau Ma Tei in Kowloon, this is the market most people picture when they think of Hong Kong at night: red lanterns, sizzling woks, fortune tellers, and stalls selling everything from souvenirs to secondhand electronics.
The market has been running since the 1920s, and it's still one of the liveliest spots in Hong Kong after dark. In this guide, we'll cover opening hours, what you'll find in each part of the market, what to eat and buy, and how to get there without any confusion.
Temple Street night market opening hours
Temple Street night market technically opens at 2:00 PM, but it doesn't really get going until the sun goes down. Most stalls open around 4:00 PM and stay open until 11:00 PM, though some vendors keep going even later depending on the crowd.
The busiest time is between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. This is when the food stalls fill up, the fortune tellers are doing steady business, and the street is at its most crowded and colorful. If you're aiming for good photos with fewer people in the frame, arrive right at opening instead.
Where to go at Temple Street night market?
Southern end of Temple Street night market | Photo Credits: Loren Javier on Flickr
The Temple Street night market runs in a long strip through Jordan and Yau Ma Tei, and it's divided into three sections. Knowing the layout ahead of time makes it much easier to plan your route:
Section | What you'll find |
South end (Jordan) | Dai pai dong-style open-air restaurants and street food stalls. The best place to start if you're hungry. |
Middle section | Rows of stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, watches, jade, and electronics, all at prices worth negotiating on. This is where most of the shopping happens. |
Near Tin Hau Temple | Fortune tellers are what Temple Street is known for, plus the occasional Cantonese opera performance right on the street. |
Things to buy at Temple Street night market
Souvenirs at Temple Street night market | Photo Credits: Sarah Stierch on Wikimedia
Temple Street shopping covers a wide range, which is part of the fun. You can walk in looking for a fridge magnet and walk out with a jade bracelet you weren't expecting to buy.
- Souvenirs: Keychains, tea sets, silk items, and other classic Hong Kong souvenirs shopping finds are everywhere here, usually cheaper than in shopping malls.
- Clothing and accessories: Casual clothing, bags, and watches (some branded, most not) are common, along with printed t-shirts and phone cases.
- Jade, antiques and collectibles: This is one of the more interesting sections, with stalls selling jade jewelry, old coins, and small antiques. Quality varies a lot, so don't expect museum-grade pieces at street prices.
- Electronics and gadgets: You'll also find phone accessories, cables, and the occasional secondhand gadget. Stick to small, low-risk purchases here rather than anything expensive.
Temple Street night market bargaining and shopping tips
Start low
Offer 20-30% below the asking price. Vendors will usually counter, and you'll typically land somewhere in the middle after a round or two of back-and-forth.
Compare prices first
Several stalls often sell the same souvenirs or accessories. Check two or three before committing, since prices can vary a lot for identical items.
Bring cash, and small bills
Most stalls are cash-only, and vendors don't always have change ready for large notes. Have HKD 10, 20, and 50 bills on hand.
Inspect items before you pay
Check electronics, watches, and jade for damage or defects, since returns generally aren't an option once you walk away.
Only ask if you're buying
If you're not planning to purchase, skip asking for a price just out of curiosity. It's a small courtesy vendors appreciate.
What to eat at Temple Street night market
Restaurants at Temple Street night market | Photo Credits: Oleg on Flickr
Temple Street food stalls are a big part of the draw, and Hong Kong street food doesn't get much more authentic than this. The dai pai dong restaurants along the south end are the most popular for a reason. Look out for typhoon shelter crab, a garlicky, deep-fried crab dish that's a local favorite, along with claypot rice, curry fish balls, and stir-fried clams in black bean sauce.
If you'd rather have a local explain what you're eating instead of guessing, the Temple Street half-day tour walks you through the tenement houses and street snacks with some context along the way.
Klook Tip: Skip the stalls with laminated English menus and photos. They tend to be priced for tourists. Follow the stalls with the longest lines of locals instead.
Fortune telling at Temple Street: what to expect and how to participate
One of the most memorable parts of a night at Temple Street has nothing to do with food or shopping. Toward the Yau Ma Tei end, near Tin Hau Temple, you'll find a row of fortune tellers Temple Street has been known for for decades.
Palm reading, face reading, and even bird fortune telling (where a trained bird picks a card for you) are all common here.
Sessions are usually short, cheap, and conducted in Cantonese, though many fortune tellers can get by in English or have a translator nearby. If you want to try it yourself, just take a seat at an open stall and let them know what you're curious about, whether it's love, career, or general luck!
How to get to Temple Street Night Market?
Jordan MTR station | Photo Credits: Yaudre Tai Ming on Pexels
Getting to Temple Street Night Market is easy thanks to two nearby MTR stations.
- MTR Jordan Station: Take Exit A or C2, then walk about 5 minutes toward Temple Street's south end.
- MTR Yau Ma Tei Station: Take Exit C, which puts you closer to the middle and northern sections near Tin Hau Temple.
- Walking directions: Both stations connect directly to the market, and once you're there, it's easy to walk the length of the street in either direction.
If you'd rather see the market as part of a bigger loop around the city, the Hong Kong open-top bus tour makes Temple Street its final stop, which is a convenient way to end a day of sightseeing right where the night market action starts!
Temple Street Night Market FAQ
Is Temple Street Night Market open every day?
Yes, Temple Street Night Market runs every day of the week. Some stalls, particularly food vendors, may have slightly different hours depending on the day, but the market as a whole is a nightly fixture in Yau Ma Tei.
What food can you eat at Temple Street Night Market?
Temple Street food stalls specialize in Hong Kong street food like typhoon shelter crab, curry fish balls, claypot rice, and stir-fried seafood. Most dishes are served at open-air dai pai dong restaurants, and portions are meant for sharing.
Is bargaining allowed at Temple Street Night Market?
Yes, bargaining is a normal and expected part of shopping here. Starting around 20-30% below the asking price is a reasonable approach, and most vendors will meet you somewhere in the middle.
How long do you need at Temple Street Night Market?
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours here, which is enough time to eat, browse the stalls, and take in the atmosphere near Tin Hau Temple. If you're planning to eat a full meal and shop properly, give yourself closer to 3 hours.
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