Temple Street Night Market
Temple Street Night Market is a lively, iconic street market in the Jordan and Yau Ma Tei area of Kowloon, Hong Kong. Open in the evenings, it combines late-night shopping, local street food, fortune-telling, live Cantonese opera snippets and neon-lit urban atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for visitors seeking an authentic, bustling Hong Kong night market experience.
Location
Temple Street (runs through Jordan & Yau Ma Tei), Kowloon (Hong Kong), Hong Kong SAR
Duration
Typical visit: 1–3 hours (longer if dining or watching performances)
Best Time to Visit
Evenings, typically 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM. Busiest and most atmospheric from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Best months: October–April (cooler, drier weather).
Pricing
Entrance is free. Prices for goods and food vary widely: expect HK$20–HK$150 for souvenirs or accessories, HK$40–HK$120 for typical street-food dishes, and higher for seafood or specialty items. Bargaining is common for non-food stalls.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Street food stalls — fish balls, claypot rice, stir-fried noodles, seafood, satay, egg waffles
Bargain shopping — clothing, watches, accessories, souvenirs, electronics knock-offs
Fortune-tellers and palm readers — a famous feature of Temple Street
Open-air Cantonese opera & live performers — snippets of Cantonese opera or street singers on some nights
Neon-lit urban atmosphere — dense rows of stalls, loud hawkers, neon signs and the nearby Tin Hau Temple
Jade, antiques & curios — small stalls selling jade trinkets and secondhand items
Nearby attractions — Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market, Jade Market (Temple Street area), Tin Hau Temple
Itinerary
Arrive and stroll the market aisles
Start at one end (Jordan or Yau Ma Tei) and get the lay of the stalls. Early evening is less crowded and easier to browse.
Try street-food dinner
Sample classics — fish balls, claypot rice or stir-fried noodles. Choose busy stalls for fresher food.
Watch performers and visit Tin Hau Temple
Look for Cantonese opera snippets or street musicians; walk a short distance to see the Tin Hau Temple on Temple Street.
Bargain for souvenirs and accessories
Haggle politely — start at about 50–70% of the asking price and work up. Cash often gets better deals.
Optional late-night snacks or visit nearby bars/cafés
If still going, sample desserts like egg waffles or head to nearby Kowloon streets for late-night food. Markets can stay lively past midnight.
Safety Requirements
Watch personal belongings in crowds — pickpocketing can occur
Carry small amounts of cash and keep cards secure
Check street-food hygiene — pick well-patronized vendors
Be cautious when bargaining with aggressive sellers — walk away if uncomfortable
Take care crossing busy streets; traffic can be hectic at night
Respect performers and fortune-tellers; avoid photo-taking when expressly refused
Tips
Bring cash (small bills and coins) — many stalls are cash-only or give better prices for cash
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for crowds
Bargain politely — start low, smile and keep the negotiation friendly
Try signature dishes — claypot rice, fish-ball skewers, egg waffles
If you want a genuine fortune-telling experience, agree the price up-front to avoid disputes
Use the MTR to Jordan or Yau Ma Tei stations and walk — easier than finding taxis in the market area
Keep your phone and valuables in an inner pocket or money belt
If you have dietary restrictions, ask about ingredients or opt for visibly cooked items
Visit on weekdays or earlier in the evening for a slightly less crowded experience
Respect local customs and be mindful of litter — use bins where available
