Graham Street Wet Market, Hong Kong

Graham Street Wet Market is one of Hong Kong’s oldest surviving street markets, operating for more than 160 years. In the past, redevelopment plans raised real concern that the market might be demolished entirely, but the current Urban Renewal Project has shifted toward a preservation-and-renovation approach. Today the market remains open to visitors, and while sections of the neighborhood are being upgraded, much of its traditional character is still intact, offering a rare window into Hong Kong’s everyday life and its long history as a hub for fresh produce and street-side commerce.

Despite its name, the market extends far beyond Graham Street. Stalls spill across Gage Street, Peel Street and Stanley Street, turning the surrounding lanes into a colorful and crowded web of fresh produce, herbs, vegetables and flowers. The narrow alleys buzz with vendors calling out their daily offerings, giving the entire market a lively, distinctly local rhythm. One charming detail is that some vendors still use traditional hand-painted signs, a rarity in modern Hong Kong.

Graham Street Market is also a great stop for a quick meal. Longtime shoppers often point out that this market once supplied nearby dai pai dongs — Hong Kong’s famous open-air food stalls. Noodle stands, bakeries and ready-to-eat street food options make it easy to grab lunch on the go, while those with a kitchen at hand can pick up everything from seafood to poultry and seasonal vegetables.