Visitor's Practical Guide to Granville Road
Navigating to Granville Road and making the most of your shopping experience requires practical knowledge that goes beyond basic directions. This comprehensive guide provides everything international visitors need to know for a successful visit to Hong Kong's most famous fashion street, from transportation options to payment methods and cultural shopping etiquette. Once you arrive, explore our complete shopping guide and factory outlets guide for detailed store information and shopping strategies.
Getting to Granville Road
MTR (Subway) - Most Convenient
Primary Station: Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station
Best Exits: Exit B1 or B2 (direct street access)
Walking Time: 2-3 minutes from exit to main shopping area
MTR Lines: Tsuen Wan Line (red line)
Exit B1 brings you to Nathan Road level, where you can see Granville Road signs immediately. Exit B2 provides underground access that connects directly to the shopping area during weather extremes. Both exits are clearly marked with English signage and tourist-friendly navigation.
From Hong Kong Island: Take Tsuen Wan Line from Central, Admiralty, or Causeway Bay stations. Journey time 8-12 minutes from Central.
From Hong Kong International Airport: Take Airport Express to Kowloon Station, then connect to Austin Station on Tung Chung Line, transfer to Olympic Station, then Tsuen Wan Line to Tsim Sha Tsui. Total journey time: 45-55 minutes.
π‘ MTR Navigation Tip: Download the MTR Mobile app before traveling. It provides real-time service updates, journey planning, and offline maps essential for navigating Hong Kong's subway system efficiently.
Airport Bus - Direct & Economical
Bus A21: Hong Kong International Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui
Fare: HK$34.6 (Octopus Card recommended)
Stop: Granville Road/Chatham Road South
Journey Time: 45-60 minutes depending on traffic
The A21 bus provides direct airport service with luggage storage space and air conditioning. The bus runs every 10-15 minutes during peak hours and provides excellent views of Hong Kong during the journey. Request the "Granville Road" stop when boarding.
From Airport: Follow signs to "Bus Station" after customs. A21 buses are clearly marked and English announcements indicate all stops.
Taxi - Door-to-Door Convenience
From Airport: HK$400-500 depending on traffic and luggage
Journey Time: 35-50 minutes
Destination: Tell driver "Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui" or show address in Chinese: ε°ζ²εε ι£ε¨θι
Hong Kong taxis are reliable and safe, with all drivers required to use meters. Airport taxis are red and clearly marked. Expect slight surcharges for luggage and tunnel tolls, which are legitimate and posted rates.
Local Transportation Around Tsim Sha Tsui
Walking from Major Hotels
Peninsula Hong Kong: 8-minute walk via Nathan Road
InterContinental Hong Kong: 12-minute walk along waterfront then inland
Sheraton Hong Kong: 6-minute walk via Nathan Road
Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui: 10-minute walk through shopping district
Most major Tsim Sha Tsui hotels provide detailed walking maps to Granville Road. The area is pedestrian-friendly with covered walkways during rainy seasons and clear English street signage throughout the district.
Star Ferry - Scenic Route
From Central or Wan Chai: Take historic Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui Pier
Walking Time from Pier: 8-10 minutes to Granville Road
Fare: HK$2.70-3.40 depending on class
Experience: Iconic Hong Kong harbor crossing with city skyline views
The Star Ferry provides a quintessential Hong Kong experience while traveling to your shopping destination. Service runs every 8-12 minutes and offers both tourist experience and practical transportation.
Parking & Vehicle Access
Parking Options
Harbour Crystal Centre (100 Granville Road)
Hourly Rate: HK$25-35 per hour
Location: Directly on Granville Road
Advantages: Closest to shopping area, covered parking
iSQUARE (63 Nathan Road)
Hourly Rate: HK$30-40 per hour
Walking Distance: 5 minutes to Granville Road
Advantages: Large facility, shopping mall connection
The ONE (100 Nathan Road)
Hourly Rate: HK$25-35 per hour
Walking Distance: 8 minutes to Granville Road
Advantages: Multiple exit points, restaurant access
β οΈ Parking Alert: Tsim Sha Tsui parking is expensive and often full during weekends and evenings. Consider MTR for convenience and cost savings. Street parking is extremely limited and heavily regulated.
Payment Methods & Money Matters
Accepted Payment Options
Cash (Hong Kong Dollars): Universally accepted, preferred by smaller boutiques, often provides 5-10% cash discounts for multiple item purchases.
Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard widely accepted at larger outlets (Nike, Sasa, IZZUE). American Express accepted at major stores but less common at independent boutiques.
Octopus Card: Some larger stores accept Octopus for convenience purchases, but not universal for fashion shopping. Essential for transportation and food purchases.
Alipay/WeChat Pay: Increasingly accepted, particularly useful for mainland Chinese visitors. Check individual store acceptance as coverage varies.
Currency Exchange & ATMs
Currency Exchange Shops: Multiple options along Nathan Road with competitive rates. Compare rates before exchanging large amounts.
Bank ATMs: HSBC, Bank of China, and Standard Chartered ATMs available within 3-block radius. International cards widely accepted with reasonable fees.
Hotel Exchange: Most convenient but typically offers less favorable rates. Suitable for small amounts and emergency exchanges.
Language & Communication
Essential Shopping Phrases
English Proficiency: Most Granville Road staff speak functional English, particularly at international brand outlets. Younger staff often have stronger English skills.
Useful Cantonese Phrases:
- "ε€ε°ι’?" (Do jeh chin?) = "How much?"
- "ζζ²ζε₯ηε°Ίε―Έ?" (Yau mou bit dik chek chun?) = "Do you have other sizes?"
- "ε―δ»₯試穿ε?" (Ho yi si cheun ma?) = "Can I try it on?"
- "ε―δ»₯εΉ³ε²ε?" (Ho yi peng di ma?) = "Can you make it cheaper?"
Translation Apps: Google Translate with camera function works well for price tags and store signs. Download offline Chinese packages before traveling.
Cultural Shopping Etiquette
Browsing: Leisurely browsing is expected and welcomed. Staff typically allow customers space to explore before offering assistance.
Negotiation: Gentle price negotiation is acceptable at independent boutiques, especially for multiple items. International brand outlets typically have fixed pricing.
Fitting Rooms: Always ask before trying items on. Smaller boutiques may have limited fitting room access or require assistance from staff.
Photography: Ask permission before photographing in stores. Most outlets allow product photography but may restrict interior photos.
Luggage & Storage Solutions
Storage Options
Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station: Coin lockers available in multiple sizes
Small (HK$20-30): Suitable for handbags and small purchases
Large (HK$40-60): Accommodates shopping bags and small suitcases
Hotel Concierge: Most TST hotels offer day storage for guests, including checkout day storage for exploring before departure.
Shopping Mall Storage: iSQUARE and Harbour City offer temporary storage services during shopping hours.
Commercial Storage Services: Several companies near MTR stations offer hourly and daily luggage storage with insurance coverage.
Weather Considerations
Seasonal Shopping Conditions
Summer (June-September): Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Granville Road's covered walkways and air-conditioned stores provide relief. Carry lightweight, waterproof shopping bags.
Winter (December-February): Mild and dry, ideal for outdoor shopping. Comfortable walking weather allows for extended browsing sessions and multi-location shopping tours.
Spring/Autumn: Pleasant temperatures perfect for combining Granville Road with nearby outdoor attractions. Optimal conditions for photography and extended shopping experiences.
Typhoon Season (May-November): Monitor weather warnings. Granville Road shopping continues during mild weather warnings but may close during severe typhoon signals (8+ level).
Emergency & Safety Information
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services: 999 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Tourist Hotline: 2508 1234 (24-hour assistance)
Police Station: Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station, 2A-2B Moody Road
Safety & Security
Personal Safety: Granville Road and surrounding Tsim Sha Tsui area are extremely safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply regarding valuable items and awareness of surroundings.
Pickpocketing: Extremely rare but exercise normal caution in crowded areas during peak shopping hours and holiday seasons.
Scams: Granville Road legitimate outlets rarely engage in high-pressure sales tactics. Be cautious of sidewalk vendors offering "special deals" outside established stores.
π Essential Visitor Checklist:
β Octopus Card for transportation
β Hong Kong dollars for cash payments
β Comfortable walking shoes
β Lightweight, waterproof shopping bags
β Portable phone charger
β MTR map or mobile app
β Hotel business card with address in Chinese
β Travel insurance documentation
Combining Granville Road with Other Attractions
Same-Day Options: Granville Road's central TST location makes it perfect for combining with Hong Kong Space Museum, Clock Tower, Avenue of Stars, or Star Ferry rides. The shopping area is within walking distance of major Hong Kong attractions.
Dining Integration: Explore our complete food guide for restaurant recommendations within walking distance. From street food to fine dining, TST offers dining options to complement every shopping budget.
Hotel Proximity: Consider staying at hotels near Granville Road to maximize shopping time and minimize transportation logistics. Many visitors find that staying within walking distance enhances their overall Hong Kong shopping experience.
This practical guide ensures your Granville Road visit is efficient, enjoyable, and stress-free. For detailed shopping strategies, visit our complete shopping guide, or explore what to buy for specific brand recommendations and store information.