Love browsing for classical music or recent indie releases? Find an array of record collections at these cool vinyl stores in Hong Kong.
As the most timeless form of music, there’s nothing better than spending hours going through the bins at a record store. Often featuring a diverse selection of underground bands, such as Alvvays, Beach Fossils and Föllakzoid, these vinyl shops in Hong Kong are guaranteed to be full of great surprises. So, follow our guide and find out where to spend all your money at.
Our favourite vinyl shops in Hong Kong
1. White Noise Records
Having been around since 2004, White Noise Records is one of most spacious vinyl stores in the city. It features a wide selection of vinyls, including indie, post-rock, hip hop, electronic, English dream-pop, and more. One thing we love most about White Noise Records is that we can always discover new Japanese alternative music over there, and they often organise different cool gigs in Hong Kong as well!
White Noise Records, G/F, 199 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, p. 2591 0499
2. Zoo Records
Zoo Records is a much beloved record store located in the heart of Mong Kok. Selling a fascinating array of vinyls from indie rock to psychedelic and shoegaze, such as bands like DIIV, The Flaming Lips, Slowdive, lovers of alternative music won’t be disappointed.
Zoo Records, Shop 325, 3/F President Commercial Centre, 608 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2309 2911
3. Vinyl Hero
Having no official website or social media accounts may make Vinyl Hero seem a little mysterious, but its legacy and media presence tells us otherwise. Hidden in a residential building, Vinyl Hero is a haven for vinyl lovers in the edgy Sham Shui Po neighbourhood. This shop houses the personal collections of Paul Au, who’s also known as Hong Kong’s ‘father of vinyls’, or ‘Paul from Apliu Street’. His vinyl records cover most genres from the 1960s to 80s and are surprisingly affordable. If you’d like to access this hideout, however, don’t forget to give him a ring before you drop by.
Vinyl Hero, Flat D, 5/F, Wai Hong Building, 239 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, p. 9841 7136
4. Stone Cold Records
Specialising in rock and pop LPs, CDs, and box sets, Stone Cold Records constantly sources new releases from different countries. The shop is quite diligent in restocking too, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on your faves. Whether you’re reminiscing about the golden days, or feeling like some alt rock, you’ll be able to buy (and pre-order) whatever you need at Stone Cold Records.
Stone Cold Records, Room 505, Won Hing Building, 74-78 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6213 3142
5. Sam the Record Man (The Record Museum)
First fact: the name of the founder and owner of Sam the Record Man is – you guessed it – not Sam. It may be safe to say that James Tang is a walking encyclopaedia of anything related to records, audio, and music. Numerously recognised by academics and audiophiles from around the world, Tang’s Record Museum (which was set up in 1987) is home to the rarest master tapes, turntables, recording and listening devices, and, of course, vinyl records. If you’re a geek for music history, or are in a mood to explore, just look for Sam the Record Man.
Sam the Record Man (The Record Museum), 12/F, Nam Hing Fong, 39 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2892 1681
6. The Beat Records
Situated near the Ladies Market in Mong Kok, The Beat Records covers a great range of new and used international classics, from jazz to avant-garde, as well as local releases on both vinyls and CDs.
The Beat Records, G/F, 53 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 2780 0956
7. Analog Dept. Records
Kwun Tong never disappoints with its industrial building gems. To prove our point, just check out Analog Dept. This indie record shop focuses on music from Japan and other Asian countries, but it also features some works by pop and rock artists from the US and Europe. With the team from Analog Dept. frequently posting detailed reviews of their products on Facebook, you can trust that these people know their stuff.
Analog Dept. Records, 2/F, Ming Sang Industrial Building, 19 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
8. Lamma Record Vinyl Store
Across the sea on Lamma Island is the Lamma Vinyl Record store. While it’s off the beaten track for most of us in the city, the store is charming and down-to-earth, perhaps precisely because of its remote location. So the next time you visit the area, make sure to pop by for a music and culture fix.
Lamma Vinyl Record Store, 1/F, 45 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, p. 2335 0601
9. Old Sound Collection
Sino Centre is one of the must-go places to discover different comic book stores and vinyl stores in Hong Kong. Located on the 13/F, Old Sound Collection has a great collection of used vinyls released in the 80s, including both English and Cantonese. You can also find a number of old magazines and comics in the store.
Learn more about Sino Centre.
Old Sound Collection, Shop 1305 B, 13/F Sino Centre, 582-592 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2359 9826
10. Kubrick
A bistro, bookstore, and vinyl shop all in one, Kubrick is located next to Broadway Cinematheque, so you can catch an indie film and venture into the world of records (with a cuppa in hand). You can easily spend most of your afternoon (or night) here, browsing through the expansive Western and Eastern collections of indie music vinyls, merchandise, posters, and more.
Kubrick, 3 Public Square Street, Prosperous Garden, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, p. 2384 8929
11. Rock Gallery Record Co. Ltd
An independent music and video shop, Rock Gallery Record Co. Ltd has been curating its collection since 1984. With CDs, DVDs, and LPs, the best music from the UK, Japan, Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong is at your fingertips. Whether you’re in the mood for blues, rock, canto-pop, jazz, or even movie soundtracks, Rock Gallery Record Co. Ltd has a vinyl record for you.
Rock Gallery Record Co. Ltd, Shop 202, 2/F, Tai Yau Plaza, 181 Johnston Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, p. 2572 9630
12. Walls of Sound
Disclaimer: this shop may be a little harder to find. Tucked into a building in Mid-Levels is a little shop filled to the brim with CDs and vinyls. Walls of Sound has a decent collection of vinyls, particularly in terms of classical and jazz music. Be sure to find this hidden gem next time you’re in the area.
Walls of Sound, 3/F, 38 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2805 1584
HMV Flagship Store (closed)
HMV Flagship Stores is one of the most convenient places to get vinyls in Hong Kong. Whether you’re into pop music or alternative rock, you will find different releases from all the latest hit bands. There is also a nice seating area in the jazz room where you can browse through all the jazz albums.
HMV Flagship Store, 2/F-4/F, Pearl City, 22-36 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 銅鑼灣百德新街22-36號名珠城2-4樓
Vintage Vinyl HK (closed)
Even though it’s not technically a vinyl store, Vintage Vinyl HK hosts a monthly vinyl record sale at spaces across HK where different sellers and collectors to exchange, sell and buy vinyls. It’s a great event for vinyl lovers of all-ages to explore the local vinyl scene and meet new friends.
Read our interview with Nick Langford from Vintage Vinyl HK.
Keep up-to-date with Vintage Vinyl HK here.
