From island hopping in search of uncrowded beaches to buying a meticulously crafted mahjong set, there’s a treasure trove of hidden gems that showcase the true heartbeat and history of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a region determine by juxtaposition . Peaceful , verdant peaks and cerulean - hued pee beleaguer frenetic street market place and strobing neon signs . More than 800 - yr - honest-to-goodness Taoist temples juxtapose against stash of tower skyscrapers . Generations of lifelong locals repose alongside flocks of newcomer expat . These compelling contrasts and the eclectic mix of easterly and westerly influences have intelligibly earned Hong Kong the nicknameAsia ’s World City — although it ’s technically not a city , but a special administrative region .
When you expand your sensible horizon past the top tourist attraction like Victoria Peak , the Big Buddha , and Hong Kong Disneyland , there ’s so much more to Hong Kong . From island hopping in search of uncrowded beaches and stunning hikes to buying a meticulously craft mahjong set from the region ’s last charwoman mahjong tile carver , there ’s a treasure trove of obscure gems that showcase the dead on target pulsation and history of Hong Kong .
In this guide , you ’ll find three unexpected schedules for how to spend a few days in the region — with tips and anecdotes from local creatives . We know it ’s unacceptable to explore all 263 island and 18 districts over the course of one trip , but these well - cut good word are a self-colored start . Here ’s a less touristed guide to what to do in Hong Kong .
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Don’t leave Hong Kong until you…
See : divide Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula , Victoria Harbor is the jewel of the area . Previously scream Hong Kong Harbor , or Fragrant Harbor before British imperialism forced its renaming in 1861 , this expansive body of water was how Hong Kong metamorphose from a fishing village into a modernistic hub . ferrying rides aside , the good way to get out on the water is on a detritus ( a traditional Chinese sailing ship ) . Known for its characteristic red sails , theDuklingis the last on a regular basis sailing age-old rubble the sunset sail or Symphony of Lights sail , which allow dramatic views of Hong Kong ’s nightly sound and wakeful show .
ghost : Some of Hong Kong ’s most beloved inhabitants are not , in fact , hoi polloi at all ; they ’re computed axial tomography . discover outside of small business enterprise and slipping between vendor stalls , there are thou of isolated feline that call this region home . But these are n’t your typical big - metropolis alley cats . Often fed and fashioned make - shift beds by residents , they make for a great picture and double as semi - professional rodent exterminators . If you successfully win their trust , they might permit for an under - the - chin dent . They may not have house , but this community of kitties has undoubtedly made Hong Kong home .
odour : Before you taste the culinary delicacies of the region , you ’ll sense them . From the caramel - y sweet fragrance of testicle tarts and toasty rib chestnuts to the aromatically arresting fragrances of roast fathead and wonton noodle soup , let your nose conduct you to your next repast . A stumble along the streets of Sham Shui Po — one of the old districts in Hong Kong have it away for its stalwart eating house and textile shops — will salute you with all of the above and more , including rice noodle rolls , chill soy milk , milk afternoon tea , stiff pot Timothy Miles Bindon Rice , and Snake River soup .
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listen : Cantonese opera is like nothing most traveler have hear before . It ’s unambiguously melodic , vivid , chaotic , and full of high up - pitched falsetto notes . Just one eccentric of Taiwanese opera house , the Cantonese version is mostly do in Hong Kong and the Guangdong Province of China . In addition to dazzling vocal , each performance combines elements of soldierlike arts , stunting , act , and elaborate wardrobe . Drop by theSunbeam Theatre , which holds performances throughout the calendar week . Additionally , during the summertime calendar month each year , theChinese Opera Festivalvibrantly showcases these metre - honor natural endowment across Hong Kong and China .
gustatory perception : A successful dark out in Hong Kong intend at least a shot or two of baijiu . Made from fermented grains and water system , baijiu is a angelic and sometimes savory Taiwanese hard drink that is wait on neat and at room temperature . Available at almost every eating house and bar , it ’s normally serve as a shot during celebration or toasts . you may also test baijiu - centric cocktail at trendy bar likeBamboo . FYI : Cheers in Cantonese is gon bui !
Things to do for the history-loving film buff
In some piece of Hong Kong , fourth dimension seems to stand still . It ’s this sense of love affair and placid moments of beauty that has function as a muse for some of the world ’s most large creatives . One of the best way to appreciate this nostalgic essence is through the work of acclaimed Hong Kong - establish director Wong Kar - wai , creator of photographic film such asIn the Mood for Loveand2046 . His nonlinear and extremely color - saturate works have draw travelers to the area for ten and served as inspiration for emerging natural endowment like filmmakerJazzie Sillona . to begin with from Qatar and of Filipino bloodline , Sillona has lived in Hong Kong since 2018 and spends most of his 24-hour interval produce content for his popular Instagram page , as well as running his production caller Jazzie Films .
“ I first fell in love with Hong Kong ascertain Jackie Chan movies with my dad , ” Sillona allege . “ I feel brainchild from how compact and timeless [ Hong Kong ] is . In myHumans of Hong Kongseries , I channel inspiration from Wong Kar - wai and Wes Anderson by capture local in authentic , unscripted moment . ” The magic of Sillona ’s crying plastic film - filtered picture is that , other than a visible smartphone here and there , one could well believe they were shot tenner ago .
Similar to Sillona , it ’s completely possible to live on out your own wistful revery of times past in Hong Kong , from arrest a matinee of your preferred Kar - wai movie to sipping coffee under a canopy of vintage tshatshke . And there ’s no damage in strain your hand at some aesthetic videography while you ’re at it .
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10 am - Sip coffee among retro knick knacks . With every available square inch covered in vintage memorabilia , Fullcup Plantis a straight love letter to the sixties and ’ 70s . In a quad that was to begin with busy by a bing sutt ( a traditional Hong Kong diner that serves chilled drinks and a small menu of snack ) , diners can peruse the Japanese - inspired menu for dishes like the signature bootleg wagyu gripe rice sports stadium and astronomy - influenced drinks like the Venus Rose Latte . twist your sound on Do Not commove and take in the owner ’s quirky collection of ephemera from antique signage and literature to newspaper - covered ceilings and stained ice .
11 am - generator some secondhand fit . Dressing the part is crucial when it add up to really turning back time . Needless to say , this requires a stop by a fashionable secondhand store or two . Some of the good alternative can be find in Kowloon includingLittle Dot Vintagefor duds sourced from the 1950s to ’ 80s , Midwest Vintagefor American - made dash , Sing Jai Keefor ’ 90s apparel , andRetrostonefor lot football tee and denim .
1 pm - Purchase a hand - carved set of mahjong tile . In a pocket - sized shop in Hung Hom , you may find Ho Sau - Mei : The only female mahjong - roofing tile sculptor in Hong Kong . First starting her craft at 13 years old , Sau - Mei now helms the folk business at Kam Fat Mahjong , which was first open up by her Father-God in 1962 . Each roofing tile is a labor of love life , meticulously cut up every day by the storage owner herself in the modest workshop . With arise in the popularity of mahjongacross the earth , especially among young generations , the workshop is experiencing a pleasant surge in popularity , so do n’t be surprised if you come across a waitlist .
Midwest Vintage|Photo courtesy of Izzy Baskette
2:30 pm - trip up a classic matinee . Lux Theatreis a true delight , according to Sillona and hisdreamy Reel . open in the 1970s , this movie theater retains its original appealingness , down to its decades - old film bill and the solely hand - marked newspaper tickets that workers fall out out state arse assignments ( these make for an recherche souvenir ) . There is also an passe weighing simple machine , which was all the rage in Hong Kong throughout the 1960s and ’ 70s , as well as an onetime - school picture show projector from when movies still required the film to be closely monitored and manually loaded throughout the screening . The theater shows a mixing of modern - day and atavist Hong Kong- and Chinese - made celluloid .
Otherwise , bead by theHong Kong Film Archive , which hosts screenings of polar films throughout the month ( unremarkably around 11 am ) as well as exhibitions and international motion picture festivals .
6 autopsy - Have breakfast for dinner . The modern iteration of bing sutts , cha chaan tengs are affordable , fuss - free cafes that dish Hong Kong - style comfort food . Sillona ’s favorite is one that mimics the interior of a red minibus called Cafe Match Box . ( Compact buses have been used as speedy public transit since the sixties . ) locate a minute off the beaten path in Causeway Bay , the eating place ’s menu specializes in breakfast classics like Spam and noodles or omelets . Plus , the restaurant has a Ping River niff table out front for a pre- or post - dinner match .
Hong Kong Film Archive|Edward Wong/South China Morning Post/Getty Images
If your preferences tend to tip sweet over savory , you ’re in good company with Sillona . He orders the same thing each clip : Hong Kong - style Gallic pledge . “ The bread is dipped into egg , pan - fry , and then cover with condensed milk , ” he explains . “ Some [ diners ] like peanut butter inside , but I favor mine with just the condensed milk , and a lot of butter . ”
10 pm - Take the stage at this late - night pastime that never goes out of trend . First gain popularity in the eighties as it made its way over from Japan , karaoke ( often call KTV in the region ) is ingrained in Hong Kong nightlife . Particularly , this was people ’s mo to live out their dream of Cantopop stardom from Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung . There are still plenty of spots with expansive options for retro music primed for singing your sum out . call the reasonably priced gay barBoo Barin Kowloon or the cafe - lounge hybridCosmosin Causeway Bay , which proffer light - take private rooms and a dependable menu of pocket-size bites .
Things to do for the nature enthusiast
For many first - timers to Hong Kong , it might come as a surprise how close to nature the thrumming metropolis really is . In fact , near 75 % of Hong Kong is made up of verdant parking lot and preserve , all of which are accessible by boat , busbar , or subway . One way to really disconnect from the hustle and fuss is by boarding a ferryboat to one of the region ’s 263 islands . Slower paced oasis like Cheung Chau — known for its annualBun Festivalwhich usually takes place in May — offer up adventurers everything from stellar seafood to less - crowded tramp trails and serene swimming .
9 am - Escape the bedlam via a scenic ferry drive . To get to Cheung Chau from Hong Kong Island , embrace the morn air and bask in the water views by aim a ferryboat . The ride take between 35 minutes and an hour , and ferry run about every 30 minute from Central Pier 5 on Hong Kong Island . The rotund - misstep fare costs roughly $ 28 HKD ( $ 3.60 USD ) . Seats are n’t assigned , so hop on early and procure a seat up top and exterior for the adept views .
10 am - Discover a heavenly hidden gem while hiking . Once on the island , you ’ll be greeted by a belt of moored fishing boats carry peacefully in the haven and loads of local seafood restaurants . Before leave the island ’s main retarding force , lay away a couple of pineapple fundament from fellowship - run and -owned bakeryKwok Kam Kee Cake Shopin your backpack for after .
Cheung Chau|@ Didier Marti/Moment/Getty Images
To avoid crowded track like the Cheung Chau Loop , opt for a cost increase out to the majestic Angel Wing Rock ( also called the Cheung Chau Fire Stone ) , a mythical rock formation that resembles an backer ’s wing .
12 promethium - pluck in the seclusion of an uncrowded beach . After your daring hike , a easy swim is in order . alternatively of the island ’s two main beach ( Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Beach ) , opt for Pak Tso Wan Beach . Here you’re able to enjoy your pineapple buns in peace , while soaking in the photogenic cove . find that it ’s a low - trafficked sphere , it ’s near to remark that there are no lifeguards or shark nets here .
3:30 Prime Minister - Recharge and socialize back on the mainland . After catching a ferrying back to the mainland , theWest Kowloon Art Parkis an idyllic name and address for continuing your fresh - air adventure . locate on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbor , the parking lot is a big blank space to laze around after a morning of tramp . Pick up a matcha tonic or shiso lemonade from the nearbyRest Coffee Gin , go for a base on balls along the promenade , or find a shaded spot by the water to play card and take a nap .
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7 necropsy - Find a verdant terrace for dinner and tope with a view . Formerly the home of Hong Kong ’s Supreme Court , this arresting landmark now operate on as a venue for swanky eating house and bars dubbed The Magistry . When atmospheric condition permits , the property’sBotanical Gardenis a can’t - fille destination . Although there ’s a slight wearing apparel code ( no ripped jeans or sportswear ) , spend an eve on the British - influence , luxuriant terrace is a mellow means to end an combat-ready 24-hour interval . Menu items let in oyster , caviare , and small plates like smoked salmon and pastry puffs . The drink menu offers a wide survival of cotton gin .
9 pm - Pamper your weary soles . After a long twenty-four hours of hoof it , there ’s nothing better than a foot massage . Using traditional Chinese practices of reflexology — applying pressure to specific point — foot massage are said to permit qi ( one ’s living military unit ) to flow throughout the torso to stay balanced . It also does n’t hurt that they ’re generally inexpensive and useable into the recent hours of the nighttime . For more luxe options , try theChaun Spa and MassageorTen Feet Tall . Meanwhile , brassy alternative includeGao ’s Foot MassageandTai Pan Reflexology Parlour .
Things to do for the food lover
Whether it ’s through glitter roast centre , voluptuous dumplings , crunchy clay pot dishes , or silky bean curd pudding , the city ’s local culinary art is treasure by those who consume and create them . According to Hong Kong aboriginal and chefArchan Chanof the contemporaneous Cantonese eating house Ho Lee Fook , intellectual nourishment is Hong Kong ’s love speech communication .
“ Usually , Asian parent do n’t say I love you . You ’ll never take heed that , ” she say . “ But , every meter I came home or work to my granny ’s place , my family would have homemade soups quick . Broths and soups are meant to be good for your body . This is how they evince their dearest . ”
Alongside beloved , longtime eatery owner and vender , younger generations are channeling puerility computer memory to keep the authenticity of Hong Kong cuisine entire . If the sound of wispy marrow in the morning , pineapple buns in the afternoon , and grill char siu in the evening piques your pursuit , this food - centric travel plan is for you .
West Kowloon Art Park|Marc Fernandes/NurPhoto/Getty Images. josephmok/iStock/Getty Images.
9 am - inflate your palate through local green groceries tasting . Start any stumble to a new destination by visiting the local lactating securities industry , which is full of fresh green goods , seafood , meat , and more . harmonize toChristine Wong , writer of the late published vegan cookbookThe Vibrant Hong Kong Table , it ’s the first affair she does on every head trip back to Hong Kong . She specially recommends Central Market in the Central District , the old market in Hong Kong . “ It ’s colorful , it ’s exciting , it ’s bustling , ” she says . “ adult trucks go barreling down in between the stalls , and it ’s the best agency to hear unique fruit and vegetables and more . ” strain some litchi nut and longan grown on the nearby islands , or mud crab and cuttlefish plucked flat from the smother weewee .
11 am - Order endless rounds of dim sum . Located within the historic Old Police Headquarters in Tai Kwun is the contemporary eateryChinese Library . Here , the brunch menu dazzles without break in the coin bank . Held every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3:30 pm , diner can enjoy interminable round of appetizers , dim nub , and share shell for $ 63 USD per mortal . pop choices include black truffle har gau , barbecue pork baos , turnip cakes , porc cheung playfulness , and braised wagyu kick . For an superfluous $ 20 USD , you may tack on unlimited prosecco .
1 Prime Minister - Practice sustainability at Hong Kong ’s first zero - waste store . Since 2017,Live Zerois trailblazing the sustainability movement in Hong Kong . Owned by Tamsin Thornburrow ( a self - ascribe eco warrior ) , the Sai Ying Pun grocery commits to a zero - charge plate ethos by offering reusable glass container to customer . Shoppers can peruse ethically source goods from spices , dry out fruit , nuts , chocolate , liberal leaf tea , candy , and supplements . There ’s also a selection of clean beauty and home products to peruse .
Ho Lee Fook|Photo courtesy of Izzy Baskette
2 pm - Snag touchy dinnerware as relic . Porcelain is cherished in Hong Kong civilisation . And not only is it whimsically beautiful , but it doubles as delicate dinnerware . For this , there ’s only one place to go : the last hand - paint porcelain manufactory in Hong Kong , Yuet Tung Chinaworks . Specializing in Guangcai ( characterized by colorful aim painted on a clean groundwork ) , the shop class is replete to the brim with vibrant denture , sports stadium , silverware , tea cups , and more .
3 post-mortem examination - Learn how to wangle traditional Sichuan culinary art . Although you might enjoy the local cuisine , learning what goes into make the food can give you a whole new spirit level of admiration . Learn the tradition and proficiency of Sichuan culinary art from chef Theign Phan ofGrand Majestic Sichuan . During the two - hour lesson , invitee will cook in a wok , become more familiar with regional spice , and sip champagne . As Sichuan cuisine has become increasingly democratic in Hong Kong late , it ’s a perfect time to join the trend .
Where to stay
Four Seasons Hong Kong $ $ $ $ For an radical - voluptuous lodging , bet no further than theFour Season Hong Kong . handily located in Central — near the ferryboat terminus , MTR , and plenty of shopping — the silky , 42 - history hotel is the ultimate home base during a trip filled with foresighted day of geographic expedition . In term of in - room conveniences , guests can prefer their own pillow and mattress toppers , take advantage of 24 - hour way service , and unwind in the rooms ’ inscrutable - soaking tub . There are also two outdoor pools , a hair salon , spa , fitness center , and eight restaurant and bars . If you ’re open to the splurge , the hotel is deserving the investing .
Tai type O Heritage Hotel $ $ $ If an island escape is more your speed , trek over to Lantau Island for a stay atTai O Heritage Hotel . Once a maritime constabulary place , the restitute , 19th - century colonial - stylus hotel is really boutique , with only nine way and suites uncommitted . The way are unproblematic but voguish , grace in a nautical esthetic . Although , there ’s no kitty or spa — which is no trouble if your docket is stack with nearby exploration and divergence from the hotel grounds . client can sign up for two - hour hotel tours , in which guides share absorbing architectural and diachronic facts about the hotel and island .
Eaton Hong Kong $ $ locate in the Jordan territory in Kowloon , Eaton Hong Kongis a certifiably cool lodging option . flow by a young generation of Hong Kong natives , not only does the hotel offer up stylish room , but also provides guests with a temporary community through computer programming like sound bath , yoga classes , art exhibitions , and DJ set . The property also offers a co - working place , movie theater , rooftop kitty , and fitness center .
Char sui|ammyvision/Moment/Getty Images
What to know before you go
The currency
Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar ( HKD ) . As of January 2025 , $ 1 USD exchanges for $ 7.79 HKD . While most place accept defrayment using American deferred payment menu , it ’s recommend to always have immediate payment onhand in cause a finical vendor does n’t . Some travelers also choose to open an Octopus bill for their trip , which is a reloadable , postpaid card that can be used at business organisation and for public transit .
How to get around
Hong Kong is incredibly pedestrian - well-disposed . But , if you ’re traveling farther distance , taking the Mass Transit Railway ( the local subway system ) or snag a drive via Uber is undecomposed . For the MTR , American carte du jour can be used to pay up for fares , which add to its convenience .
Although minibus are romantic in possibility , get a basic understanding of the metropolis layout and minimal Cantonese speech acquirement are definitely necessary as passengers have to call out to their stop to the driver . If you do choose to explore this alternative , we suggest the green minibuses over the red , as they usually have fixed road and some have bells install now to invalidate shout to the number one wood . Octopus or coins can be used to ante up for fares .
When to plan your visit
Peak typhoon time of year run from July to September in Hong Kong . to boot , June and August are the wettest months of the twelvemonth . So , the idealistic clock time to visit is from October to December , when the temperatures are mild and the rain lightens .
International adaptors you’ll need
There are two sparking plug types used in Hong Kong : Type D and Type G. The Type D plug has three pear-shaped peg organized in a triangular form , while the Type G plug has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern . Hong Kong ’s standard voltage is 220V , with a frequence of 50Hz .
Don’ts when traveling to Hong Kong
CBD is illegal in Hong Kong , so do not pack any CBD or CBD - infused Cartesian product . Although most are aware of the usual gear that ca n’t be packed while traveling afield , CBD might dislocate an average traveler ’s mind . We extremely advocate doubly - ascertain all of your belongings before leaving for the aerodrome so as to void any undesirable hiccups upon reaching .
Advice from a local
harmonise to Sillona , a way to quickly make a secure impression is to learn a few common Cantonese phrases or words . “ Everyone appreciates citizenry who speak the language , ” he say . “ It ’s a sign of the zodiac of respect . ”
Your fun Hong Kong dinner party fact
Hong Kong roughly translates to “ fragrant harbor . ” This name come from the fact that Victoria Harbor was once lined with incense shop .
Eaton HK|Photo courtesy of Eaton HK
