Nature walks

Explore the city’s greener side along one of over 100 hiking trails. Choose a route from either the city centre, such as the Wan Chai Green Trail, or head to one of the many outlying islands including Lamma Island (car-free and 30 minutes by ferry from central Hong Kong), with hiking trails that’ll lead you through lush landscapes to deserted beaches, before finishing up at one of the many seafood restaurants.

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West Kowloon Cultural District

Comprising 40 hectares, this district has multiple arts and cultural venues, including the highly anticipated M+ Museum. Located on the Kowloon harbour, parts of the district have a good roster of contemporary performances, workshops and exhibitions.

• +852 2200 0217
• Go to Website

• West Kowloon
  Tsim Sha Tsui
  Hong Kong

CHAT: Centre for Heritage Arts & Textile

This revamped creative space pays homage to the building’s past life as one of Hong Kong’s most significant fabric factories. Aside from having an array of Asian art exhibitions (most with a textile spin), it also has a workshop to encourage homespun innovation.

• +852 3979 2301
• Go to Website

• The Mills
  45 Pak Tin Par Street
  Tsuen Wan
  Hong Kong

Mido Café

One of the oldest cha chaan teng (old-school local diners) in the city, this two-storey café has occupied its corner site since 1950. Come here not just for the milk tea and Hong Kong-style French toast, but also for the throwback interiors of vintage booths and tiles that have featured in countless Hong Kong movies and TV shows – Instagram gold.

• +852 2384 6402

• 63 Temple Street
  Yau Ma Tei
  Hong Kong

Tai Kwun

The former Central Police Station has been converted into an arts and culture hub. With multiple interconnected buildings, it invites visitors to flit between old prison cells and new exhibitions before finishing up at one of the many restaurants or bars – a good spot for al fresco dining.

• +852 3559 2600
• Go to Website

• 10 Hollywood Road
  Central
  Hong Kong

Take a hike and head to the beach

Though often thought of as an urban metropolis, it’s the countryside and outlying islands that reveal the true charm of Hong Kong. Climb up The Peak for breathtaking views over the city (avoid the tram), or over ‘The Dragon’s Back’, which carries you to Shek O beach village for a Thai lunch or a cold beer at Ben’s Back Beach Bar. TIP: Head to Tai Long Wan, or ‘big wave bay’, a stunning strip of white sand and clear waters. Avoid in typhoon season – it’s called big wave bay for a reason.

• +852 2809 2268

• Ben’s Back Beach Bar
  273 Shek O Village

Junk to Poi Toi for lunch at Ming Kee

A wonderful way to spend a hot day out of the city is on a junk boat, wakeboarding, waterskiing and sunbathing. Sail to an island called Po Toi for a delicious lunch by the sea at Ming Kee, a lively open-air eatery. Order the razor clams and book ahead – despite its seemingly remote location, it’s always packed. TIP: Ming Kee offers a BYOB option.

• +852 2508 1234

• Ming Kee Fish Restaurant
  Po Toi Island

Helicopter trip to Macau

Take a short helicopter ride to Macau and experience the world’s new casino capital. Gambling not your thing? Go to watch The House of Dancing Water, a spectacular show set on 3.7million gallons of water, or head to the Old Town for some Portuguese fare.

PMQ

In 2010 the HKSAR Government converted the old ‘Police Married Quarters’ site into a venue designed to preserve the creative industries. The enormous heritage building is filled with lots of tiny businesses, a museum and plenty of places to eat and drink.

• +852 2870 2335
• Go to Website

• 35 Aberdeen Street
  Central
  Hong Kong,

Cat Street

Running parallel to fashionable Hollywood Road and ending a few steps from the green tiles of Man Mo temple is Cat Street, a small pedestrian lane packed with antique stalls, jade trinkets, old Mao memorabilia, jewellery boxes and paintings. It’s a great place to buy gifts, or just to look around. If you’re going to buy anything don’t forget to bargain – a lot.

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Stanley Market and Waterfront

A short cab ride from Central is the charming seaside town of Stanley. Browse the stalls of the bustling market, which sells everything from clothes to art and local souvenirs, before heading over to the boardwalk for a peaceful lunch by the bay.

Get a massage

In Hong Kong, massages are considered a routine part of a healthy lifestyle, rather than an occasional, guilty indulgence. Help yourself acclimatise to the local ways at Ten Feet Tall, a haven in the centre of the city. TIP: If you get a foot massage, there’s an option to order froyo.

• +852 2971 1010
• Go to Website

• 137-141 Queen’s Road Central
  Central
  Hong Kong

Tai O fishing village and infinity pool waterfalls

To feel a thousand miles from the buzz of Central, take a trip to Tai O on an island called Lantau, a small fishing village full of character and quiet charm. Wander around the small houses and market stalls built on stilts, or stop for a honey and lemon tea and a piece of homemade cake at Solo Café. Close by there is a short but steep hiking route up to a stunning natural infinity pool. Get there early to avoid the crowds.

• +852 9153 7453

• Kat Hing Street
  Tai O
  Lantau Island