Hong Kong is a city with the perfect balance of access to natural surroundings and cultural stimulation. Here’s what to see and do while you’re there.

What to do in Hong Kong

Take a hike and head to the beach

Ben’s Back Beach Bar 273 Shek O Village, Hong Kong, +852 2809 2268

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.

Junk to Poi Toi for lunch at Ming Kee

Ming Kee Fish Restaurant Po Toi Island, Hong Kong, +852 2508 1234

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.

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Stanley Market

Stanley Market

Stanley Market

Stanley Market

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Helicopter trip to Macau

City of Dreams Macau, Macu, Hong Kong, +853 8868 6688

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.

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35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2870 2335

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.

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.

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

137-141 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2971 1010

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.

Tai O fishing village and infinity pool waterfalls

Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, +852 9153 7453

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.

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