What to Do in Hong Kong
Tue, 13 August 2019
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You know how you have that one incredible friend who knows their city inside out? That’s us. We take the world’s most dynamic destinations, hand-pick the best bits and give them to you in one place. This is the kind of guide that you don’t need to run by a local – it was written by one. Eat your heart out, shop until you drop, drink like a fish, dance your socks off, sleep – then repeat.
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