When people visit Hong Kong they're often told by tour books, hotel concierges, and friends that they must go to Victoria Peak, the Big Buddha on Lantau Island, Ladies Market, Temple Street and Stanley. While these tourist attractions are fun to visit, there is so much more to explore in Hong Kong, and our friends over at Sam the Local have some other ideas up their sleeve.
1. Lamma Island
There are no cars on Lamma Island, except for emergency vehicles. This is a stark contrast from Hong Kong Island with all their skyscrapers, which is only a 30-minute boat ride away. Take an easy 2.5 hike across the island while snacking, admiring the view, and enjoying the beach. End with a fresh seafood dinner at Rainbow Seafood.
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Lamma Island[/caption]
2. Sai Kung
Take a look at the fishermen on their boats along the pier selling their catch of the day. You can buy fish from them and take it to a nearby restaurant to be served the way you like, with a cooking fee. Wander along the pier to catch a glimpse of the different kinds of dried seafood for sale, whether for immediate snacking or to take home and use for cooking. From Sai Kung, you can go out on a boat for water activities, such as wakeboarding and kayaking, or even a Geoparks tour. You can also catch a bus and go on a hike with beautiful views.
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Sai Kung[/caption]
3. Shau Kei Wan Main Street East
Located on the eastern part of Hong Kong Island, this street has a lot of food, from street food to Thai food and desserts to a popular noodle shops. Take a peek into some of the local shops and see what the locals are eating.
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Claypot rice at Shau Kei Wan Main Street East[/caption]
4. Tai Ping Shan Street
This street is experiencing a growth spurt, with a mix of small, local food shops, boutique shops selling vintage goods, cooking classes, and coffee shops. One of our favorites is a tea shop named
Teakha. Take an afternoon stroll and let yourself get lost exploring Tai Ping Shan and its little side streets.
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Tai Ping Shan Street[/caption]
5. Local food at Tung Po
This is a fun place to visit for a lively meal. The restaurant is set upstairs of a wet market and serves Chinese food, some dishes with unique twists. They play old Chinese music, as well as top 40’s clubbing music. It's quite the atmosphere. If you’re lucky, the owner may even join you and your friends to drink some beers together, after you see him pop open a bottle of beer with a chopstick! Located on 2/F, Java Road Municipal Services Building, 99 Java Road, North Point.
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Steamed duck rice in lotus leaf at Tung Po[/caption]
6. Cycling in Tai Po
Escape all the skyscrapers and bright lights of Hong Kong and take a scenic bike ride through the New Territories. There are several stores that rent bicycles for the day and this is a great way to see some of the local villages and try local food along the way.
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Biking in Tai Po[/caption]
7. Avenue of Stars
Though this is often labeled as a tourist attraction, it provides one of the most expansive and beautiful views of the Hong Kong skyline. While walking along the promenade, stop and look across Victoria Harbor to Hong Kong Island. There is also the Symphony of Lights, which is a nightly light show at 8pm. Arrive 15 minutes early to grab a good spot to see the coordinated laser light show.
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View from Avenue of Stars[/caption]
8. Bar with a view at Ozone
Rest your feet from the exploring and roaming with a relaxing night at Ozone, the highest bar in the world. You can enjoy the view that looks out to the skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island, while enjoying one of their delicious drinks. Located at 118/f, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Elements.
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Ozone[/caption]
9. Broadway Cinematheque
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Broadway Cinematheque[/caption]
This movie theatre located in a private housing estate in Yau Ma Tei plays non-mainstream movies. Attached to the theatre is the Kubrick bookstore that sells books about films. Buy a book and enjoy a restful afternoon at the cafe attached to the store. While in the area, you may also check out the Jade Market and the Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market. Located at 3 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei.
10. Hao De Lai Xiao Long Bao Dian
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Shanghai Food at Hao De Lai Xiao Long Bao Dian[/caption]
This is our favorite Shanghai restaurant in Hong Kong. They have delicious Shanghai steamed dumplings, fried potstickers with soup broth inside, noodles, appetizers, and desserts. Good service, fantastic food, convenient location – what’s not to love? Located at Shop A, G/F, Fortune Court, 1 Tak Hing Street, Jordan.
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