Our Favourite Things to Do in Hong Kong

Now that we no longer live in Hong Kong, these are the things we miss:

Riding the Star Ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), then walking along the coastline to the TST waterfront park. The park is a little tacky, but the true prize is the view of Hong Kong Island.

Walking along the Kennedy Town piers to the Macau Ferry Terminal. This time you get to admire Kowloon.

Visiting an outlying island. Cheung Chau is a nice choice to escape the intense urban experience that is Hong Kong.

Walking from Sai Ying Pun to Central along Queen’s Road East and Hollywood Road. Look out for shop cats on Queen’s Road East and admire the antique shops and art galleries on Hollywood Road. Make sure to peek into alleyways to check out the graffiti.

Going to Luk On Kui for an old-fashioned dim sum breakfast. The food is a bit hit and miss, but you are here for the overall experience. You never know who you might end up sharing a table with. The last time I was here I chatted with an elderly woman who shared her po lei tea (infused with dried tangerine peels she had brought herself) and told me about the handsome, young men on Facebook who sing old songs to ladies of her generation for tips. Who knew?

Taking the tram from one end of HK Island to the other. Sit at the very front of the tram on the upper deck and watch the city go by.

Going for a hike. One of the best but largely unknown things about the city is that Hong Kong has acres and acres of lush country parks, and you will most likely find one within 30 minutes from where you are staying. There are trails to suit all levels, though I must add a warning: excepting the easiest ones, almost all other levels will involve inclines, because Hong Kong is notoriously hilly. An additional caveat: I wouldn’t recommend hiking at the height of summer because the heat and humidity will make this more of a punishment than a pleasure. 

Eating siu mei (roast meats) at a siu mei cha chan teng (local cafe) of your choice. Cantonese roast meats can be found everywhere, and everyone has their personal favourites. Here are few of our regular go-tos: Dragon State (Sheung Wan); Chukfo Taipan (Wanchai); Kam’s Roast Goose (Wanchai); Kamcentre Roast Goose (Causeway Bay).

Splurging on a dim sum lunch at the two Michelin-starred Lung King Heen in the Four Seasons. I confess: I sometimes crave the crispy fried noodles from here.

Indulging in at least one buffet meal. Buffets at Hong Kong’s top hotels are a sensory overload and great fun for the gluttonous. Check out Café TOO at the Island Shangri-la, JW Café at the Marriott, and Hotel Icon’s The Market. Weekend brunch buffets with free flow alcohol are also popular and I’ve always enjoyed the one at Zuma. 

Visiting a street market. Wanchai’s Cross Street market is handy if you are based on HK Island. If you are based in Kowloon, head on up to Sham Shui Po for the various markets in the area. 

Shopping for amusing and funky souvenirs at G.O.D. (various locations in HK). There is a lot of Hong Kong wit and humour in the goods that G.O.D. produces. Ask the staff what the slogan ‘Delay No More’ (often used on G.O.D’s T-shirts) really means. 

More off-the-beaten-track places we would like to return to:

Chi Lin Nunnery and the Chi Lin Buddhist vegetarian restaurant in the neighbouring Nan Lian Garden. Do check out the Chi Lin Nunnery gift shop as well for their remarkable umbrellas and keep your eyes peeled for vegetarian sauces and condiments made by the nuns.

Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens

The Mills, an arts and culture exhibition space housed in a former textile factory.