Guidebook for Hong Kong
Food Scene
In balancing mind and body, HOME – Eat to Live strives to use only organic produce whenever possible. Much of their ingredients are sourced locally from a network of farms and our food is made fresh daily.
8 locals recommend
HOME - Eat to Live
In balancing mind and body, HOME – Eat to Live strives to use only organic produce whenever possible. Much of their ingredients are sourced locally from a network of farms and our food is made fresh daily.
A meal in the grand Verandah, run by the prestigious Peninsula, is a special occasion indeed. The large restaurant features a recently restored and refurbished interior that is literally dripping with colonial nostalgia, what with the grand piano at the entrance, the wooden fans dangling from the ceiling, and the marble staircases with wooden banisters.
13 locals recommend
The Verandah
A meal in the grand Verandah, run by the prestigious Peninsula, is a special occasion indeed. The large restaurant features a recently restored and refurbished interior that is literally dripping with colonial nostalgia, what with the grand piano at the entrance, the wooden fans dangling from the ceiling, and the marble staircases with wooden banisters.
A very delicious science experiment, the ice cream at Lab Made is created with liquid nitrogen and a mixer, each scoop made to order and emerging with a poof of vapor. A rotating menu offers four flavours daily, a blend of the prosaic (chocolate, mango) and the only-in-Hong-Kong magical (condensed milk with crispy toast bits, purple yam, mooncake).
26 locals recommend
Lab Made Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Laboratory
6 Brown StreetA very delicious science experiment, the ice cream at Lab Made is created with liquid nitrogen and a mixer, each scoop made to order and emerging with a poof of vapor. A rotating menu offers four flavours daily, a blend of the prosaic (chocolate, mango) and the only-in-Hong-Kong magical (condensed milk with crispy toast bits, purple yam, mooncake).
The star of the recent crop of new tapas restaurants to open in Hong Kong, this tiny, trendy spot is packed from open to close. But the long wait (the restaurant doesn't take reservations) is worth it for exquisite, playful small plates by much-buzzed-about young British chef Jason Atherton. Molecular gastronomy techniques are on display in dishes like crispy fish skin with dollops of foamy cod mousse and the house sangria with powdered raspberry. Others, like a recent special of beef cheeks on toast with anchovy butter are pure luxe comfort food.
44 locals recommend
22 Ships
22 Ship StThe star of the recent crop of new tapas restaurants to open in Hong Kong, this tiny, trendy spot is packed from open to close. But the long wait (the restaurant doesn't take reservations) is worth it for exquisite, playful small plates by much-buzzed-about young British chef Jason Atherton. Molecular gastronomy techniques are on display in dishes like crispy fish skin with dollops of foamy cod mousse and the house sangria with powdered raspberry. Others, like a recent special of beef cheeks on toast with anchovy butter are pure luxe comfort food.
This gorgeous teahouse (c 1933), known for its masterful cooking and Eastern art-deco decor, was the haunt of opera artists, writers and painters (including the creator of one exorbitant ink-and-brush gracing a wall), who came to give recitals and discuss the national fate. Today some of the waiters who served the tousled glamourati will pour your tea in the same pleasantly irreverent manner. Tea connoisseurs can order special teas served in a guk dzung (焗盅), a bowl with lid and saucer that better preserves the flavour of the infusion – perfect with the old-world setting of ceiling fans, folding screens and stained glass windows.
31 locals recommend
Luk Yu Tea House
24-26 Stanley StThis gorgeous teahouse (c 1933), known for its masterful cooking and Eastern art-deco decor, was the haunt of opera artists, writers and painters (including the creator of one exorbitant ink-and-brush gracing a wall), who came to give recitals and discuss the national fate. Today some of the waiters who served the tousled glamourati will pour your tea in the same pleasantly irreverent manner. Tea connoisseurs can order special teas served in a guk dzung (焗盅), a bowl with lid and saucer that better preserves the flavour of the infusion – perfect with the old-world setting of ceiling fans, folding screens and stained glass windows.
Drinks & Nightlife
Lovely place with lovely drinks (special beers, nice ciders). The crowd is nice. Best to spend nightlife with the group.
The Blck Brd
81 Wing Lok StLovely place with lovely drinks (special beers, nice ciders). The crowd is nice. Best to spend nightlife with the group.
The oldest and most atmospheric of the singalong parlours, Canton resembles a film set with its mirror balls and glowing shrines. Each session features 20 singers, all with fan following. Patrons tip a minimum of HK$20 (per patron) if they like a song. But even if you don't, it's nice to tip every now and then for the experience – just slip your money into a box on stage. For HK$100, you can sing a song.
19 locals recommend
Canton Singing House
49 Temple StThe oldest and most atmospheric of the singalong parlours, Canton resembles a film set with its mirror balls and glowing shrines. Each session features 20 singers, all with fan following. Patrons tip a minimum of HK$20 (per patron) if they like a song. But even if you don't, it's nice to tip every now and then for the experience – just slip your money into a box on stage. For HK$100, you can sing a song.
A cocktail and whisky heaven hidden in the residential part of TST. You can flip through its whisky magazines as you watch bartender Uchida create magical concoctions with the flair and precision of a master mixologist in Ginza. We loved the cocktails made from fresh citruses. A discreet and welcome addition to the TST drinking scene.
22 locals recommend
Butler
＆ Mody RoadA cocktail and whisky heaven hidden in the residential part of TST. You can flip through its whisky magazines as you watch bartender Uchida create magical concoctions with the flair and precision of a master mixologist in Ginza. We loved the cocktails made from fresh citruses. A discreet and welcome addition to the TST drinking scene.
Lan Kwai Fong
Lan Kwai FongHundreds of Bars and Clubs - Saturday night out there is a MUST!
Sightseeing
Complete your visit to Hong Kong with a day trip to Macau, once the oldest European settlement in the Orient. Sit back and relax as you sail across the sea from Hong Kong to Macau on a jetfoil or catamaran. Explore Macau's historical sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ruins of St Paul and A-Ma Temple (Macau Barra), and visit modern establishments like the Macau Tower with your expert guide. With lunch and round-trip hotel transport included, this full-day sightseeing tour is not to be missed!
13 locals recommend
Klook Travel
32 Hollywood RdComplete your visit to Hong Kong with a day trip to Macau, once the oldest European settlement in the Orient. Sit back and relax as you sail across the sea from Hong Kong to Macau on a jetfoil or catamaran. Explore Macau's historical sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ruins of St Paul and A-Ma Temple (Macau Barra), and visit modern establishments like the Macau Tower with your expert guide. With lunch and round-trip hotel transport included, this full-day sightseeing tour is not to be missed!
This quirky temple about 500m northwest of Sha Tin station is worth the uphill hike to visit. Built in the 1950s, the complex actually contains more than 10,000 Buddhas. Some 12,800 miniature statues line the walls of the main temple and dozens of life-sized golden statues of Buddha’s followers flank the steep steps leading to the monastery complex. There are several temples and pavilions split over two levels, as well as a nine-storey pagoda. To reach the monastery, take exit B at Sha Tin station and walk down the ramp, passing a series of traditional houses at Pai Tau Village on the left. Take the left onto Pai Tau St, and turn right onto Sheung Wo Che St. At the end of this road, a series
38 locals recommend
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery (Man Fat Sze)
This quirky temple about 500m northwest of Sha Tin station is worth the uphill hike to visit. Built in the 1950s, the complex actually contains more than 10,000 Buddhas. Some 12,800 miniature statues line the walls of the main temple and dozens of life-sized golden statues of Buddha’s followers flank the steep steps leading to the monastery complex. There are several temples and pavilions split over two levels, as well as a nine-storey pagoda. To reach the monastery, take exit B at Sha Tin station and walk down the ramp, passing a series of traditional houses at Pai Tau Village on the left. Take the left onto Pai Tau St, and turn right onto Sheung Wo Che St. At the end of this road, a series
One of the finest city skylines in the world has to be that of Hong Kong Island, and the promenade here is one of the best ways to get an uninterrupted view. It’s a lovely place to stroll around during the day, but it really comes into its own in the evening, during the nightly Symphony of Lights , a spectacular sound-and-light show involving 44 buildings on the Hong Kong Island skyline. The new Deck ‘n Beer bar located here is a great spot to have an alfresco, waterside drink (weather permitting). Along the first part of the promenade is the Avenue of the Stars , which pays homage to the Hong Kong film industry and its stars, with handprints, sculptures and information boards, a brave but u
169 locals recommend
Avenue Of Stars
One of the finest city skylines in the world has to be that of Hong Kong Island, and the promenade here is one of the best ways to get an uninterrupted view. It’s a lovely place to stroll around during the day, but it really comes into its own in the evening, during the nightly Symphony of Lights , a spectacular sound-and-light show involving 44 buildings on the Hong Kong Island skyline. The new Deck ‘n Beer bar located here is a great spot to have an alfresco, waterside drink (weather permitting). Along the first part of the promenade is the Avenue of the Stars , which pays homage to the Hong Kong film industry and its stars, with handprints, sculptures and information boards, a brave but u
Getting there Bus: 1 from Mui Wo, 11 from Tung Chung, 21 from Ngong Ping On weekends, droves of visitors trek to the far-flung west coast of Lantau to see a fascinating way of life. Here in Tai O, historical home to the Tanka boat people, life is all about the sea. Houses are built on stilts above the ocean, sampans ply the dark-green waterways, and elderly residents still dry seafood on traditional straw mats and make the village's celebrated shrimp paste. Tai O is built partly on Lantau and partly on a tiny island about 15m from the shore. Until the mid-1990s the only way to cross was via a rope-tow ferry pulled by elderly Hakka women. That and the large number of sampans in the small harb
15 locals recommend
Tai O Heritage Hotel
14 Shek Tsai Po StGetting there Bus: 1 from Mui Wo, 11 from Tung Chung, 21 from Ngong Ping On weekends, droves of visitors trek to the far-flung west coast of Lantau to see a fascinating way of life. Here in Tai O, historical home to the Tanka boat people, life is all about the sea. Houses are built on stilts above the ocean, sampans ply the dark-green waterways, and elderly residents still dry seafood on traditional straw mats and make the village's celebrated shrimp paste. Tai O is built partly on Lantau and partly on a tiny island about 15m from the shore. Until the mid-1990s the only way to cross was via a rope-tow ferry pulled by elderly Hakka women. That and the large number of sampans in the small harb
The most iconic view to the city. If its foggy never mind... there are photographer who will take a photo from you and can change the background - typical ideas for Hong Kong. :-))
124 locals recommend
The Peak Tram station
The most iconic view to the city. If its foggy never mind... there are photographer who will take a photo from you and can change the background - typical ideas for Hong Kong. :-))
Parks & Nature
Whether this is your first visit to Hong Kong or you’re returning to refresh old memories, this comprehensive orientation is a great way to get to know Hong Kong Island, its history and its famous landmarks. During your half-day tour, a knowledgeable guide takes you to see multiple Hong Kong highlights in this ever-changing locale, including Victoria Peak, Aberdeen fishing village and Stanley Market. Enjoy informative commentary and included round-trip transport from your hotel. Start your half-day tour of Hong Kong Island with hotel pickup, and head to the famous fishing village of Aberdeen. Here you'll see Hong Kong's junk-dwelling floating community, still very much a part of Hong Kong li
56 locals recommend
Hong Kong Disneyland
Whether this is your first visit to Hong Kong or you’re returning to refresh old memories, this comprehensive orientation is a great way to get to know Hong Kong Island, its history and its famous landmarks. During your half-day tour, a knowledgeable guide takes you to see multiple Hong Kong highlights in this ever-changing locale, including Victoria Peak, Aberdeen fishing village and Stanley Market. Enjoy informative commentary and included round-trip transport from your hotel. Start your half-day tour of Hong Kong Island with hotel pickup, and head to the famous fishing village of Aberdeen. Here you'll see Hong Kong's junk-dwelling floating community, still very much a part of Hong Kong li
The 270-hectare nature reserve includes the Mai Po Visitor Centre at the northeastern end, where you must register; the Mai Po Education Centre to the south, with displays on the history and ecology of the wetland and Deep Bay; floating boardwalks and trails through the mangroves and mud flats; and a dozen hides (towers or huts from where you can watch birds up close without being observed). Disconcertingly, the cityscape of Shenzhen looms to the north.
20 locals recommend
Mai Po Nature Reserve
The 270-hectare nature reserve includes the Mai Po Visitor Centre at the northeastern end, where you must register; the Mai Po Education Centre to the south, with displays on the history and ecology of the wetland and Deep Bay; floating boardwalks and trails through the mangroves and mud flats; and a dozen hides (towers or huts from where you can watch birds up close without being observed). Disconcertingly, the cityscape of Shenzhen looms to the north.
Tung Tau Tsuen, Tung Tsing, Carpenter & Junction Rds Kowloon City This attractive park was the site of the mysterious Kowloon Walled City, a Chinese garrison in the 19th century that technically remained part of China throughout British rule. Neither government wanted to have anything to do with the 3-acre enclave, so it became a lawless slum infamous for its gangs, prostitution and drug dens. The British eventually relocated the 30,000 residents and built a park in its place. There’s a model of it on display at the park. If you're taking the bus, alight opposite the park at Tung Tau Tsuen Rd.
14 locals recommend
Kowloon Walled City Park station
Tung Tau Tsuen, Tung Tsing, Carpenter & Junction Rds Kowloon City This attractive park was the site of the mysterious Kowloon Walled City, a Chinese garrison in the 19th century that technically remained part of China throughout British rule. Neither government wanted to have anything to do with the 3-acre enclave, so it became a lawless slum infamous for its gangs, prostitution and drug dens. The British eventually relocated the 30,000 residents and built a park in its place. There’s a model of it on display at the park. If you're taking the bus, alight opposite the park at Tung Tau Tsuen Rd.
Designed to look anything but natural, Hong Kong Park is one of the most unusual parks in the world, emphasising artificial creations such as its fountain plaza, conservatory, waterfall, indoor games hall, playground, taichi garden, viewing tower, museum and arts centre. For all its artifice, the eight-hectare park is beautiful in its own weird way and, with a wall of skyscrapers on one side and mountains on the other, makes for some dramatic photographs. Hong Kong Park is an easy walk from either Central or the Admiralty MTR station.
95 locals recommend
Hong Kong Park
19號 Cotton Tree DriveDesigned to look anything but natural, Hong Kong Park is one of the most unusual parks in the world, emphasising artificial creations such as its fountain plaza, conservatory, waterfall, indoor games hall, playground, taichi garden, viewing tower, museum and arts centre. For all its artifice, the eight-hectare park is beautiful in its own weird way and, with a wall of skyscrapers on one side and mountains on the other, makes for some dramatic photographs. Hong Kong Park is an easy walk from either Central or the Admiralty MTR station.
This 60-hectare ecological park is a window on the wetland ecosystems of northwest New Territories. The natural trails, bird hides and viewing platforms make it a handy and excellent spot for bird-watching. The futuristic grass-covered headquarters houses interesting galleries (including one on tropical swamps), a film theatre, a cafe and a viewing gallery. If you have binoculars then bring them; otherwise be prepared to wait to use the fixed points in the viewing galleries and hides. To reach the Hong Kong Wetland Park, take the MTR West Rail to Tin Shui Wai and board Light Rail line 705 or 706, alighting at the Wetland Park stop. It can also be reached directly from Hong Kong Island: jump
27 locals recommend
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Wetland Park RoadThis 60-hectare ecological park is a window on the wetland ecosystems of northwest New Territories. The natural trails, bird hides and viewing platforms make it a handy and excellent spot for bird-watching. The futuristic grass-covered headquarters houses interesting galleries (including one on tropical swamps), a film theatre, a cafe and a viewing gallery. If you have binoculars then bring them; otherwise be prepared to wait to use the fixed points in the viewing galleries and hides. To reach the Hong Kong Wetland Park, take the MTR West Rail to Tin Shui Wai and board Light Rail line 705 or 706, alighting at the Wetland Park stop. It can also be reached directly from Hong Kong Island: jump
Arts & Culture
Southwest of Sha Tin town centre, this spacious, high-quality museum gives a peek into local history and culture. Highlights include a children's area with interactive play zones, the New Territories Heritage Hall with mock-ups of traditional minority villages, the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall , where you can watch old operas with English subtitles, and an elegant gallery of Chinese art. Lately, the big draw is a semi-permanent Bruce Lee exhibit , with some 600 items of the Kung Fu star's memorabilia on display until 2018. To reach the Hong Kong Heritage Museum from Che Kung Temple MTR station, walk east along Che Kung Miu Rd, go through the subway and cross the footbridge over the channel.
32 locals recommend
Hong Kong Heritage Museum
1 Man Lam RdSouthwest of Sha Tin town centre, this spacious, high-quality museum gives a peek into local history and culture. Highlights include a children's area with interactive play zones, the New Territories Heritage Hall with mock-ups of traditional minority villages, the Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall , where you can watch old operas with English subtitles, and an elegant gallery of Chinese art. Lately, the big draw is a semi-permanent Bruce Lee exhibit , with some 600 items of the Kung Fu star's memorabilia on display until 2018. To reach the Hong Kong Heritage Museum from Che Kung Temple MTR station, walk east along Che Kung Miu Rd, go through the subway and cross the footbridge over the channel.
Everything Else
An area in the West of Hong Kong - amazing mixture of traditional Chinese Medicine and Tea shops, Dai Pai Dongs and Dried Sea Food - all just on the Street. You only need to walk around Hollywood Road, Tung Street and Western Market
82 locals recommend
Sheung Wan Station
An area in the West of Hong Kong - amazing mixture of traditional Chinese Medicine and Tea shops, Dai Pai Dongs and Dried Sea Food - all just on the Street. You only need to walk around Hollywood Road, Tung Street and Western Market
Who knows seafood better than the fisherfolk? Hidden in the fish market, this understated eatery run by local fishermen is truly an in-the-know place for ultrafresh seafood. There’s no menu here, and you will need a Cantonese-speaking friend to help you book a table at least two days in advance (two weeks for weekends). Tell the owner Ah Lo your budget and he’ll source the best sea creatures available and apply his Midas touch to them. Walk-in visitors can try the excellent Hong Kong–style French toast and other cha chaan tang (tea cafe) staples. Only open during lunch hours. There’s no English signage; look for the nondescript one-storey yellow building with a green roof at end of the fish
12 locals recommend
香港仔魚市場海鮮餐庁
Who knows seafood better than the fisherfolk? Hidden in the fish market, this understated eatery run by local fishermen is truly an in-the-know place for ultrafresh seafood. There’s no menu here, and you will need a Cantonese-speaking friend to help you book a table at least two days in advance (two weeks for weekends). Tell the owner Ah Lo your budget and he’ll source the best sea creatures available and apply his Midas touch to them. Walk-in visitors can try the excellent Hong Kong–style French toast and other cha chaan tang (tea cafe) staples. Only open during lunch hours. There’s no English signage; look for the nondescript one-storey yellow building with a green roof at end of the fish
Experience the fever-pitch atmosphere of Hong Kong's racing scene by taking in either a daytime or evening horse racing tour! Offered exclusively for overseas visitors only, this tour gives you access to the Members' Enclosure, lunch or dinner at the prestigious Hong Kong Jockey Club, and a tour of the parade ring and winning post. Available from September to June, experience daytime or nighttime racing at the famous Happy Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong. You'll receive a drink on arrival, dine at the international buffet and receive a welcome pack including a HK$30 betting voucher. The tour is restricted to tourists aged over 18 years who have been in Hong Kong for less than 21 days and hold
82 locals recommend
Hong Kong Jockey Club Happy Valley Racecourse
Wong Nai Chung RoadExperience the fever-pitch atmosphere of Hong Kong's racing scene by taking in either a daytime or evening horse racing tour! Offered exclusively for overseas visitors only, this tour gives you access to the Members' Enclosure, lunch or dinner at the prestigious Hong Kong Jockey Club, and a tour of the parade ring and winning post. Available from September to June, experience daytime or nighttime racing at the famous Happy Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong. You'll receive a drink on arrival, dine at the international buffet and receive a welcome pack including a HK$30 betting voucher. The tour is restricted to tourists aged over 18 years who have been in Hong Kong for less than 21 days and hold
Shopping
8 Finance St Level 3, Podium 3, IFC Mall, Central The territory’s answer to Harrods in London, Lane Crawford (c1850) was Hong Kong's original Western-style department store, and one which, admirably, has succeeded in rejuvenating itself while remaining classy over the decades. This flagship store sells everything from fashion to crockery. There are four other branches in town.
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7 locals recommend
Lane Crawford
3 Canton Rd8 Finance St Level 3, Podium 3, IFC Mall, Central The territory’s answer to Harrods in London, Lane Crawford (c1850) was Hong Kong's original Western-style department store, and one which, admirably, has succeeded in rejuvenating itself while remaining classy over the decades. This flagship store sells everything from fashion to crockery. There are four other branches in town.
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At this humble shop, 80-year-old Mr Chan, one of Asia's few remaining master knife-sharpeners, uses nine different stones to grind each blade, and alternates between water and oil. If you bring him your blade, he charges between HK$100 and HK$600 with a three-month wait. But if you buy from him, and he has a great selection, he’ll do it there and then. Prices range from HK$200 for a small paring knife to around HK$2000 for a Shun knife. His customers include chefs, butchers, tailors and homemakers from all over the world. He’s had clients send him Japanese willow knives for his magic touch. Choppers, cleavers, slicers, paring knives, even scissors – he’s done them all. Find his shop close to
15 locals recommend
Chan Chi Kee Cutlery Company
318 Shanghai StAt this humble shop, 80-year-old Mr Chan, one of Asia's few remaining master knife-sharpeners, uses nine different stones to grind each blade, and alternates between water and oil. If you bring him your blade, he charges between HK$100 and HK$600 with a three-month wait. But if you buy from him, and he has a great selection, he’ll do it there and then. Prices range from HK$200 for a small paring knife to around HK$2000 for a Shun knife. His customers include chefs, butchers, tailors and homemakers from all over the world. He’s had clients send him Japanese willow knives for his magic touch. Choppers, cleavers, slicers, paring knives, even scissors – he’s done them all. Find his shop close to
146-152 Fuk Wa St Sham Shui Po Occupying different floors of a building opposite Sham Shui Po MTR station, these are the places to go for low-cost computers and peripherals. Golden Computer Arcade comprises the basement and ground floor; Golden Shopping Centre, the 1st floor. The 3Cs are generally considered the best shops – Centralfield (Golden Shopping Centre), Capital (Golden Computer Arcade), and Comdex (both places).
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41 locals recommend
Golden Computer Arcade
Fuk Wa Street146-152 Fuk Wa St Sham Shui Po Occupying different floors of a building opposite Sham Shui Po MTR station, these are the places to go for low-cost computers and peripherals. Golden Computer Arcade comprises the basement and ground floor; Golden Shopping Centre, the 1st floor. The 3Cs are generally considered the best shops – Centralfield (Golden Shopping Centre), Capital (Golden Computer Arcade), and Comdex (both places).
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1 Duddell St Shanghai Tang Mansion, Central This elegant four-level store is the place to go if you fancy a body-hugging qipao (cheongsam) with a modern twist, a Chinese-style clutch or a lime-green mandarin jacket. Custom tailoring is available; it takes two weeks to a month and requires a fitting. Shanghai Tang also stocks cushions, picture frames, teapots, even mah-jong tile sets, designed in a modern chinoiserie style.
7 locals recommend
Shanghai Tang
88 Queensway1 Duddell St Shanghai Tang Mansion, Central This elegant four-level store is the place to go if you fancy a body-hugging qipao (cheongsam) with a modern twist, a Chinese-style clutch or a lime-green mandarin jacket. Custom tailoring is available; it takes two weeks to a month and requires a fitting. Shanghai Tang also stocks cushions, picture frames, teapots, even mah-jong tile sets, designed in a modern chinoiserie style.