The Coolest Things to Do in Hong Kong, According to Locals

Hong Kong is a city of contrasts. It’s renowned for Michelin-starred restaurants but some of the best (and most satisfying) meals can be found in humble local diners. You can easily spend a day shopping the street markets or splurging on designer wares in the city’s mega malls. And not far beyond the sprawling metropolis are pockets of untamed nature waiting to be explored. 

There are curiosities behind every corner in Hong Kong so we asked two local experts – award-winning chef Vicky Lau and photographer Elaine Li – to share some of their favourite secret spots around town.

Dining

Take in the sights, sounds and flavours of local eateries

The once-industrial stronghold of Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong’s northwest has been transformed into a vibrant counterculture hub in recent years. The expansive, grid-like streets of this Kowloon neighbourhood are now dotted with independent galleries, retail spaces and intimate bars that stand alongside decades-old diners, Michelin-approved street food stalls and heritage buildings housing legacy textile and electronics stores. Elaine Li, a Hong Kong native now based in Sydney, makes this area her first port of call when she’s back in town. “Sham Shui Po is one of my favourite places in Hong Kong to shoot,” says the photographer and creative director.

One spot she invariably drops into is Sun Hang Yuen. This no-frills cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) has been plating up its famed corned beef and scrambled egg sandwiches since 1968. “When you enter the restaurant, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. I love how authentic it is,” she enthuses. “The chef is dressed in a white tank top and the waiter is yelling across the shop to place your order.” Li’s go-to order? A hot milk tea and the diner’s signature corned beef sandwich.

Savour Cantonese dishes at a fine-diner

Opulent decor, floor-to-ceiling views of Victoria Harbour, intuitive service and respectfully creative iterations of regional Chinese dishes – Howard’s Gourmet is a classic upscale dining experience in Hong Kong. This impressive Central restaurant, located on the fifth floor of the CCB Tower, is the vision of Guangzhou tastemaker Howard Cai: rooted in tradition but restrained and nuanced. 

The menu changes almost daily based on the produce that’s available and is underpinned by Cai’s detail-oriented cooking philosophy, which has been influenced by his former career as a chemical engineer. The restaurant is prized by Vicky Lau, the founder and head chef of two-Michelin-starred TATE Dining Room. “Howard’s Gourmet redefines Chinese cuisine. The signature hot and sour noodles are bursting with flavour,” she says.

The outdoors

Climb one of Hong Kong’s highest peaks

Think of Hong Kong and the image that most often comes to mind is a fast-paced, neon-lit concrete jungle with skyscrapers at every turn. But the numbers tell a different story. The vast majority of the world’s fourth-most densely populated region is blanketed in expansive – and mostly unspoiled – lush green spaces, undulating mountainscapes and pristine beaches. You’re never too far from nature when you’re in the city and there are plenty of incredible vantage points to soak up the views.

Li’s favourite is Kowloon Peak, a rugged 602-metre-tall mountain formed from granite and volcanic rocks that towers over East Kowloon. The moderate hike to the summit takes about two or three hours but you can jump in a taxi if you’re short on time. “Kowloon Peak has a special place in my heart – I’ve taken a lot of my photographer friends up there,” she says. “We always start at the rainbow-hued Choi Hung Estate then make our way up. It’s best at sunrise and sunset.” 

Swim, surf and paddle at the beach

The unsung heroes of Hong Kong are its beaches – dozens are dotted along the winding coastline, providing the ideal antidote to the heat, humidity and frenetic city energy. Big Wave Bay, perched on the eastern edge of Hong Kong Island, just a half-hour drive from Central, is “a great place to unwind,” according to Lau. “I enjoy visiting with friends and out-of-town guests because people don’t often associate Hong Kong with nature.” 

In addition to the golden sand and scenic ocean views, Big Wave Bay is also decorated with intricate rock carvings – believed to date back to the Bronze Age – that are worth exploring. Keen to up the ante? Ride the eponymous waves that roll in from the Tathong Channel (surfboard and stand-up paddleboards are available for hire in the village) or conquer the popular 8.5-kilometre Dragon’s Back trail to Shek O Peninsula Viewing Point.

Nightlife

Taste craft beers in laid-back bars… and on the street

Hong Kong’s night-life is legendary but of the buzzy bars that line the hilly streets of Central and Soho 99 Bottles has become Li’s preferred spot. This laid-back, neon-lit spot in the heart of the city’s late-night district offers one of Hong Kong’s most interesting – and affordable – craft beer menus. “I’m past my era of dressing up to go clubbing,” she says. “Now I just want to wear a T-shirt and flip-flops and hang out with friends – that’s the kind of vibe you get at 99 Bottles.” 

For a true after-dark experience in Hong Kong, grab your beer and head outside to join punters from neighbouring bars as they spill out onto Peel Street to people-watch.

Sip savoury cocktails at a creative spot

Ever had a drink reminiscent of Thai beef salad? How about a tipple that tastes like teriyaki? These are just two of the highlights at The Savory Project (above), a sleek Soho hotspot that celebrates unconventional flavours, with a focus on earthy, umami and savoury profiles. 

The playful vision of Ajit Gurung and Jay Khan, the team behind award-winning COA, The Savory Project invites guests to challenge preconceived notions of traditional cocktails, with a back bar that showcases ingredients more often found in kitchens – from white soy sauce and curry leaves to XO sauce and corn husks. 

The concept has won plenty of fans. After opening in May 2023, the venue debuted at number 19 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list and is the after-dark destination choice for boundary-pushing chef Lau. Her top picks? The Biryani, which she describes as “a fragrant concoction packed with rich flavours”, and the signature Thai Beef Salad , a beverage the Hong Kong native loves for its “refreshing kick”.

Shopping

Choose your new signature scent 

Shiu Shing Hong has been a mainstay in the city for more than 50 years, making a name for itself as one of Hong Kong’s most idiosyncratic stores. From the outside, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shopfront resembles a Mid-Century apothecary. Inside the walls are lined with housemade essential oils and raw materials for cosmetics. 

Even more intriguing are the bottles that feature labels such as “Hong Kong International Airport” and “Lululemon”. The mix masters have painstakingly re-created the signature scents of shopping malls, hotels and more. “When you go in, it looks no-frills – the labels are still printed on paper. You can tell someone just typed it up, printed it and put it on a bottle,” says Li. “I love that the store and the packaging are so lo-fi but they are re-creating the scents of five- and six-star hotels. They’re super-affordable as well.”

Browse for treasures in an open-air antiques market

Stretching over a narrow pedestrian street in Sheung Wan’s antiques district, the markets on Upper Lascar Row, more commonly known as Cat Street, house all manner of Hong Kong curios – from vintage film posters and photography prints to beautiful silk wares and jade handicrafts. More laid-back than the large-scale open-air affairs on Temple Street and in Mong Kok, this century-old market is by no means a tourist trap, having established itself as a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

“There are so many shops that contain goodies and hidden gems. Walk up and down the street slowly and just take your time to enjoy the old Hong Kong,” advises Lau, whose second restaurant, Mora, is also found on Cat Street. “I chose this location because of how I feel about the area. There’s a lot of history and heritage, which are important aspects of the menu. Plus, it’s not so common for a restaurant to be at street level with no cars.”

Art

Explore a museum of contemporary culture

Taking pride of place in the new West Kowloon Cultural District, M+ underscores Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s most important art and creative centres. The commanding building, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and Farrells, houses an interdisciplinary collection of more than 7000 pieces, with a particular focus on 20th- and 21st-century works from Hong Kong and China – and expanding to other regions of Asia and the rest of the world.

Li says she always leaves the harbourfront museum feeling inspired, whether she’s there to explore an impressive array of the latest visual culture – exhibitions include a showcase spotlighting fashion designer Guo Pei and a world-first full-scale I. M. Pei retrospective – or admire the space itself. “I can easily spend a day at M+. I’m really interested in culture, identity and history and I love learning about that through an artistic lens. Even if you just want to walk around and take photos of the space, the architecture is great.”

Admire ultra-exclusive luxury artworks

Art and luxury meet at Sotheby’s Maison, the Asian flagship of the fine-arts auction house, which is located in the heart of Central. The two-storey retail-museum hybrid, which opened in July, features a striking design that draws on the Taoist principles of dichotomy and dynamism across its 2250 square metres. 

The maison contains a curated display of artworks, artefacts and more – spanning many centuries and all continents – that are available for purchase. In a space where Banksy originals sit alongside antique jewellery and dinosaur fossils, opportunities for inspiration abound, so it’s no wonder Sotheby’s appears on Lau’s hit list. “It’s an absolute treasure for art- and design-lovers. The first floor’s concept store is filled with exquisite art and luxury items, each telling a unique story.”

Stay

Check in to a minimalist boutique hotel

Just beyond the livelier part of Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Hong Kong’s bustling lifestyle and entertainment precincts, Page148 is an oasis of calm (above). “It’s understated and very accessible, which is what I like,” says Li, who adds that the 197-room hotel is an ideal base from which to explore Kowloon. “It’s not in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui so it’s a bit quieter and you can enjoy some downtime.”

It’s easy to achieve “a sense of peace”, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering city streets, marble-clad bathrooms with amenities by all-natural, cruelty-free Australian label Appelles and in-house lobby café Page Common, which serves decadent coffee and light, brunch-style bites and pastries. Li suggests trying to snag a corner room. “I stayed there with my baby when he was a few months old and had to wake up at 5am. The view of the beautiful sunrise made the early start easier.”

Book a room in one of the world’s best hotels

Occupying a prime spot on the Victoria Harbour waterfront, Rosewood Hong Kong has established itself as the height of luxury. In September, it came in at No. 3 on the 2024 list of the World’s 50 Best Hotels. Lau regularly checks in to Rosewood for staycations and special occasions, namechecking it as “one of Hong Kong’s finest hotels”.

The 65-storey, 413-room property is the jewel in the crown of Tsim Sha Tsui’s flashy Victoria Dockside retail, lifestyle and design district, imagined by celebrated interior designer Tony Chi as a “vertical estate” replete with green spaces and outdoor zones throughout. “The Rosewood has incredible views and impeccable service,” says Lau. “There’s so much to do in the hotel and around the area. It also offers exceptional dining options such as CHAAT – I love the tandoori dishes – and The Legacy House for dim sum.”

Events

Light up the neighbourhood for a centuries-old festival

With a history dating back more than 3000 years, the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most auspicious dates on the Chinese cultural calendar. This annual harvest festival, held around the autumn equinox in October, sees neighbourhoods across Hong Kong illuminated by colourful lanterns and bombastic dragon dances along the streets. 

Perhaps the best-known of these is the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage celebration that takes over the usually quiet district across three nights. In 2024, about 300 performers worked in tandem to parade a 67-metre-long fire-lit dragon made of pearl straws and some 12,000 incense sticks down the streets.

“It’s a really exciting event to go to,” says Li. “You’re almost fearful for the people holding the dragon because there’s so much fire but at the same time, it looks really cool. It’s such a unique experience, which I don’t think you can see anywhere else in the world.”

Peruse modern art at a large-scale fair

Hong Kong has become a major global hub for art and culture – the city is home to international outposts of blue-chip galleries such as London’s Rossi Rossi, a year-round roster of public art exhibitions and an energetic community of independent creatives. And for three days every March, the art world’s gaze turns to the city for Art Basel Hong Kong, the Asian edition of the influential art fair.

“Art Basel is a vibrant celebration of contemporary art that brings together creatives, collectors and enthusiasts from around the world,” says Lau. “I like 

to learn about art, and the innovative exhibits and dynamic atmosphere make for an inspiring environment.”

SEE ALSO: Where to Find the Best Street Eats in Hong Kong