Our Hong Kong City Guide
August 2018
CAUSEWAY BAY + WAN CHAI
VISIT
RIDE THE DING-DING
Ride Hong Kong's historic tram. The slow pace and many stops will give you plenty of time to admire your surroundings. Tip: grab a seat on the second level for better views :)
HOUSTON (FOOD) STREET
Explore the neighborhood "Food" street, and if you're hungry, check out one of the many al fresco dining options. Note: this is a great place to go if you're tired of Chinese food and are craving Italian, Thai, whatever your heart desires.
HAPPY VALLEY RACES
Spend an evening at the twice-weekly races—Wednesday night at Happy Valley and weekends at outlying Sha Tin. The races are good time for everyone - from high level execs entertaining clients to local workers enjoying wings & beer.
EAT+DRINK
UNDER THE BRIDGE SPICY CRAB
Try the city's famous spicy crab, and a enjoy a fun, messy meal
MIZUNARA: THE LIBRARY
On, fourth floor of the Kiu Yin Commercial Building, this lounge is reminiscent of a library/ gentleman's club. Come for cocktails and good conversation before or after dinner.
DRAGON-i
Dragon-i is the place to go for the expat crowd. Don't let this deter you - the bar & club have a very Chinese aesthetic, with red lanterns hanging above the always-packed dance floor. India Mahdavi (most famously known for designing Sketch in London) designed the place.
SHOP
INITIAL
Initial - a concept store that sells its own designs alongside other international brands - features a mix of edgy home goods and accessories.
ODDIES FOODIES
A sweet treat, best enjoyed on a hot, humid day
COCKTAIL SELECT SHOP
This high-end store carries labels from Europe and the U.S., but go for the fun Asian lines like Daydream Nation, Iliann Loeb, and Coohem.
CENTRAL + SHEUNG WAN
VISIT
MAN MO TEMPLE
Man Mo is the city's oldest Taoist temple (relatively not that old - built in 1847). The temple features an endless span of incense coils, all suspended from the ceiling, an amazing sensory experience to say the least.
FOOT MASSAGE
If you didn't know already, no visit to China/HK is complete without a foot massage. You 'll see massage parlors everywhere, but if you want a more upscale experience, head to Ten Feet Tall for a $40, 50 minute treatment :)
VICTORIA PEAK+BOWEN ROAD HIKE
Take the iconic red funicular that runs from Central to Victoria Peak for views of the entire city. If you have time, take the 2.2 mile walk around the peak, or head down to the Bowen Trail, which also provides beautiful views of Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay
EAT + DRINK
LITTLE BAO
Little Bao (bao = Chinese burger) started as a food truck before moving into a diner-style storefront Try the fries with roasted tomato sambal and Japanese mayo to fried chicken with egg yolk glaze.
CAFE GRAY DELUXE BAR
Located on the 49th floor of the the Upper House, you;ll find incredible views, innovative cocktails and great people-watching.
SEVVA
This bustling rooftop features a terrace that wraps around the entire building. Stop by for a cocktail on a less casual night out.
SHOP
SHANGHAI TANG
Visit the flagship store in central, and browse traditional Chinese-style clothes with electric-colored silk Mao jackets and authentic Chinese tailoring for women. They make beautiful (double-sided) scarves and accessories.
K.S. SZE. & SONS
One of those secret sources that women tell only their closest friends about., K S. Sze & Sons creates sought-after copies of big name jewelers like Verdura, Van Cleef and Buccellati - and the prices are at least half of what you’d pay for the real thing.
GOODS OF DESIRE
Hong Kong’s version of the Conran store, Muji and Anthropologie all wrapped into one.
KOWLOON
VISIT
STAR FERRY
The Star Ferry is an essential Hong Kong experience. For under $1, you can take the ferry from Central to Hong Kong, and see both sides of the harbor along the way.
MONKEY HILL HIKE
Kam Shan Country Park got the nickname "monkey hill" from the vast number of macaques living there. Apart from the monkeys, the park features a wide variety of flowers and, of course, picturesque scenery. The hike to the top takes <1.5 hours.
WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE
THe Wong Tai Sin Temple is dedicated to the three major Chinese religions - Buddhism, Taoism, and Confuciansim. Here you can learn your fortune via the Kau Cim process, where you shake a bamboo cylinder full of fortune-telling sticks, receive a number, and take your number to a soothsayer who will interpret your fortune.
EAT + DRINK
PENINSULA HOTEL
Built in 1828, you can get a taste of Hong Kong's British history by partaking in high tea at the famed hotel. Fuel up with some finger sandwiches and tea (or champagne!).
TIM HO WAN
One of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, Tim Ho San is worth a visit, even if there is a bit of a wait. Try the cha siu baau, sugar-glazed pork buns.
DUNDAS STREET CAFE + BAR HOPPING
Walking north along Nathan Road, you'll find Dundas Street, where you can enjoy a casual cafe and bar scene in the evening.
SHOP
FLOWER & BIRD MARKET
Walk along Flower Market Road and take in the sights & smells of thousands or orchids, bonsai trees, and dried herbal mixes. Continue walking east to catch a glimpse of the bird market.
JADE MARKET
If you want one thing to take home from HK, I suggest a jade bangle. Jade signifies good luck and prosperity in China, and many people wear it to ward off bad luck. The market is a great place to buy - the jade won’t be high quality, but as a general rule, a decent piece of jade should feel cool to the touch and have an intense hue.
LADIES MARKET
For made-in-China mementos, head to the Tung Choi Street market, also known as "Ladies Market". It is a bit seedy, but a fun experience nonetheless. Tip: be sure to visit between 1-6PM, and if you see a fortune teller, get your palm read!
LANTAU + BEACHES + BEYOND
VISIT
BIG BUDDHA
Take the glass-bottomed cable-car up to the mountains of Lantau, where the enormous Buddha presides. On your way out, wander through the Po Lin Monastery. Tip: buy tickets ahead Ngong Ping 360’s site.
REPULSE BAY BEACH
Despite the name, Repulse bay beach is one of the most beautiful in the area. The beach features views of the lush hills—and the ocean—make it a great spot for escaping the hustle-and-bustle of the city center.. For a Miami-eque scene, head to Cabana. Just a 15 minute taxi from town :)