A Locals-Approved Guide to Hong Kong’s Lesser-Traveled Gems

Hong Kong is a region defined by juxtaposition. Peaceful, verdant peaks and cerulean-hued waters surround frenetic street markets and strobing neon signs. More than 800-year-old Taoist temples juxtapose against hoards of towering skyscrapers. Generations of lifelong locals reside alongside flocks of newcomer expats. These compelling contrasts and the eclectic mix of Eastern and Western influences have understandably earned Hong Kong the nickname Asia’s World City—although it’s technically not a city, but a special administrative region.

When you expand your horizons past the top tourist attractions like Victoria Peak, the Big Buddha, and Hong Kong Disneyland, there’s so much more to Hong Kong. From island hopping in search of uncrowded beaches and stunning hikes to buying a meticulously crafted mahjong set from the region’s last woman mahjong tile carver, there’s a treasure trove of hidden gems that showcase the true heartbeat and history of Hong Kong.

In this guide, you’ll find three unexpected schedules for how to spend a few days in the region—with tips and anecdotes from local creatives. We know it’s impossible to explore all 263 islands and 18 districts over the course of one trip, but these well-tailored recommendations are a solid start. Here’s a less touristy guide to what to do in Hong Kong.

See: Separating Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria Harbor is the jewel of the area. Previously called Hong Kong Harbor, or Fragrant Harbor before British imperialism forced its renaming in 1861, this expansive body of water was how Hong Kong transformed from a fishing village into a modern hub. Ferry rides aside, the best way to get out on the water is on a junk (a traditional Chinese sailing ship). Known for its characteristic red sails, the Dukling is the last regularly sailing antique junk the sunset cruise or Symphony of Lights sail, which allows spectacular views of Hong Kong’s nightly sound and light show.

Touch: Some of Hong Kong’s most beloved inhabitants are not, in fact, people at all; they’re cats. Found outside of small businesses and slipping between vendor stalls, there are thousands of stray felines that call this region home. But these aren’t your typical big-city alley cats. Often fed and fashioned make-shift beds by residents, they make for a great picture and double as semi-professional rodent exterminators. If you successfully win their trust, they might allow for an under-the-chin scratch. They may not have houses, but this community of kitties has undoubtedly made Hong Kong home.

Smell: Before you taste the culinary delicacies of the region, you’ll smell them. From the caramel-y sweet scents of egg tarts and toasty roasted chestnuts to the aromatically arresting fragrances of roast goose and wonton noodle soup, let your nose lead you to your next meal. A trip along the streets of Sham Shui Po—one of the oldest districts in Hong Kong known for its stalwart restaurants and textile shops—will present you with all of the above and more, including rice noodle rolls, chilled soy milk, milk tea, clay pot rice, and snake soup.

Hear: Cantonese opera is like nothing most travelers have heard before. It’s uniquely melodic, intense, chaotic, and full of high-pitched falsetto notes. Just one type of Chinese opera, the Cantonese version is mostly performed in Hong Kong and the Guangdong Province of China. In addition to dazzling vocals, each performance combines elements of martial arts, acrobatics, acting, and elaborate wardrobes. Drop by the Sunbeam Theatre, which holds performances throughout the week. Additionally, during the summer months each year, the Chinese Opera Festival vibrantly showcases these time-honored talents across Hong Kong and China.

Taste: A successful night out in Hong Kong means at least a shot or two of baijiu. Made from fermented grains and water, baijiu is a sweet and sometimes savory Chinese liquor that is served neat and at room temperature. Available at almost every restaurant and bar, it’s usually served as a shot during festivities or toasts. You can also try baijiu-centric cocktails at trendy bars like Bamboo. FYI: Cheers in Cantonese is gon bui!

In some parts of Hong Kong, time seems to stand still. It’s this sense of romance and quiet moments of beauty that has served as a muse for some of the world’s most prominent creatives. One of the best ways to appreciate this nostalgic essence is through the work of acclaimed Hong Kong-based director Wong Kar-wai, creator of films such as In the Mood for Love and 2046. His nonlinear and highly color-saturated works have drawn travelers to the region for decades and served as inspiration for emerging talents like filmmaker Jazzie Sillona. Originally from Qatar and of Filipino descent, Sillona has lived in Hong Kong since 2018 and spends most of his days creating content for his popular Instagram page, as well as running his production company Jazzie Films.

“I first fell in love with Hong Kong watching Jackie Chan movies with my dad,” Sillona says. “I find inspiration from how compact and timeless [Hong Kong] is. In my Humans of Hong Kong series, I channel inspiration from Wong Kar-wai and Wes Anderson by capturing locals in authentic, unscripted moments.” The magic of Sillona’s instant film-filtered videos is that, other than a visible smartphone here and there, one could easily believe they were shot decades ago.

Similar to Sillona, it’s completely possible to live out your own wistful daydreams of times past in Hong Kong, from catching a matinee of your favorite Kar-wai movie to sipping coffee under a canopy of vintage tchotchkes. And there’s no harm in trying your hand at some artistic videography while you’re at it.

10 am - Sip coffee among retro knick knacks. 
With every available square inch covered in vintage memorabilia, Fullcup Plant is a true love letter to the 1960s and ’70s. In a space that was originally occupied by a bing sutt (a traditional Hong Kong diner that serves chilled drinks and a small menu of snacks), diners can peruse the Japanese-inspired menu for dishes like the signature black wagyu beef rice bowl and astronomy-influenced drinks like the Venus Rose Latte. Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb and take in the owner’s quirky collection of ephemera from antique signage and literature to newspaper-covered ceilings and stained glass.

11 am - Source some secondhand fits. 
Dressing the part is crucial when it comes to truly turning back time. Needless to say, this requires a stop by a stylish secondhand store or two. Some of the best options can be found in Kowloon including Little Dot Vintage for duds sourced from the 1950s to ’80s, Midwest Vintage for American-made styles, Sing Jai Kee for ’90s apparel, and Retrostone for band tees and denim.

1 pm - Purchase a hand-carved set of mahjong tiles.
In a pocket-sized shop in Hung Hom, you can find Ho Sau-Mei: The only female mahjong-tile carver in Hong Kong. First starting her craft at 13 years old, Sau-Mei now helms the family business at Kam Fat Mahjong, which was first opened by her father in 1962. Each tile is a labor of love, meticulously carved every day by the store owner herself in the small workshop. With a rise in the popularity of mahjong across the world, especially among younger generations, the shop is experiencing a pleasant surge in popularity, so don’t be surprised if you encounter a waitlist.

2:30 pm - Catch a classic matinee.
Lux Theatre is a true delight, according to Sillona and his dreamy Reel. Opened in the 1970s, this movie theater retains its original charm, down to its decades-old film posters and the solely hand-marked paper tickets that workers pass out stating seat assignments (these make for an exquisite souvenir). There is also an antique weighing machine, which was all the rage in Hong Kong throughout the 1960s and ’70s, as well as an old-school film projector from when movies still required the film to be closely monitored and manually loaded throughout the screening. The theater shows a mix of modern-day and throwback Hong Kong- and Chinese-made films.

Otherwise, drop by the Hong Kong Film Archive, which hosts screenings of pivotal films throughout the month (usually around 11 am) as well as exhibitions and international film festivals.

6 pm - Have breakfast for dinner.
The modern iteration of bing sutts, cha chaan tengs are affordable, fuss-free cafes that serve Hong Kong-style comfort foods. Sillona’s favorite is one that mimics the interior of a red minibus called Cafe Match Box. (Compact buses have been used as speedy public transit since the 1960s.) Located a bit off the beaten path in Causeway Bay, the eatery’s menu specializes in breakfast classics like Spam and noodles or omelets. Plus, the restaurant has a ping pong table out front for a pre- or post-dinner match.

If your preferences tend to lean sweet over savory, you’re in good company with Sillona. He orders the same thing each time: Hong Kong-style french toast. “The bread is dipped into egg, pan-fried, and then covered with condensed milk,” he explains. “Some [diners] like peanut butter inside, but I prefer mine with just the condensed milk, and a lot of butter.”

10 pm - Take the stage at this late-night pastime that never goes out of style.
First gaining popularity in the 1980s as it made its way over from Japan, karaoke (often called KTV in the region) is ingrained in Hong Kong nightlife. Particularly, this was people’s moment to live out their dreams of Cantopop stardom from Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung. There are still plenty of spots with expansive options for retro music primed for singing your heart out. Visit the reasonably priced gay bar Boo Bar in Kowloon or the cafe-lounge hybrid Cosmos in Causeway Bay, which offers light-filled private rooms and a dependable menu of small bites.

For many first-timers to Hong Kong, it might come as a surprise how close to nature the thrumming metropolis actually is. In fact, nearly 75% of Hong Kong is made up of verdant parks and preserves, all of which are accessible by boat, bus, or subway. One way to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle is by boarding a ferry to one of the region’s 263 islands. Slower paced oases like Cheung Chau—known for its annual Bun Festival which usually takes place in May—offer adventurers everything from stellar seafood to less-crowded hiking trails and serene swimming.

9 am - Escape the chaos via a scenic ferry ride.
To get to Cheung Chau from Hong Kong Island, embrace the morning air and bask in the water views by taking a ferry. The ride takes between 35 minutes and an hour, and ferries run about every 30 minutes from Central Pier 5 on Hong Kong Island. The round-trip fare costs roughly $28 HKD ($3.60 USD). Seats aren’t assigned, so hop on early and secure a seat up top and outside for the best views.

10 am - Discover a heavenly hidden gem while hiking.
Once on the island, you’ll be greeted by a swath of moored fishing boats swaying peacefully in the harbor and loads of local seafood restaurants. Before leaving the island’s main drag, stash a couple of pineapple buns from family-run and -owned bakery Kwok Kam Kee Cake Shop in your backpack for later.

To avoid crowded paths like the Cheung Chau Loop, opt for a hike out to the majestic Angel Wing Rock (also called the Cheung Chau Fire Stone), a mythical rock formation that resembles an angel’s wing.

12 pm - Soak in the seclusion of an uncrowded beach.
After your daring hike, a leisurely swim is in order. Instead of the island’s two main beaches (Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam Beach), opt for Pak Tso Wan Beach. Here you can enjoy your pineapple buns in peace, while soaking in the photogenic cove. Seeing that it’s a low-trafficked area, it’s good to note that there are no lifeguards or shark nets here.

3:30 pm - Recharge and socialize back on the mainland.
After catching a ferry back to the mainland, the West Kowloon Art Park is an idyllic destination for continuing your fresh-air adventure. Located on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbor, the park is a great place to laze around after a morning of hiking. Pick up a matcha tonic or shiso lemonade from the nearby Rest Coffee Gin, go for a walk along the promenade, or find a shaded spot by the water to play cards and take a nap.

7 pm - Find a verdant terrace for dinner and drinks with a view.
Formerly the home of Hong Kong’s Supreme Court, this stunning landmark now operates as a venue for swanky restaurants and bars dubbed The Magistry. When weather permits, the property’s Botanical Garden is a can’t-miss destination. Although there’s a slight dress code (no ripped jeans or sportswear), spending an evening on the British-influenced, lush terrace is a mellow way to end an active day. Menu items include oysters, caviar, and small plates like smoked salmon and pastry puffs. The drink menu offers a wide selection of gin.

9 pm - Pamper your weary soles.
After a long day of hoofing it, there’s nothing better than a foot massage. Using traditional Chinese practices of reflexology—applying pressure to specific points—foot massages are said to allow qi (one’s life force) to flow throughout the body to stay balanced. It also doesn’t hurt that they're generally inexpensive and available into the late hours of the night. For more luxe options, try the Chaun Spa and Massage or Ten Feet Tall. Meanwhile, cheaper alternatives include Gao’s Foot Massage and Tai Pan Reflexology Parlour.

Whether it’s through glistening roast meats, juicy dumplings, crunchy clay pot dishes, or silky tofu pudding, the city’s local cuisine is treasured by those who consume and create them. According to Hong Kong native and chef Archan Chan of the contemporary Cantonese restaurant Ho Lee Fook, food is Hong Kong’s love language.

“Usually, Asian parents don’t say I love you. You’ll never hear that,” she says. “But, every time I came home or went to my grandma’s place, my family would have homemade soups ready. Broths and soups are meant to be good for your body. This is how they showed their love.”

Alongside beloved, longtime restaurant owners and vendors, younger generations are channeling childhood memories to keep the authenticity of Hong Kong cuisine intact. If the sound of dim sum in the morning, pineapple buns in the afternoon, and grilled char siu in the evening piques your interest, this food-centric itinerary is for you.

9 am - Expand your palate through local produce tasting.
Start any trip to a new destination by visiting the local wet market, which is full of fresh produce, seafood, meat, and more. According to Christine Wong, author of the recently published vegan cookbook The Vibrant Hong Kong Table, it’s the first thing she does on every trip back to Hong Kong. She especially recommends Central Market in the Central District, the oldest market in Hong Kong. “It’s colorful, it’s exciting, it’s bustling,” she says. “Big trucks go barreling down in between the stalls, and it’s the best way to try unique fruits and vegetables and more.” Try some lychee and longan grown on the nearby islands, or mud crab and cuttlefish plucked straight from the surrounding water.

11 am - Order endless rounds of dim sum.
Located within the historic Old Police Headquarters in Tai Kwun is the contemporary eatery Chinese Library. Here, the brunch menu dazzles without breaking the bank. Held every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3:30 pm, diners can enjoy endless rounds of appetizers, dim sum, and shared plates for $63 USD per person. Popular choices include black truffle har gau, barbecue pork baos, turnip cakes, pork cheung fun, and braised wagyu beef. For an extra $20 USD, you can tack on unlimited prosecco.

1 pm - Practice sustainability at Hong Kong’s first zero-waste store.
Since 2017, Live Zero is trailblazing the sustainability movement in Hong Kong. Owned by Tamsin Thornburrow (a self-ascribed eco warrior), the Sai Ying Pun grocery commits to a zero-plastic ethos by offering reusable glass containers to customers. Shoppers can peruse ethically sourced goods from spices, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate, loose leaf tea, candy, and supplements. There’s also a selection of clean beauty and home products to peruse.

2 pm - Snag delicate dinnerware as souvenirs.
Porcelain is cherished in Hong Kong culture. And not only is it whimsically beautiful, but it doubles as delicate dinnerware. For this, there’s only one place to go: the last hand-painted porcelain factory in Hong Kong, Yuet Tung Chinaworks. Specializing in Guangcai (characterized by colorful designs painted on a white base), the shop is filled to the brim with vibrant plates, bowls, silverware, tea cups, and more.

3 pm - Learn how to cook traditional Sichuan cuisine.
Although you might enjoy the local cuisine, learning what goes into making the food can give you a whole new level of appreciation. Learn the traditions and techniques of Sichuan cuisine from chef Theign Phan of Grand Majestic Sichuan. During the two-hour lesson, guests will cook in a wok, become more familiar with regional spices, and sip champagne. As Sichuan cuisine has become increasingly popular in Hong Kong lately, it’s a perfect time to join the trend.

Four Seasons Hong Kong $$$$
For an ultra-luxurious lodging, look no further than the Four Season Hong Kong. Conveniently located in Central—near the ferry terminal, MTR, and plenty of shopping—the sleek, 42-story hotel is the ultimate home base during a trip filled with long days of exploration. In terms of in-room amenities, guests can choose their own pillows and mattress toppers, take advantage of 24-hour room service, and unwind in the rooms’ deep-soak tub. There are also two outdoor pools, a hair salon, spa, fitness center, and eight restaurants and bars. If you’re open to the splurge, the hotel is worth the investment.

Tai O Heritage Hotel $$$
If an island escape is more your speed, trek over to Lantau Island for a stay at Tai O Heritage Hotel. Once a maritime police station, the renovated, 19th-century colonial-style hotel is truly boutique, with only nine rooms and suites available. The rooms are simple but chic, decorated in a nautical aesthetic. Although, there’s no pool or spa—which is no problem if your schedule is stacked with nearby explorations and departures from the hotel grounds. Guests can sign up for two-hour hotel tours, in which guides share fascinating architectural and historical facts about the hotel and island.

Eaton Hong Kong $$
Located in the Jordan district in Kowloon, Eaton Hong Kong is a certifiably cool lodging option. Run by a younger generation of Hong Kong natives, not only does the hotel offer stylish rooms, but also provides guests with a temporary community through programming like sound baths, yoga classes, art exhibitions, and DJ sets. The property also offers a co-working space, movie theater, rooftop pool, and fitness center.

Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). As of January 2025, $1 USD exchanges for $7.79 HKD. While most places accept payment using American credit cards, it’s recommended to always have cash onhand in case a particular vendor doesn’t. Some travelers also opt to open an Octopus card for their trip, which is a reloadable, prepaid card that can be used at businesses and for public transit.

Hong Kong is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. But, if you’re traveling farther distances, taking the Mass Transit Railway (the local subway system) or snagging a ride via Uber is best. For the MTR, American cards can be used to pay for fares, which adds to its convenience.

Although minibuses are romantic in theory, having a basic understanding of the city layout and minimal Cantonese language skills are definitely necessary as passengers have to call out to their stop to the driver. If you do choose to explore this option, we suggest the green minibuses over the red, as they usually have fixed routes and some have bells installed now to avoid yelling to the driver. Octopus or coins can be used to pay for fares.

Peak typhoon season runs from July to September in Hong Kong. Additionally, June and August are the wettest months of the year. So, the ideal time to visit is from October to December, when the temperatures are mild and the rainfall lightens.

There are two plug types used in Hong Kong: Type D and Type G. The Type D plug has three round pins organized in a triangular shape, while the Type G plug has three rectangular pins in a triangular shape. Hong Kong’s standard voltage is 220V, with a frequency of 50Hz.

CBD is illegal in Hong Kong, so do not pack any CBD or CBD-infused products. Although most are aware of the usual paraphernalia that can’t be packed while traveling abroad, CBD might slip an average traveler’s mind. We highly recommend double-checking all of your belongings before leaving for the airport in order to avoid any unwanted hiccups upon arrival.

According to Sillona, a way to quickly make a good impression is to learn a few common Cantonese phrases or words. “Everyone appreciates people who speak the language,” he says. “It’s a sign of respect.”

Hong Kong roughly translates to “fragrant harbor.” This name comes from the fact that Victoria Harbor was once lined with incense shops.

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