Hong Kong, known for its stunning skyline and busy streets as well as a nice nature, beaches and hiking around the HK is a place to see, at least once. If you’re searching for where to go and what to do in Hong Kong beyond the obvious tourist locations, here’s your guide to uncovering the city’s best-kept secrets, from dining, bars and relaxation to cultural spots.
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An alternative calm way to explore Hong Kong’s best views is by hiking up Peak Mount and exploring hidden spots like the city’s cemetery and jungle Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail filled with cheeky monkeys and waterfalls!
Visit OZONE at The Ritz-Carlton (1 Austin Road West, Kowloon) for drinks at the world’s highest bar, or unwind at Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay Beach for a serene escape.
Don’t miss the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens near the former Governor’s House, where you can see wild birds and animals for free.
Head to Cheek to Cheek (17 Old Bailey Street, Soho) for a chill breakfast or jazz evening, and the next day, enjoy spa treatments at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong or enjoy an open swimming pool with a view at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (the best way to enter is from the underground luxury shopping mall).
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Wander the lively streets of Mong Kok, known for its vibrant markets like Ladies’ Market and Goldfish Market. Visit Chi Lin Nunnery (Chi Lin Drive, Diamond Hill) to admire its stunning wooden architecture and bonsai gardens. End your evening with a ride on the Star Ferry (HK$3/€0.35) across Victoria Harbour for stunning views of the skyline, followed by a stroll along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade to watch the Symphony of Lights.
Dining Spots
For an intimate dining experience, visit Yardbird (154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan), a modern izakaya specializing in yakitori dishes. Expect to pay around HK$150–250 (€17–€30) for a meal. For classic Cantonese cuisine with a twist, try Duddell’s (Level 3, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central), where Michelin-starred dishes like roast duck and dim sum are served in an art-filled space. Main courses range from HK$300–500 (€35–€60).
Restobars and Cafés
For a drink with a view, head to Ozone (118/F, The Ritz-Carlton, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon), the highest bar in the world, or explore these HK rooftop cocktail bars with a view. Cocktails start at HK$150 (€17). For a quirky café, visit Kubrick Café (Yau Ma Tei, 3 Public Square Street, Kowloon), a spot beloved by book and film lovers. Drinks are priced between HK$40–60 (€5–€7).
One of my favorite spots in Hong Kong is Cheek to Cheek in Soho (17 Old Bailey Street). Open from 7:30 AM, it’s perfect for a breakfast of fried eggs and avocado toast to kickstart your day. By evening, it turns into a laid-back haven for jazz nights and open mic events, complete with friendly, hipster vibes, beautiful baristas, and that cozy, free Berlin-like atmosphere.
The menu’s got solid picks like seafood squid ink pasta and classic carbonara, with prices averaging HK$150. A great spot for morning fuel or a chill night out with a drink in hand.
Another good bar we liked is the Four Seasons Hotel HK, where we stayed last year. It has a cozy bistro Argo with good fries, fast service, and a good selection of sparkling wines (last drink order at 12:30 am).
Green Spaces and Hiking
Victoria Peak Garden (Mount Austin Road, The Peak) offers a serene nature walk with panoramic views of the city and harbor. For those seeking a water adventure, take a ferry to Lamma Island and hike from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan, a scenic route with beaches and seafood restaurants along the way.
Escape the city’s hustle at Nan Lian Garden (60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill). This Tang Dynasty-style garden offers perfectly manicured paths, wooden structures, and a lotus pond. Entry is free.
For a more rugged adventure, hike the Dragon’s Back Trail (Shek O Country Park), offering breathtaking views of the coastline and city. The trail is approximately 8.5 km and is free to access.
Escape the Crowds: A Day at Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay Beach, Hong Kong
If you’re tired of the noise and crowds in Hong Kong, grab an Uber and in 20-30 minutes, you’ll find yourself at Deep Water Bay Beach. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful escape—take a stroll along the bay, watch the small islands dotting the horizon, enjoy the silence, and take a swim. There are toilets and changing rooms, so you’re all set for a day out. This area is home to some of the priciest apartments and villas on the island, giving it that touch of exclusivity.
Keep walking, and you’ll hit Repulse Bay Beach, where you can soak in more of that chill vibe. When you’re ready for a drink, head to Limewood at 103/104 The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd. This café-bar has a relaxed atmosphere with a nice mix of locals and expats, cold prosecco, and easy-going tunes. Perfect for winding down your day with a view of the bay.
Spas
Treat yourself at The Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental (15 Queen’s Road Central, Central), where luxurious treatments start at HK$1,800 (€210). For a more affordable yet authentic experience, visit Ten Feet Tall (Lower G/F, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central), which specializes in reflexology and massages starting at HK$250 (€30).
Cultural Stops
Step into history at Man Mo Temple (124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan), one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong dedicated to the gods of literature and war. Entry is free. Contemporary art lovers can visit Tai Kwun (10 Hollywood Road, Central), a center for heritage and arts located in a former police station and a prison. Entry to exhibitions is often free or has a nominal fee.
The preserved colonial-era buildings and open courtyard make for an interesting wander, showcasing heritage exhibitions and occasional art performances. There’s not a ton to do there, but it’s a cool glimpse into old-school Hong Kong for a short visit.
For another slice of history, check out Flagstaff House in Hong Kong Park, which dates back to the mid-1800s and was once home to top British colonial officials. Now it’s the Museum of Tea Ware, featuring old Chinese teapots and the story behind tea traditions. The mansion itself is a beautiful relic of the city’s colonial past. It’s not exactly action-packed, but it’s a nice stop if you’re in the area and want to soak up a bit of old-world charm.
Artisan Markets and Unique Shopping
Explore Cat Street Market (Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan) for antiques, art, and curios. For unique local products, visit PMQ (35 Aberdeen Street, Central), a creative hub that houses studios and shops showcasing local designers and craftspeople.
