Top 10 Actually Good Things to Do with Tourists in Hong Kong
Fun stuff to do with visitors that won't leave you hating yourself.
1. A Day in Tai O
With its iconic stilt houses, lush hillsides and the possibility of a pink dolphin sighting, Tai O is a great way to spend a weekday. This quiet, charming fishing village is well worth the bus ride... but beware the weekend crowds.
2. Lamma Family Walk
Combining traditional fishing village traditions with quirky cafes filled with long-term expats, a two-hour-long walk from pier to pier will take you past most of our favorite spots. Look for the quiet Lo So Shing Beach, “Old Lady Tofu Fa” and stop for dinner in Sok Kwu Wan.
Hop on the hour-long evening Harbour Tour ($160, www.starferry.com.hk) for an extended view of the city. Get off when you get to Wan Chai. Make your way to the Star Street and Stone Nullah enclaves, and finish off with a cocktail at hipster hangout Tai Lung Fung.
4. Heritage Walk Through PoHo
At one time, Sheung Wan's Wing Lee Street was considered one of the “seediest” streets in Hong Kong, but after hit film “Echoes of the Rainbow” lifted it from the shadows, the street shot to the top of many conservationists’ must-preserve lists.
5. Devour Mong Kok Street Food
Sweep the street stalls in Mong Kok to taste-test all the local delicacies: we’re talking Taiwanese fried chicken, spiral stick potato chips, fish balls, egg waffles, four treasures (aka deep-fried veggies and fish meat), stinky tofu and fresh watermelon juice. Go to town!
6. Catch the Tram to North Point
Claim a spot up top for the best views, and ride it right through the chaotic and colorful Chun Yeung Street wet market. Queue up to eat at Tung Po (2/F, Java Road Municipal Services Building, 99 Java Rd., 2880-5224), for its famous squid-ink pasta, steamed clams and beer in porcelain bowls.