TRAVEL GUIDE: Exploring Hong Kong's hidden gems, must-visit spots

In 2024, 1.19 million Filipinos visited Hong Kong, making them the third-largest visitor group after China and Taiwan. This surpassed the Philippines' previous record of 930,000 visitors in 2018.

Analysis from the Hong Kong Tourism Board revealed that visitors from Southeast Asia are typically young and stay for an average of 3.4 nights, visiting popular sites such as Temple Street, Ladies' Market, Avenue of Stars, the Clock Tower, and the Hong Kong Cultural Center.

But more than these tourist destinations, the glitzy luxury boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants, the peninsula has more to offer beyond Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, like a quaint town bordering Shenzhen, China, where everyone seems to know each other, and a police station-turned-museum with a haunting past. 

Where to go: Old meets new

Kennedy Town

On the western end of Hong Kong Island sits Kennedy Town, a neighborhood that was part of what was once considered a "dumping ground," as it housed a slaughterhouse, morgue, and mental asylum. In the 1850s, it became home to Chinese settlers who developed the now-residential area.

Compared to districts like Central and Kowloon, Kennedy Town evolved into what it is now more slowly. When an MTR station in the neighborhood was established in 2014, the community gentrified, and with it came hip bars, restaurants, and cafes that combined old school buildings with more modern storefronts.

K-town, much like San Francisco in California, is a hilly neighborhood with colorful trams known locally as "Ding Dings" traversing its streets.

This bustling town has also gained attention on TikTok, with users sharing photos of the waterfront between the buildings and streets.

In different parts of K-town, Gen Z in their chic wide-legged trousers and Y2K-inspired tops, carried a wide array of cameras—from digicams to DSLRs—posing in the streets for photos.

GETTING THERE: From Central MTR Station, ride the Island Line to Kennedy Town Station, which is four stops away.

PRO TIP: To get to the photospot from the Kennedy Town MTR station, go out through Exit C and take a left up the stairs. Walk across the Kennedy Town Playground and climb up to the basketball court. Take a right and walk to the fence facing Forbes Street.

Through the fences, you can snap a stunning picture for yourself. There's usually a line, but wait for your turn for the perfect spot. You don't need a professional camera to get a good shot; you can use your phone and play around with the zoom!

Sha Tau Kok

Those looking for a real hidden gem will love Sha Tau Kok, a sleepy town that's closed off to non-residents unless they secure a closed area permit. This quaint area is in the peninsula's most northernmost town, and its Chung Ying Street sits between the border of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China.

Visiting Sha Tau Kok is like going back in time, as it's more colorful and quieter than urban jungles like Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. The town has a charming, provincial vibe, with small shops serving local cuisine like deep-fried shredded radish cake, fried oyster cake, and Sha Tau Kok Sweetheart Cake instead of big fast-food chains. There are still convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Wellcome, where you can reload your Octopus Card or get drinks.

The community within STK is also amusing. Being a small town, the locals appeared to know each other, giving one another warm greetings and sharing conversations as they strolled through Salmon House, where most shops and vendors are located.

The tranquil town is perfect to visit with the family or special someone, as you can kick back and relax at the park and just enjoy the view without worrying about crowds.

From the Sun and Moon Pavilion, you'll see the breathtaking Starling Inlet, where numerous boats are docked. You can sit at the benches here or at the Sha Tau Kok Pier for some much-needed "me-time" to watch the wind create waves in the serene waters.

GETTING THERE: Ride the East Rail MTR Line to Fanling Station and go down the stairs. Go to the right to see the Fanling Bus Station. Hop on the 78K bus to Sha Tau Kok and get off at the Sha Tau Kok Bus Terminus.

To get a permit, visit the Hong Kong Police Force Online Applications Platform and click on Closed Area Permit under e-services. The application is free, and it's recommended that you apply at least three days before your trip (my application was approved in one day). Make sure to save a copy of the permit on your phone and bring your passport, as police will check these once you arrive at STK.

PRO TIP: Bring a flask and an umbrella on your STK visit, especially if you're in town during the summer.

Lai Chi Wo

If you thought the previous destination offered peace and quiet, Lai Chi Wo, a historic Hakka village and Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, takes it a step further.

Upon landing at the pier, visitors will be immersed in nature and will see only a map and a trail (and maybe a cow or two). It will take about 10 minutes of walking on a path with a lush forest on one side and a coastline on the other to get to the Siu Ying Story Room exhibit, which is located near the Hip Tin Temple and an open concrete courtyard.

From there, you can explore an over 300-year-old walled Hakka village detailing Lai Chi Wo's mythical history. According to legend, the village was very poor and residents often had to borrow money to make ends meet. A feng shui expert came to build walls surrounding the area to trap the wealth within the village. From then on, the villagers' lives began to prosper. (However, the improvement in their lives could also be attributed to education.)

Beyond the walls, you can take a stroll along the 1.2 km Lai Chi Wo Nature Trail, a beginner-friendly walk through the forest where you'll see a mangrove forest, crawling white-flowered derris, and tiny crabs crawling along the path. There's a concrete path to follow so you won't get lost (or worry about muddy shoes) on this 1 1/2-hour trail.

It culminates at the Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point, which will give you a stunning view of the Hakka village, the pier, and the sea. There's a nice bench where you can relax after your long walk.

This destination is ideal for those in their fitness era, as a lot of walking is involved, and for history buffs who want to learn about the area's history.

GETTING THERE: From Sha Tau Kok, go to the end of Sha Tau Kok Pier and wait for the ferry to Lai Chi Wo. A one-way trip is worth HKD 40 (~P290) and the return one comes after about three hours. Make sure to check the schedule posted on the pier and that you have enough load in your Octopus Card.

PRO TIP: Some stores and exhibits, like the Sui Ying Story Room and Lai Chi Wo Story Room, are only open on weekends and holidays, so plan your trip accordingly. If you don't have a flask, you can refuel by buying cold drinks at a self-service store near the entrance of the east gate of the feng shui village.

Tai Kwun

In the heart of Central stands a 180-year-old police station compound. What used to be the Central Magistracy and Victoria Prison—where criminals and former Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh were jailed—has become a hub where art, culture, and history meet. 

After it was decommissioned in 2004 and 2006, the local government and the Hong Kong Jockey Club revitalized and conserved the compound. When it opened in 2018, it was established as "Tai Kwun," named after a colloquial term for the former police station. 

The 21-building compound features Edwardian Colonial-style buildings with modern, sleek interiors. It's riddled with references to its police roots—from a wall that showed the historical requirements to be an officer to a section chronicling how incoming prisoners are booked and put behind bars. 

By the end of the 1850s, the government created a radial-plan prison, where cell blocks formed a semi-star floor plan, as jails were overcrowded. The other wings were demolished in 1897 and 1901 for new facilities, and only one of them still exists: the D Hall, which has been preserved and kept as an exhibit.

Here, visitors can step into the individual jail cells, where they'll see some drawings by prisoners from decades past and watch documentaries telling these inmates' stories.

Some of the revamped parts of Tai Kwun include shops near the prison yard, like an Adidas store and a bar where you can kick back with your buddies. In one of the buildings, the E Hall, the prison cells were splattered with a fresh coat of paint and turned into a cafe called On the Hill with coffee drinks starting at HKD 35 (~P256).

Those into art and history can enjoy exploring the haunting halls. 

GETTING THERE: From Central Station, exit through D2 and walk along Theatre Lane. Take a right on Queen's Road Central and turn left on Pottinger St. You'll see the Tai Kwun building and can enter through the Hollywood Rd. entrance.

PRO TIP: Allot enough time to check out the different halls and exhibits.

What to do: Cultural immersion and retail therapy

Qipao rental and photography experience

Recently, Villa Tortuga announced that travelers can soon rent Filipino traditional costumes for photoshoots in Luneta Park. Those interested in a similar activity in Hong Kong can rent a Qipao, the traditional Chinese dress, and get a photoshoot out of it, too.

This experience, which you can book on Klook, lets you choose from a wide selection of Qipao for women and Cheongsams for men, as well as accessories like bags and fans to complete your outfit.

You'll then have the option for an indoor or outdoor photoshoot, where you'll be taken to different spots in Central like the Man Mo Temple and the Tram Station.

"Before, the [Qipao] was just like a daily dress, like a one-piece dress for everyone," Pandora Cheng, the hairstylist and photographer, told L!fe. "Now it's become kind of a representative outfit for our Asian people, especially for Chinese people."

At her studio along Queen's Road, which is riddled with posters of Wong Kar-wai movies like In the Mood for Love, she sees different kinds of clients, from tourists to families.

"Some people, our locals will try and say, 'Oh, it's nice to take family pictures with the parents,'" she shared, adding that one time, she took photos with a grandma who's 100 years old. 

"Everyone wants to have a really special moment with their families, friends, and the ones they love."

Pandora will make sure you feel comfortable during your photo shoot. Besides taking your photo, she will guide you on how to pose and where to look.

GETTING THERE: The studio is located in the Kam On Building. You can walk from Central through Theater Lane and take a right on Queen's Road. The building will be on the left side across the Wing Hang Bank Building.

PRO TIP: Wear shoes that will match the traditional Qipao, like one- to two-inch heels in black, nude, or silver for women and dark colored leather shoes for men. Bring your Octopus Card if you want to take photos on the tram.

Shopping at Lung Fung Mall

A trip to Hong Kong isn't complete without a bit of shopping. If you're not able to splurge on luxury brands in TST, you can always shop for beauty and skincare essentials at discounted prices at Lung Fung Mall.

Established in 1992, Lung Fung Mall started as a small pharmacy and has since grown to become one of Hong Kong's largest drugstore chains with over 80,000 product categories.

At this one-stop-shop, you can shop for brands like Kerastase, Laneige, Biore, L'Oreal, Dove, Curél, Estee Lauder, Yves Saint Laurent, and perfumes from the likes of Versace, Paris Bleu, Calvin Klein, and Jo Malone. A Cerave Hydrating Cleanswer (236 ML) costs 82 HKD or ~P600 at Lung Fung Mall.

Moreover, the Australian ointment Lucas Pawpaw is available here for 32 HKD or ~P230. This ointment can be used for chapped lips and skin, bug bites, cuts and scratches, mild burns, grazes and abrasions.

GETTING THERE: Lung Fung Mall has several branches all over Hong Kong. To get to the Central shop, take exit D2 from Central Station and go right and walk toward Theatre Ln. then take a left. Take a right on Queen's Road Central to arrive at Yu To Sang Building. 

PRO TIP: Google the price of the products in the Philippines and compare it to Lung Fung Mall to see if you're going to get a good deal.

Searching for antiques at Upper Lascar Row

While walking up Ladder St., one stretch of road grabs attention. Upper Lascar Row, also known as Cat Street, glows bright red from ornaments hanging from shops, even in the rain.

While the gloomy weather shut down half of the stalls, the open ones are lined up with all sorts of antiques like ceramic vases, posters, Buddha statues, terracotta soldier figurines, jade bracelets, postcards, and other wares. In one of the shops, the shelves are filled with pendulum clocks of different shapes and sizes.

Behind the kiosks are more businesses, like a tattoo shop, a bar, and a mini museum, where Pinoys were heard chatting as they enjoyed a cup of coffee.

This destination is ideal for those who want to take home authentic pieces of Hong Kong back to their loved ones. 

GETTING THERE: From Sheung Wan Station, exit via A2 and turn right to walk along Wing Lok St. Take a left toward Morrison St. and at the end, take the stairs along Tung St. Take a left in the alley after Lok Ku Rd.

PRO TIP: Visit Cat Street in the afternoon when most shops are open.

Where to eat: Local flavors and modern drinks

In the 50s, Hongkongers would cool down after a long day at work at a bing sutt, or ice room, to enjoy an icy drink for wallet-friendly prices. At the time, these cafés only served drinks and small bites that did not require cooking due to strict licensing requirements. The British colonial influence began to influence 's food scene, with entrepreneurs opening local shops—under a bing sutt license—that served Western dishes made with local ingredients like the Hong Kong-style French toast that were affordable to the working class.

These bing sutts evolved into what is now known as cha chaan tengs, or tea restaurants, in the 60s when full restaurant licenses began to be granted. 

Cha chaan tengs are distinguished by their diner-style setup, communal tables, colorful tiles, and budget-friendly menu items that make them a hit among workers in the peninsula. The usual fare includes noodles, dumplings, rice dishes, sweet pineapple buns, milk teas, eggs, and sandwiches, among others. These restaurants are a must-visit for those who want the "eating like a local" experience.

Mak An Kee Noodle

On Reddit, one of the suggested cha chaan tengs to visit was Mak An Kee Noodle in Central. This diner was in the Michelin Guide in 2012 and was a recipient of the U Favorite Food Award for several years. Accolades aside, Mak An Kee is recommended by users because it doesn't get crowded and is "not as touristy."

Upon entering, you'll be greeted by the staff of aunties cleaning tables and taking orders. The space has a nostalgic vibe with its fading award posters, red Chinese ornaments, and wooden round tables with matching stools.

As Mak An Kee is known for its noodles, you can try the classic shrimp dumpling with noodle in soup (HKD 45 or ~P330). It goes well with Chinese broccoli (Kailan) with oyster sauce (HKD 29 or ~P210) for those looking for veggies with their meal.  

GETTING THERE: From Sheung Wan Station, exit through E1 and walk along Des Voeux Rd. Central toward Wing Wo St. Take a right on Wing Kut St., and it'll be the first restaurant on the left next to the electric box. 

PRO TIP: This place is on a cash-only basis, so make sure to withdraw some banknotes on hand before you dine.

Kau Kee

Most cha chaan tengs open as early as 7 a.m. and close around 3 p.m. However, there are tea restaurants that are open until late to satisfy your dinner cravings. One such food spot open until 10:30 p.m. is Kau Kee along Gough Street in Central. This Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient has been open since the 1930s and has been recognized for their beef noodles.

If you visit during peak hours, like dinner time, there may be a line to get a table. The restaurant is still quite busy at around 9:30 p.m., but you won't need to wait as long to be seated.

Kau Kee is in the Michelin Guide's best beef brisket noodles in Hong Kong. The meat is served with different noodles, sauces, and soups like Kau Kee's special broth, curry, and oyster sauce.

Those who prefer spicy dishes may like their beef tendon with flat noodles in curry (HKD 70 or ~P510), which has tender meat and a thick sauce with a nice kick to it.

GETTING THERE: From Sheung Wan Station, take the A2 exit and turn left along Wing Lok St., take a right on Man Wa Lane, and go left on Bonham Strand. Turn right on Queen's Road Central and cross the road in front of Fook Lai Building. Walk straight and take the stairs toward Gough St. 

PRO TIP: Cha chaan tengs usually serve warm water, but it's typically not meant for drinking but for cleaning utensils or your fingers.

Cucina

There's no shortage of fine dining restaurants in Hong Kong—many of them have Michelin stars like Octavium, Andō, and Nagamoto. Booking a table at these premier restaurants might be a challenge, as you have to do it one month ahead of time, but you can get that luxury dining experience at other fine dining spots like Cucina.

Headed by Chef de Cuisine Andrea Delzanno, Cucina has been a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant since 2020. The restaurant, located at the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, is known for its authentic Italian flavors that blend centuries-old gastronomic traditions with innovative techniques.

This Italian restaurant features Hong Kong motifs like bar stools with intricate leaf patterns and Chinese characters printed on the glass of the bar table. But what is most eye-catching about the space is the ceiling-to-floor windows that offer a stunning waterfront view of Victoria Harbour.

Delzanno curates set lunches and menu highlighting Cucina's specialties like white truffles, asparagus, and game. Their set menu for August featured a shrimp carpaccio, a creamy lobster bisque, and their signature strozzapreti with braised wagyu pasta. The highlight of the course dinner was the grilled beef sirloin with seared duck liver and cherry purée—who knew something sweet paired so well with steak?

Delzanno told L!fe that their set menu changes every month to highlight different regions of Italy. "I'm on a mission to bring 'forgotten' dishes back to the table—simple yet flavorful options that have fallen out of favor and that the new generation may not know about," he said.

Cucina is a perfect restaurant to celebrate special occasions with your loved ones, like an anniversary or birthday. You can simply walk in to get a table or book a reservation in advance through the Marco Polo website.

Their chef's special set dinner starts at HKD 888 (~P6,500) per person.

GETTING THERE: From Tsim Sha Tsui Station, exit through L5 and take a left. Walk straight toward Peking Rd. and take a left on Canton Rd. At the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, take the elevator to the sixth floor.

PRO TIP: Get a table near the window to enjoy the Victoria Harbour and skyline view. 

Bar Leone

Hong Kong is home to six of Asia's 50 Best Bars, including the top-ranked Bar Leone. Known for its "cocktail populari" (cocktails for the people) ethos, it honors the classic cocktails everybody loves and adds a simple but signature twist.

Located at 11-15 Bridges St., Central, Bar Leone transports its guests to Italy through its retro interiors adorned with photos of Italian sports, movie, and music icons, jerseys, and movie posters. The Italian disco playing in the background further adds to the bar's charm.

Its warm and friendly staff also contributes to the cozy vibe as they make small talk, asking about the camera we used to shoot.

Bar Leone's drinks will have you wanting more. The Yuzu Americano (HKD 130 or ~P950), made with yuzu sake, vermouth, bitter fusetti and soda, is a refreshing aperitif, while their Olive Oil Sour (HKD 130 or ~P950) was a sweet surprise. The drink is velvety thanks to the egg white, but it tasted light thanks to the lemon and honey.

The bar also serves classics like a Filthy Martini, Negroni, and Garibaldi, along with seasonal cocktails. For chow, the signature Smoked Olives (HKD 98 or ~P720) is a must-try.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Sheung Wan Station, turn left along Wing Lok St. and take a right on Man Wa Ln., Turn left on Bonham Strand and take a right toward Queen's Road Central, then climb the stairs on your left near IMP Nail. At the top, turn right along Shing Wong St. and walk up the stairs at the end of the road. Turn right on Bridges St. to arrive at Bar Leone.

PRO TIP: When visiting this spot, make sure to come early. There's a line as soon as it opens at 5 p.m., and it may take time for you to get a table.

Doctor's Residence

The doctor is in, and the prescription calls for drinks like no other. As some of Hong Kong's most popular bars are lined with patrons forming queues outside to get in, hidden gems like the Doctor's Residence are a great alternative for those wanting to get an alcohol fix without the long wait.

That's just the tip of the iceberg with the Doctor's Residence, a speakeasy concept that highlights gin-based concoctions prescribed by Dr. Fern.

"For men and women, and everything in between," the sign leading to the Doctor's Residence on the third floor of the Pottinger Hong Kong reads.

But instead of a bright white clinic, the first thing that catches your eye at this doctor's quarters is the over 400 types of gin lining the shelves, with the light bouncing off them in the 70s-inspired intimate space.

The cocktails come with a "diagnosis" and a warning—usually dating-related. "Let That Mango," made with Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin, salted mango, honey, and IPA foam, is "for the romantically reckless + emotionally bloated," the menu reads.

Meanwhile, their "Negroni with Benefits (HKD 130 or ~P950)" adds a unique spin to the cocktail as it's topped with mascarpone foam, adding some sweetness to the familiar, complex bitter flavor.

GETTING THERE: From Central Station, exit through D2. Take a right and walk northwest toward Theatre Ln, where you'll turn left. Then turn right onto Queen's Road Central and turn left on Pottinger St. to take the stairs. Take a left toward Stanley St. and enter the Pottinger Hong Kong, and take the elevator to the third floor.

PRO TIP: Sit by the bar and learn more about Hong Kong from the friendly bartenders. They'll help you pick out a drink, too, if you're overwhelmed by the "prescriptions."

Where to stay: In the heart of Kowloon

If you go online to sites like TripAdvisor, several users would recommend staying in Hong Kong's shopping district, Tsim Sha Tsui.

TST is full of four-star hotels for those who want a luxurious stay during their trip, like the Kowloon Hotel right in the station, The Langham, Hotel Pravo, Prince Hotel, and Gateway Hotel.

Those looking for a luxurious and cozy home away from home can find one at the Gateway Hotel, a Marco Polo offshoot that's directly connected to Harbour City, a shopping mall with over 450 shops, Michelin-recommended restaurants, and the Ocean Terminal observation deck, where you can catch beautiful sunsets.

One of the highlights of this hotel is the Continental Club, an exclusive experience designed for business travelers and those who want to experience a new dimension of convenience during their stay. Apart from the free mini bar, guests enjoy perks like private check-in and check-out, access to the Continental Club Lounge with free daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails with Hors d'oeuvres.

A Continental Deluxe Room (starts at 2,016 HKD per night or ~P15,000) sleeps up to three people and has a desk where the busy traveler can get some work done. At the edge of the room, there's a couch to lounge in after a tiring day of exploring Hong Kong.

Continental Club guests also have the option to dine at the exclusive club where kids aren't allowed, or at Three on Canton, where cuisine from all over the world is served—from American bacon and sausages to Halal dishes, pastries, and dimsum. At the center of the restaurant is the noodle and omelette station, where diners can customize their dishes.

GETTING THERE: From Tsim Sha Tsui Station, exit through L5 and take a left. Walk straight toward Peking Rd. and take a right on Canton Rd. Take a right after reaching Miu Miu to Gateway Hotel.

Getting around

The Octopus Card, which you can buy online via Klook, is your best buddy when in Hong Kong. This smart stored value card is used for payments for buses, the Mass Transit Railway, and even at retail establishments. You can check your balance through the Octopus app and top up the card at convenience stores.

To reload the Octopus card, top up at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or go to the Add Value Machines found in MTR stations—just note that the machine only accepts cash in multiples of HKD 50 (~P370). You can withdraw cash from Bank of China ATMs in the station.

However, passengers can also use their Mastercard or Visa cards like GoTyme to pay for trips—you just need to tap it on the light blue gates or at scanners with the contactless symbol.

The train is the easiest way to get around to different districts in Hong Kong. Be prepared for the crowds, though, as there are a lot of tourists and locals in stations like Central and Admiralty, where there are transfer lines. If you aren't sure about your exits, there are signs and maps with landmarks.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Hong Kong depends on your preferences, as the city offers unique experiences year-round. It can be extremely busy during major holidays like Chinese National Day and Chinese New Year, but these periods are also when you can witness some of the city's most vibrant celebrations.

For pleasant weather, low humidity, and clear skies perfect for sightseeing and hiking, autumn (October to early December) is the ideal time to go. Winter (December to February), while it's a peak travel period, is another excellent option for those who enjoy a festive atmosphere and cooler temperatures. Summer (May to September) is hot, humid, and subject to typhoons, but it offers the best deals on flights, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Regardless of the season, it's best to download the Hong Kong Observatory app to get timely weather updates, including when certain warnings and rainstorm signals are effective. Note that when the rainstorm signal is raised to Black, public transport may be limited or suspended. It's best to stay in during these times, as you may get stranded.

Watch the Hong Kong travel guide video below:

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Disclaimer: The trip was made possible through the support of our partners GoTyme, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and Gateway Hotel.