The best hidden gems of Hong Kong with experiences for every type of Singaporean traveller

From sipping cocktails with a Cantonese twist to hunting antique treasures, uncover a different side to Hong Kong – your way

Peng Chau
Photograph: Peng Chau
Time Out Singapore in partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board
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Craving a city adventure that goes beyond the beaten path? Just a short four-hour flight from Singapore, Hong Kong is bursting with best-kept secrets that promise to surprise and delight every type of traveller. Whether you're a foodie seeking tantalising culinary experiences, a shopaholic hunting for unique finds, an outdoor explorer eager for breathtaking views, or an arts and culture aficionado searching for inspiration, this city has something special for you.

Tai Ping Koon
Photograph: Tai Ping Koon

For the foodie

Discover the discreet charm of 001 Bar, where tradition and modernity intertwine. Relish their seasonal cocktails and the must-try Earl Grey Marteani. Elevate your cocktail experience at Kinsman, where decor inspired by Wong Kar-wai films meets innovative concoctions with a Cantonese twist

Bring your appetite to Tai Ping Koon, one of the oldest Chinese-owned Western restaurants, celebrated for its fusion dishes such as roasted pigeon, Swiss-style chicken wings, and baked souffle. Then satisfy your sweet tooth at Mrs. Fong Chinese Desserts, famed for its Michelin-worthy red bean cakes. Step back in time at Tai Wo Tang, a chic café housed in a former traditional Chinese medicine shop, and delight in nostalgic treats like homemade red date hawthorn cheesecake.

For the shopaholic

Escape to Stanley Market for some beachfront shopping. Browse unique handmade souvenirs and test your bargaining skills before visiting the historic Victoria-era Murray House nearby. Over at Upper Lascar Row, also known as Cat Street, navigate the labyrinth of antique stores, vintage furniture, and Chinese calligraphy, with Instagrammable cafes and trendy thrift shops around every corner. Explore The Mills, the former textile factory turned creative hub, where design studios and shops offer a delightful mix of contemporary and traditional crafts – perfect for supporting local artisans!

For the outdoor explorer

Hike above the clouds on Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong's tallest peak with an elevation of 957 metres aboveground. For something less intense, take on Red Incense Burner Summit, also known as Braemar Hill. A prime spot for sunset and nighttime vistas, it boasts sweeping views of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour, and is perfect for clear sky photography. 

Fans of feathered friends will love Mai Po Nature Reserve, a bird-watchers paradise where guided tours reveal diverse wildlife and conservation efforts within serene wetland beauty. For a serene escape, retreat to The Hideout in Mui Wo on Lantau Island, a tranquil oasis surrounded by lush greenery, ideal for reconnecting with your inner self.

For the arts and culture seeker

Visit Tsz Shan Monastery, renowned for its 76-metre-tall Guan Yin statue and Tang Dynasty-style structures, offering a serene spiritual sanctuary amidst nature’s beauty.

Discover the kaleidoscopic art junkyard at
Peng Chau’s defunct Fook Yuen Leather Factory, perfect for creative photo opportunities. Visit Cattle Depot Artist Village in Ma Tau Kok, a former slaughterhouse turned art hub, home to local artists and art organisations. Get inspired by experimental video works at Videotage, and check out a contemporary art exhibition at 1a Space.

Explore Hong Kong's hidden gems

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