We've always loved Hong Kong for its iconic skyline and deeply delicious cuisine, but this time, we dug deeper. This guide is our little ode to the city's vibrant creative scene — a world where galleries rub shoulders with bakeries, and design stores share streets with Michelin-starred dim sum joints. We’ve curated a guide that lean into that Hong Kong spirit, so if you’re looking for a different view of this city, we’ve got just the right spots.
Stay
Eaton ✅
Eaton Workshop is a hotel and all-around creative and food hub for culture seekers. Stay in for art installations, and workshops, eat at the food hall, or get a drink at Terrible Baby, the rooftop bar with a not-so-terrible view.
Shop
Central Market ✅
This refashioned market is now a blend of independent shops and pop-up stalls. Great for a midday meandering or people-watching session.
K11 Art Mall ✅
Self-described as “First Museum Retail in the world” K11 Art Mall merges retail therapy with contemporary art. Some noteworthy stops include:
HOW to Live Well, a hybrid concept with furniture, interior objects, a coffee bar and restaurant
K11 Select, a retail incubator for design talents and startups
Midwest Vintage, a fashion brand focused on upcycling vintage items
MoMa Design Store ✅
A visit to the Hong Kong outpost of MoMA’s design store is a must. Shop a range of design objects from curated artists and brands from across the globe.
Kubrick ✅
A special haven for literary buffs and bibliophiles, housing art books, specialty magazines, and more.
Broadway Cinematheque✅
Hong Kong’s art house cinema, screening indie titles and hosting film festivals and workshops. Founded in 1996, it has revitalized the experience of watching movies, and has become a treasured destination for lovers of cinema.
Eslite ✅
An iconic spot for book lovers. You’ll find everything from design books to literary classics here. They have great stationery, too.
Goods of Desire ✅
More commonly known as G.O.D., Goods of Desire is a lifestyle brand inspired by Hong Kong culture. A must-visit for cheeky and stylish goods that embrace the city’s unique heritage.
Kapok ✅
A chic boutique offering a curated selection of fashion and lifestyle products sourced from all over the world.
Homeless ✅
A design store established in 2003 that carries eclectic and funky lifestyle and home goods.
See
Botanical Gardens ✅
A green getaway in the middle of the city. Visit early to watch locals doing tai chi among great gardens and rare birds.
PMQ ✅
Formerly a police barracks, PMQ is now home to pop-up shops, galleries, and local designers. A must-go spot to pick up unique items or stumble upon a cool art exhibit.
M+ ✅
A large museum housing multiple galleries, a cinema, a souvenir store, and restaurants. Established in 2021, M+ has rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, design, architecture and moving image from across the globe.
Tai Kwun✅
A historic compound turned arts center, Tai Kwun hosts exhibitions, shops, and cafés in a beautifully restored colonial setting. Some highlights:
Browse art-book titles in Taschen
Buy functional and beautiful cups from Loveramics
View artworks from Touch Gallery, and more.
Eat and Drink
EN ✅
A small specialty coffee shop offering a curated selection of high quality beans, available in your choice of espresso, hand drip, or cold brew.
Mercury Recalls by Lost Stars ✅
Cafe by day, cocktail bar by night, and shaped around a deep love for music. Enjoy a range of hearty bites, sip drinks named after famous songs, and shop their showcase of vinyl records.
Dimdimsum ✅
Drop by your fill of reasonably priced quality dimsum, rice dishes, noodles and more.
One Dimsum ✅
A no-frills Michelin-starred joint that serves packed and plump dimsum at affordable prices.
Vission Bakery✅
Expect long queues at this popular artisanal bakery in SoHo. Highlights include their pistachio tart, kouign-amann, and donuts. Visit their sister shop, Cookie Vission for huge freshly baked cookies in classic and bold flavours.
Bakehouse ✅
Arguably the best egg tart in town. Tip: their pastries sell out fast. Try the pre-order route and swing by the day after to guarantee yourself a box (or two) of buttery goodness.
Chachawan ✅
Authentic Isaan Thai food in the heart of Hong Kong, with friendly hosts and an unpretentious vibe. Don’t miss their take on Gai Yang (Thai-Style Grilled Chicken) and Khao Pad (Crab Fried Rice).
Little Bao ✅
Buns that pack a punch. Expect bold and novel twists on the classics, with an experience as creative as their baos. The baos are a given (you can’t go wrong with the Pork Belly), but don't skip out on the sides.
Log Ye Dim Sum ✅
A not-so-hidden gem in the middle of TST. Classic Cantonese — simple, delicious, with a comfy ambiance and just the right price point. There’s a line and few seats, but it moves relatively fast.
Cheung Hing Kee ✅
Crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside— Cheung Hing Kee has dedicated years to perfect Shanghai’s famous pan-fried bun. Each bun is made to order and are cooked in hot cast iron pans. Notably earned a nod as a Bib Gourmand restaurant.
Cupping Room ✅
Cupping Room is an award-winning specialty coffee cafe and roastery for serious coffee drinkers. Sit back and savor your cup alongside brunch favorites like eggs benedict and french toast.
Falcone ✅
A neo-neapolitan pizza joint with a lively and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy their range of pies along with a hearty fare of pastas and small plates.
Yardbird ✅
A stylish and hip izakaya with focus on serving yakitori and small plates. Since its opening, the restaurant has gained a global following and was awarded its first Michelin star in 2021.