If you’re feeling that familiar itch for a fresh getaway but you’re stuck for ideas—we’ve got just the place. From island paradises and lush green wonderlands to achingly cool art hubs and Michelin-star eateries, Hong Kong needs to be on your holiday wishlist—because this city has so many under-the-radar gems to explore.
To kick-start your planning, we’ve teamed up with Hong Kong Tourism Board to share our fave hidden Hong Kong 'hoods that you need to visit in 2024.
West Kowloon Cultural District
Culture-seekers should make tracks directly to this achingly cool 'hood—a melting pot of historic buildings, lush greenery, and mind-bending art. Perched on the peninsula, start your day at Art Park, a dreamy outdoor space where you can throw down a picnic blanket and take in pop-up performances. If you happen to head along in the afternoon, it’s also a primo spot to take in the dazzling sunset over Victoria Harbour.
You can’t come to West Kowloon without appreciating M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture. Home to 33 galleries, this sprawling 17,000 sqm space features everything from immersive art to paintings and video games. Explore Hong Kong Palace Museum (home to over 900 priceless treasures) and take in some Chinese opera at the Xiqu Centre.
As for food and drink—your options are endless. Slurp a bowl of life-changing handmade noodles at Mak's Noodles (they’ve even nabbed a Michelin Star), or sip over 80 types of gin at Rest Coffee Gin.
Perfect for: art lovers, architecture buffs and culture vultures.
Central
Across the water from Kowloon you'll find a place where ancient tea houses and century-old temples sit side by side with buzzing bars and colourful street art—Central. Not sure where to start? Housed in the former Central Police Compound, Tai Kwun is an art lover's nirvana. Steeped in history and culture, here you can take in art, catch live music performances and film screenings, and grab a bite to eat.
Find a moment of zen under the cascading incense coils at the Man Mo Temple, then get your step count up at Central Market—housed in a 12,000 sqm Grade III historic building that’s been converted into a tasty food and shopping precinct. Feast on pillow-like clouds of goodness at Little Bao (the pork belly is non-negotiable), and treat your tastebuds to melt-in-your-mouth roast goose at Yat Lok. The hole-in-the-wall joint often has a line out the front thanks to its Michelin Star, but it’s worth the wait. The tender meat goes through 20 preparatory steps before it even hits the grill.
And it’s not a trip to HK without visiting a traditional dai pai dong (a casual outdoor eatery) so make sure you swing by Sing Kee on Stanley Street for a feed—the salt and pepper fried squid and clams in chilli bean sauce are must orders. Central is THE place to hit for a nightcap. Sip artfully curated cocktails at The Old Man, catch cabaret at Maggie Choo's, and work your way through the 41-page spirit menu at COA.
Perfect for: keen shoppers and cocktail aficionados.
Sham Shui Po
So many travellers love the glitzy side of Hong Kong, but plenty of gems lie off the beaten track, among the locals. Enter Sham Shui Po, a working-class neighbourhood just north of Kowloon and frequented by creatives. It's filled with vintage stores and market stalls to fill your canvas bag, buildings steeped in history, and cheap eats you’ll think about for years to come.
One of the oldest districts in HK, the 50s and 60s saw this 'hood become the heart of the city’s textile industry—and to this day it remains a shopping mecca for those seeking out high-quality materials and unique handcrafted pieces. First head to Tai Nan Street—aka Leather Street. Here you’ll find Alri Star Leather Factory and The Lederer, who sell butter-soft hides and offer workshops in crafting your own leather goods. There’s also the Sham Shui Po Fabric Market—home to over 50 market stalls slinging fabrics in a kaleidoscope of colours and textures.
Want more? There’s also Yu Chau Street (Bead Street), Ki Lung Street (Button Street) and Nam Cheong Street (Ribbon Street). If you’re still not done shopping, meander through Apliu Street Market, a labyrinth of stalls filled with electronics, antique clocks and vintage cameras. Pro tip: check out Vinyl Hero, just above Apliu Street, packed floor to ceiling with 400,000 vinyl records.
While you won’t find as many fancy restaurants in this part of town, you’ll be able to treat your tastebuds to tasty authentic eats that won’t break the bank. Grab the iconic bean curd pudding from Kung Wo Beancurd Factory—they've been slinging this silky smooth treat since the 60s. Get your dumpling and congee fix at Yuen Fong Dumpling Store and order the corned beef and egg sandwich from Sun Hang Yuen. For something Michelin-approved, devour Cheong fun (rice noodle roll) at Hop Yik Tai. Post feed, head to Cafe Sausalito who have local bands playing every Sunday.
Perfect for: vintage and market lovers, street food fanatics and hipsters.
Lamma Island
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Central lies Lamma Island—a floating oasis, home to tiny temples, waterfront bars, seafood eateries, artisan shops and nature trails. You really can choose your own adventure here, but it’s best to start by stretching your legs with a hike through the greenery-strewn hills on the Family Trail. The 5km paved trek will reward you with stunning views over the water and the fishing village below.
Float away your troubles at crowd-free Lo So Shing Beach, or throw a towel down at Sham Wan Beach, the only green turtle nesting site in the South China Sea. For a holiday memento, wander through the vibrant village of Yung Shue Wan. The main shopping street edges along the water and is lined with unique boutiques selling handcrafted clothing, jewellery, and art you’ll want to take home. Post shop, swing by Ah Por Tofu Fa, a simple roadside stall serving up moreish creamy tofu fa and soybean milk, a traditional treat of silky smooth custard.
Next, make like a local and explore the island’s more low-key village, Sok Kwu Wan. Here's where you’ll find the Genuine Lamma Hilton Fishing Village Restaurant. It doesn’t quite roll off the tongue, but the fresh-off-the-boat seafood makes for a bucket list-worthy meal. Think wafer paper-wrapped prawns deep fried to perfection, sweet and sour baby fish, and stir fry with fresh squid and pork belly. You also can't go past Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant where you can dig into enormous plates of steamed scallops and fried prawns. Finally, round out your sunny sojourn with a visit to Sha Po New Village where it would be rude not to throw back a local craft beer at Yardley Brothers Beer Shack—the island’s first taproom.
Perfect for: hikers, culture vultures and seafood seekers.
Sai Kung
A seaside wonderland, Sai Kung is a place where endless adventures abound. Flanked by rolling mountains and fringed by postcard-perfect beaches, here you can spend your days hiking, snorkelling and island-hopping. Kick off your visit by exploring Hong Kong’s UNESCO Geopark. Stretching 150 square kilometres, the park covers much of Sai Kung, resulting in unique honeycomb-shaped volcanic rock columns jutting out of the ocean. Make sure you book a boat tour to take in the magic of this 140 million-year-old wonder from every angle.
Next, make your way to Sharp Island, in particular the inlet of Kiu Tau. The rocky tidal tombolo creates one of the best snorkelling spots in Hong Kong—where you can float among colourful coral and butterfly fish. Further along, you’ll want to spend a few hours at Hap Mun Bay (Half Moon Bay). The sugar-white sand is framed by unique rock formations that snake out into the sparkling water.
You can’t visit Sai Kung without indulging in their uber-fresh seafood. In town, wander down Seafood Street, which appears unassuming but it’s a special spot filled with Michelin Star eateries. Grab a table at one-Michelin-star eatery Loaf On and order the deep-fried abalone and flower crab. Three-storey Sing Kee Seafood always brings good vibes with its lively dining rooms and affordable seafood dishes—the clams are a must-try. Finally, round out your visit with a feast at the family-run, Michelin-recommended Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant. Just look for the giant neon fish hanging outside or follow the crowd. Grab a seat on the balcony, people watch and tuck into a plate of salt and pepper mantis shrimp.
Perfect for: outdoor adventurers, beach lovers and seafood seekers.
Already planning your dream vacay to Hong Kong? Head here to uncover even more incredible islands, Michelin eateries and cultural spots to make your next getaway one of the very best.
Editor’s note: This article was produced in partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: Urban List & Hong Kong Tourism Board