Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

Ask any well-versed foodie, and they’ll instantly agree that Hong Kong is a gourmand’s ideal getaway. With vibrant street food vendors, old-school cha chaan tengs, dim sum parlours, and swanky fine dining joints, our city’s got it all. But does the rest of the world agree? Photograph: Courtesy Amber Luxury and lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler recently announced its roundup of the best places to eat in 2026, and Hong Kong made the cut. Celebrated for its dynamic offerings and the unique blend of East-meets-West culture, Hong Kong was recognised as one of the ten cities on the publication’s list. Notable establishments mentioned include Cantonese fare hotspots like Duddell’s and Mak’s Noodle, innovative hand-shaken beverage stores like Silk and Potion House, omakase specialists like Udatsu Sushi and Sushi Zinc, beloved bakeries such as Bakehouse and Tai Cheong Bakery, along with fine-dining venues including Amber, Belon, Caprice, and plenty more.  Photograph: Courtesy Bar Leone Aside from name-dropping popular dining destinations, our city’s bars were mentioned in the publication’s list, such as eco-conscious pioneer Penicillin, Cantonese bar concept Kinsman, creative cocktail bar The Savory Project, molecular mixology joint Quinary, and of course, the world’s current best bar, Bar Leone, along with its Cuban counterpart, Montana.  As for the other cities that were named, Patan in Nepal was the only other Asian city on the global roundup, which also featured a remarkable selection of urban centers from around the world, including Boston in the United States, Crete in Greece, Fès in Morocco, Medellín in Colombia, Minas Gerais in Brazil, Parramatta in Australia, Prince Edward County in Canada, and Seville in Spain.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories:Trattoria Felino is hosting a one-night-only charity dinner to raise funds for Tai Po Hong Kong’s popular New Year’s Eve fireworks have been cancelled A temporary bamboo altar in Kam Tin has been recognised by the Guinness World Records

This month, Michelin Guide-recognised Trattoria Felino will be hosting a one-night-only charity dinner event ($1,880 per person) on December 22, where several of Hong Kong’s talented chefs and individuals will join forces for a multi-course menu that’ll raise funds for families affected by the Tai Po tragedy.  Aside from chef Scognamiglio of the Wan Chai-based Italian restaurant, the fundraiser event’s lineup sees chef Olivier Elzer from L’Envol and Clarence, chef Angelo Aglianó of Tosca di Angelo, chef Aven Lau of Épure, chef Fabiana Miccoli of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Hong Kong, chef Cary Docherty of Lobster Bar & Grill, and chef Marco Xodo from Testina. Additionally, bartenders John Nugent and Angel Chiu of Sugar King will be providing cocktails and desserts throughout the evening. Diners can expect to enjoy special creations such as hamachi with jalapeno and shiso, ravioli del plin with parmesan fondue, braised beef cheek in a red wine and chocolate sauce, and plenty more. All proceeds from the dinner will be donated to the Hong Kong Red Cross, which provides support to households affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court through its Tai Po fire emergency appeal. Book your tables for the fundraiser dinner here or through WhatsApp at 5697 4477. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong’s popular New Year’s Eve fireworks have been cancelled A temporary bamboo altar in Kam Tin has been recognised by the Guinness World Records There’s a K-pop Demon Hunters pop-up opening in Hong Kong

After launching in countries like Japan, South Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Thailand, Bandai Namco Asia is finally bringing the highly anticipated Gundam Base experience to Hong Kong. Set to unveil on December 20 at The Twins in Kai Tak, the flagship store will span nearly 4,500 sq ft and offer exclusive collectables and merchandise. Additionally, there’ll be themed exhibitions, a dedicated space to hold model-building sessions, and a jaw-dropping eight-metre-tall God Gundam bust as the store’s centrepiece, built to a 1:2 scale and towering over shoppers. Photograph: Courtesy The Gundam Base Aside from featuring over 100 models and collectables, Hong Kong’s location will also present exclusive items. Namely, three limited-edition models from The Gundam Base’s pop-up world tour – the RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0, the MG 1/100 Wing Gundam Zero EW Ver.Ka, and the MG 1/100 Gundam Astray Red Frame – will be available for passionate collectors to purchase, so you’d better hurry if you want to get your hands on one.  Photograph: Courtesy The Gundam Base During The Gundam Base’s opening phase, shoppers will need to sign up on The Twins Reward’s mobile app for pre-registration ballots on a first-come, first-served basis to visit the flagship store. Customers can only reserve a slot per day, which is valid for one hour. To ensure your chance to get into the flagship store, download The Twins’ mobile app ahead of time and visit The Gundam Base Hong Kong’s Facebook page for more details.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories:A temporary bamboo altar in Kam Tin has been recognised by the Guinness World Records There’s a K-pop Demon Hunters pop-up opening in Hong Kong Matchali is opening a new branch in Central with location-exclusive items

It’s no surprise that Hong Kong holds several world records, such as having the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system and being the city with the most buildings over 150 metres. Now, our city has added another title to the Guinness World Records with the world’s largest temporary bamboo structure altar. Located in Kam Tin Heung, New Territories, this architectural feat measures at 3,897.409 sq m and towers nearly five storeys high, built to hold the celebrations for the Kam Tin Heung Jiao Festival, also known as the Da Chiu Festival.  Photograph: CH But first off, what exactly is the Jiao Festival? While this event is celebrated in various areas across Hong Kong at different times, Kam Tin Heung’s iteration occurs once every decade and is held to show gratitude to the deities and purify the surrounding area. This year’s celebrations take place from December 13 to 19 within the temporary bamboo theatre in front of the Chow Wong Yi Kung Study Hall, a Grade II historical building at Shui Tau Tsuen. The structure was built in 1684 to honour Zhou You-de, the Viceroy of Guangdong and Guanxi, and Wang Lai-ren, the Governor of Guangdong, who lifted a border ban, allowing visitors to return to the area during the early Qing Dynasty. Photograph: CH Aside from serving as a ritual hall for the festivities, the record-holding bamboo theatre will also host several Taoist ceremonies, including deity processions, lion and dragon dances, Cantonese opera performances, hand puppet shows, and communal poon choi feasts. While Kam Tin Heung might be a bit of a trek to reach, we reckon getting to marvel at this bamboo behemoth and experiencing this decennial festival is worth making a day trip up into the New Territories.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: There’s a K-pop Demon Hunters pop-up opening in Hong Kong Matchali is opening a new branch in Central with location-exclusive itemsAmerican comedian Morgan Jay to debut in Hong Kong next October

In case you’ve been living under a rock during the second half of 2025, Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters has taken the world by storm with its catchy tunes and colourful animated characters.  Building on this massive momentum, the creators have launched a themed pop-up store in Seoul in early December, which has been a huge success. Following this, the animated film’s themed store will tour Asia throughout December and January, with Hong Kong as its first overseas location.  Visit New Town Plaza from December 18 to January 11  for exclusive merchandise of the Huntrix girls, the Saja Boys, and even adorable sidekicks Derpy and Sussie. Shoppers can look forward to themed clothing based on the movie’s hit songs, washi tape, lenticular photocards, plush toys, posters, and mini-CD key rings, among others.  After a fun shopping spree, don’t miss out on nearby K-Pop Demon Hunters-themed activities. Enjoy arts and crafts such as clay ornament workshops and chibi-style oil painting, participate in a cosplay contest for kids, and dig into themed food and drink offerings at participating restaurants.  Find more details about the exclusive themed workshops and experiences on New Town Plaza’s website. K-Pop Demon Hunters pop-up details:Date: December 18, 2025 – January 11, 2026Opening hours: 10am-10pmAddress: L1 West Wing, Phase 1, New Town Plaza, Sha Tin Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Matchali is opening a new branch in Central with location-exclusive itemsAmerican comedian Morgan Jay to debut in Hong Kong next October Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium ranks 3rd globally in ticket sales within its first year

While we love to indulge in a well-shaken post-work margarita, the vibe calls for something with less detrimental effects on your liver once in a while. Among the myriad boba shops and coffee spots in Central, a new contender for delicious drinks, good vibes, and an all-round mindful philosophy has entered the scene: Hong Kong’s favourite matcha specialist Matchali has finally opened a second location on Lyndhurst Terrace! Fellow matcha lovers, it’s time to get hyped.  Photograph: Courtesy Matchali Loved for its handcrafted, ceremonial-grade matcha creations, Matchali has become a one-stop shop for all things matcha since opening on Wan Chai’s Moon Street back in June 2022. Visitors can expect the same matcha-centred menu on offer at its Central store, alongside seasonal offerings, location-exclusive items, premium tea powders, and state-of-the-art brewing equipment.  Photograph: Courtesy Matchali The Lyndhurst-exclusive iced banana bread matcha latte infuses the essence of this comforting treat with matcha to create a tropical delight, while the Spanish matcha latte layers hand-beaten tea with swirls of creamy condensed milk for extra indulgence. Meanwhile, diners can pair their drinks with the sweet yet refreshing matcha ricotta strawberry toast or the matcha yoghurt granola bowl, a hearty delight packed full of essential nutrients and superfoods.  Photograph: Courtesy Matchali Don’t miss the Christmas specials! The festive line-up stars returning favourites such as the white chocolate matcha latte, gingerbread latte, and peppermint matcha latte, as well as a new apple pie matcha latte, a cinnamon-heavy drink that pays homage to a beloved autumn-winter pastry.  Matchali Lyndhurst Terrace will open on December 24 at 12-14 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories:American comedian Morgan Jay to debut in Hong Kong next October Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium ranks 3rd globally in ticket sales within its first year Where to eat cheese fondue and raclette in Hong Kong this winter

If you’re chronically on the Internet, you’ve probably seen a clip of Morgan Jay delivering his hilarious autotuned commentary and crowd work at his comedy sets, along with his signature “can I get a LOL or a ha ha ha?” jingle. Known for his unique blend of music and comedy, this American stand-up comedian has racked up over five million followers on Instagram and performed countless sets across North America and Europe. Before you start to get FOMO, you’ll be glad to know that the viral comedian will be in town next October as part of his Goofy Guy tour, which will include stops in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Jay’s show will take place at 7pm on October 8 at the Kitty Woo Stadium, Tung Po, with tickets going for $380, $580, and $680. Those on the comedian’s mailing list will get access to Ticketflap’s artist presale on December 17, whereas the general public will be able to purchase their tickets on December 19. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium ranks 3rd globally in ticket sales within its first year Where to eat cheese fondue and raclette in Hong Kong this winter Sham Shui Po’s historic umbrella shop Sun Ngai Shing Sun Rise Co. will close at the end of this year

Since officially opening on March 1, Kai Tak Stadium has proven its position as a world-class sports and entertainment complex, solidifying Hong Kong’s reputation as one of Asia’s event capitals. Within its first year, our city’s 50,000-seater stadium hosted a diverse array of events across multiple sectors, including the Hong Kong Sevens, several football matches from famous clubs, the 2025 Mama Awards, hosted a wide range of major sporting events, and welcomed international stars such as Coldplay, JJ Lin, and Seventeen for their concerts. And we’ve got the numbers to prove it. According to U.S concert and live music industry trade publication Pollstar, our city’s venue placed third in total number of ticket sales worldwide, with 1.25 million tickets sold amounting to USD$191.34 million. Kai Tak Stadium also came in fifth in total gross revenue worldwide at USD $191 million, and took the top spot for both categories within Asia. Additionally, the nearby 10,000-seater Kai Tak Arena, used for smaller performances and sporting events, ranked eighth in terms of total gross revenue within Asia. With plenty more exciting events lined up at Kai Tak Stadium in 2026, including BlackPink’s three-day concert in January, it’s clear that this venue’s reputation will only get bigger and better in time. We can't wait to see what’s in store for Hong Kong as a go-to destination for unforgettable events!Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Where to eat cheese fondue and raclette in Hong Kong this winter Sham Shui Po’s historic umbrella shop Sun Ngai Shing Sun Rise Co. will close at the end of this year Ayumi Hamasaki cancels Macau concert amidst Sino-Japanese political tension

In light of the deadly fire that took place at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, many local and international initiatives have been set up to aid the clean-up and recovery services on the ground. Now, the art world is also pitching in on these collective fundraising efforts, so if you’re art lover and collector, here’s how you can contribute to a local ambulance service in the aftermath of the Tai Po disaster in return for a world-class piece of art.  Chinese artist Ding Shilun is auctioning one of his paintings, and all proceeds will go towards supporting St John Ambulance Hong Kong to aid their continued work for those affected by the tragedy at Wang Fuk Court. Known for his pictorial paintings, Ding’s latest work diverges from the vibrant hues and fantastical, mythological motifs that has become a trademark of the Guangzhou native.  Depicting a moment of stillness and serenity, Dawn (2025) features two painters sharing an umbrella as they observe a sunset over turbulent waters. Symbolising faith, hope, and resilience, the watercolour painting is a poignant reminder of continued support for victims and their families, and a light at the end of the tunnel for those in need.  The silent auction is taking place through Bernheim Gallery. To bid, simply message the gallery through email or direct message on Instagram. The auction will close at 11.59pm on December 11 and the winning bid will be announced on December 12.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacky Ho (@hoctavius) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 6 new pasta bars and restaurants in Hong Kong to try right now CupNoodles Museum Hong Kong announces closure in 2026 but teases potential return Tai Kwun’s new exhibition interprets the I Ching ancient text through a contemporary lens

If you, like us, remember when the CupNoodles museum first opened its doors in Tsim Sha Tsui back in March 2021, then this will come as sad news to you. The beloved establishment has become a staple weekend destination for visitors of all ages, offering DIY cup noodle workshops alongside a comprehensive instant noodle-themed exhibition. If you’ve yet to experience the magic of the CupNoodles Museum, or are simply on the hunt for a slurp of nostalgia, pay them a visit before their doors close for good. But this isn’t all bad news for cup noodles fans, as the museum also teases its eventual return to Hong Kong after a round of renovation. As mentioned in a discreet closing statement published on November 24, the CupNoodles Museum Hong Kong will operate until January 11, 2026, with intention to return with a “brand-new format and design in the future”.  Photograph: Courtesy Cup Noodles Museum Until then, the public is encouraged to visit the museum for its noodle factory-themed exhibition, complete with the iconic Cup Noodles Wall and a three-metre tall giant, overturned cup noodle, The Big Cup. Beyond photo ops, visitors can also sign up for the My CupNoodles Factory workshop ($60), Demae Iccho Factory workshop ($120), and the Hong Kong-exclusive My Granola workshop ($60), where you can create your own cup noodle from scratch. Don’t forget to pay the souvenir shop a visit before you leave! Here’s where you can stock up on exclusive instant noodles, snacks, desserts, and more.  CupNoodles Museum Hong Kong is located at Shop 26-35, 2/F, China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Guests will need a valid workshop ticket to enter CupNoodles Museum Hong Kong. Apart from workshop tickets, visitors can also purchase the ‘Holmes at the Museum’ game pack priced at $50 each, or opt for the birthday exclusive offer, priced at $280 and inclusive of four workshop tickets plus a gift bag. Tickets are available at cupnoodles-museum.com.hk/get_ticket.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Tai Kwun’s new exhibition interprets the I Ching ancient text through a contemporary lens Big JJ Seafood Hotpot is leaving its Central location – here’s what we know Hong Kong is officially the second most visited city in the world in 2025

The popular Japanese mascot series Namagaki is taking over Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong with a themed installation! Since Namagaki characters began popping up inside claw machines and arcades across town, so many hearts have been captured by their simple yet lovable designs and adorably blank expressions. The Namagaki Festival features a series of installations and exhibits for fans to take pictures with, as well as a charming merch pop-up with exclusive items for sale. Photograph: Courtesy Yell / Festival Walk At the centre of the installation is a four-metre-tall giant oyster can, where Namagaki characters spill out alongside rainbow-coloured sweets. Right next door is the pastel-coloured Namagaki Washoku House, where cute oyster characters act as chef and waiter at this makeshift traditional Japanese eatery. See if you can spot the pink pumpkins dotted around the space – it’s the installation’s discreet nod to the upcoming spooky season.  Beyond photo ops, fans will definitely delight in browsing through the themed pop-up store housing over 100 exclusive Namagaki products, including 80 first launches in Hong Kong that span everything from stationery to t-shirts and tote bags. Don’t forget to stop by the Namagaki claw machine and the collectible trading card capsule machine for an adorable surprise!  Photograph: Courtesy Festival Walk In the spirit of Halloween, Festival Walk is inviting visitors to trick or treat around designated stores in the mall. Exclusive to My Festival members, take part in this seasonal activity by purchasing a $1,000 gift card to receive a limited-edition Baby Namagaki birthstone bag charm and candy can clutch – where you can store your hard-earned sweets.  Namagaki Festival will be at Festival Walk from October 24 to November 13. See footage of the Namagaki Festival pop-up here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 18 hotels in Hong Kong and Macau have been awarded 2025 Michelin Keys OneRepublic is coming back to Hong Kong in February 2026 The best Halloween parties in Hong Kong this year

Remember when we all saw a giant Doraemon sitting unexpectedly at the dockyard along Tsing Yi last week? Well, the news is out and it’s not that a robotic cat is invading Hong Kong – instead, a fleet of floating inflatable sculptures will be making their appearance along Victoria Harbour next month. AllRightsReserved, the local creative brand behind last year’s thousands of panda sculptures and the recent Chiikawa exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui, is putting on the Water Parade, where a set of four giant, floating inflatable figures will be making a debut at sea. In the lineup is Doraemon, perched on his favourite dorayaki snack; Elmo from the Kaws & Sesame Street collaboration; McDonalds’ purple blob-shaped mascot Grimace; and Labubu, the globally viral Nordic-inspired monster by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. After a trial run in the waters of Tsing Yi on September 20, these four figures will be set afloat along Victoria Harbour on October 25, and will be shown in brand-new poses. Visit them just off of Tamar Park in Admiralty and snap plenty of photos, because when else are you going to see such universally recognised and different cartoon characters all sitting together? Photograph: Courtesy AllRightsReserved On November 1, the floating sculptures will be taken on a water parade between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, sailing along both sides of Victoria Harbour, before departing from our waters on the evening of the same day. For the entire duration of the sculpture display, there will also be a Water Parade Market at the promenade near Tamar Park. Aside from pop-up stores, F&B stands, game booths, photo spots, and a capsule toy zone, the market will also feature other internationally popular IPs from KPop Demon Hunters, season five of Stranger Things, Squid Games, Snoopy and the Peanuts, as well as Hong Kong’s classic TOLO Founding Duck, which is marking its 40th anniversary. Early-bird tickets to the festivities will be available at $50 for adults, starting at 12 noon on September 26. Walk-in tickets can also be purchased on site, subject to availability. All tickets include a $20 merchandise voucher, which can be redeemed cumulatively on purchases of every $200. Attendees can also buy a viewing platform special ticket at $150, which includes entry to the Water Parade Market. See some footage of the Water Parade here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The best Oktoberfest events happening in Hong Kong this year The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (September 22-28) Super Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong braces for the strongest typhoon of the year as it approaches the city

Do you remember an exhibition last summer that displayed miniature scenes of the Central and Western districts in Pacific Place? In case you missed it, the Joyful Miniature Association (JMA) is back once again, this time with more incredibly detailed dioramas of life in Hong Kong, including seven brand-new miniatures that have never been seen before. The 24 art pieces will highlight some of Hong Kong’s famous landmarks, cultural customs, and unique lifestyles. Peek into painstaking recreations of Sunday dim sum at Maxim’s Palace in City Hall, chaotic nighttime revelry along Lan Kwai Fong, the customs of worship and pin wheel buying at Man Mo Temple and Wong Tai Sin Temple, a moving model of the fifth generation of the Peak Tram funicular railway, views of Victoria Harbour complete with boats sailing and fireworks, and more.  Photograph: Courtesy Joyful Miniature Association The new miniatures at this show include the Kai Tak Sports Park, the legendary old Kowloon Walled City, night scenes of Temple Street, horse racing, aquatic animals on sale at one of the many shops along Goldfish Street, the cable car at Ngong Ping 360, and Hong Kong’s transhipment history at the Insta-famous Western District Pier. The JMA brings together over 100 Hong Kong artists who collectively integrate the traditionally European craft of miniatures with our distinctly local culture using cutting-edge technology. If there’s one way to stroll through the most iconic sights and experiences of Hong Kong in just a few steps, this exhibition is definitely it. ‘Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Miniature Exhibition’ will be on display at The Peak Tower from April 25 to June 23 – JMA’s longest exhibition in the city. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong ranked as the 10th most walkable city in the world; 1st in East Asia Hong Kong Airport Express proposes fare increase of 9.4 percent The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is hosting a carnival this Sunday

We sit down with artist and designer Joe Foti before his new exhibition in Hong Kong

March in Hong Kong is not complete without a trip to the Wanchai Convention Centre to spend a day or two at Art Basel. This year’s fair gathers 240 global galleries, with large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, digital art, live performances, video works, and more to see!

From a world without colours to her love of big city metros, we caught up with British artist Monster Chetwynd for a round of quick-fire questions while she's in town for her new installation at Pacific Place! 

Free on Tuesdays? Head over to Hugo's in TST for their unlimited steak and frites night, which also come with Caesar salad, a dessert, and plenty of tipples – just remember to wear loose pants.

G'day foodies! Renowned chef Shane Osborn has just opened a laidback Aussie-style cafe inspired by Australian pit stops. Perfect for a casual meal when in Central.

This arts month, don't miss Hong Kong's first ASMR exhibition that will give you all kinds of tingles.

This ‘Picasso for Asia’ exhibition is the first time that masterpieces from the Musée national Picasso-Paris are being shown alongside works from an Asian museum collection. Find out what makes the Spanish master of Cubism so influential – you have until mid-July!