Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

Since its opening in 2017, The Old Man Hong Kong has swiftly scaled its way on the top echelons of industry rankings for the best bars in Asia and in the world, and is still considered one of the best watering holes in Hong Kong. To celebrate almost a decade of being on the scene, the speakeasy-style bar is throwing a special takeover night featuring seven other top-notch bars in the city. The Old Man has always gotten its inspiration from the American novelist Ernest Hemingway, whose stories wouldn’t have reached such acclaim without a complex network of relationships with other artists such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ezra Pound. In the same vein, The Old Man is honouring its relationship with Hong Kong’s dynamic bar community with a celebration that brings in several other Soho institutions over a seven-hour relay. Photograph: Calvin SitThe Old Man Hong Kong Co-founder Nikita Matveev will take the floor from 5pm to 6pm before passing the shift onto industry friends from Quinary and The Opposites, Montana, Artifact, The Savory Project, Honky Tonks, and Socio. Each bartender will serve two drinks during their allotted hour: one iconic cocktail that represents their home bar, and one twist on a daiquiri, which is Hemingway’s rum tipple of choice. What makes things even better is that the night is free for all to enter, with complimentary drinks as a fond thank you to the industry and the guests who have helped The Old Man build its legacy. Entry will be walk-in only with no reservations, so either get there early or be prepared to wait while space clears up.  The Old Man Hong Kong’s bar takeover will start at 5pm on July 21. 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: Water World Ocean Park goes retro with an 80s-themed summer festival Watsons celebrates its 185th anniversary with a nostalgic concept store in Yau Ma Tei T.O.P announces Asia fan meeting tour with first stop in Hong Kong this August

Water World Ocean Park is throwing things back to the 80s this summer with a heavy dose of Hong Kong nostalgia. Running from July 4 to August 31, the water park is transforming into a retro wonderland for its new summer festival, complete with late-night pool parties, international DJs, neon photo spots, along with various water sports and fitness programmes. Photograph: Courtesy Water World Ocean ParkCanton Beats poolside parties at Water World Ocean Park The headline event is Canton Beats, which marks Water World’s biggest Cantopop DJ party to date. Taking over the park from 6.30pm to 9.30pm every Saturday and Sunday (except for August 22), the poolside events invite visitors to splash around to Cantopop remixes and golden oldies under spectacular light displays. The musical roster includes major international names such as South Korea’s EDM Queen DJ Sura, the mega-popular Malaysian DJ Amber Na, the viral crowd-controlling master DJ Kixon, and Doctor DJ Sunb who recently rocked the stage at S2O Taiwan. To keep the party flowing, an 80s-themed poolside bar will also be serving up refreshments all night long. If pop idols are more your speed, you’ll want to circle August 22 in your calendar as the park will host a special night from 6pm to 9.30pm featuring performances and meet-and-greets with six pop groups from across the region. Photograph: Courtesy Water World Ocean ParkPlumber King art gallery at Water World Ocean Park While at the park, guests can also snap photos at retro ‘bing teng’ corners, a giant gacha machine, a glow-in-the-dark ‘Plumber King’ art gallery, and other giant neon installations. There are plenty of interactive games on offer too, from oversized versions of classic tabletop games like Jenga and Connect Four to a friendly matchmaking event every Saturday hosted by internet personality Moon Cheung. Meanwhile, those looking for a workout can join Aqua SUP yoga sessions at Big Wave Bay every Saturday and Sunday at 5.30pm and 6.30pm, or take part in water volleyball and basketball competitions. Photograph: Courtesy Water World Ocean ParkAqua SUP Yoga at Water World Ocean Park Tickets for the summer events vary, but Ocean Park annual members can secure entry from as low as $69, while local seniors aged 60 or above can bag weekday tickets for just $2. To get everyone amped up for the summer events, the park will be bringing special flash mob events to W Plaza in Mong Kok, the Star Ferry Pier, the Avenue of Stars, as well as Sogo and Hysan Place in Causeway Bay on July 5. Simply drop by any of the locations and take part in a Blind Box Game for the chance to win limited-edition gifts and admission tickets. Head to Water World Ocean Park’s official website 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: Watsons celebrates its 185th anniversary with a nostalgic concept store in Yau Ma Tei T.O.P announces Asia fan meeting tour with first stop in Hong Kong this August London’s famous Santa Nata is opening its first Asian flagship in Central

A nostalgic new addition has arrived on the streets of Kowloon. Health and beauty giant Watsons is celebrating its 185th anniversary by throwing things all the way back to the 19th century, opening a vintage-themed heritage concept store on Nathan Road in Yau Ma Tei. The new space channels the brand’s history as the first pharmacy in Hong Kong to introduce Western medicine, swapping its usual bright corporate aesthetic for a classic dispensary look. Visitors stepping inside will find the brand’s signature green colour paired with a vintage gold signboard, old-school posters, checkered floor tiles, and other interiors inspired by traditional pharmacies.   Photograph: Courtesy WatsonsVintage wooden medicine cabinet   Aside from picking up your daily essentials, the shop has put together plenty of interactive elements to draw in the crowds. There’s a retro vanity corner with a wooden dressing table and soft lighting that’s perfect for selfies, a playful bathroom-themed zone, a traditional wooden medicine cabinet, and a free newspaper photo booth where customers can print a personalised front-page headline featuring their portrait after making any purchase. Photograph: Courtesy Watsons‘Love Your Organs’ blind box collection To mark the launch, a collection of exclusive anniversary merchandise is debuting at the branch. This includes the limited-edition Watson mascot ‘Watjai’ plush series, organ-themed characters blind boxes, and special nostalgia-infused packaging created in partnership with household names like Bioré and Colgate. Other familiar retail names under the group are also getting in on the action, rolling out fun trinkets like light-box magnets inspired by the Park n’ Shop signage, a retro film camera from Fortress, and a bottle opener from Watsons Water. Open daily from 10am to 10pm, the store is located at 485 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei, right by Exit C of the MTR station. 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: T.O.P announces Asia fan meeting tour with first stop in Hong Kong this August London’s famous Santa Nata is opening its first Asian flagship in Central New live music bar and cocktail venue Take 5 opens in Central

It’s time to start saving your pennies, K-pop fans. Just months after dropping his first full-length solo album, Another Dimension, former BigBang member T.O.P has announced that he’s heading to Hong Kong this summer for his first solo Asia fan meeting tour! Taking to social media on July 2 to drop the official poster for the tour, titled T.O.P Pre-Studio 2026, the multi-talented rapper, musician, and actor will make stops in Taipei, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Kaohsiung, with more cities to be revealed soon. Hong Kong fans, however, will get first dibs as the star is set to kick off the tour on the AsiaWorld-Arena stage on August 15. View this post on Instagram A post shared by T.O.P (@ttt) Naturally, the timing of the announcement has thrown local V.I.P.s into a bit of a spin as his former bandmates – G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung – only recently confirmed three massive BigBang shows at Kai Tak Stadium for November. Suffice to say, us second-gen K-pop fans are in for a glorious wave of nostalgia that promises to be thoroughly draining, both emotionally and financially. As for how many of your hard-earned dollars this will cost, the exact pricing and ticketing details are still under wraps. More information, including authorised sales platforms and official merchandise packages, will be announced through T.O.P’s official channels soon. For now, keep your eyes locked on his official platforms for the latest details on when the August tickets will go on sale. 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: London’s famous Santa Nata is opening its first Asian flagship in Central New live music bar and cocktail venue Take 5 opens in Central New Wan Chai pop-up Marrow redefines open-fire cooking this summer

Just over a month after Lisbon’s legendary Manteigaria opened its Hong Kong flagship in Central, London’s very own Santa Nata is joining the sweet fray, officially landing in the city with its first Asian flagship on Lyndhurst Terrace. Founded in 2019 by Portuguese entrepreneur Francisco Oliveira, the brand has built a cult following across the UK and the Middle East for its handmade pastéis de nata, celebrated for their incredibly flaky crusts and beautifully caramelised centres. This new Hong Kong spot – with room for eight seated guests and another eight standing – marks its 10th shop globally, introducing a 300-year-old traditional recipe to local foodies and dessert lovers. Photograph: Courtesy Santa NataSanta Nata Hong Kong The core menu is kept tight with three signature pastries. First is the iconic Pastel de Nata ($14), renowned for its crispy pastry shell and silky egg custard filling. Next is the Pão de Deus ($25), which literally translates to ‘God’s Bread’. Inspired by local coconut buns, each pillowy soft bun is filled with coconut paste and finished with a layer of nata custard. Last but certainly not least, the Santa Nata Brioche ($25) is shaped like a French croissant and can be upgraded with a scoop of thick nata cream for an extra $5. To wash it all down, there’s also a selection of drinks including a Nata Latte ($48), a Nata Milk Tea ($45), and a variety of coffees and teas starting from $30. Photograph: Courtesy Santa NataPastel de Nata Available either as a solo indulgence or packed into sharing boxes (eight pieces maximum per guest), these tarts operate on a strict schedule. Fresh batches slide out of the oven at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, and 6pm every day, announced by the chiming of the shop bells. What sets the Hong Kong venue apart from its European siblings, however, is its rotating monthly menu concept. While the core trio will always be available, the bakery will launch limited-edition pastries, seasonal specials, and exclusive creations every 30 to 60 days. For Hong Kong, the team has even slightly tweaked the recipe to suit local sugar preferences – because, as any true local knows, “not too sweet” will forever be the highest praise a Hongkonger can give to a dessert. Keep your eyes peeled on their Instagram (@santanata.hk) for future launches, which promise everything from custard-based desserts to seasonal pastries and Hong Kong-exclusive creations. Santa Nata Hong KongAddress: 25-27 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: New live music bar and cocktail venue Take 5 opens in Central New Wan Chai pop-up Marrow redefines open-fire cooking this summer Australia’s Thunder from Down Under returns to Galaxy Macau this August

Hong Kong’s live music scene has taken a fair few knocks over the years, so the arrival of a fresh live music spot is always a cause for celebration. Tucked away inside the newly opened Avalon restaurant at H Queen’s in Central, Take 5 is a live music and cocktail joint aiming to provide city dwellers with a genuine spot to wind down. Designed by Hong Kong-based interior design studio Unite Unit, this cosy evening venue takes its name from both the iconic jazz standard popularised by the Dave Brubeck Quartet and the musician’s expression for a five-minute intermission between sets. The music experience here is curated by seasoned jazz guitarist and audio production specialist Skip Moy, who oversees the venue’s rotating performance calendar, sound design, and background playlists. Depending on which night you drop by, the stage will host everything from toe-tapping jazz grooves to singer-songwriters and international artists. Photograph: Courtesy Take 5Interiors of Take 5 live music bar Behind the bar, the drinks list is helmed by Sandeep Kumar, one of the most recognised figures in the local drinks scene. Having trained under international bar icon Giancarlo Mancino, Kumar spent more than two decades building his reputation across India and Hong Kong, famously steering The Wise King onto the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. For Take 5, he has designed a tight menu of five signature cocktails, each named after famous jazz standards. Photograph: Courtesy Take 5Green Dolphin Street (left), Skylark (right) The liquid lineup features ‘Misty’, which pairs cocoa-washed tequila with mango, calamansi, passionfruit, and fresh jalapeño for a clean finish with a gentle kick. There’s also ‘Skylark’, an indigo-hued drink built on butterfly pea gin, Luxardo maraschino, and violet. ‘Green Dolphin Street’ blends aged rum infused with pistachio shrub and citrus, capped off with a light ricotta foam, while ‘Four’ offers a spirit-forward combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, Mancino rosso vermouth, vanilla, and Heering cherry liqueur. Rounding out the quintet is ‘Angel Eyes’, a bittersweet blend of vodka, layered with olive oil, roasted coffee, kopi vermouth, and cacao. Photograph: Courtesy Take 5Take 5 food spread To accompany the jazz and drinks, culinary director Jarrod Verbiak has put together a menu of sophisticated bar snacks. Guests can expect bites like chilled prawn cocktail with horseradish cocktail sauce, kettle chips with French onion dip, or house-smoked maple-glazed bacon served with hot and sour pickles. Take 5 is now open at 2/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central. Visit their Instagram (@takefive.hkg) to check out what live sets they’ve already got lined up. 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: New Wan Chai pop-up Marrow redefines open-fire cooking this summer Australia’s Thunder from Down Under returns to Galaxy Macau this August Hong Kong rises to second place in 2026 World Competitiveness Rankings

Wan Chai is getting a juicy new dining spot this summer, and it’s promising to do some pretty interesting things with open flames. Marrow, an unapologetically meat-led pop-up, is landing in Lee Tung Avenue for a limited two-month run from July 1 until August 31. Curated by chef Chris Ma – whose career has taken him to respected kitchens like Amber and Tate Dining Room – the concept aims to break away from traditional steakhouses. Instead of focusing solely on premium cuts, the kitchen turns to lesser-known meats while weaving in distinct local and regional flavours. Photograph: Courtesy MarrowSichuan beef tartare (left), king fish crudo (right) The menu playfully nods to traditional grill rooms while bringing something new to the table. Starters kick off with crispy barramundi croquettes with fermented soy bean and chili aioli ($88), king fish crudo with melon salsa ($128), and a Sichuan beef tartare with smoked oil and confit egg yolk ($128). Paying homage to its namesake, the restaurant also serves up a typhoon shelter roasted bone marrow ($188), topped with crispy chilli and garlic crumbs with toasted focaccia.  Photograph: Courtesy Marrow13oz Australia Wagyu chuck eye steak The main grill section features six unique dishes cooked over fire. Highlights include an Australian M4+ rump cap ($228), Australian Wagyu bavette ($248), and a New Zealand Lumina lamb loin paired with a Taiwanese Magao pepper sauce ($208). If you’re looking to share, there’s a hefty tomahawk pork chop ($480) or a 13oz Australian Wagyu chuck eye steak ($688) that’s perfect between two people. Photograph: Courtesy MarrowBlue crab rigatoni (left), yellow croaker fish (right) Those looking beyond red meat can opt for grilled turbot finished with salted lemon and brown butter sauce ($520), or a yellow croaker fish served with a pepper and salted egg emulsion ($218). There are also other signature mains beyond the grill, including a crispy pork neck cutlet ($208) and a blue crab rigatoni ($228). Photograph: Courtesy MarrowCroissant “pain perdu” To round things off, a nostalgic dessert menu features a chocolate chip cookie tiramisu ($88), Paris Brest with peanut praline ($88), and a decadent croissant “pain perdu” ($88) served with vanilla ice cream. Marrow will be open daily for dinner only throughout its summer residency. Given the short run and Hong Kong’s insatiable appetite for all things carnivorous, booking ahead is highly recommended. 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: Australia’s Thunder from Down Under returns to Galaxy Macau this August Hong Kong rises to second place in 2026 World Competitiveness Rankings Market Place launches European food fair with rare imports and live tastings

Looking for an excuse to round up the girls and escape the daily grind? Then clear your schedules for mid-August, because Australia’s Thunder from Down Under is officially bringing the heat back to Macau! Photograph: Courtesy Thunder from Down UnderThunder from Down Under Taking over the G Box theatre at Galaxy Macau, the world-famous Las Vegas residency is back for three nights only from August 14 to 16. This year, the production is dialling up the excitement with an upgraded stage, immersive choreography, and a handful of fresh (and very chiselled) faces joining the troupe. Expect everything from fast-paced group numbers to steamy solo routines, keeping you on your toes with a slick mix of modern dance, jazz, and street rhythms. Photograph: Courtesy Thunder from Down UnderThunder from Down Under Unlike traditional theatre setups, the venue features a close-up seating arrangement designed to eliminate the boundary between the performers and the crowd – meaning you’ll be right in the thick of the action. For those wanting to make it a truly special night, the popular Meet & Greet sessions are also returning, offering the chance to grab a cheeky pic with the dancers after the curtains close. Photograph: Courtesy Thunder from Down UnderThunder from Down Under A total of seven performances (75 minutes each) will take place across the three-day weekend. Fridays will host two evening shows at 7pm and 10pm, while Saturdays will feature three sessions at 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. Finally, things wrap up on Sunday with performances at 3pm and 6pm. Standard entry starts at $480, while VIP tickets, which will get you a table by the stage and a free alcoholic drink, are $799 per person. Get your tickets now through Galaxy Ticketing, Damai, Macau Ticket, KKday, and Ctrip. 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 rises to second place in 2026 World Competitiveness Rankings Market Place launches European food fair with rare imports and live tastings McDonald’s is launching the world’s first chocolate McGriddles in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has officially climbed its way up to second place in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2026, marking its highest position since 2019. According to the International Institute for Management Development, the city has spent the last three years steadily scaling the ladder, putting us back on the map as a global powerhouse. The annual report, compiled by the Swiss-based IMD Business School, evaluates 70 economies by measuring four core pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. To get the full picture, researchers combine extensive statistical data with executive survey responses to determine how effectively nations manage their resources to generate long-term value. The report shows that Hong Kong performs exceptionally well in government efficiency and business efficiency, taking second and third place globally. More specifically, the city is hitting top marks for individual sub-factors like tax policy and business legislation, where we officially rank first in the world. We also sit in second place for finance; third in international trade and investment, management practices, and education; and fourth globally in public finance and basic infrastructure. Photograph: ShutterstockHong Kong Island Victoria Harbour It is not all perfect news, however, as the broader economic performance category shows a noticeable drop to 11th place. The yearbook also states that our employment sub-factor has fallen two places to 32nd, while the prices sub-factor – in relation to things like office rent and cost-of-living index – falls even further to 70th place. Climbing the ranks alongside Hong Kong is Singapore, which grabbed the absolute top spot this year. According to the report, this comes as a result of steady performances in governance and infrastructure, with its business efficiency factor making the most transformative shift from eighth to first place. For those keeping score, here’s the top 10 list for the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026: Singapore Hong Kong SAR Switzerland Taiwan United Arab Emirates Denmark Ireland Netherlands Sweden United States Visit imd.org to find out more about the ranking and other details of the annual report. 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: Market Place launches European food fair with rare imports and live tastings McDonald’s is launching the world’s first chocolate McGriddles in Hong Kong The Hong Kong government pulls an anti-drug ad after it seems to promote drug use instead

Market Place is celebrating continental cuisine this summer, offering foodies a chance to stock up on hard-to-find European delicacies in Hong Kong. Running from June 26 to July 30, the Flavours of Europe fair brings together an extensive spread of artisan meats, fresh coastal seafood, vibrant produce, and premium regional beverages. Shoppers can look forward to seasonal produce like SanLucar flat peaches, which are flown straight in from Spain to preserve their sweet aroma and juicy flesh, tasting exactly like a lazy, balmy summer’s day. The fair is also introducing premium cuts of acorn-fed Iberian pork from Hergosan, as well as prized Mediterranean Carabineros scarlet shrimp, celebrated for their rich roe and sweet meat – perfect for a quick sear or tossing into a seafood pasta. Photograph: Courtesy Market PlaceSpanish red prawns Speaking of pasta, there’ll be a selection of chilled, handcrafted Italian options from artisan producer Pastificio Gaetarelli, with quick-cooking varieties like ricotta and spinach ravioli or porcini mushroom girasoli that need nothing more than a light toss in butter. For a pop of colour, the shelves are also stocked with vibrant, vegetable-infused dried pasta from Antica Madia, alongside multi-coloured beef tomatoes from France and the Netherlands. Those looking for indulgent snacks will find low-temperature fried Acho potato chips from Spain in flavours like black truffle, garlic tomato, and Iberian ham; buttery French shortbread from La Mère Poulard; and premium Italian chocolate from Domori. Market Place’s deli counter is also getting an upgrade with black truffle-infused cooked ham and mortadella from Ferrarini. Photograph: Courtesy Market PlaceItalian chocolate from Domori (left), Estrella Damm Inedit wheat beer (right) To wash it all down, the beverage selection spans from globally acclaimed Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV champagne to refreshing bottles of Estrella Damm Inedit wheat beer. Sophisticated alcohol-free options are also available, including Maison Perrier Chic, a cocktail-inspired sparkling water from France, and Saicho jasmine sparkling tea, which is cold-brewed with British spring water and makes for an excellent alternative to traditional bubbly. To bring the buzzing atmosphere of a European market to life, various zones and themed decor have been set up at selected supermarket locations. Shoppers can head to Market Place branches at The Wai, K11, Olympian City 2, Repulse Bay, and Discovery Bay, as well as 3hreesixty at Elements and Oliver’s The Delicatessen in Central. These flagship spots will host exclusive events throughout the month, including live prosciutto carving demonstrations, wine and cheese pairings, and tasting sessions of Iberian pork and Angus beef. The fair is running until July 30, but do note that promotional prices are only valid until July 10, so drop by your nearest branch to stock up on these gourmet goods before the deals slip away. 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: McDonald’s is launching the world’s first chocolate McGriddles in Hong Kong The Hong Kong government pulls an anti-drug ad after it seems to promote drug use instead The Black Series returns with curated menus and exclusive pop-ups at Black Sheep Restaurants

It’s no secret that we love this city and all it has to offer, and we’re always proud to call ourselves Hongkongers. But if there’s one gripe we have – a bone to pick, if you will – it is that Hong Kong is not exactly the most pet-friendly place in the world. We have the bustling city, the teeming nightlife, the lush greenery, and so much amazing food, but when we look at other cities all around the world, Hong Kong pet owners can’t help but think about how we can’t simply stroll into malls or places of entertainment with our furry companions, or even ride on the subway with them. Luckily, things are taking a turn for the better, with the Hong Kong government recently announcing the introduction of a special permit that will allow selected restaurants to welcome dogs indoors. Targeted for approval by mid-2026, between 500 and 1,000 permits will be issued to restaurants which apply for them. This means that we could see a sudden influx of restaurants that actively embrace patrons dining alongside their pets within this year – an absolute dream for dog owners who are tired of being relegated to outdoor seating with no air conditioning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by April & Artie (@aprilandartie) To address some of these queries: restaurants granted the pet permit will be allowed to determine the extent of their participation, and the policy does indeed cover air-conditioned areas in restaurants. Pet owners will be required to keep their dogs under control at all times with a leash no longer than 1.5 metres or secured to a fixed object. Dogs will also not be allowed on dining tables or to come in contact with food and tableware. It remains to be seen whether there’s a limit on how many dogs each pet owner can bring into eateries, and secretary for environment and ecology Tse Chin-wan also said on February 10 that dog diapers will most likely not be made mandatory as it may cause discomfort to dogs who don’t need them. High-risk venues like hotpot or barbecue restaurants will not be granted pet permits.  When asked which restaurants they would want to see welcome their pets in the near future, Hong Kong’s pet owners are not picky – they’re just happy that the option to do so is happening in the first place. Stephanie Lown, who works at the SPCA Hong Kong and is the founder of the outdoor adventure group Exploring Dogs, is just “thrilled to have any options open up to dogs at all!” Her rescue dog Lola is an energetic, active adventurer of the great outdoors, so Lown can think of “nothing better than ending a hike with your dog and being able to stop at a café or restaurant for a nice refreshing drink or meal”. Cho would love to see Korean restaurants and dim sum places adopt a pet-friendly attitude, while Dorathy wants to see their dining options expand to include cha chaan tengs or fast-food joints. We don’t know if Maxim’s Palace in City Hall or your local Café de Coral will soon embrace hungry pups, but it sure is a nice thought! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Life in Hong Kong with Lola (@livin_da_vida_lola) Promoting pet-friendly eateries is a great step in making Hong Kong a more inclusive city for animals. Considering that the local pet economy is a multi-billion dollar market driven by mostly younger citizens with the financial means and the inclination to provide the best for their animals, there is plenty more that can be done to make people happy while tapping into this sizable income pocket. Hong Kong is already trying out having pets on public transport, with select bus routes accommodating animals on certain days of the week and the Light Rail in the New Territories allowing pets on the weekends. Pet owners are now eagerly waiting for expanded transportation options, as well as regulations that don’t require their pets being placed in carriers – it’s easy to put a Pomeranian in a bag, but try doing the same with a Bernese Mountain Dog.  “Right now, I am always on foot or taking cabs everywhere whenever I travel with my dogs,” Cho muses. “I hope one day dogs will be allowed on either the MTR or on buses.” Dorathy concurs, saying that as a medium-sized dog owner, “it would be fantastic to bring my dogs on the MTR and buses”, adding that she wouldn’t mind putting her Samoyeds in diapers to ensure hygiene if needed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Exploring Dogs (@exploringdogs) Cho also adds that there are not enough dog-friendly parks and beaches in Hong Kong – dogs are currently banned from most parks and public beaches, with only a handful open to dog owners and their pups. “We usually end up on unregulated beaches that are filled with plastic, broken glass, and trash, which is so dangerous for dogs. Hopefully we’ll see more dog-friendly places so our fur babies can enjoy nature too.” Lown looks even further ahead, hoping to see more housing options open up to pet owners as well. “The last couple of years have definitely shown promise with ferries, KMB buses, and the MTR welcoming dogs for SPCA’s Dogathon, but we still have some ways to go. Other countries have had these pet-inclusive policies for years, if not decades!” Lastly, she hopes that with this recent wave of pet-friendly sentiment, the Hong Kong government might review the city’s animal cruelty laws, which she laments have not been updated in 90 years. “It would be good to see the government finally implementing a ‘Duty of Care’ policy which would help improve animal rights and welfare in Hong Kong.” Hear, hear! 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 recent food poisoning outbreak linked to raw oysters Calbee opens a limited-time Chinese New Year pop-up at Citygate Outlets for snack fans Macau is the most active region in Asia when it comes to love and sex, according to Time Out

Ever wanted to go back in time and shop at a supermarket from the 1950s? It might come off as a rather specific fancy, but for those who harbour such a dream, you’re in luck: Hong Kong’s homegrown supermarket giant, Wellcome, is hopping aboard the nostalgia train with the launch of a retro-inspired concept store in Yau Ma Tei. Designed as a tribute to Hong Kong’s extensive retail history, Wellcome has repurposed its Prosperous Garden branch in Yau Ma Tei as an exhibition destination to celebrate the supermarket’s 80-year-plus legacy. Founded in 1945, Wellcome has been a constant in the lives of local families, serving the needs of generations of Hongkongers. As the city evolved, Wellcome evolved with it, but this branded concept shop preserves a slice of the supermarket as shoppers might have seen it back in the 1950s to the 1970s, complete with vintage character, photogenic interiors, and time-limited collectibles. Each aisle, stocked with a curated selection of products, doubles as a fetching backdrop oozing charm and colour, so no doubt this location will quickly become a popular attraction! Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Snap photos of the LED-emblazoned shopfront, which takes its cues from Hong Kong’s famous urban landscape of neon lights; discover classic interior design elements such as the vintage silver-and-green turnstile, a sea of red plastic lamps popularised in wet markets, and patterned floor tiles; and admire nostalgic grocery setups and heritage exhibits that showcase the allure and shared memories of Hong Kong’s past.  As part of the concept store activation, Wellcome is also launching special deals and brand collaborations to commemorate the occasion, including a reusable Wellcome Retro Eco Bag for $28 with a single transaction of $100 – it’s reminiscent of Wellcome’s old-school red-and-yellow carrier, making for a keepsake that’s both practical and sentimental. Additionally, Wellcome will team up with tech equipment manufacturer Smeg to offer a limited-edition Lifebox ($88 with any purchase of $100 or more) from February 6 to 19, and Hong Kong’s own lifestyle brand G.O.D. for a Lunar New Year-themed game set ($68). Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Wait, there’s more! While the weather’s still below 20 degrees Celsius, pop over to Prosperous Garden to sip warmed Vitasoy soy milk from glass bottles – a Hong Kong childhood memory that many will dwell on fondly. You can also take your chance at a Lee Kum Kee capsule machine from now until March 31, which will dispense a surprise miniature magnet depicting one of the condiment maker’s signature products. 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: Harbourside Swing Fest returns for its 2026 edition in late April Shiro brings its signature ‘crystal sushi’ to its second location in Tai Kwun Everything you need to know about Japan’s official cherry blossom forecast 2026

Love dim sum and surreal imagery? You’re in good company. Hong Kong street artist Lousy, best known for his bold graphics resembling glyphs and pictorial shapes, is collaborating with viral food photographer-artist David Leung – also known as Davidgoodtime, who specialises in capturing reflected food images highlighting pareidolia – for a dynamic exhibition about dim sum and the ritual of yum cha.  Hosted at JPS Gallery, ‘Double Umami’ is an artistic ode to Hong Kong cuisine, reimagined through the unique lenses of two distinctly different creators, who shaped their love of dumplings and morning teas into a visual celebration of Hong Kong’s DNA.  Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery In the exhibition space, visitors will encounter a customised dim sum cart installation, decorated by David and Lousy, in addition to photographs depicting beloved dim sum dishes in Leung’s signature mirrored style, mounted inside bamboo steamers crafted by master artisan Lui Ming of Ming Sang Steel Bamboo Receptacle. ‘Crab’s Kid Burn & Sell’ shows siu mai in a different light, appearing almost like the face of a crustacean, while ‘Char Siu Cat No. 2’ draws parallels between char siu bao and felines. We also particularly liked the birdcage installation which houses real emu eggs and plastic cards from dim sum carts inscribed with the Chinese onomatopoeia for bird chirps. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery Branching out from photography onto canvas and installation work for the first time, Leung is also presenting the ‘Sauce’ series, applying the same mirrored techniques to create patterns reminiscent of Rorschach inkblot tests. Inspired by traditional Fu Lu Shou statues representing fortune, prosperity, and longevity, Leung uses foldable boards loaded with pigment to ‘find’ faces hidden in the paint. In contrast, Lousy – rather than focusing on the food aspect of dim sum – aims to capture the feeling of community and chaos experienced during a yum cha get-together. He paints and draws on top of old dim sum order sheets to give graphic form to the hustle and bustle of a Cantonese restaurant, depicting figures sat at a table, abstract interpretations of food, hands pouring tea, and more. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery David and Lousy’s collaborations don’t end there. Lousy has teamed up with Wendy’s Wok World for a ‘Special Collab Soy Sauce’. 22 bottles of Tiu Yuen small-batch soy sauce are covered in custom packaging artwork created by Lousy. Meanwhile, Leung worked with chef May Chow of Little Bao to wrap 50 bottles of her handcrafted Fook Jiang chilli sauce in original ‘chilli sauce’ Rorschach artworks, bringing the food-focused project one degree closer to the art of Chinese cooking. ‘Double Umami’ is on exhibition at JPS Gallery from January 30 to March 7. 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: Art book publisher Taschen is having a huge sale in early February Starbucks opens at the Hong Kong Palace Museum with Hong Kong’s first Chinese calligraphy shop sign and exclusive products Fujifilm releases a camcorder-instant camera hybrid in the instax mini Evo Cinema

Listen, we love a good beat drop or screaming chart-toppers like any other nighttime reveller in the city, but in this era of EDM and throwback pop-heavy party scene, it would be nice to enjoy something authentic that sounds different for once. Well, it looks like we got our wish, because a vinyl record-based bar has just announced they’ll be opening in Lan Kwai Fong. The brainchild of longtime friends Brian and Ah Hei, the 8055 vinyl bar has had previous iterations based in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, which grew in popularity to welcome even local celebrities and creatives like Eason Chan and Tyson Yoshi as patrons. The pandemic eventually saw the shuttering of the bar – but not for good. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Building on their seven-year brand identity as a hotspot for authentic vinyl DJ-ing, graffiti art, and Japanese chill drinking culture, 8055 is now back in the game with a new home in the heart of Hong Kong’s nightlife district, Lan Kwai Fong. Expect the warmth and pops of analogue sound being played all night, with a focus on Japanese hip-hop, jazz, funk, and city pop – a sound that’s pretty unique within our nightlife scene and, frankly, a breath of fresh air from all the other clubs around. To pair with the music, 8055’s drinks turn the focus on premium Japanese whiskies and umeshu plum wine. Their signature tipple is an elegant, simple umeshu soda, but you can also truly do things the Japanese way by leaving the choice up to the bartender, omakase-style. Staying true to the brand’s history, 8055’s new venue will also allow guests to freely draw, scribble, and unleash creativity all over the walls with graffiti markers, so if you’ve ever left your mark in bars like Not2Sweet, you’ll want to do the same here as well. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Check things out at 8055’s grand opening party on January 24, when they’ll be hosting a 10-hour DJ relay from 8pm onwards. The lineup will include Andrew Bull, better known as DJ El Toro or the ‘Father of Hong Kong DJs’, who is famous for initiating the city’s first disco in The Peninsula hotel as well as the iconic Canton Disco. Sounds like a party and a half! 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: Kodak Apparel opens a time-limited concept store in Hong Kong New brasserie Chouchou brings French comfort food to an elevated setting in Wan Chai Sai Ying Pun’s historic steakhouse Sammy’s Kitchen announces closure this month

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!