Hong Kong neighbourhood guides

With an effortless and laid-back charm that encourages tourists to visit and locals to stay, Lamma Island is well-known as a place for the free-spirited. The two main hubs of the island are Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan, and the former boasts a waterfront with numerous outdoor seafood restaurants while the latter features indie boutiques, specialty stores and casual eateries. Neither over-commercialized nor pretentious, Lamma Island combines both rustic charisma and multicultural influence to deliver a captivating but humble spirit. If you're planning to hop on a ferry to pay this unique island a visit, here are our recommendations for the best things to do, eat and see while you’re there. RECOMMENDED: While you're in the mood to explore, follow our list of all the best Instagram photo spots in Hong Kong, our guide to the famous fishing village Tai O, as well as Hong Kong's best hikes.  By Mabel Lui

Often dismissed as a mere stop along the way to foodie haven Sham Shui Po or shopping destination Kowloon Tong, rarely does anyone think of hopping off the train at the Shek Kip Mei MTR station to explore what the area has to offer. Yet, over the years, this once-forgotten corner of Hong Kong has been transformed into a hip and lively neighbourhood – not dissimilar to Sai Ying Pun, Sheung Wan and Kennedy Town – with cool, artsy concepts by passionate people constantly popping up. From traditional wet markets to Instagram-worthy housing estates, follow our guide for all the best gems in Shek Kip Mei that you shouldn’t miss. By Anna Kam

In the past eighty-some years, the kidney-shaped parcel of land that is San Po Kong has developed a rich history, and boasts a plethora of old-timey sights and vintage delights. Though San Po Kong was originally a barren plot that was later adapted as one of the runways for the former Kai Tak Airport.  After two short decades, it was transformed into an industrial sector when the ‘50s and ‘60s saw Hong Kong’s shift from a mere entrepôt to a rapidly-growing industrial city with a booming, manufacturing-based economy. Nestled comfortably between Wong Tai Sin and Diamond Hill and situated right above the now-residential acreage that used to be the Kai Tak Airport, this compact grid of industrial and residential buildings has become a goldmine for great eateries and many more hidden gems. If you’re looking for new, recherché spots to hit in one of the most overlooked parts of Hong Kong, look no further and take a look at our ultimate neighbourhood guide for the best places to visit in San Po Kong. By Angel Hong, translated by Andrea Hui

Lantau, the largest of Hong Kong’s many islands, is no longer a remote district frequented only by travellers with suitcases and trail runners with neon gear. The island – which encompasses villages such as Mui Wo and Tai O, as well as the new town of Tung Chung – is dynamic and diverse, offering something for everyone. Find your ultimate outdoor adventure, explore Hong Kong’s lesser-known history, plan a serene staycation or finally check out those tourist hotspots you’ve always been meaning to see. If you’re planning to visit this outlying district, here are our recommendations for the best things to do, eat and see while you’re there. By Yvonne Lau RECOMMENDED: After exploring this massive island, check out some of the other incredible things to do in Hong Kong.

Sai Kung may not be the most convenient neighbourhood to get to – there’s no MTR and bus routes there are often slow and winding – but its gorgeous beaches and picturesque hikes make it well worth the effort. Don’t bother planning a trip to Thailand, Sai Kung offers some of the excellent outdoor water sports of its own including see-through kayaking and snorkeling. And that’s not all. The peninsula is home to amazing al fresco seafood restaurants and authentic local desserts too. Don’t know where to start? Read on to learn all the best things to do and eat in Sai Kung. 

Half-an-hour away from Central lies Peng Chau, one of Hong Kong’s most adorable outer islands and somewhere well off the beaten tourist track. With scenic treks, ancient relics, traditional temples, strong community vibes and no cars in sight, stepping ashore on this tranquil island feels like travelling back in time to old Hong Kong. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel as if you can breathe easier. There’s an undeniable energy to this island that exudes serenity and forces you to slow down. Follow our guide for all the best things to do and eat on Peng Chau! By Sarah Moran

Sandwiched between the bright lights of Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei is often unfairly overlooked. But this nabe happens to be home to iconic street markets, some of the city’s oldest restaurants and an eclectic mix of other renowned restaurants. Here’s a round up of all the must-see gems in Yau Ma Tei.

Known for being Hong Kong’s business and financial quarter, Central might seem a bit of bore at first, at least compared to hipper neighbourhoods like Sheung Wan or Sham Shui Po. But we’re here to dispute that. This is the place where you can find some of the best bars not just in Hong Kong but Asia. Central is a hub for stellar, world-class contemporary art galleries as well as restaurants. There’s quite a lot to pack in, but here’s just a taste of some of the best things to see, do and eat in Central.

As the world’s busiest and most densely populated urban district in the world, packing an average of 130,000 people into every square kilometre, it should come to no surprise that Mong Kok is full of hidden gems. Aside from being a famous shopping destination with massive shopping malls and street markets, the neighbourhood is home to themed cafés and a whole host of spectacular local eateries. Don’t know where to start? Read on...

Think that Mid-Levels is only a residential hub? Think again. Mid-Levels is facing a cultural renaissance, as it transforms into a hip new neighbourhood with artisanal cafés and eateries, as well as museums and gorgeous parks where a wide range of wildlife live. There’s something here for everyone and secret getaways are hidden behind bushes and foliage, just minutes away from the urban grid-locked streets of Central. Read on to find out what to do in this area. By Karl Lam and Olivia Lai