Ready for lockdown? None of us really are. But as sh** hits the fan, you’ll need this guide to the best things to do during lockdown before the clock strikes six.
And here we are again after two years: lockdown is back in place, thanks to COVID-19. As social distancing regulations tighten, bars and other entertainment venues are closing; restaurants can no longer offer dine-in services after 6pm (at least until 21 January). But hey, lockdowns don’t mean you have to stay in your PJs all day! Because for one, not everything is closed; and two, the day is young. So, before you crawl under your duvet and binge watch your favourite Korean dramas and anime, seize the day and explore the best things to do during lockdown in Hong Kong before the sun sets.
Cure your COVID-19 cabin fever with these fun things to do during lockdown before 6pm
1. Stay active and explore the great outdoors
Have you ticked off all the hiking trails in Hong Kong yet? Well, if you haven’t, this may be the best time to do so, as the weather is still nice and cool. As for the hiking enthusiasts who have already done it all, try conquering these cycling routes.
Not a huge fan of sports? You can enjoy the greenery without breaking a sweat, as well. Check out our fave picnic spots in Hong Kong, or chill at the beach when the temperature goes up. Maybe the cool water can tempt you into wakesurfing or having a go at other water sports, too, eventually!
2. Go gallery-hopping
Although museums are closed during lockdown, many galleries are still open. So, take a look at our list of art galleries in Hong Kong and see if any of them are in your area. What’s more, our events calendar features a variety of exhibitions now happening around town. It’s time to unleash your inner artist!
3. Indulge in scrumptious afternoon teas
Good food always puts us in a good mood, so how about trying the newest afternoon tea offerings around Hong Kong? One of our top picks is the Insta-worthy ‘Taste of Italy’ afternoon tea at Kowloon Shangri-La, featuring a selection of sweet and savoury delights made with foie gras, black truffle, and other seasonal ingredients. Another seasonal afternoon tea that caught our eye is the ‘Dear LuLu’, created by Vive Cake Boutique in collaboration with the character LuLu the Piggy. The ‘Vive x LuLu the Piggy – Tea with Lu’ tea set consists of two tiers of adorable treats, including the LuLu Macaron, vanilla mousse cake with mango compote, and more.
Got an appetite for afternoon teas? Check out our round-up of monthly deals and the high teas in Hong Kong.
4. Free-flow anything
Brunch, dunch, frunch, or drunch – whatever you call your meal at whichever time of day, the wine and dine community has you covered. Drown your lockdown blues with free-flow brunches, or opt for late afternoon drinks and nibbles. Psst – we’re particularly loving the Wet January deals at the restaurants under Pirata Group, as the bevs come free (and unlimited!) with the dine-in menus. What a deal!
5. Make day-drinking socially acceptable again with earlier happy hours
Is it easier to ace Dry January now that bars are closed after 6pm, or are you in need of booze now more than ever with the lockdown in place? If you incline towards the latter (we feel ya), and since various restaurants are implementing earlier happy hours, a little bit of day-drinking won’t hurt. Some of our favourite places with early happy hours include Hjem (with the new Hygge Hour from 3 to 6pm on weekdays); Zoku (with Tipple Hour from 3 to 6pm from Sundays to Thursdays); La Paloma (with Sexy Hours from 3 to 6pm everyday); Dio (from 2 to 6pm everyday); Silencio (all-day happy hour); Rubia (all-day happy hour); and more.
6. Takeaways are always here for you
Who says takeaways can’t be fancy? To satisfy the foodies across Hong Kong, many restaurants have been working tirelessly to up their takeaway game over lockdown. So, when the clock finally strikes six and your stomach is rumbling after a long day, you can treat yourself to the decadent meals via Mira Grab & Go and Black Sheep GO; traditional Indian fare from MW Gunpowder (with 25% off for self-pickup); Balinese feast from Poem (with free delivery to selected areas in Hong Kong Island and 20% off for self-pickup); the best burgers from Boy N Burger; special takeaway menus from Yung Kee; spicy noods from Hot ‘N’ Meen; and more.
