Hopping over to Hong Kong? We’ve got the inside scoop on the best things to do in the city, from dining and drinking to shopping and outdoor adventures.
Ah, Hong Kong. The grittier, cooler sister city to Singapore – there, I said it. The last time I went, I spent a whopping 11 days there. “That’s way too long, Ashe,” everyone told me. And yes, I admit that it was. But I have zero regrets about it because there are plenty of things to do in Hong Kong if you look hard enough. I revelled in my morning walks through the bustling city. And thanks to my accommodation being smack dab in the middle of Wanchai, I was a convenient MTR ride away from hot spots like Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun, and Central. Being a gourmet traveller, I spent most of my time bar-hopping after dinner. Ready for some tried and tested recs? Right this way.
Things to do in Hong Kong: Best bars for late-night shindigs
1. Bar Leone
If you’re big on drinks and plan on visiting Hong Kong, chances are Bar Leone is at the top of your list. I would know because it was on mine! Ever since its opening in 2023, Bar Leone has taken the world by storm, making it to the no. 1 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and no. 2 on World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 – a humongous feat given it was open for less than a year. The trek I made (no thanks to Google Maps) was arduous because of the number of stairs you need to take to get there, but it’s well worth it.
The bar is lively, with a queue of people waiting outside for their turn to snag drinks. By the end of my night, there were even some guests enjoying drinks outside by the bar’s window sills. I’ll admit I was sceptical about Bar Leone before my visit, but it absolutely deserves its number one spot. Besides fantastic tipples, it’s known for its smoked olives, which make a great bar snack.
Must-tries: Yuzu negroni, Caffe Paradiso, olive oil sour
How much: Cocktails start at $20 (HKD 120)
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 5pm – 12am
Address: Bar Leone, 11-15 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong
2. The Savoury Project
I’m not much of a savoury cocktail person, but the drinks at The Savoury Project may have changed my mind entirely. The sister bar to the famed Coa, it’s known for utilising unique ingredients in its cocktail creation, dishing out umami drinks with nuanced flavours. If you’re intimidated by the idea of a not-sweet cocktail, don’t be! I found every drink I tried to be palatable and fairly easy to drink. Great for anyone looking to give savoury drinks a try. Also, the fantastic hospitality is a big plus (shoutout to Ajit for making me feel so welcomed).
Must-tries: Mala Punch, Thai Beef Salad, Biryani
How much: Cocktails start at $20 (HKD 120)
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 6pm – 1am; Sunday, 6pm – 12am
Address: The Savoury Project, 4 Staunton Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong
3. The Opposites
This playground founded by Antonio Lai and Samuel Kwok defies what you would expect from a bar. With two unique personalities, The Opposites reflects Antonio and Samuel’s distinct styles when it comes to mixology. The bar embraces each owner’s style while bringing unity in the form of its menu, which is also so cool (in my humble opinion). On the menu, you’ll find Antonio and Samuel’s variations on classic drinks like Pisco Sour, Boulevardier, and Garibaldi. Then, it’s up to you! Are you intrigued by Antonio’s playfully theatrical tipples or Samuels’s classic and adventurous takes? If it were me, I’d say go for both.
Must-tries: LA Socialities/PB&J, Modern Times/A Day Without Charlie, Soya Sour/Scoop Me Up
How much: Cocktails start at $22 (HKD 130)
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm – 1am; Friday – Saturday, 5pm – 2am
Address: The Opposites, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
4. Artifact
I’ll admit, Artifact was a pretty hard bar to find. It’s actually located in the basement of Jardine House, hidden in a food court. Don’t worry, it has directions on its Instagram page if you get lost! Once you find the door and buzz yourself in, you’ll be treated to serene atmospheres and a bar inspired by dystopian sci-fi movies. Artifact’s menu focuses on aged spirits, spotlighting one with every new menu – all playfully illustrated by bar manager J Frank.
Must-tries: Pink Gibson, Sanlucar Espresso Martini, PB&J
How much: Cocktails start at $30 (HKD 170)
Opening hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 5pm – 12am; Friday – Saturday, 5pm – 1am
Address: Artifact, Jardine House, Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong
5. Penicillin
Hong Kong’s first-ever closed-loop sustainable bar is on a mission to become the first scrapless bar. It recycles and upcycles common kitchen by-products in endlessly creative ways using techniques like self-brewing and fermentation. Not only has it scored a spot in Asia’s 50 Best Bars, but it’s also clinched the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, an award for establishments demonstrating the highest commitment to the environment. Good vibes, good drinks, and an all-around good time! I’m proud to say I got my team properly liquored up here during my visit.
Must-tries: One Penicillin One Tree, Diary of Young
How much: Cocktails start at $20 (HKD 120)
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 5pm – 2am; Sunday, 5pm – 1am
Address: Penicillin, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
6. Mostly Harmless
Mostly Harmless keeps things simple and straightforward – taking ingredients from local markets and curating drinks around them. Think of it as Hong Kong’s version of Sago House! The menu here rotates every week depending on the ingredients, so it’s a surprise every visit. I’d recommend coming on an empty stomach because I made the mistake of coming after dinner, and if I hadn’t been so full, I would’ve ordered skewers galore.
Must-tries: Menu changes weekly
How much: Prices vary
Opening hours: Tuesday – Wednesday, 5pm – 12am; Thursday – Sunday, 4pm -12am
Address: Mostly Harmless, 110 Queen’s Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
7. Courtroom
Court is in session every night at this sensibly contradictory, court-themed cocktail bar. It’s inspired by a range of infamous court cases that blur the lines of convention. The serious meets the whimsical in the very tongue-in-cheek tipples that are experimental and delicious. Founders Saan Dhakal and Ranjeet Khatri are dedicated to exploring regional tastes and pushing the boundaries with mixology. I’ve seen it first-hand in their secret basement lab where they’re constantly R&D-ing their next menu.
Must-tries: Attractive Nuisance, Cause of Action, Sworn Affidavit
How much: Cocktails start from $20 (HKD 120)
Opening hours: Sunday – Wednesday, 6pm – 1am; Thursday – Saturday, 6pm – 2am
Address: Courtroom, 52-54 Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong
8. Dead Poets
Dead Poets takes on two unique day-to-night personalities, making quite the hangout. By day, you can get a haircut and a cup of coffee before heading out to lunch in the Central area. When the sun sets, come back for a drink inspired by late musicians and artists. Drinks here are inventive and affordable. You’ll just have to brace yourself for the number of stairs – try not to tumble when you’re heading back down.
Must-tries: Wakanda Forever, Princess in the Castle
How much: Cocktails start at $15.50 (HKD 90)
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 1am
Address: Dead Poets, 41-49 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
9. The Green Door
If it weren’t for my Hong Kong team, who know the bar scene like the back of their hand, I don’t think I would’ve found this place on my own. This bar is the very definition of a speakeasy, tucked away amongst the many wet market stalls along Graham Street behind a literal green door. Just like Alice, go down the rabbit hole (read: a flight of stairs) and discover a swanky bar below. This spot is a little too loud for me, and I could barely hear myself speak over the music, but it was truly a vibe if you’re in the party mood.
Must-tries: Julia, Elizabeth, Diane
How much: Cocktails start at $20 (HKD 120)
Opening hours: Sunday – Wednesday, 5pm – 1am; Thursday – Saturday, 5pm – 2am
Address: The Green Door, 97 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
10. Tell Camellia
Artisanal tea meets craft cocktails at Tell Camellia. It embraces both traditional tea ceremonies and contemporary mixology in its menu. It’s a surprisingly peaceful bar with a serene aura. If you’re not into tea-tails, give the T-tonics a try! They’re teas blended with gin and then distilled in-house. Don’t be embarrassed if you take a second to find it because it’s tucked far into a corner. When you see The Diplomat, just walk a little further in, and you’ll find it.
Must-tries: Tea Sea, Tea Time, #WarmCloud
How much: Cocktails start at $20 (HKD 120)
Opening hours: Daily, 6pm – 2am
Address: Tell Camellia, 45 Pottinger Street, Tung On Wo Lane, Central, Hong Kong
11. The Old Man
Step into The Old Man, and you’re greeted with what looks like a social club – elegant, refined, and classy. The bar is an homage to Ernest Hemingway, a sophisticated imbiber and lover of fine spirits. I’ll admit, my experience at The Old Man was less than stellar, as I felt a little uncomfortable. But it was potentially because the bar was slammed when I visited, so I’ll give it a second chance when I’m back in Hong Kong. And maybe score a seat at the bar so I can get to know the friendly bartenders everyone’s talking about.
Must-tries: The Way Poets Act, Stigma, The Sun Also Rises
How much: Cocktails start at $20 (HKD 120)
Opening hours: Sunday – Wednesday, 5pm – 1am; Thursday – Saturday, 5pm – 2am
Address: The Old Man, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong
Things to do in Hong Kong: Restaurants frequented by foodies
12. Zuma
It makes sense that one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious restaurants is located within The Landmark, a mall rife with high-end brands. From the moment you step off the elevator into Zuma, you’ll be taken aback by just about everything. The grand staircase and the huge open kitchen left me starstruck. And dinner isn’t something to scoff at either. I had the pleasure of sampling the Yashoku Night Brunch, and I could barely walk out of the restaurant.
Must-tries: Miso-marinated black cod wrapped in hoba leaf, spicy beef tenderloin with sesame, red chilli, and sweet soy
How much: Sushi starts at $14 (HKD 80), skewers start at $13 (HKD 76)
Opening hours: Varies by day
Address: Zuma, Level 5 & 6, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
13. Call Me Al
If you’re looking for a place to call home for the evening, head to Call Me Al for wine, dinner, and great company. The charming team will have you relaxed in no time. It feels like you’re at a dinner party, thanks to everyone’s warm hospitality and friendliness. Food-wise, it’s simple, hearty, and soul-comforting. It also might’ve had some of the most well-balanced cocktails I’ve ever had in Hong Kong. I was tempted to forgo my bar hop and spend the whole night here instead. Hot tip: leave room for the chocolate mousse – it’s to die for.
Must-tries: Spicy rigatoni, smashed burger, chilli ginger tiger prawns
How much: Mains start at $25 (HKD 145)
Opening hours: Monday – Wednesday, 4pm – 12am; Thursday – Saturday, 4pm – 1am; Sunday, 12pm – 12am
Address: Call Me Al, 123 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
14. Little Bao
This veritable institution is known for bringing the boom of bao burgers into Hong Kong. You can thank Asia’s 50 Best Female Chef and restauranteur May Chow for that. Drawing inspiration from rich Chinese cuisine, Little Bao reimagines Hong Kong comfort food with inspiration from around the world. Get rid of the utensils and dig into these huge bao burgers and fried chicken with your hands for the full experience.
Must-tries: Signature fried chicken, pork belly bao, fried chicken bao
How much: Baos start at $13.50 (HKD 78)
Opening hours: Varies by day
Address: Little Bao, 1-3 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong
15. Pirata
Italian food with a view? I can’t resist any of that. Pirata is a famed establishment in Hong Kong, popular amongst the expat community. The restaurant is cosy but elegant, dedicated to homey and elevated Italian cooking. I visited during a quiet lunch hour and enjoyed a peaceful meal with a friend, made even better thanks to the team’s incredible service (we ended up getting a free appetiser, very sweet!).
Must-tries: Tuna tartare, vitello tonnato, pappardelle beef cheek
How much: Mains start at $31 (HKD 180)
Opening hours: Varies by day
Address: Pirata, Level 30, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
16. Samsen
Thai food may not be your first thought when you head to Hong Kong, but if you ever get a hankering for boat noodles, Samsen is the one place you can turn to. This Michelin Guide Thai spot is known for delivering authentic flavours through its signature dishes. Be prepared to wait because it can get crowded, even on a work night. I ended up queueing for over an hour with a crowd of hungry diners. That’s how popular it is!
Must-tries: Wagyu beef boat noodle soup,
How much: Noodles start at $25.50 (HKD 148)
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday, 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 11pm
Address: Samsen, 68 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Things to do in Hong Kong: Top attractions to visit
17. Avenue of Stars
We already know Hong Kong films are some of the best in the industry – it’s why we talk about them even today. To celebrate the stars of Hong Kong cinema, take a walk down the Avenue of Stars. It pays tribute to the likes of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Wong Kar-wai and more with sculptures and handprint plaques set onto the wooden rail along the water.
How much: Free entry
Opening hours: Daily, 24 hours
Address: Avenue of Stars, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
18. Ocean Park
Hong Kong’s famed animal theme park is often in contention with Hong Kong Disneyland for the best theme park in the country. But I’d say it’s different strokes for different folks. Think of Ocean Park as a zoo combined with an amusement park. You get the fun of all the rides while also getting to see live animals in their enclosures. Oh, and you must pay a visit to the pandas at the Giant Panda Adventure. So adorable.
How much: Tickets start at $43 (HKD 249) for children and $86 (HKD 498) for adults
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 7pm
Address: Ocean Park, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong
19. Tian Tan Buddha
Otherwise known as The Big Buddha, this towering sculpture is an iconic attraction in Lantau, set next to the Po Lin Monastery. It’s over 25 meters tall, so when I say it’s towering, it’s towering. To get there, you can purchase a cable car ticket or walk from the Ngong Ping Village.
How much: Free entry
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 5.30pm
Address: Tian Tan Buddha, Ngong Ping Road, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
20. Victoria Peak
Talk about Instagrammable! Referred to simply as The Peak, it’s the tallest hill on Hong Kong Island. The view here is unmatched. No matter how many rooftop restaurants or bars you go to, nothing will beat the unobstructed view of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and city skyline from Victoria Peak. It’s great if you need to get your steps in because the hike is just as picturesque as the top of the hill. Or you can always go on the tram ride, which looks like an absolute dream if you ask me.
How much: Tram rides start at $25.65 (HKD 149) for children and $51.30 (HKD 298) for adults
Opening hours: Trams run daily from 7.30am – 11pm
Address: Victoria Peak, 128 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
21. Hong Kong Disneyland
How could you not plan a visit to the most magical place on Earth? People like to joke about it being the worst of the Disneylands, but I argue that the magic is what you make of it. Even stepping on the dedicated MTR to Disneyland will get your little ones excited thanks to the adorable Mickey Mouse-shaped windows. And the environment is just as enchanting as you’d imagine. But I will say, the last time I visited, a lot of rides were faulty or stopped halfway due to mechanical errors, so don’t set your expectations too high.
How much: Tickets start at $115.20 (HKD 669) for one day
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 8.30pm
Address: Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
If you need more insider tips, our team at Honeycombers Hong Kong will have your back with more recommendations from a local perspective. Happy travels!
