Forget Maxim's and the numerous other chain cake shops. This one is the real deal, homemade, lovely egg tarts & coconut buns & much tastier (& cheaper)
Perfect light, but sweet breakfast and snack options, plus a huge range of teas for those who aren't into the sudden HK love for snobby coffee.
Ask what guests roasters they may be featuring this week. If there's no line or wait, go pour-over for sure.
Unique flavors (like beetroot + pistachio + chocolate) and cute presentation, but expensive. If you're Airbnb-ing & have a balcony or terrace, get a tiny cake to have with a tea or coffee later.
Really funky antique and retro shop, specializing in classic Hong Kong ephemera (like old phones, suitcases, wallets, jewelry, etc). Love the photo of Kai Tak in the window.
Universally pleasing place for brunch and lunch, with friends or colleagues. Has a chic-rustic style, in a historic building an easy walk from the Mid-Levels escalator.
It's a whole building divided into studio-size retail spaces to highlight independent and unique brands. Find "Found MUJI" in here, a small sweets shop, a cutesy "flea market" and more
the 120 HKD set lunch (salad/soup, light main, glass of wine or coffee) is a deal, but portions tiny. Best to score window seat (a swing for two!) and people-watch Hollywood Road with a glass of wine.
A lifestyle brand based in HK, inspired by HK history and culture. There used to be more and larger stores. Come here for a unique gift to bring to a friend back home.
A dim sum "fusion" restaurant for expats. Still, the foie gras and scallop xiao long bao were good. Definitely get the cheese dumplings. Trust.
Heading to Sharp Island? See any vendors along the promenade and they'll gladly sell you a ticket on their kaito boat for the 10-minute trip. Kitty's Boat was HKD $30 roundtrip per person til 5pm
Such clear, warm, calm water that I went in with my clothes on for a swim after hiking over the trombolo and the culture trail.
Peaceful half-day trip from Central if you're looking for a little ferry ride, a little hike, a little swim, and to walk the trombolo natural bridge. Check HK Observatory website for tide times.
Doesn't open til 5pm, but if you're staying at the hotel, take the elevator up anyway and snap some photos. Great view across to the old Kai Tak airport, now Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
All about the Harbour View rooms. If you take "city view," you'll be staring straight at high rises. Difference is night and day. Excellent hotel, lovely breakfast, fast WiFi, cool design.
New favorite "budget" hotel. Compact, modern design with free WiFi, great Sheung Wan location, lots of light, and nice bathrooms. The rooms ending in 02 have a little extra floor space, feel larger.
Lovely fresh breakfasts with larger cups of coffee than is HK-standard. Easy location without crowds.
Massive mall with variety of shops. Check out the I.T outlet on the top level, comprehensive food court on the lower, large H&M for necessities, and some local brands.
Modern lifestyle shop with humor. Lots of kitchenware, gift items, organization that isn't what you'd typically expect.
BEST BEST BEST. Casual, cheap, fast and good for any time of day. Must get the toast with butter & condensed milk, and iced "ying-yangs" (half coffee, half tea).
Affordable tourist-class hotel in Fortress Hill. Free, fast WiFi. Lobby gets VERY crowded during check-in, check-out times. Singaporean restaurant in lower level.
My favorite place for a view from Central to Kowloon. Usually no crowds, and a perfect place for eating a take-away lunch or hanging out while friends shop in the mall. Take escalators all the way up.
We ordered WAY too much, forgetting that almost every menu item includes 2-3 pieces. Best is the BBQ pork buns, as they say.
The newest Zaha Hadid-designed building in the world (as of October 2014). Makes for nice instagramming.
Showers are lovely. Ask for a breakfast menu. Entrance only for passengers arriving from Cathay or Dragonair flights. First Class, Biz Class, or Oneworld Emerald only.
My favorite park in HK, for its incredible views of Hong Kong Island and ease of access from the Kowloon MTR stop/W Hotel/Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Lots of grass, boardwalk, and open air.
