The best thing about a bustling, high energy city like Hong Kong is that things change really quickly, every day you discover something that wasn’t there the day before. This makes it a fantastic place to live and also a great place to visit – over and over. You’ll never get bored!

I’m super excited to be partnering up again this year with Hong Kong Tourism, to show you some hidden parts of the city and share with you some of my more recent discoveries. I’ll be doing a series of posts focused on different areas of the city, and I thought why not start with the area that I work, live and hang out in – Sai Ying Pun. Over the last few years the areas of Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town have been activating as small businesses look outside expensive central, meaning there’s so much to see, eat and drink. Let’s take a tour!

Hong Kong Guide: Sai Ying Pun & Kennedy Town

Here’s a little map to inspire your whole Hong Kong visit, I’m excited to be putting together a few more area guides for you this year!

Sai Wan Swimming Shed
Starting at the very furthest away point of Kennedy Town, one of my favorite spots to visit is the gorgeous Sai Wan Swimming Shed. You’ll probably have seen it before on my blog – a trecherous looking jetty that juts out into the harbour. It’s the perfect spot to catch the sunset but be warned, everyone else loves it as much as I do! Skip the crowds by going early.
Victoria Road, Kennedy Town

The Winery
With quite possibly the coolest bathrooms in Hong Kong (who knew that could be a thing?), this new restaurant and bar is somewhere you won’t want to miss. Three levels filled with plants, comfy sofas and oh so many instagrammable details, it’s the perfect place for girls drinks or date night!
158A Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun

Lo Pan Temple
Keen for a bit of culture between meals? Take a stroll up the hill from Kennedy Town to the beautiful Lo Pan Temple. Interestingly it’s dedicated to Lo Pan, the patron saint of Chinese builders and carpenters and is decorated in traditional ornate Chinese style. It’s definitely worth checking out.
Lo Pan Temple, 15 Ching Lin Terrace, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

El Loco
Hong Kong is famous as a destination where you’ll have nights that are so fun, you barely remember them. If that’s what you’re after, look no further than El Loco, an underground mexican restaurant and bar complete with clotheslines hanging from the celiing and a dentist’s chair.
49 Bonham Rd, Sai Ying Pun

Brew Bros
The quaint street of Hill Road has recently become home to another outlet of Brew Bros (originally in Central). This quiet corner of Sai Ying Pun is a lovely place to spend a few hours and get your coffee fix and a delicious Australian style breakfast.
53 Hill Rd, Sai Ying Pun

‘Instagram Pier’
Made famous by Hong Kong’s Instagrammers and their addiction to finding the best vantage points, this spot on the harbourfront near Sai Ying Pun has a fantastic view of Kowloon, and will have you feeling a world away, and if it’s a clear day the sunset is incredible.
Sai Ying Pun Waterfront.

Winston’s
This tiny hole in the wall has a devout following, who come for the perfectly roasted coffee and tiny little sandwiches. Run by Australians, you just know you’re going to get a perfect cup here. If you’re lucky, it might even be cocktail time, they serve a few!
Fu Kwok Building, 213 Queen’s Rd W, Sai Ying Pun

Kwan Kee Claypot Rice
Although not that much to look at, locals won’t go anywhere else for claypot rice, and neither should you. Introduced to me by a friend, I couldn’t believe that the shop I walked past often was so incredibly famous for making Claypot Rice for the last 40 years (although seeing the 5 metre line I should have twigged). But after trying their claypot rice topped with pork and choi sum it all made sense – delicious! Probably made all the more yummy by the fact that you will definitely have to wait … but it’s worth it.
Shop 1, Wo Yick Mansion, 263 Queen’s Road West

Potato Head & Kaum
Looking for a cool spot for drinks and dinner? Potato Head and Kaum are great places to check out, both coming by way of Bali. Hidden away on Third Street in Sai Ying Pun, they occupy the same building and the design is much like your super cool friend’s apartment, with hanging plants and a wall of records. Into the restaurant, you’re transported to Indonesia with gorgeous textiles, ceramics and delicious food. Ask them if their music room is open, the perfect after hours spot.
100 Third St, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Des Vaux Road West
I love Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town because whilst they’ve attracted modern businesses, they still have a strong local feel, with my favorite street being Des Vaux Road West. Running all the way along the front of the island (one back from Connaught Road), I suggest you walk from Sai Ying Pun to Kennedy Town, you’ll find colourful buildings, dried seafood sellers, a few old Tong Lau buildings and a local buzz that’s worth experiencing. On the corner of Western Street you’ll find the mostb perfect building – pink and rounded!

Missy Ho’s
Step into Missy Ho’s and you’re transported somewhere else entirely, an all night dinner and drinks spot where you’re obligated to have fun. Don a costume as you head in, order a Mai Tai and take a turn on the swing (yes really).
48 Forbes St, Kennedy Town

Little Creatures
Last but not least, Hong Kong was recently lucky enough to see the opening of a Little Creatures Brewery, all the way from down under. The airy warehouse space decked out with leather furniture and pegboard walls feels so different to other things on offer in the area. If sampling craft beers, relaxed hang outs and delicious food are your thing, this is somewhere you should definitely check it out.
5A New Praya Kennedy Town, Sai Wan, Kennedy Town

The Smallest Ceramics Store
This little place is as small as you can get (think closet sized), but packs a punch when it comes to choice and just general atmosphere. If you want full immersion in Hong Kong shop life it’s a great option for your ceramics haul.
Corner of Queens Road West and Centre Street

For your morning coffee fix.

The smaller ceramics stall takes over a tiny bit of road.

Afternoon ciders at Little Creatures

Hong Kong Street Life

Pastel buildings on Des Vaux Road West

A tiled facade you’re going to want to get in front of.

A hazy night at Missy Ho’s – the perfect way to top off your trip!

Take a seat at The Winery

Fun fact for you: red is the cheapest paint pigment to add to white, which is why so many buildings are pink.

 

This post is in collaboration with Hong Kong Tourism.