Keep me entertained: Hong Kong edition

November 21, 2012 8:36 PM

Hong Kong filter: I'm spending the weekend in Hong Kong, with no specific goals. Help me come up with some non-tourist trap things to do.

I'm in Hong Kong for the weekend. But, apart from a dinner date with some friends, I have nothing much to do.

I've been to Hong Kong before and done all the touristy things. Any suggestions on how I can spend my time? Are there special events going on this weekend? Are there any good theatre shows running, or bands playing? Any particularly cool shops I should check out?

I'm staying in Wanchai, if that helps. Hope me, mefites?

posted by His thoughts were red thoughts to travel & transportation around Hong Kong (12 answers total)

Have you gone hiking on Lamma or Lantau Islands? That's my go-to for non-touristy activities. Maybe stay overnight on Lamma, hike from one end to the other, have dinner at one of the seafood restaurants. Another great hike is Dragon's Back which is part of the Hong Kong Trail on Hong Kong Island. Farther afield, you could also go out to gorgeous Sai Kung for more hiking, sailing, and boating.
posted by danceswithlight at 8:42 PM on November 21, 2012

There's a whole lot of coverage and events and stuff one in the Tourism Board Calendar - much of which, counter-intuitively, is not especially touristy.

Particular interesting to me in the calendar would be the Hong Kong Squash Open, or Lang Lang with the Hong Kong philarmonic, both of which are happening this weekend (so is Catonese Opera Day, but 'twould take a stronger constitution than mine!)

Buy some awesome crap from Uniqlo for me and eat a bbq goose, please.
posted by smoke at 9:05 PM on November 21, 2012

If you like technology, a visit to the golden computer arcade (Sham shui po) was my favourite thing to do. Crowded at weekends. (I think that's probably a given when talking about Hong Kong).
posted by samj at 11:42 PM on November 21, 2012

Yung Kee restaurant for roast goose.

Check out The Underground website for local independent gig news.

Go to Happy Valley racecourse for a cheap and fun evening of horse racing and people watching.
posted by awfurby at 1:12 AM on November 22, 2012

Oh and if you need live music every night, head down to the Wanch pub in Wanchai for free live music.
posted by awfurby at 1:13 AM on November 22, 2012

Have you been to the Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Sha Tin? It's up a big hill so if you're mobility-limited this could be an issue.

Also, not sure if you're into shopping for HK-specific stuff, but GOD has a neat selection of kitschy/ironic HK-related stationary, clothes, furniture, and other stuff.

You can also make it to the very nice Cheung Sha beach (though as it may rain this may be a bad idea) by taking a ferry from Central to Mui Wo and then buses 1 or 2 to Tai O, or taking the MTR to Tung Chung and then bus 11 to Tai O. Ask the driver to let you know where to get off.
posted by mdonley at 2:57 AM on November 22, 2012

It will be more touristy now, and I wish I'd had time to go when I visited HK, but the Under Bridge Spicy Crab restaurant sounds awesome.
posted by MuffinMan at 3:49 AM on November 22, 2012

The Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas has escalators and elevators, and is, well, not entirely wheelchair accessible, but definitely limited mobility accessible, as well as lazy person who doesn't want to climb a large hill accessible! I was unable to find the affiliated vegetarian restaurant when I went, however. If you're coming that far out of town, take an extra hour and go to the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Gardens outside of Tai Po, though.

In Wan Chai, there is this organization called Hong Kong House of Stories, which has a little storefront with some cool artsy stuff, does cultural programming, has a self-guided walking tour of the area, stuff like that. It's next to a temple that is not nearly as large as the Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas, but is pretty neat, and easier to get to if you're staying in Wan Chai. There was an abandoned ruins of an old college (=high school) on the hillside near there too, up the end of one of the stair-streets. I forget which one, but it was cool.

There's one of those crowded street markets somewhere in Wan Chai too, in the flat-ish section near the road that the trolleys go down....

Should we have another meetup, maybe for music or something?
posted by eviemath at 4:42 AM on November 22, 2012

Thanks guys.

Eviemath, a meetup would be awesome. But I'm only in town until Sunday 25 November, and I have plans on Saturday night.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 7:50 AM on November 22, 2012

Have a drink at the Ozone bar at top of the Ritz Carlton. It is a killer view and vibe - should not be missed. Highest bar in Asia.
posted by Kruger5 at 10:19 AM on November 22, 2012

Buy some awesome crap from Uniqlo for me and eat a bbq goose, please.

Goose yes, Uniqlo, no. Muji was much better, it turns out. I may have bought all the things.

Have a drink at the Ozone bar at top of the Ritz Carlton. It is a killer view and vibe - should not be missed. Highest bar in Asia.

I didn't get the chance, sadly, but my friends took me to the top of the IFC building, which is technically public space (so you can take your own food and drinks up there) but also has a couple of bars, and a excellent view of the harbour. Highly recommended.

Time Out HK was also very helpful in helping find some entertainment on a empty night.

And I spent a lovely afternoon wandering the funky shops and cafes on Star, Moon and Sun streets in Wanchai.

Thanks all.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 8:46 PM on November 25, 2012 [1 favorite]

They have Muji there now too? *Raises fist* Damn you, Honkers, damn you!
posted by smoke at 8:51 PM on November 25, 2012