This jam-packed itinerary could easily be spread over 5 or 6 days depending on how you like to travel. Our travel style is definitely more fast-paced - we like to get up early and fit as much into the day as we can. The thing that took the most time when creating this itinerary was not only researching all the best places to visit and the most renowned and tastiest things to eat but also mapping out each location into the neighbourhoods they were in. I then methodically clustered 'things to do' into these areas, so that you get to do a few activities around each other in one go. That cuts down the travel time between each location when planning like this, so you'll see and fit more into your day. There are lots of links within this itinerary so you can watch travel vlogs based on the locations mentioned, and I've also Google mapped locations to each spot for convenience. But here's the kicker - for us Google Maps was frustratingly difficult to use here. It could never truly pinpoint our location and destination and we were often sent off in the wrong direction. If you feel like this is happening for you, you might have to rely on a regular map and/or do what we did and constantly ask for directions. I am not sure if it is always like that here with Google Maps, or if it was just a temporary glitch while we were there, but it was the only place we have been to where it wasn't reliable. I have though, highlighted my absolute favourite places I visited below, so you will know that these come highly recommended. 

DAY onE | Mostly around the Jordan area in Kowloon 

• BRUNCH | Tim Ho Wan | This is one of the best places to eat yum char in Hong Kong and also the cheapest one-starred Michelin restaurant in the world! Tim Ho Wan has several locations across Hong Kong, but their North Point (Causeway Bay) location is said to be the best of them all, which is the one we ate at. We arrived 15 minutes before opening, as I heard the wait times can be crazy. There were 20 or so lining up when we did, and we got seated immediately. Their most famous dish is their cha siu bao (BBQ pork bun), it is a must-order! See the video HERE which was filmed at their Kowloon location, and for other options on where you can eat Yum Cha in Hong Kong, see this video HERE.
  HOURS: 10 am - 9:30 pm. Come as close to opening time as possible to avoid long queues.
  ADDRESS: HERE
  15 min walk from Tuve Hotel
   A MUST VISIT 

• OR Sister Wah | Beef brisket noodles are legendary in Hong Kong, and Sister Wah is one of the best to serve it. Be there by 11:30 am there are usually ques!
  HOURS: 11 am - 11 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
  4 min walk from Tuve Hotel

• SIGHTS | Star ferry | The Star Ferry runs along with a number of routes, however, the original and most popular route is between Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and Central on Hong Kong Island. Ferries on this route run as frequently as every 8 minutes, cost $2.50–$3.00 HKD (50c NZD) and take less than 10 minutes. Do pay slightly more for an upper deck ticket as the views over the harbour and onto the skyline are far better than on the lower deck. The seats at the front and rear of the boat can be flipped, allowing you to sit facing the direction you’re travelling in and make the most of the view. You can use your Octopus card on the Star Ferry. 

• PHOTOGRAPHY | Hong Kong Cultural Centre | Cool architecture and tiling on the outside - a great spot for some photos!
  HOURS: 9 am - 11 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
  From here walk to Tsim Sha Tsui Station, a 5-minute walk and train up to Yau Ma Tei station to get to Mido Cafe

• PHOTOGRAPHY / CAFE | Mido Cafe | Mido Cafe in Yau Ma Tei is one old-school cha chaan tang to visit when in Hong Kong. Untouched by time, the cafe seems to be at a standstill in the ’50s! The tile work and vibe to this place is so COOL! To be honest, I think the kitschy decor here is better than the food - but if you are looking for something small to order, I got an iced milk tea.
  HOURS: 8:30 am - 9 pm, closed Wednesdays
  ADDRESS: HERE
  5 min walk from Exit C, Yau Ma Tei MTR Station 

• EXPLORE | Ya Ma Tei Fruit Market | Yau Ma Tei is one of Hong Kong's oldest and most diverse neighbourhoods and at this local century-old market, you will find not only fruits but a traditional Hong Kong way of life. It has a rather colourful crime-related history, where it's said that the triads used to deal heroin and opium back in the ’70s. Read more about its history in this article HERE, and how it’s now gone on to get a ‘Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor HERE today. To get a true feel for this market, come early in the morning!
  HOURS: 2 am - 6 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
  A 5-minute walk from Mido Cafe

• SHOPPING | Shanghai Street / Kitchenware Street (Yau Ma Tei section) | Lots of homewares down this street, this is where I came to find some new food styling props!
  ADDRESS: HERE
  A minute walk from Ya Ma Tei fruit market

• EXPLORE | Jade Market | This market is home to over 400 stalls, and even if you are not looking to buy Jade, if you are in the area, it is a place to come and explore at least. The Jade Market is not only home to different kinds of jade ornaments, pendants, carvings, bracelets, rings and trinkets, but the market offers other Chinese crystals and precious stones as well. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you can find someone who will make it for you.
  HOURS: 11 am - 5:45 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE

• EXPLORE | Reclamation Street Day Market | Unlike many of the other markets, which are active at night, the Reclamation Street Market is a day market and lively in the morning. This is a local market, where people come to buy fresh produce, fish, cured meats, clothing, and a variety of everyday items. As a traveller, it's a good place to pick up some fresh fruit, but mostly it's just a pleasant place to people watch and goes for a stroll. The street is wide enough that you don't have to squeeze by other shoppers, you can simply wander around and take in the sights.
  ADDRESS: HERE

• DINNER | Sheung Hei | Claypot rice is commonly found in the southern regions of China, Malaysia and Singapore and can be described as a ‘one-pot dinner’. Traditionally the cooking is done over charcoal (which imparts a lovely smokey flavour that gas cooking lacks), and raw rice is added to a claypot, giving the dish a distinctive flavour. It is served with Chinese sausage and vegetables or an array of different combinations. The best thing is the crispy rice that has stuck to the bottom of the claypot during the cooking process. One traditional way to eat the claypot rice is some people first like to remove the ingredients (meat and vegetables) garnished on top, then pour the sauce it comes with over the dish, next - scrape off all the crispy bits with a spoon and then mix everything together, put the meat and vegetables back in and give it one final stir. YUM! Good claypot rice, especially ones cooked over charcoal is harder to find, and Sheung Hei is famous for it! As seen on YouTube HERE and on TripAdvisor HERE. It opens at 6 pm - get your accommodation to make a reservation for you and try to come here as close to opening as possible as the lines here can be notoriously long...a true sign you're onto a gem! We arrived at 6:15 pm and the line was HUGE - but we got seated immediately, at a large round table with other couples. Was a great way to meet and chat with locals. As well as the claypot, the shrimp rice rolls were amazing! Anything shrimp in Hong Kong was excellent.
  HOURS: 12 pm - 4 pm for lunch and 6 pm-midnight for dinner
  ADDRESS: HERE
  To get here, train to Kennedy Town then it’s a 2 min walk from the station.
   A MUST VISIT 

• DESSERT | Fook Yuen | Traditional Chinese desserts, ie sweet soup, and this little shop has amazing reviews on TripAdvisor - see HERE. One person suggested using google translate as they do not speak English. Recommended: Sesame balls and ginger soup.
  HOURS:  4 pm - 1 am (Midnight on Sunday)
  ADDRESS: HERE. Located just across the road from the Fortress Hill metro station.
  Can catch the train from Kennedy Town going to Fortress Hill Station, 17 min.

 

DAY two | A day in central on hong kong island

• EARLY MORNING (7 AM) PHOTOGRAPHY | Yick Fat Building and the Yick Cheong Buildings | These iconic buildings (they were in the Transformer movie, and all over Instagram too) are located just east of Hong Kong's Central Business District, in Hong Kong Island and make for some quintessentially Hong Kong shots! PRO TIPS: Come early, as this location is a super popular spot for taking photos. Also, another reason to come early (or at sunset) is because once the sun is fully out, it casts down on the main building, causing it to be blown out in your shots. To capture some of the best angles, walk towards the very back of the complex towards the stairs. You can have the photographer stand at the bottom of the staircase while you stand at the top. This allows you to capture a great angle of all the surrounding buildings.
  ADDRESS: HERE
  FINDING IT: To reach the Yick Fat Building, take the MTR to Tai Koo Station, then get out at Exit B and head west on King's Road for two blocks - it’s a short 6-minute walk. The entrance into the building complex is easy to miss, it’s just a small laneway located between small stores. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see a bakery and a meat shop at the entrance.
  Catch the train from Tin Hau to Tai Koo station. 8 min train + 3 min walk. Use exit B and head west on King’s road for 2 blocks.

• BREAKFAST / DAI PAI DONG | BING KEE | The neighbourhood of Tai Hang was once mostly residential with many car repair shops, but these days it’s a full-fledged foodie haven with hipster coffee shops and trendy Japanese eateries and bars. Still, Bing Kee stands proud to this day. Expect comfort-style dishes here like their signature pork chop (instant) noodles soup, Hong Kong-style French toast, soy sauce-marinated chicken wings and their famous milk tea. At lunchtime this place is packed to the brim, so come in the morning or for afternoon tea. Read more about this Dai Pai Dong HERE and on TripAdvisor HERE.
  HOURS: 7 am - 3:30 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
  Catch the train from Tai Koo to Tin Hau station to get to Bing Kee (and once finished breakfast catch the train to Central for next part of the itinerary)

• COFFEE | The Cupping Room | They came 2nd in the world barista competitions and annually take out the HK barista champs - so it’s the perfect spot for the morning (or anytime) coffee fix. Their website HERE.
  HOURS: 8 am - 5 pm Monday-Friday and 9 am - 6 pm on weekends
  ADDRESS: HERE
  6 min walk from Central station

• VISIT | Man Mo Temple | This is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong (temple of literature and war) and is popular for its dozens of hanging, spiralling incense and beautiful red interior. If you visit at the right time, you’ll be able to witness large light rays which peer through the ceiling and create mystical beams of light and smoke. When you come in, ring the bell 3 times to let the Gods know that you are there, and you can light incense for the Gods also. Each stick has one bow before placing it in the holders. Seen HERE (at 4:07 sec).
  HOURS: 8 am - 6 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
  A 3 min walk from The Cupping Room

• PHOTOGRAPHY | Yue Po Chai curios store | Right next door to Man Mo Temple is this antique shop, which is a great spot for photography. It has an iconic circular window and gorgeous tiling work, see HERE.
  HOURS: The shop itself is open from 10:30 am - 6 pm, closed Sunday

• SHOPPING | Cat Street Markets | It used to be said if you’d had something stolen in Hong Kong, it was likely you’d find it at the markets on Upper Lascar Row. The thieves were known locally as ‘rats’, the sellers became known as ‘cats’ and so the Cat Street Market earned its name. Nowadays, the markets themselves offer up a slew of antique and faux antiques and are great for a photo opportunity. But what I really love is the junk shops located on the stairs on the surrounding streets, never before will you have seen such varied antiques from all eras, all mixed together. 11am-5pm. Upper Lascar Row (below Hollywood Road), Sheung Wan. I picked up some great additions to my props collection here - ceramics, small brass dishes, figurines etc. 
  HOURS: 11 am - 5 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
  3 min walk from Man Mo temple.
   A MUST VISIT 

• SHOPPING | Tung Wan Ceramics Store | If you’re looking for a gorgeous porcelain shop, you’ve come to the right place. On both Staunton Street and Peel street you will find traditional stores selling a range of wares.
  ADDRESS: HERE
  6 min walk from Man Mo temple

• HONG KONG MILK TEA | Lan Fong Yuen | This cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style breakfast joint) is an institution here and is said to serve the best milk tea in all of Hong Kong. It started out as a single family-owned dai pai dong, or open-air food stall, back in the early ’50s and now they have a permanent shop location. Lan Fong Yen is best known for inventing the Hong Kong-style “stocking”  milk tea. They use long custom-shaped cloth bags in which the tea is filtered, and the fabric naturally dyes brown from the tea leaves...making it look like stockings. Hence the name “stocking milk tea”. They use their own blends of tea, and it’s quite strong and fragrant - you can smell the tea aromas as you walk up to the shop. If you order it cold, they make it with condensed milk, and hot comes unsweetened and you can add sugar yourself. See on YouTube HERE (at 7:56 sec) and read more HERE.
  HOURS: 7:30 am - 6 pm, closed Sunday
  ADDRESS: HERE
  6 min walk from Staunton St area
   A MUST VISIT (if you love milk tea like me!)

• EGG TARTS | Tai Cheong Bakery | Egg tarts are famous in Hong Kong, and it is a dish that was inspired by a neighbour, Macau. Macau was a colony of Portugal until 1999, and the Pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) was a staple there. Modern egg tarts were first introduced in Hong Kong in the ‘40s through cha chaan tangs which serve foreign-influenced dishes. Tai Cheong Bakery is well known for its egg tarts, and although they have many store locations now, the Lyndhurst location is legendary. A must-try when in Hong Kong! Seen on Youtube HERE (at 8:30 sec). PRO TIP: Only a 1 min walk from Lan Fong Yuen, would go perfectly with the milk tea!
  HOURS: 8 am - 8:30pm
  ADDRESS: HERE

• explore | Graham Street Markets | Graham Street is a historical street market in Central District. The area around Graham and Gage Street, near the Mid-level escalator, is a good spot if you are interested in seeing an open-air (wet) market during your visit to Hong Kong. Here you will find many food stalls with fresh vegetables, fruits, sundries, and flowers as well as fish, meats and other foods at the Gage Street corner. It is a good place to take a few pictures even if you have no intent on buying anything.
   A MUST VISIT (If you love seeing fresh markets)

• DAI PAI DONG LUNCH | Sing Kee | A dai pai dong literally means "big licence stall", referring to the size of licence that the government issues (compared to other ‘street food vendors). It’s a type of open-air restaurant, usually specialising in stir-fried dishes, and is a truly Hong Kong dining experience. They are usually located down side streets and laneways - you can find ones that are decades old near the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator in Central on Hong Kong Island and in the neighbourhood of Sham Shui Po in Kowloon. Many of the dai pai dongs on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong have been slowly phased out, and the government trying to gentrify areas and also make room for new developments. Many hope they don't become a thing of the past. Sing Kee is a well-known eatery serving up classic dishes like sweet and sour pork ribs, and a ‘must order’ clams in black bean sauce. Seen on Mark Wiens HERE.
  HOURS: 11am-3pm and for lunch,  5pm-11pm for dinner
  ADDRESS: HERE
  A 2-minute walk from Graham St area

• SIGHTS | Mid-Levels escalator | The longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world takes you from Central to the Western District on Hong Kong Island. On your way up you’ll find many shops and restaurants and the higher you go, the better the view and offers plenty of great photo opportunities. 

• EXPLORE | GOUGH STREET AND ALSO TANK LANE | Such a great area and I love the look of the streets. These streets are steep, so you could walk them and choose to exercise off some of those Hong Kong calories, or you can also opt to take the mid-level escalators. 

• COCKTAILS | Mrs Pound | A hidden ‘speakeasy’ bar and restaurant, stop in for a cocktail/refreshment. It has a hidden entrance, you just need to find the right lock to push to open the secret door -  and watch this video HERE (although it does give the location of the entrance if you prefer to find it on your own, don't watch)! See their website HERE.
  HOURS: Monday - Friday lunch 12pm - 3pm, weekend lunch 12pm - 4pm, dinner daily from 5pm - midnight
  ADDRESS: HERE

• SNACK | Oddies | Oddies Foodies (located on Gough St) takes the Hong Kong egg waffle to a whole nother level! They serve their eggettes with gelato and a whole bunch of toppings, and you can also choose to have the waffle stuffed with options also! Filling options include; vanilla rice pudding, cinnamon apple pie, brownie chocolate chip and Nutella custard. They serve limited-release specials such as ‘Interstellar’ which has an interesting mix of ingredients – mango gelato with black pepper, strawberry balsamic coulis, salted cashew nuts and shortbread pieces to their classics like Night Wolf consisting of chocolate and caramel ice cream and an apple and cinnamon version with salted caramel and raisins. See more HERE on YouTube (at 10:05 sec).
  HOURS: 12:30pm - 10 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
   A MUST VISIT 

• VINTAGE SHOPPING | You Wu Studio x JikSap | Step into this hidden upstairs bookstore for some of the best vintage finds in town. Behind its easily recognisable blue shutter gates and under the bask of warm yellow lights, sits an impressive collection of limited edition books, vintage movie posters and newspapers amassed over the years in the surrounding Sheung Wan area. Here, you’ll also find random collections of stamps, old-school flyers and vintage typewriters placed all over the shop.
  HOURS: 11:30 am - 5:30 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE

• VINTAGE SHOPPING | Select 18 | This place is packed to the rafters with vintage gewgaws and knickknackery. There’s retro Hong Kong paraphernalia alongside old Americana, they're posters, toys, jewellery, handbags, suitcases, cigarette cases, canteens, compasses ... the list is too long for this space. Best of all: the entire back section is devoted to vintage sunglasses.
  HOURS: 12 noon - till late
  ADDRESS: HERE
  A 1-minute walk from You Wu Studio x JikSap

• DINNER | Ho Lee Fook | Serving a modern twist on Hong Kong classics. This restaurant has got a good reputation, and a price list to match! Tip: get here as close to opening as you can as it gets PACKED. They do not take reservations for groups smaller than 6 people and there are lines before it even opens. That’s saying something!  Things that look good: The roast wagyu short rib, jalapeño purée, green shallot kimchi, soy glaze $558 HK ($105 NZD), Chongqing style chicken wings, heaven facing chillies, dried chillies, Sichuan pepper $138 HK ($26.00), “prawn toast x okonomiyaki” kewpie mayonnaise, bull-dog sauce, shaved cabbage, aonori $128 ($24.00), the Hokkaido scallops, brown butter, kombu soy, celtuce, tarragon $178 HK ($33 NZD), Mom’s “mostly cabbage, a little bit of pork” dumplings, Sacha soy dressing $108 HK ($20 NZD) and the mix your own steamed rice, seaweed, toasted sesame, pork floss, sesame oil $68 HK ($12 NZD). The cocktails also sound pretty good and are mostly $118 HK ($22 NZD). Try the ‘Fruit Stall Mule with gin, lychee and ginger beer! It was really good food BUT it was incredibly expensive. And for that reason, I'm not sure if I would return, esp when you can get just as tasty meals at a 1/3 of the price.
  HOURS: Open Sunday - Thursday 6-11 pm (till midnight on Friday and Saturday)
  ADDRESS: HERE
  Catch the train to Central and take exit D2. 10 min walk from the station.

• COCKTAILS | Quinary | A bar with great cocktails with excellent reviews on Tripadvisor about their creative cocktails. HOURS: 5 pm - 1 am. ADDRESS: HERE | J.Boroski | A cool little-hidden bar (down an alley with NO signage!) that doesn't have a drinks list, instead they custom make every cocktail to your tastes. HOURS: 6 pm - 2 am. ADDRESS: HERE | SEVVA | Rooftop bar with great views and drinks! HOURS: Monday - Wednesday 12 pm - 12 pm, Thursday - Saturday 12 pm -2 am, closed Sunday. ADDRESS: HERE
  
   

DAY three | in sham shui po in kowloon & causeway bay on hong kong island 

• EARLY MORNING (7 am) PHOTOGRAPHY | Lok Wah Estate | This is a great spot for photos as it has these really interesting blue circular structures on a rooftop with sky-rise buildings behind. Head to Lok Wah south estate parking (it will say 'parking' on the map, but when you get there, it will have written on the building 'Lok Wah South Estate garage') and go up either of the stairs to the rooftop. As seen on YouTube HERE (at 1:55 sec) and HERE. 
  ADDRESS: HERE
  Get a taxi here from your location. After, walk to the Ngau Tau Kok station (15 mins walk from Lok Wah Estate) and get the train to Choi Hung.

• PHOTOGRAPHY | Choi Hung Estate (Rainbow Estate) | Chou Hung, which translates to Rainbow in Cantonese, is one of the oldest housing estates in Hong Kong. Because of its super popular colourful vibes, it has become a ‘must do’ spot for photographers and Instagrammers. TIPS ON FINDING IT: The best way to get to Choi Hung Estate is to catch the MTR and make your way to Choi Hung Station on the Kwun Tong Line. Once you’re at the station, be sure to exit from at the C4 exit. Once exited, turn left and go all the way down until you come to a cream-coloured staircase block - walk up and the basketball court where the photos are taken is located on top. Aim to get there no later than 8:30 am to beat the crowds - and go during the week, it gets crowded at the weekend.
  ADDRESS: HERE
   A MUST VISIT 

• BREAKFAST / CHA CHAAN TENG | Sun Hang Yuen (新香園 堅記) | There are actually two locations for Sun Hang Yuen and both are in the area of Sham Shui Po, just around the corner from each other. The Yu Chau Street location is more modern and air-conditioned. The original Kweilin Street shop, open since 1968, is a little rougher around the edges (but that makes for a more authentic experience, right?)  - a pokey little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that is open 24 hours! This place is famous for its beef and scrambled egg sandwiches and Honk Kong-style french toast. As seen on Mark Wiens HERE (he went to the Kweilin Street location) and on this YouTube HERE.
  HOURS FOR YU CHAU STREET: 6:30 am - 11:45 pm / KWEILIN STREET: 24 /7
  ADDRESS FOR YU CHAU STREET: HERE AND KWEILIN STREET: HERE
  A 1 min walk from Sham Shui Po station, exit C2
   A MUST VISIT 

• SNACK | Hop Yik Tai  | Hop Yik Tai sells Cheong fun (rice noodle rolls) which are made fresh every day. They are incredibly smooth with the perfect texture and paired perfectly with their signature toppings; a sweet sauce, sesame sauce, soy and a dusting of sesame seeds. It’s no wonder why there are queues all the time and this popular local eatery was also recommended in the Michelin Guide. They have a street-side stall where you can either stand roadside eating your Cheong fun, or do a takeaway. If you choose to eat in the restaurant you can add your own sweet sauce and sesame seeds to the dish. As seen on YouTube HERE (at 2:58 sec) and HERE (at 3:32 sec).
  HOURS: 6:30 am - 8pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
  3 min walk from Sun Hang Yuen

• SHOPPING | Sham Shui Po area for shopping | Each street in this neighbourhood specialises in different products. Apliu Street sells tech stuff (phone charges, cameras etc), Ki Lung Street sells buttons, Tai Nan street sells leather goods, Yu Chau Street sells beads and Nam Cheong Street sells ribbons.

• SHOPPING | SIMCITY | For camera gear and tech stuff, SimCity sells a lot of second-hand goods as well as all the latest gear too. I stocked up on camera batteries and lens caps etc, and Aaron brought a GO-PRO. There are a few incredible shops here selling beautiful vintage cameras etc. It was a little tricky to find as the signage wasn't clear, but you can ask locals if you get stuck. It is a multi-level building so there are many different floors to explore. We arrived at 11:30 am, and most of the shops still hadn't opened, so an afternoon visit might be best. 
  HOURS: 10:30 am - 10:30 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE

• SHOPPING | Juice | For high-concept streetwear, you can’t go wrong at JUICE. Established in 2003 in Causeway Bay, this store carries a fine selection of contemporary streetwear and sneaker brands including Adidas, Bleu de Paname, Buscemi, Converse, Hood by Air, and more.
  HOURS: 12 noon - 10pm
  ADDRESS: HERE

• SHOPPING | 8FIVE2 | Launched in 1999, 8Five2 was one of the first local authentic skateboard and street fashion stores to open in Hong Kong. They carry a number of both popular and underground labels like Primitive, Know1ledge, Nike SB, Vans, and Spitfire. In addition, their gorgeously curated shop features marble floors and glass bench displays.
  HOURS: 12 noon - 10 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
  6 min walk from Juice

• DINNER | Temple Street night market  | This is the perfect spot to eat at traditional Dai Pai Dong (outdoor, open-air restaurant) and get a good dose of cheap and tasty street food. I love the way Time Magazine described this spot: “This rowdy thoroughfare in central Kowloon starts at Temple Street junction with Jordan Road, terminates five blocks north on Kansu Street and looks like every B-movie director's dream of Chinatown. Under the glare of bare light bulbs, hawkers flog everything from bizarre patent medicines to counterfeit watches. Prostitutes work the low-rise tenements, fortune-tellers cluster by the multistory car park and impoverished Chinese opera troupes busk for a few dollars just outside the public toilets. Outdoor food stalls display still-twitching, unnameable crustacea and old men and junkies gamble on games of Chinese chess in the concrete square outside the eponymous temple. Ghetto heaven”. TIP: There is a car park next to Temple Street markets to take photos from. See YouTube HERE. We at a restaurant in the markets called Tong Tai and ordered spicy chicken wings and prawn fried rice - was really good! 
  HOURS: 5 pm -11 pm (really kicks off around 6 ish)
  ADDRESS: HERE

• DESSERT | Kai kai dessert in Jordan | Kai Kai Dessert is a casual eatery that specialises in traditional Cantonese desserts. They have both English and Cantonese menus, and the pictures make it easy for ordering. If you love ginger and yummy textures, you'll love their  'Sesame Seed Rice Ball with Ginger Sweet Soup for $18 HK ($3.40 NZD). It is soft and chewy glutinous rice balls (tong yuen) filled with a smooth and velvety sesame paste in a hot ginger soup which is mild on the sugar but packs a punch with the ginger heat. As seen on Shu’s YouTube HERE and on TripAdvisor HERE.
  HOURS: 12 noon - 3:30am
  ADDRESS: HERE
   A MUST VISIT 

• DESSERT | Yee Shun Milk Company | This is one of those classic eateries in Hong Kong, serving up this extremely delicate, not too sweet, almost like panna cotta dessert. First-timers should really go for their Original Double Skin Steamed Milk Pudding for $36 HKD ($6.80 NZD) for that taste of the comforting, curdy, smooth pudding. Available in both hot and cold versions, but apparently (even if it's stinking hot outside), the hot version is the best one to get! There are four locations available to choose from.
  HOURS: 8 am-midnight
  ADDRESS: HERE - Jordan location, 5mins walk from Temple St

• SHOPPING | Ladies Market | With over 100 stalls of designer copy clothing and handbags, accessories and souvenirs, the Ladies Market on Tung Choi Street provides a one-kilometre stretch on which to practise your haggling skills. It gets its name because it used to only sell things ‘for ladies’ (ie women's clothing and accessories) however, with watches, cosmetics, bags, home furnishings and trinkets there is something for everyone within its crowded aisles.
  HOURS: 12 noon - 11pm
  ADDRESS: HERE

• PHOTOGRAPHY | Neon signs | First introduced to Hong Kong in the 1920s, the use of neon signs exploded in the ‘50s through the ‘80s. They are iconically Hong Kong, but unfortunately, the signs are slowly disappearing, making way for new developments and newer digital versions. Take a few snaps of these signs when you are here because they might not be there (in the same number) on the next visit! See this YouTube HERE where they give you the best location spots, as well as tips on urban neon photography. A few good spots: Parkes Street and Kansu Street which are both close to Temple St night markets. Tip: The signs do get turned off later in the evening, so make sure your photography adventure isn't too late.
  ADDRESS: For Kansu St, a 4 min walk from Temple St Market: HERE
  ADDRESS: For Parkes St, a 3 min walk from the market: HERE

 

 

DAY FOUR | Mostly in the area of Wan chai, hong kong island

• STUNNING VIEWs | Victoria Peak | The view from the Peak is undoubtedly one of the best views you can get of the Hong Kong skyline. If you are planning on spending some time up there, make sure to take snacks and water as these are crazy expensive at the Peak shops and cafes. Also, a light jacket or jumper as it can get cold depending on what time of day you go. The most time-efficient way to get there is to take a taxi to the top and asked to be dropped off at the ‘Peak Mall’. A taxi ride from Central to Victoria Peak takes around 20 minutes and the fare should be around $100 HKD ($18 NZD). The typical option to get to the Peak Mall is by tram (which opens at 7 am) but during busy periods, this can be a 1 hour + line to use the tram going up, so the taxi will avoid this. The ride up on the tram is usually congested but coming back down seems to be much easier, so take it on the way down. Make sure when you do take the ride down, to sit on the left-hand side to get ALL the views. The tram is $45 HKD ($8.50 NZD) return or $32 HKD ($6 NZD) one way. If you have an octopus card, you can use this to pay for the tram, and this will save you time queuing for a tram ticket. There will be an Octopus Card Reader at the entry barrier to swipe in. Also, instead of paying 50 HKD to get to the super touristy Lions Pavilion (viewing platform), you can get to other FREE areas, like Lugard Road which is a short 15-20 min walk and has vistas that are just as breathtaking - check out this site HERE with all the details on how to find this road. If you want to catch the sunrise, you need to be here by 5:45 am. See HERE for a video on sunrise photography at Victoria Peak.
  ADDRESS: HERE
  NOTE: Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to get up to Victoria Peak. It was extremely cloudy on all the days we were in HK, so I knew the view would be non-existent. 

• BREAKFAST / CHA CHAAN TENG | Kam Fung Cafe | Serving up all the Hong Kong famous breakfast treats; pineapple buns, egg custard tarts, HK chicken pie. Youtube link HERE (at 0.52 sec). 
  HOURS: 6:45 am - 7 pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
  This is a perfect breakfast spot to go to after Victoria Peak. Catch a. taxi here. 

• PHOTOGRAPHY | Blue House | This Grade 1 Historic Building is an iconic image of Wan Chai. One of the few remaining examples of tong lau—tenement-style housing which was once common in the city.
  HOURS: Anytime (outside shots)
  ADDRESS: HERE
  A 4 min walk from Kam Fung Cafe to Blue House

• PHOTOGRAPHY | Hopewell Center | Free skyscraper views of parts of the city. When you come into the main part of this building there will be many elevators. Look for the one that takes you to ‘The Grand Buffett’ on the 17th floor. Then you will enter the Grand Buffett, and there will be another elevator. This elevator is made out of glass and you get incredible views of the city and all the buildings from it - take it up to the 56th floor (to a restaurant), take photos along the way and then go back down. Seen on YouTube HERE.
  HOURS: ???
  ADDRESS: HERE
  A 4 min walk from Blue House to Hopewell Center

• PHOTOGRAPHY | Central Plaza | Skyscraper views of the city (360!) | Go into the elevator and take the ‘transfer lift lobby’ to 47/F - 75/F. Head up to the ‘Sky lobby’. The sky lobby is on the 46th floor and is a little over halfway up the skyscraper. It's the lobby where people change lifts to go up, you can enjoy both the views over the harbour and the green views of the peak. And it’s free! Seen on YouTube HERE.
  HOURS:?
  ADDRESS: HERE
  A 6 min walk from Lee Keung Kee Waffles to Central Plaza
   A MUST VISIT 

• SNACK | Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles | Hong Kong Egg Waffles (sometimes referred to as egg puffs, eggettes or bubble waffles) are a popular street food dish. The slightly sweet, waffle-like batter is cooked in a special spherical mould giving soft oval “eggs” or “bubbles” with crisp edges. They have stalls selling this all over Hong Kong, but I like Lee Keung as they have a nice traditional-looking bag. See it in this video HERE (at 6:25 min)
  HOURS: Opens 7am-11pm
  ADDRESS: HERE
  A 5 min walk from Hopewell Center to Lee Keung Kee Waffle

• LUNCH OR DINNER | Little Bao | Two locations, one in SOHO (Central) and also a new location in Causeway Bay. Apparently best bao in HK! See their website HERE and a YouTube vid on it HERE. COST: Small shares range from $78 HK ($15 NZD) - $128 hk ($24 NZD and the bao are $78 HK each.
  HOURS (CAUSEWAY BAY): 12 noon - 11:30 pm
  ADDRESS (CAUSEWAY BAY): HERE
  15 min walk from Tuve through Victoria Park.