What My Perfect Day in Hong Kong Looks Like
I was inspired to write this post after declaring ‘Big Body’s Sacred Day’ on July 5th, 2021. I’m not sure why that date in particular but everything lined up that day and I did almost everything I could have wanted (almost) in Hong Kong in just one day. I repeated this day again on July 5th, 2022, and plan to do some sort of variation of this in 2023 (and beyond).
The beauty of Hong Kong is that you are a stone’s throw away from a challenging hike with a view, a hop skip, and a jump from a serene and secluded beach, and always within eyeshot of a cold beer, strong coffee, or bite to eat. That’s why days like ‘Big Body’s Sacred Day’ are possible in Hong Kong. While there are countless other restaurants, hikes, and things that I love in this city, I tried to remain true to exactly what I’ve done on both sacred days.
Here’s what my perfect day in Hong Kong would look like (and has looked like) should I have my druthers. Keep in mind that I am combining two of my sacred days (July 5th, 2021, and July 5th, 2022) so everything may not be achievable in just one day. Or maybe it is.
I’ve made an effort to link to the Google Maps locations of all spots mentioned on the below walkthrough – if you have any questions about any of them, don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
Where to Fuel Up & Caffeinate
First things first. You have a big day ahead of you and you need some caffeine and substance in your system.
Head on over to one of my favorite coffee and brunch joints in all of Hong Kong – ‘Fineprint’ in SoHo (or Sai Ying Pun), an Australian-style coffee shop serving up one of my favorite avocado toasts in Hong Kong, potent Americanos, and shelf-fulls of some of the finest baked goods on the Island (I especially recommend their pretzels).
For those looking for that traditional American diner feel, look no further than ‘Green Waffle Diner’ on Lyndhurst Terrace (or Hysan Place in Causeway Bay), serving up creative acai bowls, deep-pocketed waffles, and fluffy omelets.
If you want to grab a flaky and sweet egg tart, flavor-packed focaccia, or vanilla custard doughnut on the go, consider stopping by ‘Bakehouse’ on Staunton Street. Don’t worry, the line moves fast! Bakehouse’s Wan Chai branch is also a favorite of mine as I personally think they make one of the best Western-style breakfast sandwiches in Hong Kong (and they have dine-in).
Or, if you are feeling somewhere a little bit off the ‘Central’ and ‘SoHo’ path, saunter on over to one of my favorite brunch spots to start the day out before a hike – ‘Tai Hang Bar and Grill’ (in Tai Hang). THBG holds a special place in my heart as it was the designated meeting spot with my ‘dawgz’ to scarf down a hearty ‘Big Breakfast’ (very similar to an English breakfast), slug a banana milkshake (aka ‘nana shakes’), and kick the feet up in their al fresco dining area to overlook the hustle and bustle of Tai Hang.
Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you are really craving avo toast, make sure to check out my complete guide breaking down the best avocado toast spots in Hong Kong. Also, if you are looking to get some work done, I’ve got you covered – check out these 11 laptop-friendly cafes in Hong Kong.
Get That Sweat On: Where to Hike & Swim on This Momentous Day
Caffeinated and fueled up, it’s time to go burn that off (or at least a little of it). Depending on how you are feeling, there are two different paths (or journeys, if you will) that I would recommend.
The first is a quick jaunt up The Peak and High West for a breathtaking view of both Hong Kong Island and the South of the Island (and a potential stop at Burger King along the way at The Peak). Just make sure to bring sunscreen and refill your water bottle(s) at the High West Picnic Area and park.
The second is a bit more aggressive hike (and my favorite of the two) from Tai Hang or Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park (the former making it just that much further and strenuous) up Violet Hill and the Terrible Twins (don’t worry, you can bail off at several points if you want to take it easier), and carving down to Repulse Bay or Stanley. Just make sure to prepare yourself for 1,200 steps to the top and stunning views of both Hong Kong Island’s skyscrapers and Southern seaside.
To cool off, simply make your way down to the Repulse Bay promenade, grab some real estate on the beach, and take a dip (this also happened to be my birthday route).
Or, if you end up down in Stanley and are looking for a hidden gem of a beach with one of the best sunsets in Hong Kong, follow the waterfront path that takes you in front of the Stanley Murray House to Chung Hom Kok Road and then make your way down to Chung Hom Kok Beach.
Time to Relax & Grab an Aperol Spritz
You must be sore. I know I am just writing this. Grant yourself some reprieve and know that you are on to the TLC portion of the day.
If you opted for the Repulse Bay side quest, wind down and soak in the sunset at one of my favorite beachfront restaurants, Limewood, for a quick snack (chips and guac) and an Aperol Spritz. Make sure to grab one of the seats at the open window facing the beach!
Or, if you opted for The Peak and High West, either hail a cab from the Peak or make your way down the way you came to SoHo and post up at the Florentine-inspired wine bar, Stazione Novella, on the bustling corner of Staunton and Aberdeen for my favorite Aperol Spritz in Hong Kong.
If your body just can’t take it anymore and you need some of the kinks worked out, cab on over to The Grand Hyatt in Wan Chai to enter your own personal relaxation bubble at Plateau Spa. This is hands down my favorite massage in all of Hong Kong and worth the splurge. Choose from a 60-minute signature massage, 90-minute Swedish, or something in between and turn your mind off.
For something a little more economical, hop on down to Sense Thai on Cochrane Street right under the SoHo Escalators. I actually went to Sense Thai on a “mini-sacred day” courtesy of one of my best friends and it was exactly what I needed after upping my running routine to 40km-plus per week. You know it is legit when they have one of those poles on the ceilings for a 60-year-old Thai woman to hold on to while she walks on top of your back.
The Night is Just Getting Started: Where to Eat, Drink, & Smoke Shisha
I always catch a second wind when I know that food and drink are in my immediate future. On my first official sacred day in 2021, I was already so spent (and relaxed) from such a massive day that I stopped by the fabled late-night watering/eating hole 27 Kebab House for a kofte roll (with extra meat) and chips. Sit on one of the stools or hang out on the steps while you chow down on your kebab and absorb the palpable energy of the Hong Kong 9-5’ers as they head home for the day (or gear up for the night).
Now, if you know me at all, then you know that Korean BBQ and I go together like lamb and tuna fish (that’s a reference from ‘Big Daddy’ right there with Adam Sandler).
On my second official sacred day, I channeled my inner Suzie Wong and took my favorite mode of transportation in all of Hong Kong, the Star Ferry, over to ‘Mr. Korea BBQ’ (located between Tsim Sha Tsui and Jordan) for some makgeolli (this is essentially alcoholic milk for cats in human form), honey soju, seafood pancakes, and boneless beef ribs. This is the ultimate spot for authentic Korean bbq, k-pop blaring on screens, and rowdy ‘geonbaes’ from rosy-cheeked patrons (myself included).
If you’ve read my previous article breaking down what I consider to be the best rooftop shisha lounge in Hong Kong, then you know I ultimately ended the night for a full recap and detox (strange word for smoking shisha) at Mono Lab. Pick your flavors, pick your intensity, and sit back and recap the day on Mono’s lit-up rooftop terrace, Carbon Brews pale ale in hand (or one of their assorted teas).
I do have to give a shout-out to the newest rooftop shisha lounge that I have been heavily mixing in and has become one of my favorites for dark leaf shisha, Moonkok FOCO (located on the first floor across from Kebab House) on Cochrane Street. Tony and crew are passionate and creative, and know how to pack a flavorful shisha that lasts (I recommend asking about their ‘Sandalwood’ flavor when ordering).
Plus, their rooftop terrace (which you can see through the glass of the escalator) gives Mono Lab a run for its money.
Big Body’s Sacred Day Recapped
As mentioned above, I tried to remain true to the two sacred days that I’ve ‘given myself’ in Hong Kong. There have been countless special and memorable days since I moved back but these two days just were authentically me.
I recommend everyone carve out at least one special day each year for themselves (besides your birthday) and on a day that others are at work (preferably a weekday). Something about uninterrupted self-care just makes for the best type of “sacred day.”
I challenge anyone reading this to try and knock out several of these in a day and then report back. I would love to hear your thoughts and if there are any stops you think I should incorporate on the next sacred day in 2023.
I’ve also written more in-depth posts on a lot of these activities, restaurants, and bars, so if you are looking for something a bit more robust, I recommend sorting through my Hong Kong posts.
Be grand everyone and treat yourself well this year,
Big Body
Big Body is a voracious lov…eater, a cowardly fighter, and a self-proclaimed curry goat BBQ-eating champion (don’t forget the donkey milk) who likes Stoicism, baseball, and writing in the third person. Having worked for himself for the last 7 years, he isn’t particularly successful but he does still drink ice-cold Sapporo draft beers with the best of them and knows his way around a Dai Pai Dong or two. He is based in Hong Kong but you can still find him in Saigon, Osaka, and Vienna for extended periods.