Unordinary things to do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities. The main reason is that the metropolis on the South China Sea never bores me. It is not only subject to constant change, but also provides plenty of things that make every trip a real experience. These are my favorite of the most unordinary things to do in Hong Kong.

Explore Hong Kongs culinary side

One of my favorite things to do in Hong Kong is to join a food tour. Why? Because every trip to a foreign country is a new culinary expedition, especially when it comes to the cuisine of China. In Hong Kong, nothing is easier than to spend the day strolling through the narrow streets of Kowloon, Causeway Bay or Central in search for the best things to eat. However, it is also a great idea to join a food tour like the ones offered by Hong Kong Foodie Tours. You are going to spend 3-4 hours walking around different areas (I can recommend the Central & Sheung Wan Foodie Tour). You will have some bites in old tea houses, search for the best Dai Pai Dong (original open-air food stalls) and explore the street markets. But be aware: You might try food that you have never thought it even existed.

Prices: HK$720 for the Central & Sheung Wan Foodie Tour

One of the best things to do in Hong Kong: Join a food tour in Central, Sheung Wan or Kowloon.

Do a scenic helicopter ride

Why not experience Hong Kong from the air – and do flightseeing instead of sightseeing? It might be one of the best cities in the world to do so. Join a shared flight by Heliservices on a per seat basis with a maximum of 6 passengers. The best thing about it: Heliservices has partnered with its sister company, the Peninsula Hong Kong right at the harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, where they depart from the rooftop or alternatively from Wanchai Heliport, next to the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Expect the most remarkable views of “Asia’s world city”, the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island, the photogenic Victoria Harbour and the New Territories.

Prices: Most flights start at HK$1,999

A helicopter flight: Definitely one of the most unordinary things to do in Hong Kong.

Go to a horse race

Horse racing in Hong Kong is serious stuff. Mostly because the Chinese love gambling and the British introduced the sport when they first came to Hong Kong in 1841. And guess what, it is still a sport for the masses. Join the races at Happy Valley for an evening full of groomed horses, cold beers and crowds going wild. You will have loads of fun in a thrilling atmosphere. Best thing about it: While the general entrance is extremely cheap with HK$10, betting starts at only HK$20.

Unordinary things to do in Hong Kong: Win some money!

Horse-Racing Season at Happy Valley: September to June. Normally on Wednesday nights, the first race starts at 7:15 p.m., gates open at 5:15 p.m. and the races are done by 11:00 p.m.

Prices: General entrance is HK$10 (pay with your Octopus card)

Visit Happy Valley for one of the most amazing things to do in Hong Kong – photo by Annewhere.

Jump on a junk

Hong Kong is much more than just a city, but an archipelago of 260 islands. So one thing you definitely should do, is to jump on a boat in the harbour. Ideally, one of the old traditional ones like Aqua Luna, a charming red-sailed Chinese junk that can hold a maximum of 80 people.
Or even better: charter it for all your friends sail out to Stanley or Cheung Chau for example. Junks will collect you from Central’s Pier 9 (nearest MTR: Central) or Kowloon Public Pier (nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui).

Prices for charter: $10,000 per hour (afternoon) and $11,000–HK$21,000 per hour (evening) plus 10% service charge, drinks & snacks included.

A trip on the harbour in a must of the things to do in Hong Kong.

Do a Dim Sum cooking class

Back to the culinary things in life. Why not learn how to make Dim Sum yourself, one of the signature dishes of Hong Kong? There are many cooking schools in Hong Kong, one of them is easy123 Dining & Cooking Studio in K11 Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui that offers fun classes. In about two hours you will not only learn how to make deep-fried spring rolls in squid shape and classic shrimp dumplings, but even dumplings that are shaped like penguins. Eat this!

Prices: $430 for a Dim Sum class

To learn how to make Dim Sum is one my favorite things to do in Hong Kong

Where to stay in Hong Kong:

The city offers great options as well. Where to stay in Hong Kong? Here is our guide from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, from budget to bling. Here is our guide from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, from budget to bling: Where to stay in Hong Kong – Budget to Boutique

More Articles on Hong Kong Travel:

• My addiction to Hong Kong: A confession

• Where to stay in Hong Kong – Budget to Boutique

• Tai O Village in Hong Kong: Fallen out of time

• Hong Kong from above: a tram ride through the city of WOW’s

Anekdotique was a guest of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.