Hong Kong: Family Fun in the City! (Travel Guide)

Read Next: Hong Kong: Family Fun in the Outlying Islands of HK! (Travel Guide)

Update 12/19/2018: Hong Kong Food Trip Guide like a Local! (24H Itinerary)

Hong Kong is one of our family’s favorite destinations. We’ve always loved its endless options for great food, the different festive celebrations, and the inspiring landscape. It’s ever-evolving, with new train lines being developed to connect the outlying islands, and with more places to explore, the kids will never get bored.

 

Here’s our travel guide to new places to discover in the city, the best restaurants to eat with the kids, and last minute tips to maximize your family fun in Hong Kong.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Traveling with Kids around Hong Kong

Upon arrival at the Hong Kong Airport, make sure to visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board information counter before proceeding to the arrival hall. The hospitable staff can help a lot in planning your trip around the different islands.

 

You can get the latest brochures from here and also ask about the best way to get to your hotel from the airport.

 

One of the things we love about Hong Kong is how very efficient the train system is. It’s very comfortable even when traveling with the kids (just avoid the rush hours).

 

You can buy an Octopus card for HK$150/adult and HK$70 for a child with HK$50 as a deposit. You’ll be able to get a refund of HK$41 as HK$9 will be imposed if the card is returned within 90 days.

For more information: https://www.octopus.com.hk/

Check out the unlimited Tourist Passes, with a combination of Airport Express Travel Passes and cross check with Klook offers to determine what suits your trip best.

 

Currency exchange rates in Tsim Sha Tsui are better than that in airport so only do your currency exchange when you get to Tsim Sha Tsui, unless absolutely necessary.

(The airport exchange rate is US$1=HK$7, while you can get HK$7.5 at the TST area)

 

It’s still best to get your mobile wifi hotspot online via Klook or use a HK sim card for your data connection needs.

 

We decided to take the scenic bus route to our Kowloon hotel from the airport because it’s cheaper and more convenient, especially if you’re a big group.

(It’s only HK$33/adult for the A21 bus to Kowloon versus a single journey ticket of HK$105 via airport express.)

 

 

WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG?

The usual room capacity in Hong Kong is two adults and two kids, so we would usually book two rooms or a big family room.

1. Kowloon Shangri-La

Our kids loved our stay at Kowloon Shangri-La in Tsim Sha Tsui because of the super comfortable bed and the stunning view of Victoria Harbor from the room.

Take a cultural tour of East Tsim Sha Tsui via the concierge and you can bring along the hotel’s mobile phone for wifi connection.

KOWLOON SHANGRI-LA
64 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2721 2111
How to get there: MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit P1, walk for two minutes

For more info, visit http://www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/kowloonshangrila/

 

2. Kimberley Hotel

Kimberley Hotel is located at the heart of the shopping district and surrounded by yummy restaurants around the Tsim Sha Tsui area.

This is popular for Filipino families because it is literally walking distance from the shopping, cultural and food trip places in Kowloon area.

KIMBERLEY HOTEL
28 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2723-3888
How to get there: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit B2, walk for about six minutes

For more info, visit http://www.kimberley.hk/

 

3. Dorsett Wanchai Hotel

Dorsett Wanchai is a good value hotel to stay on Hong Kong island. It’s at the end of Queen’s road in the Wan Chai neighborhood with a tram stop nearby. There is also Bus 10 which goes to North Point / Kennedy Town.

We can fit in the double queen bed rooms with just enough space to play around with the kids. What’s cool is they are traveler friendly providing a shuttle service to and from key locations and MTR stations, and a wireless phone / mobile wifi service during your trip.

DORSETT WANCHAI HOTEL
387-397 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 3552 1111
How to get there: MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit A Times Square Mega Shopping Mall, walk for about ten minutes

For more info, visit http://www.wanchai.dorsetthotels.com/

 

 

EATING STRATEGY WITH KIDS

1. Mui Kee Cookfood Centre (Kowloon)

Mui Kee is an indoor food center serving dai pai dong-style dishes. It was our favorite place to go to during our recent trip to Hong Kong with the kids.

Mui Kee Cookfood Stall
5/F, Carnarvon Plaza, 20 Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Telephone: +852 2721 2123
Opening hours: 11:00AM – 12:30AM
How to get there: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit B2, walk for about five minutes

 

Everything we ordered was rave worthy! Our favourite was the crispy trotters. It has a ham-like meat flavour and super crispy skin, just like our crispy pata!

Budget: HK$850 for a group of 5 adults and 3 kids

(Tip: There are places pretending to be Mui Kee so make sure to visit the original one!)

 

2. North Point Food Trip (Hong Kong Side)

The North Point neighborhood has the best restaurants on the Hong Kong side, catering to the discerning taste of local foodies.

Tung Po Seafood Restaurant (Java Road Market Cooked Food Centre)

Java Road Market Cooked Food Centre is an indoor dai pai dong market in the North Point neighborhood. We love the festive atmosphere here, with people singing during the late hours. They always have a long queue from locals, even on weekdays. They only open during dinner time.

Tung Po Seafood Restaurant (Java Road Market Cooked Food Centre)
2nd Floor, 99 Java Road Municipal Services Building, North Point, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2880 5224
Operating Hours: 5:30PM – 12:30AM daily
How to get there: MTR North Point Station Exit A1, walk for about five minutes

 

Don’t forget to order their signature Wind Sand Chicken with very tender meat, crispy thin skin, and garlic bits served butterfly-style.

 

Make sure to clean your utensils and plates with the hot tea! Order the Blue Girl Beer served in bowls for your drinks.

Budget: HK$2,400 for 7 adults and 3 kids

 

Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Ball

Gei Dan Zai is our favorite snack or dessert treat in Hong Kong. It’s a super crispy and crusty waffle with an egg-like shape that pops in your mouth.

One of the best ones is Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Ball, which is recommended by the Michelin Guide. Lee Keung Kee is located in North Point, next to the crossing between King’s Road and Kam Hong Street.

Budget: HK$15/waffle

Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Ball
492 King’s Rd, North Point, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2590-9726
E-mail: Info@eggball.hk
Operating Hours: 7:00AM – 11:00PM

For more info, visit http://eggball.hk/

 

Qinghai Noodles

Qinghai Noodles serves their special Tibetan noodles with grilled specialties along a foodie secret alley at the back of neighborhood buildings.

Qinghai Tibetan Noodles
G/F, 27A, Kam Ping Street, North Point, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday
Lunch Time: 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Dinner Time: 6:00PM – 10:00PM
Telephone: +852 2151-0506
How to get there: MTR North Point Station Exit B4, walk for about two minutes

 

It’s one of the best noodle places we’ve eaten in Hong Kong with grilled lamb specialties. We loved the adventure of hunting it down in North Point.

Budget: HK$450 for 5 adults and 3 kids

 

Northern Dumpling Yuan

Northern Dumpling Yuan is a dim sum and noodle house specializing in northern-style Chinese dumplings and spicy la mian noodles.

Northern Dumpling Yuan
Shop A, G/F Raymond Court
16 Kin Wah St, North Point, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: 11:00AM–9:00PM
Telephone: +852 2571 6687
How to get there: MTR North Point Station Exit B1, walk for about eight minutes

 

The dumplings are made in-house and steamed upon order, with plenty of filling flavors to choose from.

 

My favorite is the Sichuan Spicy Noodles which is authentically spicy! I love how the noodles absorb the spicy, peanut and garlic flavors.

Budget: HK$500 for 4 adults and 3 kids

 

 

3. Weekend Cantonese Brunch  

I always look forward to having a good Cantonese meal with the family on Saturdays and Sundays when we’re in HK. Make sure to reserve in advance.

Mott 32

Mott 32 is a Modern Chinese Restaurant by Maximal Concepts located at the basement of Standard Chartered Bank Building.

Its name is a tribute to NYC’s first Chinese convenience store, which opened in 1851 on 32 Mott Street, New York.

Mott 32
Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4a Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong
Operating Hours:
Lunch Time: 12:00PM – 2:30PM
Dinner Time: 6:00PM – 11:00PM
Telephone: +852 2885 8688 (between 10am and 10pm daily)
Email: Reservations@mott32.com
Facebook: Mott 32
Instagram: @Mott32HK
How to get there: MTR Central Station Exit E, walk for about five minutes

For more info, visit http://www.mott32.com/

Our favorite is the Barbecue Pluma Iberico Pork in Yellow Mountain Honey sauce. Available in limited quantities daily.

 

Make sure to pre-order at least 1 day in advance for their Apple Wood Roasted 42 Days Peking Duck, served with their signature Mott 32 meat cut and thinly sliced skin.

Budget: HK$2,700 for 5 adults and 3 kids for weekend brunch

 

The Chairman

The Chairman is one of the best Cantonese fine dining restaurants in Hong Kong, serving light and delicate dishes with the finest and freshest ingredients.

The Chairman
No.18 Kau U Fong, Central, HK
Email: reservations@thechairmangroup.com
Telephone : + 852 – 2555 2202
Operating Hours: From Monday to Sunday
Lunch Time : 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Dinner Time : 6:00PM – 11:00PM
How to get there: MTR Sheung Wan Station Exit A2, walk for about five minutes

Reserve Table via WhatsApp: + 852 – 5501 5102
1. Not applicable to same day booking
2. Subject to The Chairman’s confirmation

For more info, visit www.thechairmangroup.com

 

Make sure to pre-order their signature Steamed Fresh Flowery Crab with Aged Shaoxing Wine, Fragrant Chicken Oil, and Flat Rice Noodles.

 

The kids love the Braised Spare Ribs with Preserved Plums in Caramelized Black Vinegar for its tender meat which was easy for the kids to bite off the bone. The kids also love the sweet sauce so much that they licked the sauce off the bones!

Budget: HK$2,400 for 5 adults and 3 kids for weekend brunch

 

4. Grassroots Pantry 

Grassroots Pantry is a modern vegetarian restaurant by Chef/Owner Peggy Chan that carnivores and non-veggie eating kids would love.

Grassroots Pantry
108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Email: info@grassrootspantry.com
Telephone: +852 2873-3353
Operating Hours: 9:00AM – 11:00PM
Facebook: Grassroots Pantry
Instagram: @grassrootspantry
Twitter: @grassrootshk
How to get there: MTR Sheung Wan Station Exit A2, walk for about ten minutes uphill.

For more info, visit http://www.grassrootspantry.com/

 

It’s best not to let your kids know that this is a vegetarian restaurant and have them try the Popcorn Chicken.

They use hedgehog mushrooms with galangal powder to trick your brain into thinking this is chicken. It’s served with coconut kefir sour cream.

 

Our favorite was the Sichuan Mala Burger made with Shiitake and Maitake mushrooms. The patty really tastes like beef! Served with Yunnan Cashew Ham, Truffle Mayo, and Lotus Root Fries.

Budget: $3,300 for 6 adults and 3 kids

 

5. Hong Kong Breakfast – Mido Cafe

Mido Cafe is a classic Hong Kong cafe founded more than six decades ago and has kept its 1950s decor with green window frames and patterned tiles. Visit to experience its vintage Hong Kong charm!

Mido Cafe
63 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
Telephone: +852 2384 6402
Opening hours: 9:00AM – 9:00PM (Closed on Wed)
How to get there: MTR Yau Ma Tei Station Exit C, walk for about eight minutes.

 

You’ll love the traditional recipes of baked rice with pork chops and other HK breakfast specialties like their omelettes.

Budget: HK$500 for 5 adults and 3 kids

 

FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES

1. Ocean Park

Ocean Park generally has two main sections, which are The Waterfront where The Grand Aquarium is located and The Summit where you can find all the heart-pumping rides.

These sections are connected via a free cable car and a fast train service, making it very convenient for visitors to get around the park.

Ocean Park
Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 3923-2323
Operating Hours: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
How to get there: MTR Ocean Park Station, walk for about two minutes

For more info, visit https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/

 

The kids really enjoyed meeting the cute Panda and Golden Monkey. (photo)

 

It’s a good educational trip for the kids to understand more about ocean conservation and appreciate underwater life.

The boys were fascinated with getting up close and personal with the sharks and the manta rays swimming around their ecosystem.

 

2. PMQ Creative Space

PMQ stands for Police Married Quarters and is a gentrified grade three historical building. The then dormitory for police is now a creative design hub which houses quirky boutiques by local designers.

PMQ
35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong Island
Telephone: +852 2870 2335
Opening Hours: 7:00AM – 11:00PM
How to get there: MTR Sheung Wan Station Exit E2, walk for about 10 minutes.

For more info, visit http://www.pmq.org.hk/

 

You’ll find quirky and unique design pieces here and may even get to meet the passionate and creative artists behind the lifestyle products.

 

The kids love the interactive Augmented Reality exhibits and just going the building for its amazing array of shops.

 

3. LEGO Store

Make sure to visit Hong Kong’s first LEGO Certified Store!

We love the LEGO Mongkok model built with 700,000 bricks, the Victoria Harbour LEGO mosaic, and unique packages only available in this HK store.

LEGO Certified Store HK
Shop L12-1B, Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Telephone: +852 2613 2888
Opening hours: 11:00AM to 11:00PM
How to get there: MTR Mong Kok Station Exit C, walk for about three minutes.

 

4. Awfully Chocolate

Don’t forget to stop by Awfully Chocolate in Langham Place for the Flourless Chocolate Cake and Salted Butterscotch Brownie!

Awfully Chocolate
Shop 20 Level 4 Langham Place, 8 Argyle Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Telephone: +852 2375 0055
Opening hours: 11:00AM to 10:00PM
How to get there:  MTR Mong Kok Station Exit C, walk for about three minutes.

For more info, visit https://www.awfullychocolate.com/hongkong/

 

5. Pasalubong

Jenny’s Bakery Biscuits is one of our favorite snacks when we go to the outlying islands and a no-fail pasalubong from Hong Kong. Make sure to visit the original stores in Tsim Sha Tsui or Sheung Wan.

Jenny Bakery Tsim Sha Tsui
Shop G24 Ground Floor & Shop 42 1st Floor. Mirador Mansion, 54-64 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Telephone: +852 2311-8070
Business Hour: 9:00AM – 7:00PM
How to get there: MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui Exit D

Jenny Bakery Sheung Wan
15 Wing Wo Street, Sheung Wan Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2524.1988
Business Hour: 9:00AM – 7:00PM
How to get there: MTR: Sheung Wan MTR Exit E2 opposite Sincere Department Store. Behind Grand Millennium Plaza

For more info, visit https://www.jennybakery.com/hongkong/

 

We also like visiting Hong Kong supermarkets and convenience stores to check out unique snacks, chocolates, and products not available in Manila.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

We always love to travel to the non-touristy areas of a destination and to eat in places where local foodies would go to. Traveling is a great way to educate our kids on different cultures, to learn more about a place through its food, and explore and commune with nature in the great outdoors.

Thank you to the Hong Kong Tourism Board for the suggestions, and our friend Janice Lao for some local recommendations in Hong Kong that Filipinos would surely enjoy.

There’s no need for a visa when you visit Hong Kong, plus it’s only a 2-hour plane ride from Manila. It’s a great place to get to know our Chinese roots.

For more information, visit http://www.discoverhongkong.com/

Read Next: Hong Kong: Family Fun in the Outlying Islands of HK! (Travel Guide)

 

Live an Awesome Life,

Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com 

Disclosure: We paid for meals and experience. This post is in collaboration with Hong Kong Tourism Board. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights. 

P.S. Here are the awesome winter activities in Hong Kong this December season.