Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

When the West Kowloon Cultural District first opened to the public in 2015, it represented an exciting chapter for Hong Kong’s ongoing waterfront development, creating opportunities for public leisure and cultural facilities to flourish. Amidst a wave of renewed buzz in recent months – including the arrival of Hong Kong’s largest outdoor dog festival and the unveiling of a multitude of music and performance programmes – comes even more thrilling news for those who love spending time in WestK but could do without the prolonged commute: WestK is getting its own quay and direct ferry service. Newly completed and ready to welcome its first travellers, the WestK Ferry will officially take its maiden voyage on Saturday, November 15, following four days of trial runs from November 10 to 13. An official launch ceremony will take place on November 14 to inaugurate this new waterfront facility in WestK and cross-harbour ferry route.  Photograph: Courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Vessels will set sail between WestK Quay and Central Pier No. 9, providing seamless connection between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and cutting down travel time to just eight minutes, as reaching WestK from the Island side will be more direct than ever. Operated by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and Fortune Ferry Company Limited, the ferries bear designs co-created with Hong Kong Design Institute students. Ferries are scheduled to run every 30 minutes from each side, from 8am to 10pm on weekdays, and 8am to 11pm on weekends and public holidays. You will be travelling in comfort as well – the WestK Ferry will be kitted out with air-conditioned cabins, and pets and bikes are allowed on board, making the journey to the pet-friendly cultural district even easier! No proper launch can do without freebies to rustle up public excitement, so WestK is hosting a giveaway of 3,000 complimentary single-journey tickets for adults, and 500 for pets! Snag one from November 10 at 8am onward from WestK Quay and Central Pier No. 9 on a first-come, first-served basis. Each person can claim two complimentary tickets, and these can be used on the first weekend of the new service only. Photograph: Courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District Authority If you missed the giveaway, no stress – paid tickets are within reach. Single-journey fares cost $20 per adult and $20 per pet, while children aged three to 11, seniors aged 65 or above, and persons with disabilities can enjoy the $10 concession fare. For travellers who will consider using the new service frequently, there’s a $560 monthly pass available as well, which will allow you unlimited rides on the WestK Ferry each month! As part of the new development, WestK will also be adding new dining facilities to the waterfront to enhance the overall experience for travellers. Come hungry and feast on dishes like boat noodles, Hong Kong street snacks, and Western and Eastern favourites. Looks like there’s plenty of reasons to head back to WestK this weekend! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Recommended stories: Maggie Choo’s new cabaret show marries jazz music and tap dance with acrobatics Hong Kong has been listed on Conde Nast Traveller’s best places to visit in Asia in 2026 The five best restaurants, bars, things to do, cafés and bakeries, and shopping, chosen by Hongkongers

This November, Maggie Choo’s is launching a brand-new cabaret show that combines soulful jazz with captivating acrobatics, rhythmic tap dancing, and more. Since the bar’s first cabaret debut in March 2025, Maggie Choo’s has become a staple in Hong Kong’s live entertainment scene.  Departing from its classic cabaret predecessor, the new show What Maggie Wants features a mash-up of 12 dynamic dance numbers divided into three acts, instead of following a set plot or storyline. Visitors can expect an evening of spectacular displays, from aerial acrobatics to a classic tap dance performance. Meanwhile, spotlight-keen audience members can look forward to joining the bar’s talented dancers during the sultry chair-dancing routine, ‘Partition’. Photograph: Courtesy Maggie Choo’s Of course, it won’t be a night at Maggie Choo’s without some quality live music. This new choreo-heavy show is set against a background of original live music, crafted by the bar’s in-house entertainment production team. Get ready for a touch of nostalgia as soulful jazz and swing-infused scores fill the air.  The new cabaret show also comes with an upgraded menu of cocktails and mocktails, each inspired by a new act of What Maggie Wants. Highlights include the rum-based Inheriting Only, vodka-based Entertainer, and the zero-ABV Entrepreneurial Spirit. What Maggie Wants runs from 9.30pm till midnight every Thursday. As always, you can enjoy Maggie Choo’s cabaret show with the purchase of a drink, which goes from $140 per glass.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Recommended stories: Hong Kong has been listed on Conde Nast Traveller’s guide to the best places to visit in Asia in 2026 Taiwan’s popular boba brand Soma Tea & Mocktail opens in Hong Kong T1 signal raised for super typhoon Fung-wong on Monday as it nears Hong Kong

Every Hong Konger knows that the bustling harbour city has a lot to offer: from world-class bars to magnificent parks and sparkling sky-high hotels. That being said, it’s always reassuring to hear when the experts agree, and Hong Kong has just been named one of Asia’s best places to visit in 2026 by the people in the know over at Conde Nast Traveller. In a feature compiled by their pan-Asian network of writers, the renowned publication celebrates destinations that balance the ancient with the avant-garde – and Hong Kong, it seems, is shining at both ends of that spectrum. So why is the city that never sleeps the place to be in 2026? Conde Nast cited a few impending glow-ups in the works, including the makeover on its way for the West Kowloon Cultural District. Foster + Partners’ WestK Performing Arts Centre will open three world-class stages in 2026, hosting dance and theatre productions for some 2,300 lucky audience members. Meanwhile, French culinary legend Daniel Boulud is bringing Terrace Boulud to Central, atop the 25th floor of Landmark Prince’s, connected to the Mandarin Oriental via a sleek skyway – meaning even more sparkle is on its way for the Hong Kong dining scene.According to Conde Nast, the city’s infrastructure and leisure glow-ups are big draw cards for visitors in 2026, too. Hong Kong International Airport’s three-runway expansion, part of an $18-billion project, promises smoother journeys with upgraded Terminal 2 facilities and a new coach hall, all aimed at accommodating up to 120 million passengers by 2027. For nature enthusiasts, trails across The Peak, Lantau Peak, Tai Mo Shan, and Sai Kung Hoi are being spruced up with improved waymarks and visitor panels – perfect for reconnecting with the city’s surprisingly lush surroundings. Plus, when it reopens mid-year, the Sky100 Observation Deck will offer reimagined experiences and panoramic views of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and rolling hills. From high art and haute cuisine to mountains, harbour, and history, 2026 is shaping up to be a year for rediscovering Hong Kong in all its glittering contradictions. You can Conde Nast Traveller’s full guide to the Best Places to Visit in Asia in 2026 over here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Recommended stories: Taiwan’s popular boba brand Soma Tea & Mocktail opens in Hong Kong T1 signal to be raised for super typhoon Fung-wong on Monday as it nears Hong Kong Hongkongers have chosen five best venues for restaurants, bars, things to do, cafés and bakeries, and shopping

If you love bubble tea as much as we do, here’s some fabulous news! After a successful pop-up at The Farmhouse Deli last year, popular Taiwanese boba milk tea brand Soma Tea & Mocktail has opened its first Hong Kong store at K11 Musea, where Soma will be serving its signature boba teas as well as a Hong Kong-exclusive, the Black Truffle Essentia Milk Tea. Among our city’s robust bubble tea scene, Soma stands out with its artisanal tea, premium ingredients, and commitment to hand-shaking, whisking, and brewing each cup. You’ll find three categories of drinks at Soma’s K11 Musea outpost: Soma Milk Tea, High Mountain Tea, and Premium Essentia.  Photograph: Facebook / somadrinks If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, the highlights among their menu of signatures include the original Soma Milk Tea that earned them the top spot at the 2019 Taiwan Milk Tea Festival. You can savour this smooth and velvety tea blend on its own or with flavours like black sesame, almond, and even Italian coffee for a yuenyeung-inspired cuppa.  Tea lovers will delight in the robust aromas of Taiwanese tea leaves with the High Mountain Tea collection, while seasonal Japanese variants like matcha and hojicha feature in hand-whisked lattes among the Premium Essentia series. Boba lovers can also expect the brand’s sparkling mocktail series to arrive later.  Soma Tea & Mocktail is located at Shop 603, 6/F in K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Teas are priced from $38 per drink. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: T1 signal to be raised for super typhoon Fung-wong on Monday as it nears Hong Kong Hongkongers have chosen five best venues for restaurants, bars, things to do, cafés and bakeries, and shopping These two famous Hong Kong restaurants are joining hands for a one-night-only menu

Here at Time Out Hong Kong, we just want you to have the best time in our amazing city. That’s why each year we compile a list of approved venues for top-notch things to do, see, eat, drink, and more, so you don’t have to wander around, dazed and confused about the myriad of establishments around every corner! This year, we honoured 300 venues across the length and breadth of Hong Kong, so look out for our bright red stickers that pinpoint them as our expert picks – or click here to see our full list. But, of course, it’s not just about what we think; we care about your favourites too! After surveying cityslickers who told us about their own choice venues, here are the five best venues for restaurants, bars, things to do, cafés and bakeries, and shopping in Hong Kong, chosen by Hongkongers.   Photograph: Courtesy Ryze Hong Kong/Khan Waeem Readers’ choice: Things to do Ryze Hong Kong Ryze is Hong Kong’s largest trampoline park, with bouncy areas lined from wall to wall where visitors can jump, leap, flip, and parkour to your heart’s content. There are also foam pits, rope swings, and the like to keep things interesting – and all the bouncing makes for a surprisingly decent workout too. Click here to see the rest of the Time Out Recommends list of things to do. Photograph: Courtesy Amber Readers’ choice: Restaurants Amber It is perhaps no big surprise to foodies that Amber in the Mandarin Oriental The Landmark, Hong Kong has been voted as Hong Kong’s top restaurant. Chef Richard Ekkebus has taken the restaurant past such mundane pigeonholing as regions and cuisine, instead simply celebrating excellence in produce, flavours, and execution. After maintaining two Michelin stars for 16 years, this year saw Amber being promoted to the full three stars. Click here to see the rest of the Time Out Recommends list of restaurants. Photograph: Courtesy Kinsman Readers’ choice: Bars Kinsman It is so fitting for Hong Kong to be enamoured with Kinsman, as the entire bar is a love letter to Hong Kong itself. Proudly celebrating and highlighting local heritage and traditions, as well as Cantonese and Chinese spirits, this retro, Wong Kar-wai-inspired drinking spot is a must-visit if you want to really immerse yourself into the flavours of the region. Their latest menu pulls the focal point wider to encompass various Chinatowns around the world. Click here to see the rest of the Time Out Recommends list of bars. Photograph: Courtesy Bakehouse Readers’ choice: Cafés and Bakeries Bakehouse Winning by a large margin, Bakehouse distinguishes itself as Hong Kong’s favourite bakery with a wide range of oven-fresh treats from sweet and savoury croissants, éclairs, and sourdough loaves, to their famously viral flaky egg tarts. While the original Wan Chai branch has a sit-in café, we like the Causeway Bay branch for their recent exclusive product: shio pan salt bread made with salt from Hong Kong’s own Yim Tin Tsai saltpans. Their newest Peak branch also boasts the best views of our city. Click here to see the rest of the Time Out Recommends list of Cafés and Bakeries. Photograph: Jenny Leung Readers’ choice: Shopping Slowood For us, no trip to Kennedy Town is ever complete without popping into Slowood, and it looks like the same is true for a lot of Hongkongers too! This sustainable lifestyle grocery store is full of environmentally friendly brands offering pretty much everything you could need in the home and kitchen. Bring your own containers to stock up on loose items like rice, flour, nuts, spices, dried fruit snacks, and more – if you’re not onboard the reuse and recycle train yet, it’s time to hop on! If the end of the Island line is too far out for you, Slowood’s smaller location in Central Market is also super convenient, especially if heading up or down the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator. Click here to see the rest of the Time Out Recommends list for Shopping. We’ve compiled more venues for categories such as Cheap Eats and Beauty and Wellness, so click here to see the full spread of 300 top venues in Time Out Hong Kong’s Recommends 2025. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: These two famous Hong Kong restaurants are joining hands for a one-night-only menu 13 Hong Kong bars collaborate for Mind HK’s Movember mental health campaign These 5 stunning parks are all less than 2 hours from Hong Kong city

We’ve had a pretty good run for weather recently, with temperatures dipping into the comfortable low to mid-20s and conditions edging into a breezy autumn. However, yet another typhoon seems to be brewing on the horizon, as the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) warns that the tropical cyclone Fung-wong will enter within 800 km of Hong Kong tomorrow, November 10. As of 12 noon today, Fung-wong is centred about 310 km east of Manila and moving towards Luzon. Known locally in the Philippines as Uwan, this tropical cyclone has intensified into the super typhoon category early on Sunday morning, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 km per hour and gusts of up to 230 km per hour, according to the Philippine state weather bureau. Despite the nation still reeling from the devastation of typhoon Kalmaegi just days earlier, which killed 204 people in the Philippines alone, the government has had to issue the highest alert level across southeastern Luzon for Fung-wong, and evacuated over 100,000 residents ahead of the tropical cyclone’s forecasted landfall for early Monday morning. In Hong Kong, the Standby Signal No. 1 will be issued sometime after 12 noon tomorrow. According to the present forecast, Fung-wong looks like it will be at its closest to Hong Kong on Wednesday, November 12, skirting about 400 km east of Hong Kong. This means that local winds will strengthen from the later part of Tuesday and well into Wednesday. Depending on changes in the tropical cyclone’s intensity, its distance from Hong Kong, and local wind conditions, the HKO will assess the need to issue higher weather warning signals on Tuesday. Under the combined effect of Fung-wong and a northeastern monsoon over the coast of southern China, the weather will be windy and slightly cooler over the next few days, with temperatures in urban areas of Hong Kong falling to approximately 20 degrees Celsius around mid-week. The HKO also warns that minor flooding may occur in low-lying coastal areas overnight on Monday until the small hours of Tuesday. After Wednesday, tropical cyclone Fung-wong is set to move towards the vicinity of Taiwan and weaken gradually. Keep an eye on the weather on HKO’s website. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hongkongers have chosen five best venues for restaurants, bars, things to do, cafés and bakeries, and shopping These two famous Hong Kong restaurants are joining hands for a one-night-only menu 13 Hong Kong bars collaborate for Mind HK’s Movember mental health campaign

Following the success of their first collaboration, chef ArChan of Ho Lee Fook and chef Jayson Tang of Man Ho Chinese Restaurant are reuniting for another project in November. The Cantonese chefs will be delving into the world of ‘The Four Treasures’ for the upcoming pop-up menu, where four coveted Cantonese ingredients – namely abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw, and vegetarian shark fin – take centre stage.  Aside from being famously coveted and therefore expensive ingredients, these culinary treasures are also full of collagen which explains why those who can afford to love regularly indulging for the sake of both their skin and tastebuds. Photograph: Courtesy Ho Lee Fook / Man Ho Chinese Restaurant Diners at this extremely limited treat can expect a reinterpretation of traditional techniques, recipes, and flavours in the eight-course menu. Highlights include fish maw with green Sichuan pepper sauce, hairy crab meat and roe with vegetarian shark fin, pork patty and preserved Chinese sausage in glutinous rice elevated with sea cucumber, and a citrusy dessert where vegetarian shark fin features among the refreshing flavours of guava, pomelo, and coconut.  If you’ve ever wondered what the heart of Cantonese cuisine is, then a meal dedicated to these four timeless ingredients is a great starting point. Ho Lee Fook x Man Ho Chinese Restaurant’s collaborative menu is available for one night only on November 13 at Ho Lee Fook. The menu is priced from $1,688 per person – reserve your spot now. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 13 Hong Kong bars collaborate for Mind HK’s Movember mental health campaign Check out 300 expert-approved venues in Time Out Hong Kong’s Recommends 2025 These 5 stunning parks are all less than 2 hours from Hong Kong city

This November, 13 popular bars across Hong Kong will take part in the Clear Head, Strong Cause campaign, an initiative led by premier non-alcoholic spirit band Crossip in partnership with local mental health charity Mind HK and Movember. As part of Mind HK’s effort to raise awareness of, and quell stigma around, mental health issues, the campaign aims to shine a light on men’s mental health through a programme of Crossip cocktails. A portion of proceeds from these drinks will be donated directly to Mind HK to support its cause.  Joining this mindful drinking project are 13 of the city’s best bars, including Aer, The Aubrey, Bobby’s Rabble, Corks (Causeway Bay and Sheung Wan), Courtroom, Dead Poets, Friday After Class, Gossip, Honky Tonks Tavern, Kinsman, Mirage, and Socio. Each establishment will approach Crossip’s catalogue of zero-ABV spirits with its own unique spin, creating an exclusive mocktail that is bold, vibrant, and flavour-forward.  Photograph: Courtesy Crossip Highlights include the citrusy ‘Movember Mindset Mule’ from Socio, where Crossip Fresh Citrus meets the refreshing tastes of lime juice, agave syrup, and lavender sprigs; the savoury ‘Bloody Mary Maggi’ from Kinsman, a complex and adventurous concoction of Crossip Dandy Smoke, Thai boat noodle reduction, and pork blood curd; and the refreshing ‘Hajimari’ from The Aubrey, where fruit shrub and herbs elevate the subtle tastes of Crossip Fresh Citrus.  For those interested in sampling several Movember cocktails in one night, we recommend hopping between five participating bars in Soho. Start your night at Gossip near Lyndhurst Terrace, move along Graham Street for Courtroom, then up to Staunton Street for Socio and Kinsman on the corner of Staunton and Peel, and end your crawl at Dead Poets on Aberdeen Street.  Crossip cocktails for the Clear Head, Strong Cause campaign are available from November 1 to 30 at participating venues. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Check out 300 expert-approved venues in Time Out Hong Kong’s Recommends 2025 These 5 stunning parks are all less than 2 hours from Hong Kong city Futuristic tram experience Ding Lab rides through Kennedy Town this November

The summer heat is finally easing, which means breezy days outside in nature are coming up. Not sure where to head? We’ve got you. To help Hongkongers make the most of the autumn sunshine, we’ve put together a guide to five of the best country parks within easy reach from the city.  Aberdeen Country Park Aberdeen Country Park is one of Hong Kong’s oldest country parks. Hidden in a quiet valley behind Wan Chai Gap and Aberdeen, it’s home to scenic walking trails around two beautiful reservoirs. Distance from Hong Kong: 7-12 kilometres How to get there: You’ll find the park on the south side of Hong Kong Island, just inland from Aberdeen and Wan Chai Gap. From Central, it takes around 35 to 40 minutes on public transport, or 15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi.  Photograph: Shutterstock Tai Tam Country Park One of Hong Kong Island’s largest protected green spaces, Tai Tam Country Park is home to dense forests, lush hills, and a series of historic Victorian-era reservoirs. With its many well-marked trails and far-reaching views of the South China Sea, this one’s a popular spot for hiking enthusiasts. Distance from Hong Kong: 8-10 kilometres How to get there: The journey from Central via public transport takes between 30 to 40 minutes – take the MTR to Quarry Bay or Chai Wan, then hop onto a bus or minibus into the park area. If you’re driving, it will take around 20 minutes (depending on traffic).  Sai Kung East Country Park Famed for its dramatic volcanic rock formations, white-sand beaches, and clear turquoise waters, Sai Kung East Country Park is a spectacular escape from the city – well worth the hour(ish) journey time. Occupying a rugged stretch of the Sai Kung Peninsula, it’s home to stunning unspoiled landscapes, incredible hiking trails, and the famous High Island Reservoir. Distance from Hong Kong: 25-30 kilometres How to get there: From Central, the journey by public transport takes between 1.5 to two hours. Take the MTR to Choi Hung or Hang Hau, then grab a minibus or bus into Sai Kung Town, and from there a minibus or taxi into the park. If you’re simply travelling by car, the drive will take around 45 to 60 minutes altogether. Tai Mo Shan Country Park Dominated by Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan Country Park is a beautiful mountainous park, with the Tai Mo Shan mountain rising 957 metres into the sky, often shrouded by an ethereal layer of mist. Within the park, you’ll find rolling grasslands, magnificent waterfalls, and far-reaching panoramic views. Distance from Hong Kong: 25-30 kilometresHow to get there: From Central, the journey takes around one to 1.5 hours by public transport. Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan, then a bus or minibus up towards Route Twisk and the park entrances. If you’re travelling by car or taxi, it will take around 50 to 70 minutes from the city. Photograph: Shutterstock Shing Mun Country Park  Hiding in the valley between Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin, Shing Mun Country Park is known for its tranquil reservoir and wooded hillsides as much as its playful residents: several happy troops of noisy macaques. (Just don’t wave snacks or crinkly wrappers around when you see them.) Here, you’ll also find plenty of family-friendly, shaded hiking trails as well as more challenging options.  Distance from Hong Kong: 18-20 kilometres How to get there: From Central, the journey to Shing Mun Country Park (Pineapple Dam entrance) takes around 30 to 40 minutes if you’re travelling by car. If you’re taking public transport, it’s a 45 to 60 minute journey: take the MTR from Central to Tsuen Wan, then jump on the green minibus 82. Click here to see more of Hong Kong’s best hiking trails! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The best things to do, see, eat, and experience in Hong Kong this November These six Hong Kong Chinese restaurants have been crowned the best in the world Trundle along on a futuristic cyborg tram experience

As the finale of multimedia arts programme Arts · Tech, Ding Lab is a unique mobile immersive exhibition that celebrates the cultural significance and evolution of Hong Kong’s iconic tram. Set within the upper and lower decks of a ding ding we all know and love, the exhibition invites the public to contemplate and explore the city’s rapidly changing landscape through a fictional narrative of Tram0 – a sentient cyborg tram.  The interior of Tram0 is remodelled to resemble a cybernetic amalgamation of machinery and human anatomy. On the lower deck, the Defragmentation Programme installation resembles a gigantic spinal cord composed of AI cameras, screens, and metal and acrylic sculptures depicting the evolution of ding dings in the city. Within the exhibition’s narrative, Defragmentation shows Tram0 reminiscing on a past world devoid of cybernetic trams through a visual depiction of memory reconstruction. At the same time, the artwork also encourages visitors to recall personal memories of trams throughout the years. Photograph: Courtesy HKADC Ascending to the upper deck, passengers are treated to a multi-sensory experience with the video work, The Vitiligo – The Absence of Green. Set in 2066, this installation imagines a world where trams are replaced by sentient AI systems, and the iconic Hong Kong tram shade of green no longer exists – that is, until Tram0, revealed to be an AI tram prototype, discovers its grandmother’s diary of green and embarks on a quest to rediscover this lost colour. The installation explores connections between hard data and intangible memory, and how unravelling layers of heritage can shake one’s identity – just as it did Tram0’s.  Ding Lab will travel through the Central and Western Districts from November 7 to 28, starting at the Whitty Street Tram Depot and ending at Belcher Bay Promenade. Weekday tours last around 45 minutes and are priced at $30 per person. Meanwhile, weekend tours last around 75 minutes and are priced at $80 per person (inclusive of a set of souvenirs).  Photograph: Courtesy Nasha Chan / HKADC Beyond a cool, post-apocalyptic ride on this cyborg tram, Ding Lab also comes with accompanying workshops, seminars, and a Tamagotchi-like digital pet tram named ‘Greenie’ to take home with you! Find out more about the installation and get your tickets at popticket.hk/ding-lab.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Six Hong Kong restaurants crowned among the best Chinese eateries at the Elite 15 Asia Awards Hong Kong’s first traditional Chinese medicine hospital to open in December, with discounts for the first year Plant-based bar and restaurant Peridot opens at The Henderson

The popular Japanese mascot series Namagaki is taking over Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong with a themed installation! Since Namagaki characters began popping up inside claw machines and arcades across town, so many hearts have been captured by their simple yet lovable designs and adorably blank expressions. The Namagaki Festival features a series of installations and exhibits for fans to take pictures with, as well as a charming merch pop-up with exclusive items for sale. Photograph: Courtesy Yell / Festival Walk At the centre of the installation is a four-metre-tall giant oyster can, where Namagaki characters spill out alongside rainbow-coloured sweets. Right next door is the pastel-coloured Namagaki Washoku House, where cute oyster characters act as chef and waiter at this makeshift traditional Japanese eatery. See if you can spot the pink pumpkins dotted around the space – it’s the installation’s discreet nod to the upcoming spooky season.  Beyond photo ops, fans will definitely delight in browsing through the themed pop-up store housing over 100 exclusive Namagaki products, including 80 first launches in Hong Kong that span everything from stationery to t-shirts and tote bags. Don’t forget to stop by the Namagaki claw machine and the collectible trading card capsule machine for an adorable surprise!  Photograph: Courtesy Festival Walk In the spirit of Halloween, Festival Walk is inviting visitors to trick or treat around designated stores in the mall. Exclusive to My Festival members, take part in this seasonal activity by purchasing a $1,000 gift card to receive a limited-edition Baby Namagaki birthstone bag charm and candy can clutch – where you can store your hard-earned sweets.  Namagaki Festival will be at Festival Walk from October 24 to November 13. See footage of the Namagaki Festival pop-up here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 18 hotels in Hong Kong and Macau have been awarded 2025 Michelin Keys OneRepublic is coming back to Hong Kong in February 2026 The best Halloween parties in Hong Kong this year

Remember when we all saw a giant Doraemon sitting unexpectedly at the dockyard along Tsing Yi last week? Well, the news is out and it’s not that a robotic cat is invading Hong Kong – instead, a fleet of floating inflatable sculptures will be making their appearance along Victoria Harbour next month. AllRightsReserved, the local creative brand behind last year’s thousands of panda sculptures and the recent Chiikawa exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui, is putting on the Water Parade, where a set of four giant, floating inflatable figures will be making a debut at sea. In the lineup is Doraemon, perched on his favourite dorayaki snack; Elmo from the Kaws & Sesame Street collaboration; McDonalds’ purple blob-shaped mascot Grimace; and Labubu, the globally viral Nordic-inspired monster by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. After a trial run in the waters of Tsing Yi on September 20, these four figures will be set afloat along Victoria Harbour on October 25, and will be shown in brand-new poses. Visit them just off of Tamar Park in Admiralty and snap plenty of photos, because when else are you going to see such universally recognised and different cartoon characters all sitting together? Photograph: Courtesy AllRightsReserved On November 1, the floating sculptures will be taken on a water parade between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, sailing along both sides of Victoria Harbour, before departing from our waters on the evening of the same day. For the entire duration of the sculpture display, there will also be a Water Parade Market at the promenade near Tamar Park. Aside from pop-up stores, F&B stands, game booths, photo spots, and a capsule toy zone, the market will also feature other internationally popular IPs from KPop Demon Hunters, season five of Stranger Things, Squid Games, Snoopy and the Peanuts, as well as Hong Kong’s classic TOLO Founding Duck, which is marking its 40th anniversary. Early-bird tickets to the festivities will be available at $50 for adults, starting at 12 noon on September 26. Walk-in tickets can also be purchased on site, subject to availability. All tickets include a $20 merchandise voucher, which can be redeemed cumulatively on purchases of every $200. Attendees can also buy a viewing platform special ticket at $150, which includes entry to the Water Parade Market. See some footage of the Water Parade here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The best Oktoberfest events happening in Hong Kong this year The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (September 22-28) Super Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong braces for the strongest typhoon of the year as it approaches the city

Do you remember an exhibition last summer that displayed miniature scenes of the Central and Western districts in Pacific Place? In case you missed it, the Joyful Miniature Association (JMA) is back once again, this time with more incredibly detailed dioramas of life in Hong Kong, including seven brand-new miniatures that have never been seen before. The 24 art pieces will highlight some of Hong Kong’s famous landmarks, cultural customs, and unique lifestyles. Peek into painstaking recreations of Sunday dim sum at Maxim’s Palace in City Hall, chaotic nighttime revelry along Lan Kwai Fong, the customs of worship and pin wheel buying at Man Mo Temple and Wong Tai Sin Temple, a moving model of the fifth generation of the Peak Tram funicular railway, views of Victoria Harbour complete with boats sailing and fireworks, and more.  Photograph: Courtesy Joyful Miniature Association The new miniatures at this show include the Kai Tak Sports Park, the legendary old Kowloon Walled City, night scenes of Temple Street, horse racing, aquatic animals on sale at one of the many shops along Goldfish Street, the cable car at Ngong Ping 360, and Hong Kong’s transhipment history at the Insta-famous Western District Pier. The JMA brings together over 100 Hong Kong artists who collectively integrate the traditionally European craft of miniatures with our distinctly local culture using cutting-edge technology. If there’s one way to stroll through the most iconic sights and experiences of Hong Kong in just a few steps, this exhibition is definitely it. ‘Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Miniature Exhibition’ will be on display at The Peak Tower from April 25 to June 23 – JMA’s longest exhibition in the city. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong ranked as the 10th most walkable city in the world; 1st in East Asia Hong Kong Airport Express proposes fare increase of 9.4 percent The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is hosting a carnival this Sunday

We sit down with artist and designer Joe Foti before his new exhibition in Hong Kong

March in Hong Kong is not complete without a trip to the Wanchai Convention Centre to spend a day or two at Art Basel. This year’s fair gathers 240 global galleries, with large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, digital art, live performances, video works, and more to see!

From a world without colours to her love of big city metros, we caught up with British artist Monster Chetwynd for a round of quick-fire questions while she's in town for her new installation at Pacific Place! 

Free on Tuesdays? Head over to Hugo's in TST for their unlimited steak and frites night, which also come with Caesar salad, a dessert, and plenty of tipples – just remember to wear loose pants.

G'day foodies! Renowned chef Shane Osborn has just opened a laidback Aussie-style cafe inspired by Australian pit stops. Perfect for a casual meal when in Central.

This arts month, don't miss Hong Kong's first ASMR exhibition that will give you all kinds of tingles.

This ‘Picasso for Asia’ exhibition is the first time that masterpieces from the Musée national Picasso-Paris are being shown alongside works from an Asian museum collection. Find out what makes the Spanish master of Cubism so influential – you have until mid-July!