They say that Hong Kong is like New York on steroids, and if you find yourself living or traveling here, it can easily get overwhelming sometimes. There’s no denying how crazy it gets in Hong Kong sometimes. People are always on the go, busses fly around on the street as if they’re in a race, and there’s always something going on in the city. If you’re traveling in Hong Kong for a week or more, you might want to take a breather and take a break from the hustle and bustle. Here’s our curated list on what to do! 

Take a meditation and yoga class 

Charlotte Lam is not your typical Hong Kong bred millennial. She’s a lifestyle writer who has her own column in a local magazine, published a book about veganism, runs a creative studio and also a certified yoga teacher. She hosts her meditation and yoga classes during the weekends - find her at Yuj Yoga in Jordan on Saturday or Yoga Lane in Sai Ying Pun on Sunday. You can sign up for a session here. Beginners are welcome!

Channel your inner book nerd at a bookstore

Take a reading break at a local bookstore and freshen up your mind. Up on the hill in the Mid-Levels, Books & Co is a cozy second hand bookstore / cafe filled with pre-loved books. Readers can sit down to read while enjoying a freshly brewed coffee from the cafe. Another favourite is Mount Zero on Tai Ping Shan Street in Sheung Wan, a tiny two-storey bookstore that also serves coffee and tea. They have a small but well curated collection of classic literature, arts, and cultural related books. 

Slow down with a tea service

Wind down with a traditional Chinese and Taiwanese tea tasting at 1968 Tearoom, a private tea space inspired by Wong Kar-Wai’s movie In The Mood For Love. You’ll learn about 6 different categories of tea, how tea is made, what’s the difference between mass produced, commercial tea vs organic tea, and how to brew tea easily at home!

Get a massage 

Hong Kong has plenty of massage parlours, and after a long day of exploring around, there’s nothing better than pampering yourself! Our go-to is Chi Wa Siam Massage & Spa in Central, which offers a range of Thai massage. Service and the massage itself are both excellent. 

Go on a hiking adventure 

Hong Kong might be a concrete jungle, but it also has lots of beautiful hiking trails that are worth checking out. Being in nature helps clear your mind so why not get out there for some fresh air?

Our favourites include Dragons Back and Po Toi Country Trail.

Take a coffee break in the suburbs 

Get away from the city and head out to the New Territories for a quality coffee break! Kaffee in Tai Po is a homey cafe hidden in a village. That area is so quiet and calm that it would make you forget you’re in Hong Kong. The best time to go is when they first open up during the day (easier to grab a spot that way!). If you’re in Sai Kung, head over to Moni Stand, a cafe that also sells old vinyl records. They only carry coffee beans from Ninety Plus, a grower and producer of single-origin, single-variety coffee in Panama and Ethiopia. If you’d like to learn more about coffee, the owner Monica is more than happy to share her knowledge.