Visiting Hong Kong for the Sevens Weekend, 5-7 April 2024? Want to have a great experience but get a break from the crowds and see some local culture? Here are some tips from an expat who’s lived here 11 years: 1. Stay in the Sai Ying Pun (SYP) area near Water St, Queens Rd West and Des Voeux Rd – it’s only 12 minutes by MTR (subway) from Causeway Bay station where you start the long walk to Hong Kong Stadium and the Rugby Sevens. But the hotels are larger and cost much les…s than the ones around Causeway Bay and Wan Chai. The MTR runs at 2-5 minute intervals all day until 1am and buses and trams all link SYP to Causeway Bay, and a taxi will only cost about HKD100 (USD12) . The area is also close to Sun Yat Sen Park with outdoor exercise areas, and has a range of bars and restaurants. 2. Eats: a bucket of fried chicken at the Sevens costs about the same as a restaurant meal and a pint of beer is up to twice the price outside so line your stomach before you hit the stadium. There are a range of deals in the area including in our restaurant especially for the Sevens with free flow available for just HK$88 (USD11) for two hours and Tomahawk steak meal deals that feed 4 -5 for just HK$758 (USD90). Plus it’s a great atmosphere and a break from the crowds 3. Culture : check out Art Lane in SYP and look at the Walk in HK tours including the tour of the former red light district. 4. Exercise and a Cultural experience- take a walk along the harbour to Central Ferry Pier (2.5km) or take the tram from Des Voeux Rd /Water St stop if you don’t want to walk. At Central take the Star Ferry to TST (Tsim Sha Tsui) and back (10 minutes and costs hardly anything, great views) . At TST pier turn Right, seek out the “Japanese Ice Cream” (really, it’s great), then walk along the Avenue of Stars (by the harbour)to check out statues and mementos of the HK film industry. Dinner at Ink or Wildfire looking at the harbour. Look at hugely overpriced designer clothes in K11 Musea and be sure to be back at the raised viewing area next to the pier for the Light Show with music every night at 8pm (12 minutes, free). Then walk up Nathan Road and poke your head inside ChungKing Mansions, 17 floors of East meets West via Africa and Pakistan, and HK’s answer to Harlem. Just about ANYTHING you want can be found at ChungKing mansions. It’s said that 80% of second hand phones in Africa pass through Chungking on their way. Don’t be intimidated, it’s relatively safe. Relatively. Some great Indian food can be found but choose carefully Take the ferry back to Central Pier, sit on the Upper Deck and at Central walk along the overbridge all the way into Central. Make your way to Lan Kwai Fong (LKF), up the hill from Exit D of central station, for an evening of nightclubbing with the beautiful people before making your way back to the peace of Sai Ying Pun 5. Breakfasts and other meals : Really, just make your way to Cafe 2 Oyster n Grill for a great breakfast in a great environment at a not silly price. And they have Vegemite and freshly baked breads and croissants . Same goes for lunch and dinner,where imported US and Aussie steaks are cooked to perfection and served with a choice of sauces, Chips and vegetables as God intended, (instead of rice). And don’t forget the free flow deals from just $88, if you dine at any other place you’ll pay more for a few beers and wine than the meals. It’s seriously good value for HK. Enjoy your trip! Hotels: Best Western Plus Hong Kong Courtyard by Marriot Both these hotels are just 5 minutes walk to the harbour and 5 minutes to the MTR https://walkin.hk/…/hill-town-charm-food-culture-tour-in-s…/ #rugbysevens #hongkong #SaiYingPun
Visiting Hong Kong for the Sevens Weekend, 5-7 April 2024? Want to have a great experience but get a break from the cro…
