NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE - % Arabica Hong Kong Monster Mansion

Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

+852-2508-1234

The Symphony of Lights show combines interactive lights of 47 key buildings on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with musical effects to showcase glamour of Victoria Harbour.  It is the best location to enjoy the show along Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the Star Ferry Pier. The show is staged every night at 8 pm, and lasts for about 13 minutes. Fabulous fireworks are on display for every New Year's countdown and Chinese New Year.

Opening Hours:
24 Hours
Open Daily

Level 2 & 3, Star Annex, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui

https://www.esliteliving.com/

+852-3419-1088

Located next to Star Ferry Pier, Eslite Tsim Sha Tsui Bookstore is the popular Taiwanese chain bookstore’s second outlet in Hong Kong.  More than a simple bookstore experience, you will be treated to a satisfying journey throughout the interior, which contains beautiful arrangements of shelves and furniture that lull you into its vast, expansive and rich collection of books and more.

Opening Hours:
10am - 10pm
Open Daily

28/F, Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

http://www.hotel-icon.com/dining/above-beyond

+852-3400-1318

This is our favourite Cantonese restaurant. Above and Beyond offers Cantonese fine dining with a great view of the Hong Kong skyline. They serve classic and contemporary dishes, accompanied by a good wine list. If you would like to enjoy a casual but sophisticated dinner with a marvellous harbour view, this is where to go. The window seats are definitely better, so do call in advance to book your table.

Opening Hours:
11am – 2:30pm, 6:00pm – 10:30pm
Open Daily

UG/F Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Road, Central

http://www.sushisase.com.hk/

2815-0455 / 2815-0477

Sushi Sase is our favourite Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong!  It's a little pricey, but if you want to experience authentic traditional sushi in Hong Kong, this is the place to be. The head chef, Moto-san is our good friend, and you can book his private room (max 7 seats) with some minimum charge requirements.  Please enjoy the best tuna from Oma, or fresh fish directly imported from Tsukiji or Hokkaido. Moto-san’s negi-toro roll is heavenly, so we must insist you order. Sushi Sase is just 10mins walk from Central station.

Opening Hours:
12am - 3pm
6pm - 11pm

Man Mo Temple, 124-126 Hollywood Rd, Tai Ping Shan, Hong Kong

http://www.man-mo-temple.hk

+852-2540-0350

Man Mo is the oldest temple in Hong Kong. Artistically decorated with hanging incense coils and lanterns, it stands tall with all its colour and aura carrying over a century of history. Built in 1847, the temple hosts two gods: the god of literature and the god of war. The typical incense smell wafts in the air, inviting you in for a quieter and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Central. Man Mo temple is halfway up to the Victoria Peak and can be accessed easily through Mid-levels in Central. Also, from Sheung Wan station Exit A2, it is at 15mins walking distance.

Opening Hours:
8am - 6pm

30 Shelley Street, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong

When in HK, you have to walk through the world’s longest covered escalators system trails in Central. The extensively laid escalators ease your hike up the hilly Central, but let you experience the steepness that you might have missed going upwards, as there are only stairs to climb down. Well, these escalators bring you more excitement than it sounds; the number of bars, restaurants and shops on the way for sure make you stop several times. And dominating local stalls and alleys leaves you with an insightful stroll into typical Hong Kong. Other than all these exciting stopovers, you get to peek into some of the historical spots too. The Jamiah mosque is easily one of them: said to be the oldest mosque in Hong Kong, the green building standing out from the rest with its unique architecture is probably the most peaceful stop on your mid-levels tour.

30 Hoi Kwong Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

http://www.shugetsu.com.hk/

+852-2336-7888

Shugetsu, a tsukemen and ramen restaurant in Quarry Bay, received the Michelin seal of approval in 2017, making the coveted guide's recommended section. Their signature dish is tsukemen, which is warm noodles served with a separate bowl of dipping sauce. The signature dipping bowl is a savoury wave of umami, made with sardines, mackerel, kelp and soy sauce. To eat, you take a slurp's worth of noodles, dip it into the sauce and slurp away. The noodles, made in-house, are much thinner than those in ramen, designed to carry the sauce to your mouth in each bite.

Opening Hours:
Mon - Sat : 11:30am - 9pm
Sun : 12pm - 7pm

Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

https://www.taikooplace.com/en/whatson/content/whatson/tcsm2018.aspx

The Tong Chong Street Market has a little bit of everything for the eco-conscious foodie, from fresh seasonal produce, organic food to creative culinary ideas. It returns in November 2018 with a Coffee Festival, taking market-goers on an aromatic tasting journey with 20 of the finest local and overseas vendors. The market supports sustainability at all levels of eco-living to promote healthy living. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own coffee cups and utensils to reduce the use of disposable items.

Opening Hours:
11am - 5pm
Sunday Only

Hoi Yu St, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

+852-2513-8499

The Quarry Bay Promenade offers a long stretch of recreational space that connects the Quarry Bay Park and the Tai Koo Shing Park. All along the promenade there are trails, playgrounds and even a pet park for the whole family to enjoy, all the while taking in the stunning views just across the harbor. Quarry Bay Park is also one of the few places in the city where cherry blossoms can be viewed during early February.

Victoria Road, Kennedy Town, off Mount Davis, Hong Kong

As one of the most Instagrammed places in Hong Kong, this photogenic spot offers up beautiful vistas, which will have you feeling worlds away from the busy streets. Roughly 15 minutes’ walk from Kennedy Town MTR, head to this spot come sunset for gorgeous photos.

8 Fung Mat Road, Sai Wan, Hong Kong

This scenic spot is so popular with locals and tourists alike because of its atmosphere is perfect for an evening stroll, a dog walk, or just taking in the picturesque view. This is why the place is referred to as Instagram Pier: its stunning view of Victoria Harbour, and fresh air will take your breath away. Come over during sunset, before heading out for tasty dinner in the culinary destinations of Kennedy Town.

1B New Praya Kennedy Town, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

www.chinohk.com

+852-2606-0588

Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Chino's Mexican-Japanese fusion kitchen. Only a few blocks away from our cafe, here you will find a daring menu of tacos, tostadas, and other Mexican staples, infused with precise Japanese technique, and fresh ingredients sourced from The Philippines, Mexico, and Japan. This family style, neighbourhood restaurant gets creative with their distinct flavours to deliver a culinary explosion you need to try when in the area. You might also appreciate their extensive selection of tequila, and mezcal, of all different flavours and profiles for you to pair with your meals, or enjoy after.

Opening Hours:
Tues - Fri: 6pm - 10pm
Sat - Sun: 12nn - 4pm, 6pm - 10pm
Closed on Monday

Shop 135, Level 1, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

https://store.moma.org

+852-3619-1270

Our Hong Kong store offers a wide selection of design objects and gifts from classic twentieth-century designers to today's brightest design talent. Shop for a wide array of furniture, speakers, toys, games, lighting, tech innovations, tabletop, home decor, jewelry, accessories and more.

Opening Hours:
10am - 10pm

10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

https://hk.art.museum/en_US/web/ma/home.html

+852-2721-0116

Established in 1962, HKMoA was the first public art museum in the city, and is now custodian of an art collection of over 17,000 items, representing Hong Kong's unique cultural legacy. The museum curates a wide variety of contrasts, from old to new, Chinese to Western, local to international, all with a unique Hong Kong perspective. Paintings, calligraphy and sculpture from Hong Kong, China and other parts of the world feature heavily, and the architecture and form of the building are also very engaging. Admission is free for the permanent exhibitions, making HKMoA a must see location during your time in this vibrant little corner of Hong Kong.

Opening Hours:
Mon - Wed, Fri : 10am - 6pm
Weekends & Holiday : 10am - 7pm

10/F, Block A/B, Tung Chong Factory Building, 653-655 King's Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

https://www.facebook.com/Space27HK/

+852-2723-2722

Here, you will witness some of the most stylish, and chic exhibits in Hong Kong, where design, art, culture, luxury lifestyle and fashion intersect in a creative hub and events space. The gallery frequently collaborates with a number of brands and artistic outfits, as well as curated shows and educational talks from a myriad of different art forms and industries. Space 27 acts as a crossroads for all these different lifestyles and interests, so free spirits and creatives could inspire and influence each other, and you'll be just a short walk away to witness it all.

Opening Hours:
10:30am - 8:30pm
Open Daily

32/F, EAST Hong Kong, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

https://www.easthotels.com/en/hongkong/restaurants-and-bars/sugar/

+852-3968-3738

Enjoy a dazzling view of Quarry Bay, from the 32nd floor of EAST Hotel, where you will find a gem hidden within the metro in this rooftop bar, and lounge. There's nowhere better to watch the sun go down and have a good time until late, while sipping on only the best cocktails, dancing to hypnotic electric beats. We recommend their Sakura Season, which is jasmine infused sake, elderflower gin, sakura syrup, raspberry, apple and lemon, a sweet and floral concoction that will leave you in a trance. Their food is also quite desirable, with choices like mirin and soy marinated US hanger beef, scotch egg, and salt and pepper szechuan squid, among others.

Opening Hours:
6:30am - 10:30am, 12:00nn - 2:30pm, 5:30pm - 12:00am
Open Daily

Yick Cheong Building, King's Rd, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

+852-2562-1151

The beauty of Hong Kong lies in its vibrant energy as an urban jungle. Everywhere you go, skyscrapers and towering buildings soar above your line of sight. However, there's no question that Monster Mansion is the most eye-catching of them all. You might recognise the myriad of colours painted across the beautifully symmetric apartments lined up next to each other, as frequently photographed by artists, bloggers, and urban travellers. Monster Mansion, as nicknamed by its residents and nearby locals, was built in the 60s, as part of a high-density government-subsidised housing project for HK residents. It's actually an E-shaped complex, consisting of five connected structures: Oceanic Mansion, Fook Cheong Building, Montane Mansion, Yick Cheong Building, and Yick Fat Building. You will also find another % Arabica store right in front, which will be perfect, perhaps, for a second (or third!) cup of coffee when you visit.

Opening Hours:
24 Hours
Open Daily

28 Beach Rd, Repulse bay, Hong Kong Island

https://www.thepulse.com.hk/

+852-2815-8888

Located at the southern part of Hong Kong Island, and one of the most popular beaches in Hong Kong. The beach stretches long with clear azure blue water gently lapping against the seashore. Its sand is golden and soft, making it a perfect spot for locals and visitors alike to escape the heat. Swimming is obviously popular and the bay is outfitted for safety with shark prevention nets and floating platforms. Besides aquatic activities, there are extensive facilities for visitors. Watching the sunset is another popular pastime for visitors.

Opening Hours:
10am – 10pm

Shop 105, 1/F, The Pulse, 26-30 Beach Road, Repulse Bay

https://www.amalfitana.hk/

+852-2388-7787

From the culinary scenes of Italy and London, Chef Michel Degli Agosti brings to Hong Kong a striking pizza experience like no other. Enjoy their amazing pizza that is rooted in tradition but equal parts modern and exciting. What's more is how relaxing it must be to have delicious Italian food while taking in the bay view.

Opening Hours:
12nn - 1030pm

Shop G107B, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong

https://www.arthouse-hk.com/

+852-2838-0040

This award-winning Russian art academy will bring you a wide array of creative outlets as you get to explore your inner artist. From galleries and exhibits, to engaging classes for all ages and expertises, you're sure to find both enlightening structure and freedom to explore with their expert teachers.

Opening Hours:
9:30am – 6:30pm

41 Fleming Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

https://thefleming.com/en/

+852 3607 2288

Hong Kong's urban boutique hotel in the heart of Wanchai. A stylish neighbourhood hangout for those in the know who don't just want to visit Hong Kong but be plugged into the city's life. Hong Kong's heyday inspires the hotel during the industrial era of the 60's and 70's, as well as its unique maritime heritage. The cornerstone of the design aesthetic is inspired by Hong Kong's cross-harbour ferries which symbolize travel, heritage and community. And if you are hungry, try out their Osteria Marzia, a coastal Italian restaurant inspired by the colourful and diverse cuisine of the nation's scenic seaside regions.

Opening Hours:
Always Open

10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

https://www.kwaifunghin.com

Established in 1991, this gallery showcase 20th-century modern Chinese art and Asian contemporary art. Constantly changing exhibitions and events, this is where you can take the pulse on the art scene in Asia.

Opening Hours:
Mon – Sat: 10am – 6:30pm / Closed: Sunday