With its winding alleyways, hidden hives of activity and vibrant street life, Hong Kong is a place best explored on foot. But rather than brave it alone, why not join one of the city’s fabulous expert-led walking tours? From historical meanders and cultural jaunts to foodie frolics, here are our top picks…
Who: Context Travel
Best for: Culture vultures
Armed with a coalition of clued-in art historians, PhDs, and cultural experts, Context Travel runs some of the most comprehensive and fascinating bespoke and small group tours of the city. If it’s your first time in the Fragrant Harbour, join the two-hour ‘Welcome To’ outing, an insider’s introduction tailored precisely to your interests. The three-hour ‘Colony to Financial Superpower’ is led by an archi boffin who’ll walk you through the SAR’s history via its diverse skyscape, or venture across the harbour to see how post-handover HK is establishing herself as a complex but captivating city with the three-hour ‘Today’s Hong Kong’. contexttravel.com
Who: Little Adventures
Best for: Foodies
So you’ve dabbled in dim sum, but if you’re keen to uncover the culinary intricacies of Canto cuisine these pros are for you. Bilingual Yank-pat Daisann heads up gastro ganders including the ‘Won-ton-a-thon’, a 4-5 hour journey through the city’s best local haunts to sample everything from dumplings to noodles. Serious kitchen whizzes looking to pick up a few tricks should join the ‘Cook’s Tour’, which includes visits to both wet and dried food markets to glean knowledge on home-making sauces, baked goods and desserts. littleadventureshongkong.com
Who: Jason Wordie
Best for: History buffs
Wordie by name, wordie by nature; local historian and writer Jason is a walking encyclopedia of juicy city knowledge, and he’ll share these valuable insights on one of his well-spun lectures. Simply pick your neighbourhood of interest (he covers everywhere from Stanley to Sham Shui Po) and go back in time to uncover its rich heritage and quirks. For something a little different, check out the ‘Battlefields Historical Walk’, a full day exploring HK’s wartime legacy through its various WWII sites, or the ‘New Territories Full Day Walk’, where you’ll discover the old walled village of San Wai and Qing dynasty-era mansions. jasonwordie.com
Who: LGBT in the City
Best for: Repeat visitors
Repeat visitors can dig a little deeper into the city’s social history with this jaunt celebrating Pink Dot (HK’s answer to Pride). LGBT in the City hoists the rainbow flag with a 2.5-hour nighttime wander highlighting the community’s history, activism, and culture via storytelling and hands-on activities. Visit iconic monuments where some of HK’s preeminent LGBT films were shot, discover hidden hangouts, and finish with a tipple at one of HK’s storied gay bars. walkin.hk
The original version of this article was written by LUXE for PenCities.
Looking for more adventures in the Fragrant Harbour? Get your mitts on a LUXE Hong Kong guide…
