Top 10 Things to Do in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Check out our guide to the top things to do in Causeway Bay
Check out our guide to the top things to do in Causeway Bay | © i viewfinder / Shutterstock
Matthew Keegan

You could easily spend days in Causeway Bay, one of the busiest neighbourhoods on Hong Kong Island. It’s jam-packed with restaurants and shops, and also features Hong Kong’s main library and the Island’s largest public park, so there’s something for everyone here.
For those who don’t have days to spare, we’ve come up with the top 10 things that should be on your Causeway Bay to-do list.

Visit Times Square at night

It’s not as big as the other Times Square, or as famous, but it’s a sight you should not skip when exploring Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay. The square wasn’t previously part of Causeway Bay, but due to some moving of notional borders, most guidebooks now agree that it’s part of the area, if not one of its prime attractions. Why go at night? Because the glass-walled malls and high-rises filled with shops look so much prettier lit up. Plus, where else are you going to find shops that welcome you until well after midnight?

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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It’s not as big as the other Times Square

Go shopping in SOGO

For many, Causeway Bay represents one thing, and one thing only: shopping. From gigantic shopping malls to local retailers, and from high-end fashion to affordable high-street offerings, Causeway Bay has it all. Visit SOGO, Hong Kong’s largest Japanese-style department store, or check out some local designers at Fashion Walk. It’s not just about clothes either; those on the lookout for electronics or household items are sure to find their fix, too.

Causeway Bay is a shopper’s dream

See the Noonday Gun

A stone’s throw away from Houston Street is one of Hong Kong’s more peculiar tourist attractions. Every day at noon, a small crowd gathers to watch an employee of multinational company Jardine Matheson fire a three-pounder naval gun. Historians can’t quite agree on what started the tradition, but you can still witness it in action. As they only fire the gun once, the whole ceremony doesn’t take up much time, leaving you with plenty of time to take photos of the harbour views. You won’t stumble across the gun by accident, as you have to walk through a tunnel to get there; you can find the entrance underneath the World Trade Centre.

The Noonday Gun is a former naval artillery gun

Visit the hitwomen of Causeway Bay

Why not try something truly out of the ordinary? If you are in Causeway Bay and need to get something off your chest, consider visiting the city’s local villain-hitters, who will help dispel any bad vibes or even curse your enemies by beating their shoes – yes, really.

The practice, known locally as da siu yan (‘petty person beating’) is a sorcery that involves local women, mostly retirees, beating away bad vibes; they can even curse your enemies by whacking paper effigies with their shoes. Popular with both locals and tourists, it’s a fascinating practice and one of those local traditions that gives Hong Kong its unique character. Typically, the villain-hitters charge HK$50 (£5) for the service. Clients come to see these hitwomen to help shake all kinds of ill fortune, but most are looking to combat unfaithful partners, love rivals or work troubles.

Get your enemies ‘beaten’ with a shoe

Ride the Ding Ding, Hong Kong’s ancient tram

Causeway Bay is by no means the only place to enjoy a ride on one of Hong Kong’s ancient trams, but the sheer number of pedestrians here can make you feel a little claustrophobic, and the Ding Ding offers some relief. Its slow pace and the many stops will give you plenty of time to admire your surroundings. Make sure to get a seat on the upper deck so you have a good view of the crowds beneath you. It won’t get you to your destination any faster than walking, but it does give you the chance to have a proper look around. So hop on, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Ride the Ding Ding, a colourful double-decker tram

Get lost in the Causeway Bay markets and side streets

Put your map away and just explore. As Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world, you can feel comfortable wandering off into the unknown. Step away from the main roads, head into the side streets and find out what lies around the next corner. Top tip: go up! Take a lift, a set of stairs or an escalator upwards, and you might suddenly find yourself in a fourth-floor nail salon or a Korean barbecue restaurant.

Who knows what you might come across when you wander into the unknown?

Try out the street food on Houston Street

Whether you’re hungry or not, Houston Street – or Food Street – is a great place to check out. Tucked away in the crowded shopping area, it’s a little street with some of the best al fresco dining options in the city. Cuisines range from Italian to Thai, with most places open for both lunch and dinner. If you aren’t quite ready for food, just stroll around and peek into the side streets. You might catch groups of fashionable girls using the brightly painted walls as backgrounds for their Instagram photoshoot.

Stop by Hong Kong Central Library

Lovers of literature should flock to this building. Featuring an innovative overhead book carousel that automatically catalogues hundreds of books and transports them to their rightful sections, the establishment redefines libraries, using technological advancements to appeal to the younger generation. There’s a designated area where children can come to read and enter a fantasy world of castles, faraway lands and mythical creatures.

Visit Hong Kong Central Library

Take a stroll through Victoria Park

Named after the former British queen, Victoria Park is the largest public park on Hong Kong Island. It features a fountain, some ponds, large grassy areas and plenty of benches dotted along its winding paths. Depending on the time of day, and of course the weather, you’ll find people having a picnic, practising tai chi or doing a lap on the dedicated jogging trail. It won’t top any lists of the world’s most beautiful parks, but it’s a welcome bit of green in the middle of Hong Kong.

Victoria Park offers a welcome bit of green

Find a moment of peace at Tin Hau Temple

Tin Hau Temple in Causeway Bay is a fully functional temple and a declared monument. It’s one of more than 100 temples dedicated to Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea. The small structure dates back just over 150 years and stands out between the neighbouring skyscrapers. A small garden offers some peace and quiet, making a pleasant contrast with the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong daily life. The Tai family that built the temple still manages it today.

Tin Hau Temple in Causeway Bay dates back more than 150 years

This article is an updated version of a story created by Laura Fransen.

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