If you do like to be beside the seaside, Stanley is just the place

View from Twin Peaks hiking trail Stanley Hong Kong — Credit: Flickr/Jo Schmaltz

While we love to wax lyrical about Hong Kong’s hidden spots and areas in the city that see fewer crowds, Stanley’s charming beaches, shops and waterfront which bustles with visitors and locals has a little slice of our hearts. Right on the water and perfect for a day trip, whether you’re a long time local or just stopping over - it’s a small place with a big history. Named after Lord Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby, it was originally one of Hong Kong Island’s first fishing villages, known as Chek Chue. It’s also rumoured it was once a pirate hideout, but since then, it’s transformed multiple times, settling on the lovable hotspot it is today. Here’s our comprehensive guide on what to do in Stanley.

Signature sights

Murray House & Blake Pier

If you’ve never been to Stanley before, then visiting Murray House is a must. Built in 1846, the historic colonial structure has been restored to its former glory and now houses a hotel, restaurants and shops. The 160-year-old building was dismantled from its original location and reassembled where it now stands, and previously served as a barracks for the British military. Inside, you’ll find an array of excellent restaurants, most with impressive views over the bay.

Stanley Promenade & Main Street

The metaphorical heart of Stanley is its peaceful waterfront and Main Street, which is lined with eateries and shops. If you’re into people watching, park yourself at any of the cafes or restaurants here for prime viewing and on sunny days, opt for alfresco dining.

Stanley Market

To get a little lost, Stanley Market is a wonderful maze of bits and bobs, from fresh produce to souvenirs. It’s usually open between 10AM - 6PM, and packs in stalls laden with clothes, trinkets, artwork, handmade goods and more. The market gets busy on weekends but is still far less crowded than those of Hong Kong proper.

Main Beach & St Stephen’s Beach

One of the biggest draws of Hong Kong is that you don’t even need to visit its wealth of pretty islands to find a golden slice of beach. In Stanley, Main Beach is most people’s first port of call when arriving - it’s a small, clean stretch of sand close to the main restaurants and with plenty of water sports and places to lay out a towel. If you’re after something quieter, St. Stephen’s Beach is sheltered and calmer, while Hair Pin Beach is also a safe bet to avoid the crowds.

Tin Hau Temple

Stanley’s Tin Hau Temple is the oldest of Hong Kong’s Tin Hau Temples, dating back to 1767, although it has undergone numerous renovations throughout the years to keep it looking fresh. It’s small but authentic, and right next to Stanley Plaza.
*Image: Flickr/decade_null*

Hiking Trails

Like most places in Hong Kong, there’s epic hikes to be found in Stanley. The Violet Hill and Twin Peaks route, known as the Wilson Trail, is around 5km, but is regarded as one of Hong Kong’s most challenging thanks to this double ascent. On average, it takes 3 hours and takes in views over the ocean and sweeping D’Aguilar Peninsula. The best way to tackle the hike is to start near Wong Nai Chung Reservoir, so that you’ll finish up in Stanley.

Bars and bites

Si Yik

If you try just one thing while in Stanley, make it the melt-in-the-mouth, buttery French toast from Si Yik. It’s a local favourite at this traditional dai pai dong - fluffy, thick and slightly crisp. Si Yik isn’t much to look at, but the crowds should alert you that it’s something special. It’s not just their recipe for batter that creates cloud-like toast either; their delicious jam, made using duck eggs, is the sweet cherry on top of the best snack in town.

Bubbles & Wines

Take a breather away from the heat with a chilled glass of white wine, or perhaps a nice red - at Bubbles & Wine, they have more than 90 wines on their menu and mellow jazz as background noise. If you’re not sure which to choose, the staff can provide expert recommendations. The seaside winebar feel is perfectly complemented by their menu of cheeses (more than 30 varieties), cold cuts and bread which is delicately presented and not too heavy.

Pane e Latte

Remember when we said Si Yik was the only place to go for a sweet treat in Stanley? Neither do we. We’ll forgive you for visiting both Si Yik and Pane e Latte, a delightful bakery and gelateria on the waterfront that serves simply the best pastries around, along with savoury dishes throughout the day. Their patisserie products wouldn't look out of place in Paris, with delicately placed fruit, cream and intricate icing, while the aroma of their breads will have you throwing the ‘no carbs’ rule out the window. We’d also recommend their brunch menu, which includes everything from pancakes to avocado toast, and heartier meals such as truffle carbonara.

Bakehouse

Founded by Swiss chef Grégoire Michaud, one of Hong Kong’s favourite bakeries has its own little outpost in Stanley. The main draw is their signature sourdough egg tarts, which have a soft, flaky crust and are filled with creamy lava-like egg custard; arrive early or you’ll miss them. They also sell a full range of pastries - we’re partial to the strawberry vanilla Danish; baked goods and artisanal breads, alongside filling sandwiches and fresh coffee.

Beesy Bay

This eye-catching building, formerly known as The Boathouse, has beachy interiors and a large terrace, which is where we’d recommend grabbing a table to look out over the bay. They serve a long list of cocktails and a range of international dishes with an Asian twist such as burgers, seafood and light bites.

Getting there

It’s easy to reach Stanley via bus or taxi. The quickest option is to take the MTR to Ocean Park, and take a short taxi ride to Stanley. Alternatively, jump on the 6, 6A or 6X Citybus from Exchange Square in Central, however alternative buses to Stanley also go from areas including the TST East Bus Terminus (Bus 973).

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