HK
Stanley
A breezy market town, colonial waterfront and Southside beaches
A breezy market town, colonial waterfront and Southside beaches
A warren of narrow lanes packed with stalls selling silk, art, souvenirs, sportswear and knick-knacks, Stanley Market is a relaxed, tout-free place to browse and haggle by the sea.
💡 Prices are negotiable; mornings are cooler and quieter than weekend afternoons.
The promenade curves along the bay lined with al-fresco bars and restaurants, a rare spot in Hong Kong to linger over a long lunch with your feet almost in the water.
💡 Sunset tables fill fast on weekends; arrive early or book ahead.
This grand 1844 colonial arcade was dismantled stone by stone in Central and rebuilt in Stanley, now housing restaurants beneath its colonnades right on the waterfront.
💡 The upper terraces have the best bay views for a drink.
Stanley’s oldest building, this 1767 temple to the sea goddess sits just back from the shore, its smoke-darkened interior a quiet reminder of the town’s fishing roots.
💡 Step in respectfully; it is an active place of worship.
A short hop north, Repulse Bay has the Southside’s most popular swimming beach, a wide golden crescent backed by hills, a Tin Hau shrine and the wave-shaped luxury tower above it.
💡 Bus 6, 6X or 260 links Repulse Bay and Stanley in minutes.
Stanley’s waterfront is built for leisurely eating, with terraces serving everything from Italian and Mediterranean to Thai, Indian and hearty pub fare, many with bay views. Murray House hides good seafood and brunch spots, while the market lanes have juice stalls and bakeries. It is more relaxed and Western-leaning than the city, ideal for a long weekend lunch.
Take the double-decker bus from Central over the hills to Stanley and browse the market lanes before the crowds build.
Settle in for a long lunch on the promenade or at Murray House, then visit the Tin Hau Temple and stroll the bay.
Bus a few minutes north to Repulse Bay for a swim and golden sand before heading back to the city at sunset.
Grab the front seat on the upper deck of the bus from Central for a spectacular coastal ride to Stanley.
Prices in Stanley Market are negotiable; browse a few stalls and compare before buying.
Stanley Main Beach and nearby Repulse Bay are made for a dip from spring through autumn.
The Southside shines in sunshine; save Stanley for good weather to enjoy the bay and beaches.
Maps the scenic bus routes from Central and Admiralty over to Stanley and Repulse Bay.
Free
Get to Central or Admiralty, then transfer to a Southside bus.
Free
Hong Kong Observatory app for beach weather, UV and rain radar.
Free
Skyscraper-packed Central, neon Tsim Sha Tsui, the Big Buddha on Lantau, seafood-and-hiking Sai Kung and breezy Stanley — five very different sides of Hong Kong.