One of Hong Kong’s oldest neighborhoods, Sham Shui Po in northwestern Kowloon trades Central’s glass towers for historic tong lau (early 20th-century Chinese tenements with ground-floor shops), busy outdoor markets, and no-frills eateries. After a 15-minute taxi ride from the Kai Tak cruise terminal, start your adventure at the Michelin-recommended Hop Yik Tai, where regulars queue for siu mai, fish balls, and cheung fun (silky steamed rice rolls in soy and sesame sauce). Everything is just a few dollars per plate, with no English menu, and you may share a table with strangers, which is part of the fun. Then head to the century-old Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir, a former water supply station whose Roman-style columns and brick arches create a cathedral-like subterranean space; a free audio guide brings its history to life. Back at street level, browse Toy Street for colorful trinkets, Apliu Street for electronics, and Leather Street for a taste of Hong Kong’s textile heritage. As a delicious finale, sate your dim sum cravings at Let’s Yum Cha or build your ideal noodle bowl at Man Kee Cart Noodle, another Michelin pick.

Visit one of Hong Kong’s last mahjong tile artisans

In Hong Kong, mahjong is more than a game—it’s a social ritual woven into the city’s cultural fabric. But the art of hand-carving tiles is rapidly disappearing, with only a few traditional sifus still at work. One of them is Ho Sau Mei—better known as “Sister Mei”—who runs the tiny Kam Fat Mahjong shop in Hung Hom, about a 15-minute taxi from the cruise terminal. Wedged between a small counter, tiled steps, and glass display cases, she etches Chinese characters and suits onto each tile by hand, then paints them in bold hues. Upbeat and welcoming, Sister Mei typically works from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or until her hands ache too much to continue. Her hand-carved sets have a two- to three-month waitlist, so if you’re interested in buying one, call in advance (+852-2362 8421; Cantonese only) and bring cash: each set costs about US$420 (HK$3,300), and cards are not accepted. Not shopping? Simply watching her chisel and paint offers a captivating look at a vanishing craft—and an excuse to explore one of Hong Kong’s most traditional neighborhoods.

Bar-hop Central’s heaviest hitters

Hong Kong’s bar scene is world-class—and in Central, just 15 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, you can hit some of the top spots in one evening. Warm up at Bar Leone, a lively Italian cocktail bar crowned Best Bar in the World by The World's 50 Best Bars in 2025 and Asia’s Best Bar for the second straight year. There’s often a wait, so aim to arrive early (doors open at 5 p.m.) for the best chance of walking in. Once inside, try the heady, herbaceous Olive Oil Sour and a side of smoked olives that are so good you’ll want to take a jar home (and good news: you can). Next, head a couple of blocks east to Kinsman, a vermilion-lit hideaway riffing on Cantonese traditions in every glass. Try the playful “Of Rice and Men” or “Kowloon Dairy,” showcasing regional ingredients like pu’er tea and monk fruit. End the night at The Aubrey on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, where Japanese-inspired cocktails come with cinematic views of Victoria Harbour. For something extra special, book the four-seat Omakase Cocktail Experience: three surprise creations paired with izakaya-style snacks at a private bar within the bar.