Things to Do in Hong Kong – Seaside Escape in Stanley Village

Hong Kong is not all about skyscrapers and business. There are plenty of seaside escapes which will make you forget that you are in one of the biggest and most bustling cities in the world. I always recommend to check out those seaside places. They offer a completely different perspective of Hong Kong. One of my top things to do in Hong Kong is to spend a day in Stanley and nearby Repulse Bay.

What to Do in Stanley

Shop at Stanley Market

I personally prefer Stanley Market over the hectic and crowded Ladies’ Market in Kowloon. Nevertheless, it also is a market catering to tourists which means it can be busy and prices are higher than at other places. However, I think it is a great place if you look for souvenirs from Hong Kong. Beware of overpriced knock-off items and low quality souvenirs though.

Hong Kongs Seaside Escapes Stanley Village Blake Flower Shop — Flower shop at Stanley Market

What to buy at Stanley Market:

Bedsheets, linen table mats and bags with embroidery
Prints from Hong Kong (You can buy them framed as well.)
Pashminas

Hong Kongs Seaside Escapes Stanley Village Gallery Kitties — Gallery kitties at one of the art stores at Stanley Market

Stanley Back Beach and Shui Sin Temple Lookout

Hong Kongs Seaside Escapes Stanley Village Shui Sin Temple — Shui Sin Temple itself is very small, but the view of the lookout is beautiful.

Enjoy the views from the small beach right off Stanley Market. Head over to Shui Sin Temple. This temple itself is very small but the view of the sea and Stanley village from this lookout is beautiful.

Stanley Promenade, Murray House and Blake Pier

Stroll along Stanley Promenade and walk over to Murray House. This building was originally located in Central and moved to Stanley in the early 2000s. It is a nice building to look at. Unfortunately, nothing much is going on on the inside. There is store of a fashion brand and a restaurant I guess. But that is pretty much it. Similar to Murray House, Blake Pier has also been transferred to Stanley from Central.

Hong Kongs Seaside Escapes Stanley Village Murray House Blake Pier — View of Blake Pier, Murray House and Stanley Village from the lookout in front of Shui Sin Temple

Stanley Plaza

This mall is quite a new edition to Stanley and hosts restaurants, cafés and shops such as Gods of Desire – a popular souvenir store. Shops and restaurants come and go. It is nice to walk around and have a coffee and maybe use the bathroom. 😉

Beaches?

Hong Kongs Seaside Escapes Stanley Village Deep Water Bay — If you take the bus from Central, you will pass by Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay (above). I recommend combining your visit – go to Stanley in the morning and head over to Repulse or Deep Water Bay for some beach vibes.

Even though there are some beaches in Stanley, I would not go there to spend a day on the beach. Stanley for me is more of a place to enjoy the promenade, do some shopping and have some nice food. I recommend heading to nearby Repulse Bay or Deepwater Bay or even to Clearwater Bay or Sai Kung for some beach time.

I recommend combining your visit: go to Stanley in the morning and then head over to Repulse Bay or Deep Water Bay for some beach time.

Hong Kongs Seaside Escapes Stanley Village Promenade — Stanley Promenade

Where to Eat

Unfortunately, similar to the small shops, restaurants in Stanley come and go. I have seen some my favourite restaurants close down. However, The Pickled Pelican has remained an institution at Stanley Promenade. This English Pub serves nice fish and chips. (90 Stanley Main St, Stanley)

If you crave burgers, Beef & Liberty now has a branch in Stanley as well. (Stanley Plaza, Carmel Rd, 23, The Piazza, G04, G/F)

Hong Kongs Seaside Escapes Stanley Village Beach — Chill out at Stanley Back Beach right off Stanley Market

How to Get to Stanley

My favourite option is to take the double-decker bus and enjoy the scenic route from the upper deck. Bus lines 260, 6 and 6X leave from the bus station at Exchange Square. I always try to be one of the first people to enter the bus and get my seat at the very front. The fee is about HKD 10 (about EUR 1.10, USD 1.30). The bus drive is about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Uber. Prices are between HKD 140 to 200 (about EUR 15-23, USD 18-26).

Hong Kongs Seaside Escapes Stanley Village Houses — Residential buildings right at Stanley Market

The “X” (express) busses of the above-mentioned lines are almost as fast as taking a taxi. Not only because of the lower price but also because of the better view on the upper deck, I prefer taking the bus.

Bear in mind that weekends on the South side of Hong Kong island can be extremely busy. Hence, the traffic can be really bad and it can take much longer to reach Stanley. If you can, I recommend visiting Stanley during the week.