13 things to do in Hong Kong when it rains

Just because the weather is less than ideal doesn’t mean you have to sit around and do nothing. From going rock climbing to savouring a decadent afternoon tea, there are still a great deal of things to enjoy around the city. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite things to do on a rainy day in Hong Kong.

1. Take the kids to an indoor playroom

Bimbo Concept’s Children’s Residency at Pacific Place Apartments will run Summer Safari classes throughout August. From cooking classes, sand art and making Lego photo frames to Mandarin storytime and yoga, fun-filled classes run throughout the week for children aged three and above. On weekend mornings, little ones aged 6-36 months can enjoy KinderMusik classes hosted by Baumhaus founder Crisel Consunjion. Little ones under seven will love the recently-opened play cafe Jello & Mellow in Quarry Bay. 

Read more: Bimbo Concept’s Children’s Residency

2. Enjoy a last-minute staycation

There’s nothing quite like the smugness of relaxing in the surroundings of a luxury hotel with nowhere to be while the rain pours outside. Enjoy a family or couples staycation with a range of creative stays to choose from. We love the ‘Playtime with Paddington’ package at The Langham Hong Kong which includes a one-night stay in one of the hotel’s luxurious rooms along with a selection of Paddington-branded amenities and gifts.

3. Browse second hand kids books

Sustainably-focused social enterprise Rebooked in Sheung Wan is Hong Kong’s first shop for preloved English language children’s books. If you’ve got kids, head here on a rainy afternoon to check out an incredible selection of kids’ books in excellent condition, priced from just $10!

4. Check in at this nature-inspired urban oasis

Recently-opened at Island Shangri-La, Yun Wellness is a new nature-inspired urban oasis in the heart of Hong Kong. The spa offers revitalising body and mind treatments and holistic wellness experiences infused with Shangri-La’s unique Asian hospitality for guests at every stage of their life. 

Read more: Yun Wellness opens at Island Shangri-La

5. Lunch at Fortnum’s 181 

Enjoy an exquisite lunch at refined British restaurant 181 at Fortnum & Mason. The summertime menu features new dishes such as Burrata, Heirloom Tomatoes, Herb Oil, Music Bread, 30-Day Aged Beef Chuck Angolotti, Smoked Tomato Agresto with Grilled Artichokes and a classic Strawberry Mess. Dishes can be enjoyed à la carte or as part of 181’s excellent-value set lunch ($388 for three courses) or dinner menu ($588 for three courses).

6. Try a gong bath

Calm your mind, wash away the tension and be prepared to feel totally blissed out after a meditation session. Red Doors Studio in Wong Chuk Hang offers sound vibration classes that will give you the boost of energy you need on a dreary, rainy day. Check out the range of classes here, there’s even a raindrop gong class!

Read more: Best meditation classes in Hong Kong

7. Try an award-winning cocktail

Hong Kong claimed eight spots in Asia’s 50 Best Bars last year, meaning there’s never been a better time to check out one of Hong Kong’s best cocktails.

Read more: Asia’s 50 Best Bar Awards 2023

8. Indulge in a facial treatment

Have you checked our recent guide to Hong Kong’s best facial treatments? Smooth out wrinkles, cleanse your pores and illuminate your skin with the best facials and facial treatments the city has to offer.

Read more: The best facials and facial treatments in Hong Kong

9. Cosy up in a café

Whether you’re scouting out the perfect picture opportunity or looking to hunker down for a productive work session, sipping on a fresh cup of coffee can do wonders for your mood and warm you up against the cold showers outside.

10. Visit Hong Kong Museum of Art

Hong Kong has plenty of art exhibitions and museums that are perfect for rainy days. We love Hong Kong Museum of Art in Tsim Sha Tsui for its beautiful and immersive exhibitions and experiences. It’s free to enter and access to special exhibitions costs just $100 per year for a family of four!

11. Rock climbing

If you’re up for it, find cover at one of Hong Kong’s rock climbing and bouldering gyms. Attic V and Verm City offer a great range of climbing routes catering to climbers of all levels. It’s a great workout that pushes you to new heights – literally.

12. Break out of an escape room

Get a couple of friends together and put your problem-solving skills and teamwork to the test at one of the city’s many escape rooms. LOST Hong Kong offers a range of escape challenges and scavenger hunts including a Hong Kong-inspired adventure set in the former Kowloon Walled City, a notorious garrison in the 20th century.

13. Feast on dim sum

Siu mai, anyone? Dim sum is an art in Hong Kong. As the rain goes splitter splatter, it’s high time to sit back and slurp delicious morsels. If you have little ones in tow, why not go for cute character dim sum? Many Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong offer dim sum in the shape of popular characters or animals. Check out Greater China Club, Yum Cha and Dim Sum Icon for cute animal buns.

Read more: Your guide to dim sum in Hong Kong

Lead photo by Photo by Atahan Demir via Pexels.