Neighbourhood guide: Bringing Stanley Back
Looking for a break from the city? Explore this coastal townWith a picturesque promenade and a host of waterfront restaurants, Stanley used to attract a healthy number of visitors no matter the time of year but it’s taken a few hits lately.
Budget-friendly souvenirs, local bites, seaside pier and convenient beaches – there’s something for everyone at this quaint coastal town. Follow our guide to find your way around this seaside destination.
Stanley Beach
This is the most well-known beach in the area, easy to access, just a few steps from the market and restaurants in the neighbourhood. The beach is usually packed with crowds soaking up the sun, as well as swimmers and paddlers hitting the waves. If you’re looking for a quick dip in open water within walking distance, there’s no better place.
Read more: Your guide to paddle-boarding in Stanley
Stanley Market
Of course, no visit to the Southside is complete without a trip to the Stanley Market. It’s definitely more fun to shop around here than in the shopping malls because of the bustling atmosphere. If you’re looking for Hong Kong-themed souvenirs in the form of embroidered tablecloths, paintings, fun t-shirts and more, you’ve come to the right place.
Stanley Promenade
Stanley Promenade attracts tourists and locals alike for a leisurely stroll by the water. With quaint cafes, local al fresco eateries and eclectic shops lining the boardwalk, you may even mistake yourself for being in a beautiful small European town.
Dragon’s Back
Adjacent to Stanley is the iconic Dragon’s Back trail. Spanning from Shek O to Big Wave Bay, the track doles out picturesque scenes of sandy shores and turquoise waters. The hikes follow an easy path, making it a no-brainer for a family day out with your kids and pets.
Murray House
This district has a fair share of British era treats, such as Murray House. The 60-year-old restored three-storey colonial building was dismantled in 1982 and transplanted from its original site where the Bank of China Tower currently stands to be rebuilt using the same bricks on the waterfront. It is now revitalised into a shopping centre – albeit a very pretty one – and houses many restaurants on the first floor, some of which have grand views across the bay.
Read more: Best street markets in Hong Kong
Blake Pier
Blake Pier has been through a lot in its lifetime, having been relocated several times before finally settling in 2006. Named after Sir Henry Arthur Blake and built in 1900, the pier was originally located in Central, but was demolished in 1965 and transferred to an open-air oval theatre in Morse Park, Wong Tai Sin, where it became an open shelter. Today, it has once again become a pier, and is a popular tourist spot next to Murray House.
St Stephen’s Beach
Head south from Stanley village and you’ll arrive at St Stephen’s Beach, a secluded beach close to St. Stephen’s College Preparatory School. Just like Stanley Main Beach, it has several barbecue pits and other basic facilities, but what sets St Stephen’s Beach apart is its Water Sports Centre, where you can rent windsurfing boards and kayaks in summer. The water quality on this beach is rated Grade 1 by the Environmental Protection Department, so remember to clean up after yourselves to keep the water this way.
Twin Peaks and Violet Hill
If you’re up for a challenge, hike your way to Stanley via Twin Peaks and Violet Hill. This 4.8km trail can be quite the workout, but the views are worth the effort. Along the hike you’ll find the picturesque Tai Tam Reservoir and Tze Kong Bridge. As you reach Ma Kong Shan View Compass at Twin Peaks, pause and take in the stunning views of Tai Tam Bay and Stanley Village.
Stanley Ma Hang Park
Ma Hang Park is located near Stanley Promenade and offers a leisurely hike under the shade of Hong Kong’s lush flora. The semi-coastal trail is paved with stroller-friendly boardwalk that leads you through numerous historic sites, such as Pak Tai Temple and Kwun Yum Temple. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way, so bring your camera and snap away.
Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum
If you’re a history buff, then a visit to the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum is a must. The museum traces the transformation of the Hong Kong penal system over 170 years, offering a glance into prison life then and now. Located inside the Correctional Services’ Staff Training Institute , there are 10 galleries, a mock gallows, two mock cells and a stylised guard tower on top of the building for you to explore all day long.
Read more: Southside secret: Stanley Prison and Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum
Restaurants
Pane e Latte
The latest addition to Stanley, Pane E Latte is a Positano-inspired cafe and gelato bar that specialises in decadent baked goodies, like chocolate-hazelnut-filled bombolones (Italian doughnuts) and porcini croque monsieurs (our editor’s pick). With large open windows and a hidden ‘gelato speakeasy’ in the basement, it’s a beautiful–and delicious–place to spend the afternoon indulging.
Pane e Latte, 25 Stanley Market Road
Bubbles and Wines
A wine room with a warm atmosphere just tucked away from Stanley Market, this is a place where you can enjoy a good glass of wine paired with your rich cheeses and charcuterie. This spot’s warm hospitality makes it a place known for being a “home away from home”.
Bubbles and Wines, Shop B1, G/F, 26 Stanley Mainstreet, 5721 6161
Pickled Pelican
A popular go-to on Stanley Main Street, Pickled Pelican is done up like a true British pub–with a spectacular seaside view. With a great selection of draughts, local craft beers, and wines as well as gastropub delights like burgers, macaroni and cheese, seafood specials, pastas and so much more, Pickled Pelican is a long-standing favourite for locals in the area.
Pickled Pelican, 90 Stanley Main Street, 2813 4313
Henry’s
Previously known as Lucy’s, former chef Henry Kwan took over the restaurant in 2017 when the original owner, Lucy, returned to England. The restaurant has racked up star reviews since its initial opening in 1994 and serves up dishes from cuisines all around the world. Customer favourites include the salmon fishcakes and pecan pudding.
Henry’s, 64 Stanley Main Street, 2813 9055
Read more: Best sustainable restaurants in Hong Kong
Ocean Rock Seafood & Tapas
Previously known as Mijas Spanish Restaurant, Ocean Rock Seafood & Tapas offers refreshing seafood bites next to the breezy shore of Stanley. Housed inside a restored colonial building, enjoy light Spanish tapas with some booze or share a paella and some fresh oysters around the table while listening to the splashing waves.
Ocean Rock Seafood & Tapas, Shop 102, 1/F, Murray House, 2899 0858
Classified
Well-known café chain Classified offers a casual dining experience serving modern food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. The location is perfect for pet owners with abundant outdoor seating. Cool down after a long day of exploring the neighbourhood with one of their many smoothie concoctions like the intriguing Unicorn Blood drink, a blend of whey protein, organic chia seeds, watermelon juice, strawberries, banana, ginger and lime juice.
Classified, Shop G08A, G/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, 2563 3454
Read more: 10 dog-friendly restaurants
Beef & Liberty
The famed burger joint has brought its juicy patties and spiked milkshakes to sunny Stanley. Serving a wide variety of burgers, signature snacks and booze-infused grown-up shakes, the restaurant boasts a spacious dining room and outdoor seating area that welcome guests for a relaxing meal.
Beef & Liberty, G04, G/F, 23 Carmel Road Stanley Plaza, 2563 2798
Waffleman
Don’t leave without having tried a sweet treat from Waffleman. End your meal with mouthwatering Belgium waffles served alongside a scoop of ice cream. It’s not just waffles, though – the dessert spot also offers brownies and cheesecakes to go along with your ice cream flavour of choice. And if you’re feeling thirsty, we suggest trying out their huge selection of drinks, which includes a large variety of sundae milkshakes, lemon sodas, lemon teas and coffee-based chillers.
Waffleman, Shop 407, 4/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, 3488 2797
Gino’s Gelato
After a hike or a day at the beach, cool off at Gino’s Gelato in Stanley Plaza. The gelato shop offers some quirky flavours like longan with dates and green tea with pistachio. If you’re taking your furry friend out for a walk, Gino’s also offers gelato for your dog. Treat yourself to some icy treats and coffee while your dog enjoys a scoop under the blazing sun.
Gino’s Gelato, Shop G09, G/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, 2803 1693
