Categories > Guides and Tips
Your Guide to Sai Ying Pun: Where to Eat, Shop, and Explore
- How to Get to Sai Ying Pun
- Where to Stay in Sai Ying Pun
- Best Western Plus Hotel Hong Kong
- Eco Tree Hotel Hong Kong 香港頤庭酒店
- Where to Eat and Drink in Sai Ying Pun
- La Paloma
- Bâtard
- Kwan Kee Claypot Rice
- Brut!
- Winstons Coffee
- Coffee by Zion
- What to Do in Sai Ying Pun
- Take IG-worthy pics at Art Lane
- Explore Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park
- Where to Shop in Sai Ying Pun
- Green Ladies
- Thorn & Burrow
Sai Ying Pun is where Hong Kong’s old-world charm and the city’s vibrant and trendy vibe get together, which makes it something, well, magical.
Now, this district might not be at the top of the typical touristy spots in Hong Kong, but it’s definitely “the spot” for foodies. Its alleys and lanes are brimming with restaurants and eateries offering an array of cuisines and dishes.
But restaurants aren’t the only must-visit spots here. There are plenty of places to see and explore in this district.
Want to see what we mean? Read on, then! This guide to Sai Ying Pun will help you discover the best of this district when you decide to visit!
How to Get to Sai Ying Pun
Here’s how you can reach Sai Ying Pun if you’re coming from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Via Airport Bus: The cheapest and most convenient way to travel from HKIA to Sai Ying Pun is via Airport Buses A10 and A11. These buses offer a direct ride to Water Street and Queen Street. From there, you can walk to your destination in Sai Ying Pun.
Via Airport Express Bus + MTR: Another way to reach Sai Ying Pun is by taking the Airport Express Bus and MTR. Take the Teal Airport Express Bus and ride it until you’re at the Hong Kong Station. After that, walk towards the Central Station and ride the MTR until you reach Sai Ying Pun Station.
Where to Stay in Sai Ying Pun
Best Western Plus Hotel Hong Kong
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Address: 308 Des Voeux Rd W, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 3410 3333
Pricing: $
Staying at a budget hotel like Best Western Plus Hotel Hong Kong is a smart move for travelers with a limited budget. After all, this helps free up funds so you can explore more attractions and experiences in Sai Ying Pun.
If you don’t mind staying and crashing for the night in a simple hotel, we highly recommend this place. It’s within walking distance of Sai Ying Pun and Hong Kong University MTR Stations, and it’s also a short ride away from Central and Lan Kwai Fong.
For an affordable rate, you can already pick a room or suite that features panoramic views of the harbor. And that’s not all – in terms of amenities, guests can conveniently access a fitness center as well as an onsite cafe and restaurant.
Eco Tree Hotel Hong Kong 香港頤庭酒店
Address: 156, 160 Des Voeux Rd W, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2217 1888
Pricing: $$
Eco Tree Hotel Hong Kong is a cozy retreat set right next to Sai Ying Pun Station Exit 2. It offers 85 well-designed rooms and suites that all feature majestic views of the harbor at reasonable rates.
It’s a favorite pick by many district visitors because it’s close to various attractions. Some of the must-visit spots you shouldn’t miss when staying here are Hong Kong Park, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, and Liang Yi Museum.
Meanwhile, when it comes to accessible services and amenities, guests are in for a treat. Each room in Eco Tree Hotel includes a minibar, snack bar, tea/coffee maker, personal safe, and a work desk.
Apart from that, guests can also try a range of massage and wellness treatments at the onsite spa for an additional charge.
Where to Eat and Drink in Sai Ying Pun
La Paloma
Address: 1/Floor, Soho 189, 189 Queen’s Rd W, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM, 6 PM to 12 AM
Phone: +852 2291 6161
Pricing: $$$
La Paloma is a rustic Spanish restaurant featuring a good range of charcuterie, tapas, and bite-size Spanish classics that are tough to resist. Besides that, the restaurant also offers large sharing dishes that are great for a group of friends or a family.
With its tasteful interiors featuring vibrant pop-art colors and pigeon-themed decors, you can enjoy a laid-back dining experience. Some of the must-tries you shouldn’t miss are their Perna Viridis, Cochinillo, and Giant Paella.
Its chef and owner, Alex Fargas, is the head of the Spanish Chefs Association in Asia. Plus, his hometown is Barcelona, so if you dine here, you’ll get authentic Spanish dishes and treats served right on your plate.
Bâtard
Address: Shop E, Viking Court, 165-166 Connaught Rd W, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday – 6 PM to 10:30 PM, Thursday to Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM, 6 PM to 10:30 PM
Phone: +852 2318 1802
Pricing: $$$
Bâtard is a French restaurant situated inside a 7,000-square-foot wine store (Hong Kong’s largest walk-in wine cellar).
So, first, let’s talk about Bâtard and its unique name. Well, Bâtard, is literally an old French word for the word “bastard,” so even if the prices here are a bit on the high side, don’t worry. It’s not that fancy. It’s designed to be like a cozy wine spot instead of a posh wine place, so you don’t have to wear your best suit.
Here, you can find a whisky-focused bar that showcases some of the world’s finest and rarest bottle selections. Plus, once you become a member of Club Batard, you’ll get to access exclusive wine-tasting programs and events.
Food-wise, you can expect elevated French cuisine that highlights fresh produce and the usual comfort food delights. You can also try their retail-priced bottles that are best paired with Batard’s signature dishes like the Roast Local Three-Yellow Chicken and Monkfish En Croute.
Just note that the menu changes often depending on seasonal produce and ingredients. But fear not. Their signature dishes are always available throughout the year.
Kwan Kee Claypot Rice
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Address: 西環, 263號 Queen’s Rd W, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 5:30 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +852 2803 7209
Pricing: $$
Kwan Kee gives off the usual greasy spoon and hole-in-the-wall restaurant vibes, but in reality, this restaurant is a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee. Kwan Kee’s signature charcoal-cooked Claypot Rice is arguably one of the most popular dishes in Sai Ying Pun.
We always come back for their White Eel Claypot Rice and Boiled Pig Bone with Soup. If you wish to try other Claypot Rice dishes, you can also try a range of toppings, such as soya-sauce steak, spare ribs, Cantonese sausages, or if you’re brave enough, get a side of snake soup!
Just a friendly reminder, though their claypot rice meals are cooked-to-order, so you might need to wait for around 30 minutes or so to get a taste of it.
Also, it might be a bit hard to get a table, especially at peak dinner hours. We suggest you reserve a table out on the alleyway to enjoy a refreshing al fresco dinner.
Meanwhile, if you wish to avoid the dinner rush, we recommend you visit before 7 PM or after 9 PM.
Brut!
Address: Shop C, G/F, Tung Cheung Bldg. 1, 11 Second St, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 6 PM to 10 PM, Sunday – Closed
Phone: +852 3460 5863
Pricing: $$
Brut! is a fairly new restaurant that has been making waves in Sai Ying Pun. The theme of this restaurant is both creative and quirky because it features combos and cuisines that you’d never thought would mash together.
This restaurant offers a blend of curated gourmet French cuisine, western cuisine, and classic Filipino delights. You can start with their a la carte tasting menu that features a range of dishes and specials that change depending on the available seasonal ingredients and produce.
Their offerings are quite pricey, so if you wish to try many dishes, we suggest you get their six-course tasting menu and let the chef take the reins and surprise you with the dishes you’ll be having.
Nonetheless, all of their offerings come with a three or five-glass wine pairing, so overall, we can say that dining here is still worth its price tag.
Winstons Coffee
Address: Shop 4, G/F Rich Court, 213 Queen’s Rd W, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Thursday – 7 AM to 10 PM, Sunday to Monday – 7 AM to 7 PM
Phone: +852 2559 5078
Pricing: $$
Winston Coffee is nestled in the artsy part of Queen’s Road West, and you can easily spot it because of its retro cinema signage and black facade.
Winston Coffee is not just for the people who need a well-brewed caffeine fix to jumpstart their day. You see, this hole-in-the-wall coffee joint turns into a cozy bar at night to offer a range of cocktails to wind down your busy nights.
Although the place is quite small and the seating is limited, you can still find a nice selection of signature cocktails, beers, and wines. Many customers rave about their flat whites and espresso martinis, so make sure you try them when you drop by.
Also, to make things more convenient, they offer a variety of pre-bottled drinks that you can bring and enjoy while exploring the neighborhood.
Coffee by Zion
Address: Hong Kong, Sai Ying Pun, First St, 83號, Chun King Court, 1-3號 地舖
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +852 9404 7721
Pricing: $$
Right at the heart of Sai Ying Pun, near the MTR station, you can find a famous and established coffee shop called Coffee by Zion. All of the beans they use are sourced from different parts of the world and are roasted in-house.
Here, you can’t go wrong with classic picks like a good old hand-drip coffee and cold brew. Of course, if you wish to try something new, we suggest you go for their Black Sesame Latte with Lavender White Chocolate.
You can pair your chosen drink with their selection of delectable sweet and savory treats that are all made from scratch right in-house.
Aside from being a cozy place to unwind and get your daily caffeine dose, this cafe is also an aesthetic spot for obligatory IG pics with friends. You see, it features Scadi-style furniture and Nordic fixtures matched with ornamental wall plants and flowers, so you can snag beautiful pics!
What to Do in Sai Ying Pun
Take IG-worthy pics at Art Lane
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Address: Hong Kong, Sai Ying Pun, Chung Ching St, 8號奇靈里石棧里 ONE ARTLANE, SHOP NO.2 & 2A
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Phone: +852 8200 3788
In Hong Kong, the street art scene is recognized as a fully-fledged art form. In Sai Ying Pun’s Art Lane, you can find a wide spread of awesome street art, murals, and graffiti on walkways, facades, and building walls.
Venturing through Shek Chan Lane, Ki Ling Lane, and Chung Ching Street to find a variety of street art made by local and international artists is a fun and free thing to do in this district.
Most of the artworks here are inspired by art styles from Seoul, New York, and London, and each of them is crafted to suit SoHo’s theme.
The most popular photo spots here are the large-scale murals that you can find in different canvasses, including stairs, walls, and even the streets. To get here, just go to Sai Ying Pun MTR Station and take Exit 3.
Explore Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park
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Address: 16 Eastern St N, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2540 9704
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Park was built in homage to Dr. Sun, also known as the Father of Modern China.
It’s the one and only park in Hong Kong that was named after a Chinese historical figure, and this is for a good reason. You see, Dr. Sun contributed to overthrowing the last imperial dynasty in China and establishing the Republic of China, so he really deserved this unique homage.
This easily accessible and open-air park is situated along Sai Ying Pun’s waterfront, so you can also appreciate the scenic views of Victoria Harbour from here.
It’s a great spot to explore, especially if you’re bringing the kiddos with you because this 4.1-hectare park features a sprawling grassy area where you can rest and enjoy a simple picnic.
Apart from that, the park also offers outdoor recreational spaces, including playgrounds, jogging tracks, basketball courts, fitness stations, and soccer pitches. Kids, teens, and adults alike can play and have fun all day inside this park.
Where to Shop in Sai Ying Pun
Green Ladies
Address: 168 Queen’s Rd W, Central, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12:30 PM to 8 PM
Phone: +852 2110 3483
Want to shop guilt-free? Come visit Green Ladies.
Green Ladies is a consignment business enterprise that shook the fashion game in Sai Ying Pun through their sustainable fashion practices and clothing recycling programs.
This shop is not like any other shop you typically see in Central. Green Ladies collects and curates a variety of quality fashion, accessories, and other secondhand finds that are in good condition.
Our favorite finds here are vintage bags, jewelry, and watches. The women’s clothing section is also worth checking because the clothes here are very affordable.
By shopping here, you can support eco-friendly fashion choices and even share proceeds with local charities! Isn’t that great?
Thorn & Burrow
Address: 1/F, 30 High St, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM, Monday – Closed
Phone: +852 9840 3886
If you’re after unique souvenirs, home decor pieces, and art pieces, you should visit Thorn & Burrow. Although it’s not as big as popular shopping malls in Hong Kong, you won’t come home empty-handed because there are so many fun and eclectic items inside Thorn & Burrow.
What sets this shop apart is that most of the items here are personally sourced by the owner from different parts of the world. The shop features one-of-a-kind pieces from various parts of Asia, America, India, Turkey, and even Africa. Isn’t that grand?
That’s why we also recommend this place if you’re looking for a range of items that are perfect to give as gifts. To start your search, check the racks and shelves filled with different pieces of jewelry, books, stationeries, tote bags, and purses. There are tons of good finds there!
