A picnic in the sun is the perfect way to enjoy the warm weather with friends—without breaking the bank! We’ve put together a list of our top spots to enjoy a picnic in Hong Kong which we’re sure you’ll love. Get your picnic blanket and sandwiches ready for a fantastic day out!
Hong Kong Island
Tamar Park — Central
Tamar Park is a true breath of fresh air in the middle of Hong Kong’s bustling city metropolis with the Central Government Offices as a backdrop. It’s perfect for an outdoor breakfast, lunch under the sun, or cocktails and a light dinner.
Open: 24/7.
Facilities: Settle down in the amphitheatre, wander past the landscaped garden, and refresh your snack supply at Tamar Café. You’re also a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Place mall for the cinema and shopping once you’re finished! Toilets available.
Pet friendly: Yes.
Directions: Take the MTR to Admiralty (Exit A) and cross the pedestrian bridge. Parking unavailable.
Victoria Peak Garden — The Peak
The Peak, an iconic Hong Kong landmark, has more to offer than just the view. Victoria Peak Garden is perfect for an outdoor picnic in good weather.
Open: 24/7.
Facilities: Loop round Lugard road to the Galleria, where you’ll find everything from coffee shops, restaurants, shops, to the Madame Tussauds wax museum. There’s a pavilion and viewing point near the Park and Galleria to enjoy the skyline. Toilets available.
Pet friendly: Yes.
Directions: Hike up to The Peak if you’re feeling sporty (trails run from the Pok Fu Lam stables or Morning Trail) or take the Peak Tram. Minibus 1 and bus 15 run from Central.
Quarry Bay Park — Quarry Bay
Quarry Bay Park is a large promenade along the eastern district’s harbourfront with wide walkways and extensive leisure facilities. A peaceful, scenic path that spans Quarry Bay, Tai Koo, and Sai Wan Ho, you can take a moment away from the hurried inner streets.
Open: 24/7 (facilities open 7am-11pm).
Facilities: Enjoy 7-a-side football pitches, tennis courts, basketball courts, jogging and cycling tracks, fitness stations, playgrounds, a Tai Chi garden, Lookout Tower, Conservation Corner, Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery housed in a fire-boat, and kiosk (…and breathe!). Toilets available.
Pet friendly: Designated pet garden along the promenade. Limited pet walking sections.
Directions: Exit at Quarry Bay MTR Station (Exit A) and walk for 5 minutes. Alternatively, take buses 102 or 606 from Kowloon side, or bus 2 or 18X from the island side.
Cyberport Waterfront Park — Pok Fu Lam
Cyberport Waterfront Park is perfect for young families and furry friends to enjoy a quiet picnic! Look across the sea to the outlying islands and stroll around the serene park.
Open: 7am-11pm.
Facilities: Cyberport business park has a supermarket, drink vending machines, Watsons pharmacy, and a cinema! You’re close to a Starbucks and McDonald’s if your picnic basket runs empty. The park has lots of open green space, several sports activity areas, and even an outdoor LED screen. The park is not well-lit at night, so we recommend a daytime trip. Toilets available.
Pet friendly: Yes
Directions: Take bus 30X from IFC to Cyberport, bus 970 from So Uk (via Mong Kok), or minibus 69X from Causeway Bay. Parking available.
Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park — Sai Ying Pun
Popular with the morning exercise crowd, Sun Yat Sen Park is right near the business district of Sheung Wan and perfect for an afternoon visit.
Open: 24/7 (facilities open 8am-11pm).
Facilities: The reclaimed piers and grassy area offer space to spread out. There’s plenty of shade, and you’re also only a short walk from the Shun Tak Centre for extra supplies (M&S tinned G&Ts, anyone?). Remember to take your football for the 7-a-side pitches! Toilets available.
Pet friendly: In designated zones.
Directions: Hop off at Sheung Wan MTR Station (Exit A2), then walk for about 10 minutes. Parking available.
Tai Tam Country Park — South Hong Kong Island
On the east side of Hong Kong island lies Tai Tam Country Park. Don’t forget your cameras when you visit, as the Park is bursting with wildlife. Walks around the Park offer fantastic panoramic views of the countryside, no doubt that you will easily find a spot to picnic.
Open: 24/7.
Facilities: Visit the beautiful reservoirs and amble along country paths. This venue is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors and a peaceful place to settle for a picnic. Toilets available.
Pet friendly” Yes.
Directions: Bus 6 from Central, bus 76 from Causeway Bay, or bus 14 from Sai Wan Ho. Hiking routes are accessible from all corners of the island for the adventurers among us!
Kowloon
Waterfront Promenade & Art Park — West Kowloon
For budding artists and photographers, the Art Park in West Kowloon Cultural District is the perfect destination for a picnic—especially at golden hour.
Open: 6am-11pm.
Facilities: Along with plenty of manicured green space to stretch out your blanket, this park houses many trendy bars and restaurants. You can also visit the nearby Xiqu Centre for musical performances, or simply chill with a drink and watch the world go by. There’s a rotating array of food trucks for picnic top-ups. Toilets available.
Pet friendly: Yes.
Directions: Hop off at Kowloon MTR Station (Exit E3) and walk for 20 minutes down Nga Cheung road. Regular buses run from Central (962B, 968, 980X) and TST (215X, 973, 281A). Parking available.
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal — Kowloon City
This spectacular park on the cruise terminal’s rooftop presents Hong Kong from a different perspective on the site of the old Kai Tak International Airport.
Open: 7am-11pm.
Facilities: When you’re not taking in the sights of the water garden, settle down under a shaded walkway or on the viewing steps for a light bite. There’s also easy access to local food favourites in the mall. Toilets available.
Pet friendly? No – but they’re welcome at Kai Tak Runway Park right next to the cruise terminal!
Directions: Ferries run from Kwun Tong and North Point. Alternatively, take bus 22 from Kowloon Tong, or 5R from Ngau Tau Kok and Kwun Tong MTR stations.
Jordan Valley Park Community Garden — Jordan
If you’ve always fancied yourself a Formula One driver, Jordan Valley Park offers the perfect opportunity to try out (radio-controlled) model car racing after your picnic!
Open: 5am-11pm
Facilities: Aside from racing model cars, there are three beautiful gardens for nature walks and setting up your picnic area. The Conservation Corner provides shaded space, and Car Racing Circuit A has a shaded amphitheatre for eating and racing at the same time.
Pet friendly: No.
Directions: Take bus 26 from TST or Choi Hung MTR station.
Kwun Tong Promenade
An urban park with a long promenade and shaded seating; fantastic light and musical displays in the evening, perfect for dinner and drinks under the stars. Open: 24/7.
Facilities: This park has it all—musical fountains in the wet play area, a performance area with spectator stands. There’s also a seaside boardwalk and large lawn for a picnic evening to remember! Light refreshments provided by the kiosk. Toilets available.
Pet friendly: No.
Directions: Hop off at Ngau Tau Kwok MTR station (Exit B6) and walk for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, take bus 619 from Central, or bus 215X from TST, followed by a brief walk.
New Territories
Tai Po Waterfront Park
The largest city-managed park in Hong Kong, Tai Po Waterfront Park trades a bit of distance from public transportation for unique features like the lookout tower overseeing Tolo Harbour and a 600-seat amphitheatre, among expansive resting gardens.
Open: Park grounds open 24/7 (insect house: 8am-7pm, lookout tower: 7am-7pm, gateball court: 7am-6pm, bowling green times vary).
Facilities: Wildlife lovers can also check out the insect house (eek!), whilst sports enthusiasts can try their hand at bowling, model boat racing, and gateball, a Japanese game inspired by croquet (we’re not totally sure what that is, either!). For your picnic, settle down in the Western Garden or along the 1.2km promenade. Toilets available.
Pet friendly: No.
Directions: Alight at Tai Po Market MTR station (Exit A2/B), then walk for half an hour. Otherwise, hop on bus 271 from Kowloon Park, or 75K from Tai Po Market MTR Station if you don’t fancy the long walk!
Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre — Lantau
Located near the Disneyland Resort, Inspiration Lake is a truly magical spot. It’s the largest man-made lake in Hong Kong and offers a range of kid-friendly water activities, a scenic arboretum, and a 1.5 km jogging trail winding around the water.
Open: 9am-7pm.
Facilities: Make sure you’re stocked up on snacks as there’s only a small 7/11 at the entrance to the park. If you’re not soaking up the sun or cooling off under a banyan tree in the arboretum, you can rent a bike to cycle your way around the park. Or why not challenge your friends to a race across the lake in a pedalo?! Toilets and changing rooms available.
Pet friendly: No.
Directions: Take the MTR to Hong Kong Disneyland, then bus R8 to the lake.
Remember to leave each park as you found it and follow the current social distancing rules.
Header image credits: PoohPoohPoohsan via Flickr
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