Whenever someone asks about my favourite activity in Hong Kong, I never hesitate to share my love for the Ding Ding—the city’s historic double-decker tram. There’s an old-world charm in gliding slowly through the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, watching daily life unfold from the upper deck. While the MTR might whisk you across the city to Kennedy Town in minutes, the Ding Ding invites you to savour the journey, especially on rainy spring days when the city feels softer and more intimate. The gentle clatter of the tracks, the open windows letting in the harbour breeze, and the ever-changing urban scenery all combine to create an experience both nostalgic and uniquely Hong Kong.
I always recommend catching the tram in the early morning or late afternoon on a weekday, when you can truly appreciate the city’s rhythm without the crowds. If you plan to experience the Ding Ding, hop on at one of the many stops along the island and be sure to have an Octopus card or the exact coins ready for the fare, which is a modest fee of $3.30 HKD (£0.33) for such a scenic ride.
Recently, I found myself craving a new adventure. I wanted to explore somewhere in Hong Kong that felt relaxed, authentic, and blissfully free from the crowds that flock to more famous spots. That search led me to Kennedy Town, the last stop for both the Ding Ding and the MTR on the far western edge of the island. On the day I visited, the city was cloaked in low, drifting clouds, lending Central’s towering skyline a dreamlike, atmospheric quality as I made my way west.
Kennedy Town, in my view, is one of Hong Kong’s hidden gems—a laid-back, almost sleepy neighbourhood compared to the relentless buzz of Mong Kok. What I love about this area is its blend of old and new: quirky local shops, easygoing cafés, and a genuine sense of community. I stopped by Winston’s Coffee in the hope of having a perfectly brewed coffee, but all the seats were taken. In hindsight, I should have ventured to Chino Bar as I had heard great things about the city’s best tacos. These local favourites capture the unique charm that sets Kennedy Town apart from the rest of Hong Kong.
That’s how I found myself headed to Kennedy Town, the final stop for both the Ding Ding and the MTR on the western edge of Hong Kong Island. The city wore a moody atmosphere that day, with low clouds draped over the skyscrapers of Central, transforming the skyline into an atmospheric wonderland. Kennedy Town is an underrated area of Hong Kong in my eyes; it is laid-back and chilled in comparison to the chaotic streets of Mong Kok. In particular, I love stopping by Winston’s Coffee for a perfectly brewed espresso or visiting the Chino Bar for a lively evening vibe and some outstanding tacos. These spots offer a taste of the neighbourhood’s unique charm.
I arrived in Kennedy Town with no real agenda, just a desire to see where the afternoon would take me. My first stop was % Arabica, a coffee shop renowned for its minimalist aesthetic and panoramic harbour views. The interior was buzzing with people trying to snap the perfect Instagram shot, thanks to its enviable vantage point over Lantau Island, Tsing Yi, and Kowloon. With a takeaway cup in hand, I wandered along to Cadogan Street Promenade, letting the salty breeze and distant skyline set the mood. I found myself heading toward the photogenic Sai Wan Swimming Shed, but in hindsight, I wish I’d explored the other direction toward Belcher Bay Promenade for even better vistas.
The weather suited my mood—grey and brooding, with boats bobbing on choppy waters as if echoing my own restless thoughts. The scene stirred a mix of tranquillity and introspection in me, and I lingered for a while, watching the harbour come alive in its subdued way. Before catching the MTR home, I took a slow detour through the neighbourhood’s eclectic streets, passing a lively blend of local shops, expat haunts, and quirky bars. As I made my way back, I caught sight of the cheerful Happy Birthday Ding Ding tram—a fitting end to my spontaneous afternoon before heading off for dinner in Wan Chai.
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I loved reading this. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🦖