Harbour City Hong Kong – A Day of Food, Art & Fun

Harbour City Hong Kong – A Day of Food, Art, Fun & Relaxation

Monica Tindall

Harbour City is an expansive shopping and entertainment complex located in the Tsim Sha Tsui area of Hong Kong. Spread over two million square feet, it is one of the largest shopping centres in the city and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. In this piece, we’ll take a closer look at what Harbour City has to offer and why it’s worth a visit. You could spend a whole week here and still not discover everything. However, with a tight schedule, we settle on a day.

A Day Out in Harbour City Hong Kong

Morning Coffee – Cupping Room

One of the standout features of Harbour City is its food options. Over 80 restaurants and cafes serve everything from local Hong Kong cuisine to international dishes. There are also many options for casual dining and more formal settings for special occasions. In addition to the restaurants, there are many food stalls and snack stands. We begin the day at Cupping Room, an award-winning small-batch specialty coffee roastery and café.

Started in 2011, Cupping Room is a pioneer in the local specialty coffee scene, sourcing the best green beans from around the globe, roasting them to perfection and brewing them with heart. Of course, espresso-based drinks are done exceptionally well here, with a choice of milk alternatives at the ready. However, also look out for their cold brew, conveniently canned for takeaway, and other artisanal products such as drip bags. Both are super handy, especially if you’re a bit of a coffee fuss like me and your hotel offerings just don’t do it for you.

With windows resembling those of a cruise liner and views directly over the harbour, the café is a popular spot for caffeinating and snapping selfies with an awesome frame and backdrop. A decent food menu of toasted sandwiches and pastries are versatile pick-me-ups throughout the day.

Cupping Room
Shop OC309, Ocean Centre, Harbour City
+852 9446 8699

Gallery Visit – “Pelle Cass” Exhibition

One thing that sets Harbour City apart from other shopping centres in Hong Kong is its commitment to art and culture. There are several art exhibitions and installations throughout the complex, showcasing the work of both local and international artists. These exhibitions change regularly, so there is always something new to see. Additionally, many cultural events and performances are held at Harbour City throughout the year, including traditional lion dances, Chinese opera performances, and music concerts.

Already on a caffeine high, we found further inspiration in a visit to the “Pelle Cass: Photographs” exhibition curated by Way by Way of Difference at Gallery by the Harbour. This incredible Boston artist captures 1000s of photographs from the same place over several days and weeks and then pulls select images into a single frame to create an intricate scene of movement, colour and form. College sports teams are phenomenal and a favourite subject, but so too are several fashion shoots and one particularly iconic scene taken from a neighbourhood open-air basketball court in Hong Kong, Choi Hung Estate Basketball.

Gallery by the Harbour
Level 2, Ocean Centre
Harbour City

Fragrance Journey – Memo Paris

Having excited the senses of taste and sight, visiting Memo Paris takes us on a scent journey, awakening our minds even more to the possibility of a day out at Harbour City. The Parisian fragrance house invites consumers to travel with them in luxurious fashion, theming their Hong Kong store with elements of a magnificent train trip. Adorned with embossed leather luggage, it invites visitors to allow the fragrances to transport them to different destinations. 

The store specialises in niche perfumes created using high-quality ingredients from around the world. The brand was founded by Clara Molloy and her husband, John Molloy, in 2007, and they have since gained a reputation for creating unique and luxurious scents. The saying, “sustainability is the new luxury”, is embodied by the brand. They use recycled materials for their packaging, and their perfumes are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.

And, wow, the scents are truly magnifique! The testing station takes centre stage at the boutique, where we are led on the trail of exploration. The range is designed to evoke different emotions and memories, with names like “Irish Leather” and “Eau de Memo”. The perfumes are long-lasting, and only a tiny drop is needed on the skin. My fave is Marfa!

Memo Paris Hong Kong Fragrance Boutique
Shop 2409, Level 2, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City
+ 852 3188 3862

Hair Styling – GHD – Harbour City HK

Smelling and feeling good (I love that caffeine effect), it’s time to look good too, and it’s amazing how a good hairdo can make you feel a million dollars. After a week on the road and frenzied mornings of blow-drying my hair in hotel rooms, GHD put a new bounce in my step. GHD sells the latest in cutting-edge personal-use hair styling equipment, and the counter offers you the chance to try before you buy. This was fabulous as the stylist straightened out my kinks and smoothed my frizz with a revolutionary hair dryer, straightener and product. 

GHD is well-known for hair styling tools and products, and the Harbour City location is one of its flagship stores. The counter offers a wide range of hair styling tools, including straighteners, curling irons, hair dryers, and hair care products.

The staff are knowledgeable, and the counter is well-lit, making browsing and trying different products easy. The styling services for customers are convenient and an excellent way to see the potential of a tool before committing to a purchase. 

GHD Hair
+852 2274 5422
@ghdhairhk

Luggage Shopping – Victorinox

I’m not a huge shopper, which might seem strange given the fact that I’ve chosen to spend an entire day in the city’s largest mall with close to 500 shops under its roof! Harbour City is an excellent place to shop, ranging from luxury boutiques to high-street brands and everything in between, such as souvenirs, electronics, and cosmetics. However, there are so many dining, relaxation, cultural, art and entertainment options here that I fill my day and only set foot once in a single shop during the twelve hours I’m on-site.

I’ve been hunting for the lightest carry-on trolley bag on the market. While I don’t find it at Victorinox, I do find a bunch of other quality tools perfect for frequent travellers. The Swiss brand produces high-quality, durable products, including knives, watches, travel gear, and fragrances. The brand has a reputation for products that are both functional and stylish, making them popular with outdoor enthusiasts, travellers, and fashion-conscious consumers alike.

Besides an incredible array of Swiss Army Knives, I’m excited to find a cosmetics bag designed with frequent international travellers in mind. With the assistance of a kind and very knowledgeable staff member, I find just the right product for my needs. This cosmetics bag has wet and dry sections and a removable plastic zipper bag (exactly what’s needed for liquids

for airport security). Additionally, it comes with a 10-year warranty, is sleek and stylish and can be hung from a towel rack, making the pockets easily accessible.

Victorinox
Shop OT243, Level 2,
Ocean Terminal, Harbour City
+852 21755888

Light Lunch – INFINITI C

I always look for healthy dining options and was stoked to enjoy a light lunch at INFINITI C. The specialty cafe prides itself on serving 100% gluten-free products with plentiful vegan and ketogenic options. The cafe aims to provide delicious, healthy, and safe food choices for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. 

The café offers a charming setting of fun pastel-hued walls, intimate tables and fanciful decor, creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The welcoming staff patiently assisted us in making choices from the variety of gluten-free pastries, cakes, sandwiches, hot dishes and beverages on the menu.

We enjoy lasagne, impressed by the texture of the “pasta” sheets. It was warm and comforting, and we finished the meal with a delicious slice of cake. Both vegan and gluten-free, I’m sure the calories don’t count, right?

INFINITI C
Shop OT G49, G/F,
Ocean Terminal, Harbour City
+852 3611 9878

Spa Treatment – THANN Sanctuary

After a morning on my feet and feeling a little slower after a relaxed lunch, a two-hour session at THANN Sanctuary is well-timed. The luxurious spa brand from Thailand is located in VITA, a section of Harbour City dedicated to beauty and wellness.

The spa offers various treatments, including massage therapy, facials and body scrubs. The spa’s signature treatments are inspired by traditional Thai healing techniques, incorporating natural ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime, and rice bran oil. The spa’s serene ambience, excellent service, and high-quality treatments are bound to bring repeat customers. Furthermore, The Yum List readers can enjoy 20% off all menu items until the end of December 2023 by using the code KOS2301. Read more about the deal and a full write-up on the spa here.

THANN Sanctuary
Suite 1010-1011, 10/F, VITA,
World Commerce Centre, Harbour City
+852 6041 6786

Afternoon Tea – Tea Moment 

Gradually readying myself for the world again post spa treatment, “A cup of tea, a moment of peace” is the perfect motto for reentry. Tea Moment is a popular chain of cafes with multiple locations throughout Hong Kong, including one in Harbour City. The cafe specialises in serving tea-based drinks and desserts, with a menu that includes various options such as bubble tea, fruit tea, milk tea, and more.

Tea Moment Cafe offers a tranquil respite for tea lovers and foodies alike. With its cosy atmosphere, extensive menu of teas and delicious snacks, it’s no wonder why it has become a favourite hangout.

At Tea Moment Cafe, the tea selection is the star of the show. The cafe offers a wide variety of tea blends, ranging from classic favourites such as Earl Grey and Jasmine Green Tea to more unique and exotic flavours such as Rose Black Tea and Lychee Oolong. Each tea is brewed to perfection by the cafe’s Intelligent Fine Chinese Tea Practitioner Robot! That’s right, robot! With the guidance of Fook Ming Tong’s tea masters, the team worked jointly with Hong Kong Productivity Council to create a robot that replicates the tea-steeping techniques of the masters! The technology automatically adjusts water temperature and steeping time depending on the type of tea, ensuring every cup is brewed to perfection.

In addition to its extensive tea selection, Tea Moment Cafe offers a range of snacks to complement the tea experience. Eggletes, scones and cookies are popular sweet choices, while Konjac Noodles and Wolfberry Quinoa Rice appeal to healthier tastebuds.

Tea Moment
Shop OT G03A, Ground Floor
Ocean Terminal, Harbour City
+852 9859 9700

Vegan Groceries – Green Common

We’ll soon bring the day to a close with a grand finale. However, slip in a spot of grocery shopping first. If you’re vegan, navigating a city to find what you need often takes time. It is even more challenging when you’re just in and out for business or a holiday. If that’s your scenario, you’ll be glad to meet Green Common, a plant-based grocer we discover on our day out in Harbour City.

The store aims to promote healthy and sustainable living by offering a wide range of plant-based products, including groceries, snacks, and household items. The store’s mission is to make veganism more accessible and appealing to the wider public while educating consumers about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.

We find a variety of vegan meat substitutes, such as Beyond Meat and OmniPork, and dairy-free alternatives, including plant-based

milk, cheese, and ice cream. The store also offers a selection of organic fruits and vegetables, gluten-free snacks, and eco-friendly household items. While I’m not ready for a full shop, I find it handy to pick up a handful of healthy and sustainable snacks that are both delicious and nutritious.

Common Green
Shop OT G61, G/F,
Ocean Terminal, Harbour City
+852 3102 1220

JR Art Installation – Ocean Terminal Observation Deck Harbour City HK

Aside from shopping and dining, Harbour City offers many other activities for visitors to enjoy. Several cinemas, including an IMAX theatre, show the latest blockbuster movies. A large rooftop garden also furnishes stunning views of the harbour and the city skyline. The garden is a great place to relax and unwind and a popular spot for taking photos.

One such space, the Ocean Terminal Observation Deck, is currently home to a stunning art installation, “GIANTS: Rising Up”, that has captivated visitors since its unveiling. Known as the JR Art Installation, this thought-provoking artwork is the brainchild of French street artist and photographer JR.

One of the most striking aspects of the installation is its scale. The towering sculpture seems to dwarf the surrounding buildings and people as the high jumper takes over Victoria Harbour, interacting with the skyline and appearing to be moments away from catapulting into the sea.

The installation has received widespread acclaim since its debut in Hong Kong, with many visitors praising its innovative approach to public art and its message of inclusivity. As public art continues to play an increasingly important role in shaping our cities and communities, “GIANTS: Rising Up” is a powerful example of how art can inspire and unite us all.

Sunset Cocktails & Dinner – Harbourside Grill

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cities, known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and beautiful harbour. So, what better way to conclude a day out in Harbour City than by enjoying the breathtaking views of the city’s skyline with a sunset cocktail and dinner at the Harbourside Grill?

The restaurant boasts panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, providing a spectacular backdrop for a memorable dining experience. The view becomes even more breathtaking as the sun sets over the harbour, with the city’s lights creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. Besides the sunset, the terrace is the perfect place to watch the Symphony of Lights, a dazzling light and sound show that takes place every night at 8 pm.

The chic restaurant is a contemporary French steakhouse, using only the finest and freshest ingredients. The menu features a wide range of dishes, from succulent steaks and fresh seafood to salads and pasta, all carefully crafted by talented chefs. Craft cocktails and a well-chosen wine list enhance the experience. Read a comprehensive article on Harbourside Grill and what it offers here.

Harbourside Grill
Shop OTE401, Level 4, Ocean Terminal
Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
+852 2619 9100

Harbour City Hong Kong Review

Overall, Harbour City is an excellent destination for a day out for anyone looking to shop, dine, or simply explore. Its vast selection of shops and restaurants and its many entertainment options make it a great place to spend a day or two (or more!). Its commitment to the arts and culture and its stunning location make it a unique and memorable experience for visitors to Hong Kong.

Reasons to visit Harbour City Hong Kong: inexhaustible possibilities for shopping, dining, relaxation, beauty and entertainment; we love the support and celebration of the arts through ever-changing exhibitions; one of the best places to view the sunset and Victoria Harbour’s light show in Hong Kong; don’t miss a rejuvenating spa treatment at THANN Sanctuary, and sundowners followed by a delicious meal at Harbourside Grill.

Harbour City
3 – 27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon, Hong Kong
www.harbourcity.com.hk
+ (852) 2118 8666
[email protected]

Harbour City Operating Hours
10:00 – 22:00 Monday – Sunday

Find more recommendations for gourmet travel to Hong Kong here, and stay up-to-date on the latest culinary happenings around Malaysia here and here.