It’s hard to beat a trip to the Hong Kong Sevens - World sport’s biggest party.

But away from the footy, Hong Kong has just as much to offer and when you eventually book your trip, it’s worth adding a few days either side of the tournament to experience everything the city has to offer. Here are a few things to do away from the rugby while in Hong Kong. 

Eat, eat and eat

From street food to fine dining and everything in between, the food in Hong Kong is to die for. Heavily influenced by Cantonese cuisine, it’s hard to go wrong when you order like the locals, who are all incredibly friendly and love to help tourists discover the best parts of every menu.

Keep an eye out for a few of Rugby News’ favourite dishes - Roasted Goose, Char Siu (Barbecued Pork) and Claypot Rice. 

Hike the great outdoors

When most people think of Hong Kong, they think of a busy, vibrant city and they are right. But Hong Kong’s backyard is green and lush.

In fact, over 70% of Hong Kong is ‘Country Parks’.

Hiking trails can be found just a few minutes from Hong Kong Island and in every direction from there.

Catch up with new friends and old over a rooftop drink

Most travellers from Australia will arrive in Hong Kong mid-afternoon - after a comfortable flight from our mates at Cathay Pacific - which gives you just enough time to find a rooftop bar to sit and watch the city and Victoria Harbour come alight.

The views and the atmosphere at Skye Rooftop and dining in Causeway Bay are hard to beat and the food and drinks are equally as tasty. 

Bar hop in Wan Chai

After dinner and a few drinks, you should be adequately fuelled to discover Hong Kong’s famous night district Wan Chai.

Situated on Hong Kong Island between Central and Causeway Bay, Wan Chai is packed with pubs, bars and restaurants including Joe's Bananas - the go-to drinking spot for the entire World Sevens Series on Sunday night after the tournament wraps up. 

Island hop to find secluded beaches

As a first timer to Hong Kong, this one really surprised me. The islands surrounding Hong Kong are unique, beautiful and all easily accessible by ferries or boats from Hong Kong Island.

From Sai Kung, a seaside fishing village about a 30-minute trip from Causeway Bay, local boat captains sit waiting near the wharfs ready to transport you to the island of your choice. Or if you’re not sure, jump on a guided tour from the city and see a side of Hong Kong that most foreigners don’t know about.

Play golf on a secluded island

If you like your golf, it’s well worth checking out Kau Sai Chau- a secluded island only accessible by ferry that is home to three brilliant golf courses, all of which are accessible to the public.

From Sai Kung, a ferry takes golfers over to The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau, where the only thing better than the golf courses are the views.

Head to the races

Horse racing is the most popular spectator sport in Hong Kong and the city has two racetracks that are both well worth a visit.

Happy Valley is located in the middle of Hong Kong Island and usually runs on a Wednesday evening. It’s the more social of the two tracks and regularly fills up after work with locals, expats and tourists alike.

Sha Tin is about a 30-minute taxi trip from Hong Kong Island but also worth a visit for anyone serious about their racing. Home to some of the biggest and richest races, the scale of the racecourse is difficult to comprehend but things are a little more serious at Sha Tin compared to Happy Valley.

Sunday Yum Cha

Sunday Yum Cha is a weekly event for many Hong Kong locals. Extended families regularly get together at their favourite restaurant for catch up and enjoying a meal on a table next to the locals is about as authentic an experience as a tourist can get.

We enjoyed a meal at Nanhai No.2, a rooftop restaurant in Causeway Bay and it was the perfect way to fuel up ahead of a big finals day at the rugby. 

Experience the best view in Hong Kong from The Peak

Hong Kong Island is busy and steep and one of the best ways to take it all in is by taking the Peak Tram from Central up to Victoria Peak.

As you sit looking back at the city, tall towers turn to trees in front of you on the 1.4 kilometre journey, which has an elevation of 396 metres.

At the top, the views of Victoria Harbour and all of Hong Kong are breathtaking, plus there are a heap of shops and restaurants to enjoy as well. 

Live like locals at the Night Markets

One of the best ways to live a night like the locals in Hong Kong is to take a 10-minute train from Hong Kong Island under Victoria Harbour to spend a few hours at the Temple Street Night Markets.

Often referred to as the “poor man’s nightclub”, the markets are a hive of activity and offer everything from restaurants to karaoke and even a few fortune tellers.