At the top of the lists of things to do when you visit Hong Kong is a visit to Stanley.  It’s an interesting place located on the “other side” of Hong Kong island (opposite central, in other words).  So today we made a journey there for our guests to check it out.

It’s easy enough to get there – just take the 6 or 6X bus from the Bus Terminal under IFC.  Then you sit on the bus for an eternity.  Seriously, it’s a long stop-and-go bus ride that will put anyone to sleep (especially a stay-at-home father who is also serving as a tour guide).  Along the way you pass Ocean Park, Deepwater Bay, Repulse Bay, and you can marvel in the nice seaside apartments and great beaches.  Finally when you end up in Stanley, it’s a bit of a relief.  You made it after all!

There’s a plaza there that is interesting, with maybe 5 floors and stores and restaurants mixed in.  There are also ground floor restaurants in the plaza, and when you exit the plaza to the street you have the typical “tourist-town” restaurants. 

• Guys with menus trying to get you to eat with them
• Specials
• Tourists drinking

Finally we made our way past it all and stopped for a quick meal at a little place overlooking the promenade and water. They were really nice, and I would go there again for sure because the prices, what you get, and the views all combined equal a good restaurant trip in a tourist place.

After our meal, we made our way to the famous Stanley market and enjoyed a walk thru.  This is without question the best market if you want to buy sportswear clothing (down jacket, fleece, base layer, and other outdoor gear).  There’s also a few good baby clothes shops, too.  After that, a trip to the playground for the 4-year-old with us, and then another loooong bus ride home.

All-in-all I would recommend the restaurant (I think it was called Lucy’s), and I’d also recommend Stanley in general. Lots of tourists around, but what do you expect in Hong Kong? 😉