It’s exhausting to think about a spot extra worldwide and metropolitan than Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is a vibrant hub that sees hundreds of thousands of vacationers day-after-day. It is also one of the crucial vital monetary facilities on this planet, and residential to one of the crucial necessary industrial ports—a proven fact that has triggered this little slice of the South China Sea to vary arms between main world powers just a few instances in current historical past. However all that change and cultural melting pot motion has led to one of the crucial various, advanced, and vibrant cities that you will discover in East Asia.

A visit to Hong Kong could be very a lot a choose-your-own journey. You may eat noodles at a hawker stall or tuck into Michelin-starred eating. You may get misplaced within the hustle and bustle of metropolis life or spend a quiet seashore day on the outer islands.

«Hong Kong holds a particular place in my coronary heart,» says Virginia Chan, proprietor of Humid with a Chance of Fishballs, a tour operator providing guided excursions of the town. «The colourful power is palpable. The most effective factor is the synergy between the East and the West, and the way completely the outdated and the brand new marry collectively. Many may not notice that simply 20 minutes away from the concrete jungle lies a pure oasis with lovely mountain climbing trails.»

This is what it’s worthwhile to know earlier than planning a visit to Hong Kong.

Finest Motels & Resorts

Rosewood Hong Kong

The Rosewood Hong Kong has massive luxurious rooms, superb views of the harbor, unbelievable design and art work, in addition to 11 totally different bars and eating places, together with one of many metropolis’s greatest afternoon teas on the Butterfly Room. Or you might load up on curry, samosas, or rooster tikka on the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Chaat. 

The Peninsula

The Peninsula is arguably one of the crucial well-known and historic inns in Hong Kong. On Christmas Day in 1941, British officers surrendered to Imperial Japanese forces within the Peninsula, ushering in 4 years of Japanese occupation in Hong Kong. Main historic occasions apart, the Peninsula is thought for its distinct, East-meets-West model of luxurious (if you happen to could not inform by the large stone lions and bellhops in white tunics). For these in search of a luxurious keep within the metropolis, there is not any higher place than the Peninsula, based on Chan.

“Ought to one want for an actual deal with, they’ll select to take a helicopter journey for panoramic views of the town, beginning on the helipad positioned on the highest of the Peninsula,» she says. «Additionally, The Peninsula boasts the biggest fleet of Rolls-Royce vehicles owned by a lodge, so Rolls-Royce airport transfers are honest sport!”

Mandarin Oriental

For these in search of a luxe possibility on Hong Kong Island, look no additional than Mandarin Oriental. Because it opened in 1963, this lodge has been a favourite among the many wealthy and well-known, and has welcomed company similar to Eartha Kitt, Christian Dior, and, extra lately, Michelle Yeoh. It’s simply steps away from Hong Kong’s SoHo district, making it a handy residence base to discover all of the retailers, eating places, and bars that the one of many metropolis’s liveliest neighborhoods has to supply.

Regent Hong Kong

This iconic lodge lately underwent a serious two-year renovation and reopened in 2023 to rave opinions. The truth is, it was voted the best in the city by Journey + Leisure readers in 2024. «Regent Hong Kong‘s location makes it an excellent place to publish up,» mentioned T+L editor Susmita Baral. «The Victoria Harbour waterfront means you will have gorgeous views, easy accessibility to museums, and might get across the metropolis by way of public transit or ferries. However my greatest takeaway is that it looks like a personal oasis within the bustling metropolis.»

Finest Issues to Do

Victoria Peak Tram

A enjoyable reality: Hong Kong has probably the most skyscrapers on this planet. There are various methods to admire the skyline, however taking the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak is the easiest way to see Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. The truth is, it’s one among Chan’s favourite vacationer points of interest. She recommends shopping for a ticket beforehand or utilizing an Octopus Card to skip the road. “Take a leisurely stroll to Lugard Street Lookout Level for a powerful 180-degree view of the town,» Chan says.

Tian Tan Buddha

Visiting Tian Tan Buddha (aka the Massive Buddha) is actually a kind of issues the place the act of getting there may be simply as thrilling as reaching the vacation spot. The three.5-mile gondola journey not solely has nice views of Hong Kong’s densely packed cityscape, however you will additionally get to see the luxurious jungle landscapes that hug it. Spend some additional time exploring the encircling village, the Po Lin Monastery, the place you’ll be able to even take pleasure in a lunch cooked by the native monks. Chan recommends making it a full-day journey to see the outdated stilt homes of close by Tai O, a historic fishing village.

Tai Kwun

This large advanced was initially constructed within the early 1860s and served because the Central Police Station till the 2000s. Over time, new additions had been added to the unique constructing, and it could ultimately even have a dormitory and a jail. Lately, nonetheless, it is now used as a retail and leisure advanced, after a large revitalization undertaking reworked the constructing. Guests can now dine, store, and even go to the flicks at Tai Kwun. Do not skip the museum, which focuses on the constructing’s historical past and even has some show jail cells.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

This promenade runs alongside the harbor on Kowloon and has unbelievable views of Hong Kong. Right here, you will discover the Avenue of the Stars, which pays tribute to well-known Hong Kong movie stars similar to Jackie Chan, who was born within the metropolis. You may also store until you drop on the large luxurious malls, watch (or catch) the ferries and the junk boats alongside the water, and watch the twinkling lights of the skyline at evening. 

Finest Buying

Yuet Tung China Works

For a singular memento, go treasure looking in Hong Kong’s first and last hand-painted porcelain factory. As you wander the stacked aisles, you’ll be able to see staff portray new stock. However remember that not all the pieces is painted on-site, so Chan suggests checking the underside of the items that you simply’re thinking about to verify its origin.

Go to a road market.

It doesn’t matter what you could be in search of, there’s most likely a road market in Hong Kong that sells it. From Goldfish Avenue to Flower Market, there really is one thing for everybody within the metropolis. Temple Avenue Night time Market is a favourite for trinkets and souvenirs. Should you’re in search of luggage or dupes normally, head to Girls Night time Market. Chan suggests Cat Avenue (also called Antiques Avenue) for distinctive finds, like charms that may match your Chinese language Zodiac signal. Additionally, don’t let the “Night time Market” label idiot you—a lot of the markets are open within the afternoon.

PMQ

This massive compound was once a dormitory for married cops, but it surely’s now an artist residence, stuffed with studios and retailers. «[There are] a number of distinctive and really cool one-off shops in right here and nice souvenirs as nicely,” Chan says. 

Gods of Need

Your typical memento store, this isn’t. Gods of Desire focuses on fashionable, design-forward and fashionable items and has all the pieces from domestically designed clothes to Hong Kong-themed video games.

Nightlife

Ozone

Situated on the 118th flooring of the Ritz-Carlton, that is the tallest rooftop bar on this planet. Whereas it is an excellent place to sip cocktails and revel in small plates atop the town any day, a go to right here feels significantly particular on New Yr’s Eve, when the evening sky is peppered with fireworks.

Lan Kwai Fong

Should you’re able to get the social gathering began, then head to Lan Kwai Fong, one of many metropolis’s hottest nightlife scorching spots. The streets of LKF (because the locals name it) are lined with dwell music venues, cocktail bars, and golf equipment, however you’ll additionally spot younger individuals merely partying it up on the street.

SoHo

Should you’re in search of a extra refined cocktail expertise, Chan suggests heading to SoHo, a neighborhood positioned subsequent to LKF. This small space is filled with award-winning bars which have inventive menus and glorious service. Chen particularly recommends the Mexican-inspired Coa, Bar Leone, or the Savory Project. “You’ll by no means should sober up or have an empty drink in hand earlier than your subsequent,» Chan says. 

Finest Eating places

Duddell’s

Consuming at this Michelin-starred restaurant is greater than only a meal—it is an expertise. Anticipate elevated takes on Cantonese classics utilizing the best of luxurious substances. Menu highlights embrace objects like braised abalone, honey-glazed barbecue pork, and stuffed crab shells.

Ho Lee Fook

Ho Lee Fook, owned by the Black Sheep hospitality group, describes itself as «a Chinese language restaurant with a Hong Kong coronary heart.» Right here, you will discover an elegantly embellished house (suppose boldly patterned wallpaper, a wall of golden maneki neko, and an open kitchen), and stable Cantonese dishes. “The flavors are extra daring and cater to those that like punchier flavors,» she says. «[There’s also] nice cocktails and an excellent inside to match.»

Louise

You’ll don’t have any downside discovering Chinese language meals in Hong Kong, so if you happen to’re craving one thing totally different, strive Louise. This Michelin-starred French restaurant is tucked away in a heritage constructing and serves seasonally impressed dishes in a comfortable ambiance. 

Chaat

Indian meals in Hong Kong may not sound like a must-do expertise, however this restaurant positioned within the Rosewood Hong Kong serves really unforgettable meals. Dishes like lobster curry and burrata palak can have you almost licking the plate. 

Finest Time to Go to

Hong Kong has a subtropical local weather, that means the summer time season brings warmth and humidity—and typically even typhoons. You may expertise the very best climate if you happen to go to between October and December, and Hong Kong hardly ever will get colder than 60 levels Fahrenheit. Summers may be scorching and wet, however Chan factors out that it is really a good time to search out offers on flights and lodging.

The town additionally performs host to a number of enormous occasions all year long, the most important vacation naturally being Lunar New Yr, which brings parades, fireworks, and Hong Kong’s well-known flower markets. Artwork Basel Hong Kong, one of many largest artwork exhibits in Asia, often takes place in March. There are additionally plenty of smaller, quirky festivals. Chan says her two favorites are the Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling Competitors, the place racers attempt to climb up a 46-foot-tall tower of buns, and the Tai Dangle Fireplace Dragon Dance, which takes place throughout the Mid-Autumn Competition. As a part of the celebration, a 220-foot-tall dragon is constructed out of 12,000 sticks of incense.

Neighborhoods and Islands to Go to

Central

Hong Kong’s Central neighborhood is the guts of the town and is full of skyscrapers, intertwining malls, and bustling streets. It’s additionally residence to a few of the metropolis’s hottest nightlife spots in addition to main points of interest just like the Victoria Peak Tram.

SoHo

This fashionable neighborhood has a number of award-winning bars, together with Bar Leone, which holds the title of the best bar in Asia and the second-best on this planet. You’ll additionally discover a ton of distinctive Australian espresso retailers and enjoyable eateries within the space.

Wan Chai

If you need a peek into Hong Kong’s previous, there is not any higher place to go to than Wan Chai, which seamlessly blends the previous and current. In between impartial boutiques and funky cafes, you will discover cultural landmarks just like the Blue House, the oldest prewar tenement constructing within the metropolis, and moist markets.

Tai O

This little village on Lantau Island was as soon as a bustling fishing neighborhood, however is now one of many extra distinctive locations within the Hong Kong space. “Tai O is named the Venice of the Orient for good cause,» Chan says. “You possibly can go on a ship journey by way of the stilt homes and, if you happen to’re fortunate, you will get a glimpse of the pink dolphins which might be present in Hong Kong’s waters.” She additionally suggests attempting the Chinese language-style donuts at Tai O Bakery.

Find out how to Get There

Hong Kong Worldwide Airport (HGK) is positioned on the island of Chek Lap Kok, about 21 miles from the guts of the town. As a serious journey hub, the airport receives a number of direct flights day-after-day from all all over the world, together with locations like Seattle, New York, and even Dallas, thanks to a recently added Cathay Pacific route. Cathay Pacific even has a stopover program that lets passengers discover Hong Kong for a few days earlier than heading to their closing vacation spot.

Find out how to Get Round

Top-of-the-line issues about Hong Kong is its strong public transportation system. The expansive Mass Transit Railway system consists of metro traces, buses, and even old-school trams. I additionally advocate taking the ferries, which provide you with unbelievable skyline views for lower than a U.S. greenback.  

One of the best ways to pay for any mode of transportation in Hong Kong is to go for an Octopus Card. The Octopus Card can be accepted at some shops and eating places, making it probably the most handy method to pay for nearly something in Hong Kong. These may be bought (and topped up) on the airport or comfort shops like 7-Eleven.

Taxis (that are crimson in Hong Kong) are considerable and straightforward to make use of—however understand that they’re metered and cash-only. Uber is offered in Hong Kong, however operates in a authorized grey space.