The Important Information to Hong Kong



High 5 Can’t Miss

  • See Hong Kong from above by using the gondola as much as Ngong Ping village, residence to the most important Buddha statue within the metropolis.
  • Social gathering the evening away on the tallest rooftop bar on the planet at Ozone.
  • Take a Rolls-Royce or helicopter journey at The Peninsula.
  • Dine on fashionable Cantonese delicacies and take heed to 80s Canto-pop at Ho Lee Fook.
  • Strive your hand at haggling on the well-known Temple Avenue Night time Market.

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 every single day. It is also one of the vital monetary facilities on the planet, and residential to one of the vital industrial ports—a undeniable fact that has induced this little slice of the South China Sea to alter fingers between main world powers a number of instances in latest historical past. However all that change and cultural melting pot motion has led to one of the numerous, advanced, and vibrant cities that you will discover in East Asia.

A visit to Hong Kong may be very a lot a choose-your-own journey. You might eat noodles at a hawker stall or tuck into Michelin-starred eating. You might 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 Probability of Fishballs, a tour operator providing guided excursions of town. “The colourful vitality is palpable. The perfect factor is the synergy between the East and the West, and the way completely the outdated and the brand new marry collectively. Many won’t understand that simply 20 minutes away from the concrete jungle lies a pure oasis with lovely mountain climbing trails.”

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

Finest Inns & Resorts

Scenes contained in the Rosewood Hong Kong.

Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure


Rosewood Hong Kong

The Rosewood Hong Kong has giant luxurious rooms, superb views of the harbor, unbelievable design and paintings, 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 could possibly load up on curry, samosas, or hen tikka on the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Chaat

The Peninsula

The Peninsula is arguably one of the well-known and historic lodges 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 (in case you 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, in line with Chan.

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

Mandarin Oriental

For these in search of a luxe choice 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 friends equivalent to Eartha Kitt, Christian Dior, and, extra not too long ago, Michelle Yeoh. It’s simply steps away from Hong Kong’s SoHo district, making it a handy residence base to discover all of the outlets, eating places, and bars that the one of many metropolis’s liveliest neighborhoods has to supply.

Regent Hong Kong

This iconic lodge not too long ago underwent a serious two-year renovation and reopened in 2023 to rave evaluations. Actually, it was voted the very best within the metropolis by Journey + Leisure readers in 2024. “Regent Hong Kong‘s location makes it an incredible place to submit up,” stated T+L editor Susmita Baral. “The Victoria Harbour waterfront means you have got beautiful views, quick access to museums, and may get across the metropolis by public transit or ferries. However my greatest takeaway is that it looks like a personal oasis within the bustling metropolis.”

Finest Issues to Do

The Huge Buddha in Ngong Ping village.

Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure


Victoria Peak Tram

A enjoyable reality: Hong Kong has probably the most skyscrapers on the planet. There are numerous methods to admire the skyline, however taking the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak is one of the best ways to see Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Actually, it’s considered one of Chan’s favourite vacationer sights. She recommends shopping for a ticket beforehand or utilizing an Octopus Card to skip the road. “Take a leisurely stroll to Lugard Highway Lookout Level for an impressive 180-degree view of town,” Chan says.

Tian Tan Buddha

Visiting Tian Tan Buddha (aka the Huge Buddha) is actually a type of issues the place the act of getting there’s 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 plush jungle landscapes that hug it. Spend some additional time exploring the encompassing village, the Po Lin Monastery, the place you possibly can 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 huge advanced was initially constructed within the early 1860s and served because the Central Police Station till the 2000s. Through the years, new additions had been added to the unique constructing, and it will ultimately even have a dormitory and a jail. As of late, nonetheless, it is now used as a retail and leisure advanced, after an enormous revitalization mission reworked the constructing. Guests can now dine, store, and even go to the films 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 equivalent to Jackie Chan, who was born within the metropolis. It’s also possible to store until you drop on the huge 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

The bustling Temple Avenue Night time Market.

Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure


Yuet Tung China Works

For a singular memento, go treasure looking in Hong Kong’s first and final hand-painted porcelain manufacturing unit. As you wander the stacked aisles, you possibly can see staff portray new stock. However remember that not the whole lot is painted on-site, so Chan suggests checking the underside of the items that you just’re all for 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 basically, 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—many of the markets are open within the afternoon.

PMQ

This huge compound was a dormitory for married law enforcement officials, however it’s now an artist residence, filled with studios and outlets. “[There are] numerous distinctive and really cool one-off shops in right here and nice souvenirs as effectively,” Chan says. 

Gods of Need

Your typical memento store, this isn’t. Gods of Need focuses on fashionable, design-forward and fashionable presents and has the whole lot from domestically designed clothes to Hong Kong-themed video games.

Nightlife

The Hong Kong skyline at evening.

Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure


Ozone

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

Lan Kwai Fong

Should you’re able to get the occasion began, then head to Lan Kwai Fong, one of many metropolis’s hottest nightlife sizzling spots. The streets of LKF (because the locals name it) are lined with stay 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 full of award-winning bars which have artistic menus and wonderful service. Chen particularly recommends the Mexican-inspired Coa, Bar Leone, or the Savory Challenge. “You’ll by no means need to sober up or have an empty drink in hand earlier than your subsequent,” Chan says. 

Finest Eating places

Dishes served at Chaat.

Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure


Duddell’s

Consuming at this Michelin-starred restaurant is greater than only a meal—it is an expertise. Count on elevated takes on Cantonese classics utilizing the best of luxurious components. 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 adorned area (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 incredible inside to match.”

Louise

You’ll haven’t any drawback discovering Chinese language meals in Hong Kong, so in case you’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 won’t 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

View of a park on alongside the water in Hong Kong.

Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure


Hong Kong has a subtropical local weather, that means the summer time season brings warmth and humidity—and typically even typhoons. You will expertise the very best climate in case you go to between October and December, and Hong Kong not often will get colder than 60 levels Fahrenheit. Summers could be sizzling 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 large occasions all year long, the largest 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 various 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 Cling Hearth Dragon Dance, which takes place throughout the Mid-Autumn Pageant. 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

A plaza in Hong Kong’s central neighborhood.

Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure


Central

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

SoHo

This stylish neighborhood has a number of award-winning bars, together with Bar Leone, which holds the title of the very best bar in Asia and the second-best on the planet. You’ll additionally discover a ton of distinctive Australian espresso outlets 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 unbiased boutiques and funky cafes, you will discover cultural landmarks just like the Blue Home, 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 group, however is now one of many extra distinctive locations within the Hong Kong space. “Tai O is known as the Venice of the Orient for good cause,” Chan says. “You’ll be able to go on a ship journey by the stilt homes and, in case you’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.

Methods to Get There

Hong Kong Worldwide Airport (HGK) is positioned on the island of Chek Lap Kok, about 21 miles from the center of town. As a serious journey hub, the airport receives a number of direct flights every single day from all around the globe, together with locations like Seattle, New York, and even Dallas, due to a not too long ago 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 ultimate vacation spot.

Methods to Get Round

Passengers on Hong Kong’s Star Ferry.

Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure


Among the best issues about Hong Kong is its sturdy public transportation system. The expansive Mass Transit Railway system consists of metro strains, buses, and even old-school trams. I additionally suggest taking the ferries, which offer you unbelievable skyline views for lower than a U.S. greenback.  

One of the simplest 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 technique to pay for nearly something in Hong Kong. These could be bought (and topped up) on the airport or comfort shops like 7-Eleven.

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



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