Bustling Hong Kong provides the perfect city break or stopover in Asia. So visit Hong Kong, there is no better time than now!
Hong Kong is a lively, modern city that over 7 million people call home. It is spread over 3 large islands and over 200 islets, making it one of the best harbour cities to visit in the world. When you think of Hong Kong you might think of skyscrapers and bright lights but there is more to this city than meets the eye. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Hong Kong that really help you to delve under the surface of this fantastic city.
East Meets West
Hong Kong is a mixture of tradition and modernity, culture and arts, finance and food, all of which combine to make this city a wonderful melting pot or East meets West
Once a British colony, invaded by the Japanese and now part of China, all three have now come together to create a Hong Kong where East meets West and ancient customs compliment its bustling modernity.
In Hong Kong, you can find contemporary apartment buildings designed with gaps in the centre that allow the passing of Feng Shui ‘spirit dragons’. The streets are certainly unique, with old-fashioned street signs mixing in with colonial double-decker trams creating a very modern suburbia. You can wander the Nan Lian Garden: an example of Tang Dynasty Chinese horticulture. Hong Kong is also known as a major city of cinema, culture and arts.
Delicious Culinary Delights
There’s an array of different cuisines on offer in Hong Kong. Cantonese, Japanese and Western cuisines combine to create delicious flavours, tastes and diversity. From world famous street stalls filled with every type of noodle imaginable to lavish Afternoon Tea’s in atmospheric restaurants, steamed dumpling banquets to Chinese barbequed meat feasts, there is always something to look forward to at meal times.
We recommend you to try Congee for breakfast, traditional Dim Sum for lunch, Kau Kee Beef Brisket for dinner and a sweet Pineapple Bun for dessert in true Hong Kong style!
Dumpling Banquet
The Views
A trip to Hong Kong would not be complete without a tram ride to the top of Victoria Peak – Hong Kong’s highest mountain and most popular tourist attraction. The slow ascent allows you to really savour the view from different angles as you climb to the top of the mountain. At the top, soak up the spectacular, panoramic views of the heights of the city, and capture that iconic show to rival any professional photographer. A great time to visit the top is just before sunset. Enjoy the views as the sun sets over the city and the lights switch on, really bringing the city to life.
View from Victoria Peak
In the evening head to the harbour and watch the Symphony of lights, named as ‘World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show’ by the Guinness World Records. The skyscrapers along the harbour come to life with a festival of colours and light every evening. The show is free to watch and is best enjoyed from Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront.
Symphony of Lights display
Shopping
From high-end shopping to designer outlets and street markets, there’s a shopping adventure for every budget. Hong Kong is the perfect city where you can shop till you drop.
There is a large range of international and homegrown brands available to choose from. Luckily there are several dedicated shopping streets and departments stores dotted across the city. Causeway Bay is the most popular shopping area, which looks like a mini Tokyo with neon lights and busy streets. A day of sightseeing is perfectly complemented by a night of retail therapy with Causeway Bay open until 10 pm. Most of all, most items are duty-free!
Mongkok is where you want to head for a bargain. It is an area full of market stalls that sell everything from fake designer goods, to cheap and cheerful souvenirs. You can also try the local snacks as you shop.
Bustling Markets
Beyond The City
Off to Hong Kong for the second time? Or perhaps you just want to escape the city? Rest assured, there’s plenty to see and do! Travel to Lantau Island to see the famous Big Buddha statue. Accessible via the Ngong Ping 360 cable car – an incredible journey in itself – the Big Buddha is a 34-metre tall statue enthroned on a lotus leaf altar.
Po Lin Monastery
Looking to go for some fresh air and exercise? There are many trails and walking routes that meander up the hills and mountains surrounding Hong Kong city.
There’s also plenty of beaches around the city to relax on, including Cheung Sha and Tai Long Wan beaches. Each is easily accessible via public transport.
With so much to do and see, there is no better time to visit Hong Kong than now.