Since my daughter is living in Hong Kong I have visited this thriving, full of life city several times. It is a bustling hub of food, culture and with a spectacular skyline that offers plenty, whether it is just for a stop-over on an on-going journey or the final destination. There is for everybody something.
On arrival, get an Octopus Card straight at the airport. You can not only use it for public transport but also for paying for other things like, food in supermarkets or entrance fees to many Hong Kong tourist attractions.
1. Victoria Peak
Hike or take the tram up to Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong island. The tram journey is short, but picturesque with stunning views of the whole city and only cost about 1 USD. Just take in the striking city landscape and take plenty of holiday photos! Go on a sunny day.
2. Chi Lin Nunnery
A quiet oasis in the middle of the fast-paced city life, Chi Lin Nunnery offers a space of calm and serenity. Created in 1934 as a Buddhist nun retreat, it cuts through Hong Kong’s high-rise buildings and is built in Tang dynasty style, with elegant wooden architecture and lotus ponds galore.
3. Hu Tong Restaurant
For the best views of the bay paired with traditional Cantonese cuisine, head to the Hu Tong restaurant located in Tsim Sha Tsui for a three star Michelin meal. It’s pricey, expect to pay over USD 150 per person. If your budget allows, it’s absolutely worth it.
4. Happy Valley Race Course
Dress up for a great night out and betting at the Happy Valley Racecourse on a Wednesday`s race night. Entrance is very cheap (a bit more than 1 USD) and the fantastic atmosphere will ensure you have a good time. Sip jugs of beer while enjoying the view, as the racecourse is enclosed within the stunning skyline. Take the antique tram to get there.
5. Star Ferry
See the skyline from sea-level and sail across the bay in the Star Ferry. Pick your ride up from Victoria Harbour and travel between the main Hong Kong island and Kowloon for less than USD 1, which can be paid for with your Octopus card. From 6am to 11:30pm, catch the ferry which arrives every ten minutes and the journey itself takes just over 10 minutes.
6. Felix Bar, Peninsula Hotel
Take the lift up to the Felix Bar for a cocktail. Try to arrive at 7:45pm and grab a seat to catch the daily 20:00 harbour light show. Drinks are served from 5:30pm to 1:30am, with a wine bar and supper served from 10pm too.
Tip: For the ladies, take a trip to the ladies bathroom for a jaw-dropping view.
7. Tian Tan Buddha
Also named Big Buddha, this colossal structure is the largest outdoor Buddha in the world. Climb up the 268 steps from sea-level to the statue. Sitting in the Po Lin Monastery, you can enjoy magnificent views of Lantau Island. Alternatively, skip the steps with a leisurely ride on the Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail cable cars. The glass bottoms of the cable cars mean you get an aerial view of the countryside beneath your feet.
8. Mongkok
You can’t visit Hong Kong without visiting the Mongkok district. Full of shops and market stalls. Pick up a bunch fresh flowers at the Ladies Market and stop off at the fortune tellers at the Temple Street Night Market before paying a visit to the traditional tea houses. Don’t forget to browse the shops on Sneaker Street, where you can find rare, limited edition styles that you won’t find anywhere else.
9. Kowloon Park
Walk across the unexpected flamboyance of flamingos while on a leisurely stroll through Kowloon Park. Head to the Chinese Garden and enjoy the tranquil lotus ponds while watching the terrapins catching the sun. Go on a Sunday and enjoy Kung Fu and Lion Dance performances.
10. Macau
The ‘Vegas of Asia’. Macau is just an hour ferry ride from Victoria Harbour. Try the famous Portuguese custard tarts, sip cocktails in the casinos or catch the water-based stage show to rival Cirque Du Soleil. Get tickets to the House Of Dancing Water at the City Of Dreams hotel.
Sven Franssen