Hong Kong is a former British colony that despite all the political changes that are ongoing is a great entry to Chinese culture. It’s a vibrant city with a rich history, and stunning natural landscapes. Similar to Singapore it’s a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. And for me and other foodies it’s a culinary heaven with plenty of hidden spots.

Travelling to Hong Kong

Most tourist and travellers will arrive by plane. Almost every major international carrier is serving this Hong Kong International Airport, including some regional low-cost airlines. And it is the main hub of Cathay Pacific, the main airline for Hong Kong. The easiest way to get to the city is by metro (Airport Express) to Hong Kong station close to Central. From there you can connect to the rest of the city. You can also take a bus or taxi.

With the major investment of the Chinese government into the Rail infrastructure, Hong Kond is now connected by high-speed train to mainland China. If you come by train you will arrive at West Kowloon Station.

Another way of getting to Hong Kong is by ferry from Macau or mainland China. Especially the ferry to Macau is perfect for a day trip to the Las Vegas of Asia.

What to do

Hong Kong consists of two major areas: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Hong Kong Island is the more traditional part of town with the major development done during the British time. While Kowloon is more modern and more residential.

The main attraction on Hong Kong Island is Victoria Peak with its fabulous vistas over the city. There are multiple ways to get to the peak, with the Peak tram being the most popular with tourists. I prefer to take bus line 15, which is a double-decker bus. Sitting on the upper deck is particular fun with the winding roads up to the top. From the bus station it’s a short walk to the platforms and views. On the Peak you can actually walk around the whole mountain and see every part of Hong Kong. If you are up for a fun hike, you can then walk down the mountain.

**Double-decker tram (Ding Ding) on Hong Kong Island**

Hong Kong Island is also the part of the city where the famous double-decker trams (called Ding Ding) are running. There are few lines and just sitting on the upper deck watching the different neighbourhoods passing by is a great experience. Taking the trams at night taking gives you a lot of great photo opportunities.

If you like Horse races or if by any chance you are in Hong Kong on a Wednesday, you have to visit Happy Valley Racecourse. There are regular races on weekends and on Wednesday you have Happy Wednesday with great shows and fun besides the races. It’s also the starting point for the local to then have a great Wednesday night out.
Central, Soho (South of Hollywood Road) and Sheung Wan a great areas for shopping, drinks and food. The best way to explore is to walk around, just keep in mind that especially Soho has quite some steep hills. Don’t miss Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan and PMQ (Police Married Quarters) in Central with quite unique shops and galleries.

The Star Ferry between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon is the perfect and efficient way to cross Victoria Harbour. The Central Pier from where you leave has also some of the greatest views on Kowloon.

Just off the pier in Kowloon you have the Avenue of Stars and at night the Symphony of Lights show (every day at 8pm). You also find the iconic Peninsula Hotel and ICC tower (with a great viewing platform: sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck) there. Walking north on Nathan Road you have plenty of malls and shops, including some of the best tea shops I know. And you will eventually get up to Temple Street (take a left at Metro Jordan onto Jordan Street) with its famous night market. It is an interesting experience, but don’t expect to find many unique items there or bargains. For me the best are the food stalls and street restaurants around the night market.

Besides the two main areas of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon you also have plenty of smaller island if you want to get out and relax a bit. Lantau Island (the Airport is actually on this island) is worth a day trip. Ngong Ping Village with Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha (one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world) make for a great escape. Keep in mind though that it can get crowded especially around public holidays. Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station and change to bus 23 there to Ngong Ping Village. Another big attraction on Lantau Island is Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park.

Besides those major things to do, you have also some more off the beaten track things popular with locals. Besides Lantau I also went to Lamma Island which has some great beaches, hipster spots, and hiking trails. The easiest way to get there is with the ferry, but make sure you make it back before the last one leaves. Close to the port you have some really good seafood restaurants. Other smaller island worth a trip are Peng Chau and Cheung Chau Islands. If you want to have a swim head out to Repulse Bay beach or Stanley beach. There you find some white pristine beaches. If you like cycling check the bike lanes in the New Territories north of Kowloon which connect the different neighbourhoods. If hiking up and down Victoria’s Peak is not enough for you, check the Dragon’s Back hiking trail. It’s an 8.5km long track along a ridge with some gorgeous views over Hong Kong.

If all of the above still is not enough to keep you busy, visit some traditional tea houses, some local markets (like the Ladies Market, Jade Market) or indulge some street food of the must-try local dishes.

Where to stay

**Tian Tan Buddha in Ngong Ping Village**

As big financial hub and gateway city to mainland China, there is no shortage of great hotels. I’ve been multiple times now and I really like the area around Tin Hau. Last time I stayed in the Tuve Hotel. Tin Hau is very well connected with the MTR and there are plenty of double-decker trams running through. Another great area is Central, especially if you don’t want to rely too much on public transport and be close to the major sights on Hong Kong Island. If you prefer Kowloon Tsim Sha Tsui north of the Star Ferry Pier up to Jordan Street are perfect for a stay.

Food & Drinks

Hong Kong is definitely a city for foodies. There are so many good and cheap places to try all the different delicacies.
For great coffee and breakfast you need to visit The Cupping Room. They have multiple locations with the one in Swatow Street in Wan Chai being my favourite. Just across the street of the Cupping Room is also one of the best Ramen places in town: Koku Ryu Ramen. Preface Coffee is another place if you’re graving some good coffee.
As mentioned before I really like to stay in the Tin Hau area as it has as well some of the best low-key restaurants in Electric Street. Don’t miss Sister Wah Beef Brisket (their broth is boiling for years). If you want to see where locals buy their fresh groceries, check the Wet market in this area, but be prepared for some local experience. On the other side of Causeway Road, walk south on Tung Lo Wan Road until you hit either Wun Sha Street, Ormsby Street and Brown Street. These three parallel streets and the ones connecting them have some very small, but therefore much better restaurants run by local foodies.
Some of the best Dim Sum I had in DimDim Sum Mong Koki. You order in dozens, but sometimes you have to guess as the translation is either none existing or not great. But the food makes up for this shortcoming. Central and Soho has some more great places like Little Bao.
In Kowloon one of my favourites is Mak’s Noodle in Parkes Street close to the Temple Street Night Market. So perfect before or after some night shopping.
Besides food, Hong Kong has a great craft beer scene with their own breweries, like Young Masters Ales or Lion Rock Brewery, and very unique bars like The Beer Bay. I highly recommend stopping by The Beer Bay during rush-hour (5-7pm) for an amazing view of Kowloon while sipping your beer. The bar you find right next to Pier 4 at Central Pier. The Second Draft is the brew-pub of Young Masters Ales and offers plenty of their beers for tasting. Another great place is The Ale Project in Kowloon as well by Young Masters Ales.

Travelling around Hong Kong

Getting around Hong Kong is very easy and convenient with the public transport. Get an Octopus Card and you can go on the metro (MRT), the double decker trams (Ding Dings on Hong Kong Island), the buses and the Star Ferry (between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon). Walking is a great way to explore the city as well (especially in Central, Soho and Nathan Road in Kowloon up to Temple Street). Taxis and Ride-sharing are options too, but for me the least attractive.

Best Photography Spots in Hong Kong

In a city like Hong Kong there’s no shortage of scenic and unique photo spots. For great views over the city head up to Victoria Peak and hike around the mountain.
The different neighbourhoods here in particular Tin Hau, Central, or Soho on Honk Kong Island offer some great opportunities for street photographers. In Kowloon check Jordan (incl. the Temple Street Night Market) and Mong Kok.
Some of the best photos I got when I was on the trams at night travelling through Central.
For gorgeous views on the skyline of Hong Kong Island go to the Avenue of Stars. From there you can also see the Symphony of Lights (every day at 8pm).
For views on the Kowloon skyline head to Central Pier or Wan Chai Pier.

I hope with all the above, I could help you planning your next trip to Hong Kong.

Here a link to my Hong Kong site which hopefully gives you some ideas what to expect.

Hong Kong - the Pearl of the Orient