The ethos of Hong Kong Island is not a million miles away from Manhattan; it's just taken that one step further. The skyscrapers are taller, the streets are narrower, the shopping is faster, packed with more designers that its American counterpart, but that’s not to say Hong Kong doesn't’t have its own identity too.
Where else can you find mountains next to skyscrapers, or stumble upon makeshift temples down narrow alleyways? Hong Kong is a magical, crazy, loud, busy and wonderful place – here are our picks of what to see, do, eat and where to stay.
WHAT TO EAT
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Celebrity Cuisine
This small, 40-seater restaurant in the Lan Kwai Fong district is a Hong Kong legend, known for its sweet and sour pork and fried rice. That may sound like something you could just pick up from your local takeaway, but with fresh ingredients hand picked by Michelin-starred chef Chueng, it's miles away from anything you can get back home. Aromatic, perfectly balanced flavours – this is Chinese food at it’s best.
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China Tang
The legendary restaurant where Kate Moss celebrated her 40th and 43rd birthday (yes, she loves it that much) has two branches in Hong Kong and it's as opulent and delicious as its Dorchester Hotel sister restaurant. If you really want to push the boat out (and why shouldn't you, you’re on holiday) the 10-course feasting menu will blow your mind.
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Sham Tseng Chan Kee
Sham Tseng Chan Kee
Hong Kong’s signature dish is roast goose and this canteen style, easy going restaurant is one of the best places to give it a try. Roast goose is leaner than duck and slightly gamier. It’s served in large, chopped chunks with bones in and sometimes with the head and the beak served on the plate too, so be warned if you’re squeamish. It’s ideal with just plain rice and fried green vegetables like pak choi.
WHERE TO SHOP
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Harbour City
For designer brands Harbour City is the one-stop destination for label lovers. This huge mall is home to hundreds of brands from Alexander McQueen to Vivienne Westwood as well as high street brands like Whistles and Zara. Brands often feature Asia exclusive lines also, so you could easily pick up something that no one else has in the UK.
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Florentia Village
Designer bargains can also be found in outlet malls like Florentia Village, which features discounts of up to 70% off. Brands include Versace, Prada and Kenzo.
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Temple Market
If you want something a bit more unique to Hong Kong then try Temple Market, a strip of stalls running along Temple Street selling an array of trinkets and souvenirs to bring home. Be sure to haggle and approach the sellers very skeptically – especially when buying jade. Counterfeit goods are also ripfe. Don’t pay full – or even half – price for anything. You can haggle with most traders, who see it as part of a friendly transaction. It's quite the experience.
WHAT TO DO - HONG KONG
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Chi Lin Nunnery
A peaceful retreat from Hong Kong’s hectic streets, this park oasis in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong is a huge religious site that houses Buddhist temples, a peaceful rock garden and a beautiful café, where vegetarian food is prepared by the nuns. It’s the prefect antidote to Hong Kong’s hectic streets.
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The Peak
At 423 metres above sea level, The Peak is the tallest point in Hong Kong and offers stunning views across the city. Take the funicular up its steep slopes and then an elevator through the shopping centre to the very top. From here you’ll get a real view of Hong Kong’s diversity and see mountains rub shoulders with skyscrapers. There's also a number of restaurants at the top so you can enjoy dinner with a spectacular view.
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Rugby 7's Tournament
A staple in any rugby fans calendar is also a great introduction to the sport – stripped back to just seven players and seven minutes per half, the faster pace means you’ll see a lot more action. The Seven's tournaments have more of a party vibe too, making it appealing to all.
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Symphony of Lights
Every night, hundreds of people gather on the Hong Kong Harbour to watch a free light show where lasers are shone from some of the City’s most iconic skyscrapers. Set to rousing music, there are five phases of the light show: Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership and Celebration. It’s cheesy, kitsch fun and a celebration of Hong Kong culture.
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Happy Valley Race Course
Every Wednesday, you can enjoy a night at the races at the Happy Valley Race Course. It's not quite as formal as Ascot, but it's definitely an opportunity to inject some glamour into the occasion if you want to. Races are easy to follow, with just 12 horses in each one and each lasting only a couple of minutes. Bets start at HK$10 (approx. £1) so you don’t have to risk your whole holiday budget.
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Graham Street Wall
Also known as Hong Kong’s most Instagrammed spot, the graffiti wall on Graham Street depicts the walled city of Kowloon – which became a den of vice, controlled by gangs during the Second World War. Set on a background of vibrant blue and contrasted with pops of orange and reds the wall is one of Hong Kong’s most popular examples of street art. Graham Street is a steep hill, but that does not stop an army of bloggers and tourists lining up to take pictures in front of the famed mural. Be prepared to fight for that Insta pic.
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Sai Kung
As the second biggest district in Hong Kong, Sai Kung is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just an hour outside central Hong Kong, there’s sprawling mountains to hike or a quick boat ride for ten dollars to get to secluded beaches and seaside towns.
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Macau
For the ultimate indulgent experience, hop on the ferry to Macau, a small island full of luxury hotels and casinos only an hour away from the main Hong Kong Island. It’s the Vegas of Asia, being the only place where you can gamble. Pick from the Venetian, Parisian or Four Seasons to have an unapologetically extravagant few days. Make sure you catch the House of Dancing Water show at the City of Dreams, think Cirque du Soleil but in water. An absolute must see.
WHERE TO STAY
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Lan Kwai Fong Hotel
With just seven rooms to each floor, the Lan Kwai Fong hotel has a boutique feel that is hard to find in Hong Kong’s sprawling metropolis. The rooms are decorated with classic Chinese accents, like lacquered wood and charms to ward off evil spirits. Its got a modern but authentically charming feel.
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Dorsett Wanchai Hotel
With nearby shopping malls and Hong Kong’s famous Happy Valley racecourse next to it the Dorsett Wanchai is a great base for exploring the city. The rooms are spacious and all guests are given free use of a mobile phone during their meaning free wifi around the city and no massive phone bill to greet you when you get back home.
