Hong Kong: Recommendations Broken by Neighborhoods
Planning a trip to Hong Kong? Here are some bucket list items to cross off during your time in each neighborhoods. I’d also recommend avoiding visits from July – September, since those tend to be the hottest, most humid months. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Image: Lion Rock Trail in Kowloon
Central/SoHo
ATTRACTIONS
Victoria Peak – A skyscraper view of Hong Kong; breathtaking at night and during the day
Man Mo Temple – The largest Man Mo Temple in Hong Kong is on 124–126 Hollywood Road, in Sheung Wan
Central–Mid-Levels Escalator – Longest outdoor escalator in the world as it winds around Central Hong Kong and shows the picture-perfect view of the hustle and bustle of the city
Hong Kong Harbor – Stroll through the waterside for a view of the skyline and Ferris wheel
Starr Ferry – One of the city's most famous attractions taking you from one side of the island to the next; the boat ride paints the perfect skyline photo
FOOD
Tim Ho Wan – Michelin Star BBQ Pork Buns
Kaw Kee Beef Brisket
Yat Lok Roast Goose
Mak’s Noodle
Ramen Ippudo – my favorites: burnt garlic ramen; spicy kimchi fried rice; fried chicken bun
Shugetsu Ramen
Unnamed alley that serves fresh seafood to an outdoor crowd – located by Beef & Liberty Burger
Tai Cheung egg tarts
Yum Cha – cute instaworthy Dim Sum in Central
BARS & LOUNGE
Lily and Bloom – great happy hour
Cé La Vie – rooftop bar
Iron Ferry – check out the secret bar behind it
Brick House
Feather Boa Speakeasy
Quinary – amazing cocktails
NIGHTLIFE
Dragon-eye – high-end club; hip hop remixes; dress shirts and dresses required for entry
Play – everyone's go-to spot; hip hop remixes & Top 40; casual or dressy attire for entry
Bungalow – great EDM and Trap music; casual or dressy attire for entry
Oma – techno; causal attire for entry
Social Lounge – techno; causal attire for entry
Volar – hip hop remixes; dress shirts and dresses required for entry
FLY – high-end club; hip hop remixes; dress shirts and dresses required for entry
"Club 7-Eleven" – yes, the convenience store 7-Elevent at Lan Kwai Fong is the go-to spot for casual drinks outside the street. It's affordable, great for mingling and a common spot for pre-drinks
Kennedy Town
ATTRACTIONS
Instagram Pier – beautiful sunset over looking the skyline and water
Sai Wan Swimming Shed
FOOD:
Sun Hing Dim Sum – the famous and freshly made 3AM dim sum; a great stop after a night out or after pulling an all nighter from your studies
Cheuk Kee Congee Shop | 卓記粥店
Causeway Bay
ATTRACTIONS
Time Square – a great stop for shopping and shows the perfect display of the busy streets of Hong Kong
Ride a Ding Ding
FOOD:
Cong Sao Dessert – tasty mango/durian dessert with tapioca balls
Yee Shun Dairy Company – soft tofu pudding dessert
人和荳品廠 (located at 55 Jardine’s Bazaar, East Point, Hong Kong) – amazing tea time options; stir fried noodles; fresh fish cake tofu
Tai Koo
ATTRACTION:
Montane Mansions (aka Quarry Bay Homes) - he building that's taken Instagram by storm known for its monstrosity and features in many film
Kowloon
ATTRACTIONS:
Lion Rock hike
Chin Lin Nunnery/ Nan Lian Garden
Choi Hung Estates – photoshoot spot at iconic HK housing
Mong Kok: Street food Sneaker street Pet street
Starr Ferry - Watch the 8PM light show by the water (better on the Kowloon side)
FOOD:
Ladies Market try “King of Coconut” order Coconut Juice (Yau Ma Teh MTR – A2 Exit. Near Ladies Street opposite Starbucks.)
Kam wah Cafe for dessert
One Dim Sum (Prince Edward area/Kowloon Side – Try Mango Rolls)
DRINK:
Ozone Bar – tallest bar in the world (mixed reviews on price/worth)
Eye Bar – rooftop; great view for Symphony of Lights
Sha Tin
ATTRACTIONS:
Ten Thousand Step Buddha – if you’re lucky, monkeys will also be there
Sha Tin to Taipo – afternoon bike ride until the sunset
Lamma Island (Cheung Chau Island)
**TIP: Great for a half day trip; recommended on weekdays for less crowd
ATTRACTIONS:
Beaches surrounding the island
Fishing village and markets
FOOD:
Fresh seafood BBQ
Mango or durian mochi
Lantau Island
**TIP: A recommended camping trip if you have 2 days to spare
ATTRACTIONS:
Sunset Peak – hike this breathtaking Lantau trail for its gorgeous sunrise views; it literally is breathtaking as it's known for steep trails but worthy views at the end
Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery
Tai O fishing Village
Man Cheung Po’s Infinity Pool Hike
**So if you do the 2 day, I recommend hiking first and camping for the sunrise; sleep; the next day go to Lantau Island, Big Buddha/Po Lin/ Fishing Village, then end you second day with a hike and sunset over the Man Cheung Po Infinity Pool