Hong Kong is one of my favourite Asian destinations to visit. Every time I go there, I am amazed by the towing skyscrapers, mountainous surroundings, and fast-paced environment that is Hong Kong.
Here are my top seven reasons to visit Hong Kong.
Diverse Landscapes
When most people think of Hong Kong, towering skyscrapers come to mind; in reality, Hong Kong is much more than the busy concrete jungle we often think of.
Outside of the city awaits secluded islands, pristine beaches, lush mountains, and thriving forests—making for countless opportunities to get away from the hustle of the city.
With Hong Kong’s excellent public transport system, accessing nature in Hong Kong is surprisingly easy.
So, when in Hong Kong, consider making time to escape the city, and instead, discover some of Hong Kong’s natural landscapes.
An Unforgettable Skyline
Hong Kong’s skyline is definitely the most impressive I have ever seen. The density of skyscrapers and the backdrop of mountainous terrain makes for one of the most—if not the most impressive skylines in the world.
Hong Kong’s skyline is brought to life once the sun sets. One of the best ways to experience the skyline for yourself is by watching the daily “A Symphony of Lights” show. In my opinion, the best viewing spot is from the comfort of a ferry, cruising in the Victoria Harbour. Another popular viewing point is from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
Arguably the best view of Hong Kong can be seen from Victoria Peak; the number of tourists the site sees would back up this statement. Victoria Peak is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, offering unrivaled views of both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Aside from the views, what makes a visit to Victoria peak so appealing, is taking a ride on the iconic Peak Tram.
Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants & Irresistible Cantonese Cuisine
The first time I went to Hong Kong was back in 2012, with my grandfather. He’s the type of tourist who avoids eating anything other than western food—especially when in Asian countries. So, my only Hong Kong food memories were of eating extremely overpriced hotel pizza, comparable to a microwave pizza.
When I returned to Hong Kong in 2018, one of my main missions was to immerse myself in the local cuisine and see for myself why Hong Kong is such a highly rated destination for food.
Some highlights from my Hong Kong food adventures include:
- Eating succulent roast goose at the popular one Michelin star restaurant called Yat Lok.
- Probably one of the stranger dining experience I’ve had was at Lin Heung Teahouse. People frantically running around a crowded dim sum restaurant, waving paper in the air like they were playing bingo. The restaurant was packed—the line to get in extended out onto the street. Not knowing how the ordering system worked, I ticked some random boxes and handed my paper to the lady pushing the trolly full of different dishes. Returning to my table, I had no idea what I was about to eat. All in all, it was an experience.
- Trying a favourite street food among Hongkongers—egg waffles or eggettes, from the popular Mammy Pancake shop.
- Snacking on popular freshly baked goods like egg tart and pineapple bun.
World-Class Public Transport
Hong Kong’s public transport system is easily one of the best in the world. It ticks all the boxes, including cleanliness, reliability, efficiency, and coverage. I can certainly attest to this having used the public transport in countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.
While there are many different forms of transport you can choose from, including taxis, buses, the MTR, trams, and ferry; for most trips, the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) will be your best option.
The Octopus card is Hong Kong’s version of a transit card. You can pick one up at the airport or an MTR Customer Service Centre. Simply load the card with money and you are free to tap away and travel on the MTR, ferries, trams, and buses.
Visit Macau for a Day Trip
A popular day trip from Hong Kong—Macau offers unique history, cuisine, attractions, and an overall fascinating mix of Portuguese heritage and Chinese culture.
Getting to Macau from Hong Kong is easy; the two main options are by bus or ferry. It takes around 1 hour depending on the method of transportation you use.
While Macau is a renowned gambling destination—known as the “Las Vegas of the East,” the region of China offers visitors much more than the luxurious casinos. Some things to see and do in Macau include:
- Visit Macau’s most famous landmark—the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
- Try Macanese food including pork chop bun, Portuguese egg tart, almond cookies, jerky, and beef offal.
- Explore the traditional Chinese A-Ma Temple.
- Conquer the world’s highest bungy jump (233m) or just take in the views of Macau from the safety of the observation deck.
- Stroll through Senado Square and admire the Portuguese architecture.
Unmissable Nightlife Experiences
Undoubtedly, Lan Kwai Fong is Hong Kong’s nightlife hotspot. The small “L shaped” district located in Central, attracts locals and foreigners seven days a week. The area is filled with bars, restaurants, rooftop bars, and clubs. As the night progresses, the crowds spill out onto the streets, making for a lively and exciting atmosphere.
Two of my favourite nightlife experiences in Hong Kong other than partying in Lan Kwai Fong include:
- Sipping cocktails at the world’s second highest bar—the Ritz-Carlton’s Ozone bar.
- Watching the “A Symphony of Lights” display from a ferry in the Victoria Harbour.
Vibrant & Authentic Markets
To me, a visit to any Asian market is about catching a glimpse into a locals typical day. Seeing the local produce and handmade crafts, sampling the street food, hearing the locals go about their shopping, and absorbing the atmosphere.
The two most popular markets to visit in Hong Kong are:
- Ladies Market – Located on Tung Choi street in Mong Kok—the Ladies Market is one of the most well-known markets in Hong Kong. Despite the name, the market doesn’t only cater to ladies. The Ladies Market has all your typical market goods such as souvenirs, fake designer clothes, jewellery, toys, etc.
- Temple Street Market – The Temple Street Market attracts a mix of locals and tourists. The atmosphere is lively, reaching its peak once the sun goes down. Other than the shopping, the Temple Street Market offers a range of restaurants, street food stalls, and a bunch of fortune tellers ready to predict your fate.
This small region of China is packed with awesome attractions and delicious food to eat. To me, it’s one of those cities where no matter how often you visit, there will always be more to discover.
