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Hong Kong

Travel Guide

38

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Hong Kong has always felt like a second home to me. Both my parents are from there, so growing up I heard countless stories of my family's life in the city. I grew up consuming as much hong kong entertainment media as I could get my hands on (back in the day of grainy VHS and shaky antenna connection). Even before I visited for the first time, it had already become a mental escape for me. Every time I step off the plane, I feel like I’m coming back to a place that’s both familiar and ever-changing.


That’s Hong Kong for you… a global mash-up of East and West, tradition and modernity. Walk down the same alley where a street hawker’s lanterns are still flickering, and in the same block see a chrome-and-glass skyscraper reaching up into the clouds. Ancient Buddhist temples peek over neon signs, and colonial facades stand shoulder to shoulder with sleek high-rises. It’s a city where the past and the future merge in the best way possible.


And you gotta talk about cuisine, because in my opinion Hong Kong is the premier food city of the world. Every corner hides a hole-in-the-wall café, run by the same family for decades, serving congee or pineapple buns like it’s the most natural ritual in the world. And then right next door you could walk into a 3-Michelin-starred spot with ballers at every table. From dai pai dong to avant-garde tasting menus, the extremes sit side by side, and somehow it all makes sense.


One of my favorite things about the city is the visual symphony. From the jade-green hills that cradle the city, the islands that glint in the harbor light, ferries slicing through water, and mountain trails that deliver skyline views. Wander through streets lined with tong lau (old shophouses), browse the open air markets and dai chong si (big temples), witness hawkers arranging fresh produce, or ride the tram up to Victoria Peak. It really feels like every block is alive, and that there’s always something new to explore. It’s a shame they’ve recently reduced the iconic neon signage in the city, but just peep any pre-2000s Hong Kong movies to get a sense of the look. 


Here’s some ideas to help you plan your visit to Hong Kong

Where to STAY

Choosing where to stay in Hong Kong is a bit like deciding which side of a coin you want to explore first


Hong Kong Island is where the city feels most cinematic. Think skyline views, steep hills, and the hum of trams gliding past glossy storefronts. This is home to some of the most iconic neighborhoods: Central, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay. You’ll find everything from five-star stays to tucked-away boutique hotels, from chic Airbnbs in old tong lau walk-ups to lively hostels near the action. A few of our favorite options: The Hopewell Hotel (luxury hotel with great views), The Hari (stylish mid-range stay), Airbnbs in Wan Chai or Causeway Bay, where you can wake up to the buzz of local cafés and the smell of fresh pineapple buns wafting through the air.


Across the harbor, the New Territories’ southern stretch (Tsim Sha Tsui up through Beacon Hill) has its own bustling energy. Nathan Road runs like a spine through it with neon lights, night markets, and a constant flow of locals and travelers. In TST, you’ll find some of the city’s most polished luxury hotels, perfect if you want to step out of your lobby and straight into upscale shopping centers. Keep heading north up Nathan Road and it gets more local, more affordable, and full of Airbnbs and smaller hotels that give you a taste of everyday Hong Kong life. 


Wherever you stay, it’s very easy to get around. There’s so many transit options including the MTR, ferries, taxi cabs, and general walkability in central areas.


Where to EAT


If there’s one thing you can count on in Hong Kong, it’s that you’ll never go hungry. 


Here, you must try the iconic dai pai dong (open air restaurants on the street) and the cha chaan tengs (casual cafes that often serve a fusion of eastern and western dishes). Both are very unique to the city. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find endless fine dining options, including some of the top ranked restaurants in the world. You can also find dining halls with multiple options within, and open air markets where you can choose your own seafood and have it cooked fresh on the spot. 


Some of our favorite spots:


Where to GO OUT

Hong Kong never truly sleeps, it just changes tempo. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back drink with a view or a night that ends long after the MTR stops running, this city  delivers. 


  • Let’s start with the low-hanging fruit: Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) and Soho. People come here to turn up, because they’re stacked with bars, clubs, and lounges that stay open until the sun starts to rise. The crowd here skews younger so make sure you have the energy to match. If this is your first visit, the LKF alley on a Friday night is something you have to see once. 


  • If you’re seeking craftsmanship, this city is home to some of Asia’s best cocktail bars. Bar Leone and Coa consistently top “best of” lists, and take some pre-planning to get a table. For something a little more polished, head to one of the upscale hotel bars, like Argo in the Four Seasons. 


  • If you want something less polished with more local flavor, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay are full of dive bars, pubs, and karaoke rooms where the night feels more spontaneous.


  • And if you’re looking to start the evening on a high note, rooftop bars are where it’s at. Sip a cocktail while admiring the skyline at FAYY, Eyebar, or SKYE. The city shines differently from above.


Things to DO


Outside of eating, drinking, and taking in the city life; there're endless destinations to go explore. For first-timers, it’s definitely worth going to see some of the iconic landmarks around. Here’s some ideas:


Final Thoughts

Hong Kong is a city that never sits still and is always evolving. It’s a city of layers (tradition, modernity, flavor) all coexisting in the tightest of spaces, yet still in perfect balance. 


Every corner is buzzing with contrast and character; where glass towers rise beside centuries-old temples, where dim sum breakfasts turn into rooftop cocktails, and where lush mountain ranges drape the glittering city lights.


Come + eat your way cha chaan tengs and Michelin-starred dining rooms, wander through street markets and skyline views, and just let the city’s energy pull you along.

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