24 Hours in Hong Kong - The Highlights
Hong Kong is one of the most exhilarating, action-packed cities in the world, offering dramatic mountainous scenery, endless shopping and a world-class dining scene. We will soon be launching our new Hong Kong City Guide, however in the meantime we wanted to give you a taste of the best that Hong Kong has to offer. If you only have 24 hours to spend in this incredible city, then don’t miss these essential experiences:
The Morning Start your day with a strong coffee and a light breakfast at Fuel Espresso, one of Hong Kong’s most popular cafes. While its still early and before the temperature and humidity soars, head to Victoria Peak for the most beautiful harbour views in town. A thrilling vertical tram will take you almost to the top of Victoria Peak, where a short walk along Mt. Austin Road will lead you to the final spectacular lookout point. For the more adventurous at heart, the Dragon’s Back 2-hour hike is a more active way to experience Hong Kong’s beautiful landscape. Afterwards, head back down into Central district for some shopping. Shopping is a national past time in Hong Kong, with upscale shopping malls such as the luxurious IFC, to the myriad of tiny streets and market stalls throughout the city. Hollywood Road, Queen’s Road Central and Causeway Bay are the main shopping districts, where the Hollywood Road area plays host to some of Hong Kong’s best antique shops and market stalls, along with some of the cities best art galleries including Asia Art Archive, EXIT Gallery, 10 Chancery Lane Gallery and Ben Brown Fine Arts.
Lunchtime When you’re ready for lunch, head to one of Hong Kong’s popular local lunch spots for some delicious Chinese dim sum. Take a numbered ticket and wait for a seat at Maxim’s City Hall, one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant, crowded and bustling dim sum restaurants overlooking the harbour which is literally packed with locals every lunchtime. Make your selection from the waiter’s trolleys overflowing with steaming baskets of fresh dim sum and delicious small-plates of local delicacies such as steamed chicken feet or fresh tofu. For a more elegant dim sum setting, we love the serene Lei Garden restaurant in the IFC shopping mall. For the best roasted goose in Hong Kong, then don’t miss Yung Kee restaurant which is a local institution.
The Afternoon Now, you’ll no doubt be ready for a more relaxing afternoon. Hong Kong boasts some of the best spas in the world, where our favourite is the opulent Four Seasons Hotel spa which offers a wealth of luxurious spa treatments, world-class spa facilities and the most beautiful outdoor pool in Hong Kong. Afterwards, disappear into the sanctuary of the Luk Yu Tea House to learn more about the ancient rituals of Hong Kong’s tea houses and to sample a wide range of Chinese teas. Another iconic afternoon experience is to enjoy a trip across the harbour to Kowloon on Hong Kong’s commuter ferry, the Star Ferry. To prolong your harbour experience, book a sunset cruise on a Chinese junk boat with the Aqua Luna company, which will take you on a leisurely cruise around the harbour for an hour or so while you sip one of their deliciously potent cocktails.
The Evening For a pre-dinner aperitif, Aqua Spirit Bar or Felix Bar in Kowloon can’t be beaten. These nightlife spots also offer a prime position to enjoy Hong Kong’s spectacular evening light show which takes place every night around 8pm. When you’re ready for dinner, you can either head downstairs to the trendy Hutong restaurant for exciting northern Chinese cuisine, breathtaking harbour views and dark, sultry interiors. Otherwise, head back on the ferry to Hong Kong island to the award-winning L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon restaurant for innovative contemporary French cuisine and a fashionable crowd. Local entrepreneur David Tangbang’s private restaurant, The China Club, is also a jet-set favourite although its more about the scene than the food. After dinner, SEVVA Lounge offers one of the most beautiful outdoor terrace bars with stunning views, and the vintage-inspired Club Feather Boa a great cocktail list. However if you’re looking to party, then Dragon-I, Volar and Kee Club are some of the coolest clubs in town (however make sure your name is one the door list).
