Some of you might still remember that my first visit to Hong Kong didn’t go as planned. Despite being amazed by the city and enjoying my time there, I felt like I failed as a traveler. I made poor choices for my accommodation, succumbed to jet lag instead of fighting it, and, after a month of busy traveling, I was too exhausted to truly explore the city. However, I also knew back then that I’d be returning to Hong Kong a few months later, and this time, I’d correct all the mistakes I made on my first visit. Now that I’ve been to Hong Kong twice, I’d like to share some of the best tips for exploring this city.
After a short flight from Bangkok, I arrived at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, feeling refreshed and ready for my stay in this luxurious hotel. I checked into my comfortable room, gazing out at the view of Hong Kong Island from the window. Eager to explore the city, I wasted no time and headed straight out to wander the streets of Wan Chai, the neighborhood where I was staying.
As I departed the city, although I wasn’t quite ready to leave Hong Kong, I left with a smile on my face, knowing I had gained the most from this visit. Please continue reading for my recommendations on how to have a great time in Hong Kong, as well as my favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Taking Some Time to Wander
In the past, I often made the mistake of rushing through a city and trying to visit as many landmarks as possible. I distinctly remember my first visit to New York City when I proudly checked off all the famous sights from my list, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, and the library. Surprisingly, the Empire State Building and the National Gallery were not on my list, but when I left, I felt like I didn’t really understand how the city worked. I made the same mistake during my initial visits to London and Paris, but I corrected this approach in subsequent visits.
Looking back, my fondest memories in Hong Kong were when I simply wandered the streets, not consulting a map, following my intuition, going with the flow, and sneakily entering intriguing little alleys and coffee shops that exuded irresistible aromas. This is how I stumbled upon some of my favorite coffee shops in two of my most beloved neighborhoods in Hong Kong: the neighborhoods of Central and Wan Chai.
This approach of spontaneous exploration allowed me to discover hidden gems, experience the local culture, and truly connect with the essence of a place. It’s a lesson I learned through my travels, that sometimes the best way to get to know a city is to let go of the checklist and simply go with the flow.
Doing Some Food Research Before Setting Out
One thing that left me frustrated during my first visit was the seemingly elusive good vegetarian options. While Hong Kong certainly boasts thousands of restaurants, finding great vegetarian choices can be a bit of a challenge without prior research. Typically, when it’s time to eat, my stomach is already growling, so I often ended up in more ordinary places because the highly recommended ones were often too far away.
On my second visit, I made sure I knew exactly where I wanted to dine and did some advance research on my choices to avoid settling for a mediocre meal. After spending several months in Asia, there came a point when I was craving a decent slice of pizza, and I was fortunate that Hong Kong’s food options are so international that I could get almost anything I desired. Whether it was coffee, delectable French pastries (my weakness!), American brunch, or delicious dim sum, the city had it all.
Research all the good food before you go
Choosing where you want to stay in Hong Kong wisely is an important decision. During my first visit to Hong Kong, I chose to stay in Kowloon (a part of Hong Kong located near mainland China). However, when I crossed Victoria Harbour to go to Hong Kong Island, I immediately felt that I would prefer to stay on the island during my next visit. I understand that some people may prefer Kowloon because it offers a more pronounced experience of Chinese culture, but personally, I prefer the Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong areas on Hong Kong Island.
When touring Hong Kong, there are some important tips to keep in mind. First, when researching hotel options, I recommend making sure that the hotel is located near a bus, tram, or subway station. This will make your transportation more convenient and allow you to explore the city more easily. Additionally, ensure that there are dining options around your hotel, making it more convenient for you to find places to eat. Hong Kong offers a wide variety of cuisines, so no matter what type of food you prefer, you can find suitable choices.
Hong Kong is a vibrant and charming city, and the choice of where you stay will directly impact your travel experience. Whether you prefer Kowloon or Hong Kong Island, you can find suitable accommodation and dining options throughout the city. I hope you have a pleasant trip to Hong Kong!
While I currently yearn for experiences beyond the typical tourist attractions and prefer leisurely strolls and getting lost, as I mentioned earlier, we shouldn’t forget that these landmarks and tourist destinations exist for a reason. They can be fascinating, and why would you want to miss out on such viewpoints?
Some of my favorite things to do in Hong Kong include taking a ride on the Star Ferry to cross Victoria Harbour, leisurely strolling along the Avenue of Stars, witnessing the nightly flashy and vibrant light show displayed on the skyscrapers in Central at 8 p.m., enjoying the stunning views from the Peak on Victoria Peak, and then searching for souvenirs at the Ladies’ Market.
Of course, there will be crowds, but these are places you shouldn’t miss. If you really want to avoid the crowds, you can opt for a hiking trail to get to the Peak instead of taking the tram (which can save you HK$40 or $5.16 for a return ticket). Along the way and at the Peak, I discovered some very peaceful spots. There’s also a clearly marked 1-hour hiking trail at the Peak that can help you bypass the crowds (though it wasn’t very busy when I went).
Take your time in Hong Kong
The best thing I found to do in Hong Kong is to give yourself an extra day, which is what I did during both of my visits. The first time, I needed that extra day to overcome jet lag (or at least attempt to overcome it), and the second time, the weather was quite unpredictable. So, I’m glad I had some flexibility to do certain things (like the Peak, which is best done on a sunny day when the views are spectacular).
Awesome Coffee shops in Hong Kong
- The Coffee Academys: This chain of coffee shops has multiple branches across Hong Kong. They are known for serving high-quality coffee and provide a great place to enjoy a good cup of coffee in a relaxed ambiance.
- Rabbit Hole: Located in Wan Chai, Rabbit Hole is a cozy coffee shop where you can savor excellent coffee and possibly some pastries while unwinding.
- VEYGO Coffee: Situated in Sheung Wan, VEYGO Coffee is a spot to relish well-brewed coffee in a friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place to hang out or work on your laptop.
- Coco Espresso: With various locations around the city, Coco Espresso offers a convenient option for those seeking a caffeine fix on the go.
- Cupping Room: This cafe has branches in both Central and Wan Chai, serving top-notch coffee and offering a welcoming environment to sit down and enjoy your brew.
- Hazel & Hershey: Located in Central, Hazel & Hershey is a place for coffee enthusiasts. They provide high-quality coffee and a selection of equipment and beans for those who prefer brewing at home.
- Caffeine: Found in Sheung Wan, Caffeine is a great option for those who appreciate a well-made cup of coffee in a comfortable setting.
- Cafe Habitu: With several branches across the city, Cafe Habitu is a reliable choice for those who enjoy a cozy atmosphere and a variety of coffee options.
- Gerard Dubois’ “Passion”: This establishment has multiple branches and offers a delightful selection of pastries and baked goods. It’s an excellent choice for satisfying your sweet tooth.
These recommendations encompass a range of dining and coffee experiences in Hong Kong, allowing you to explore different tastes and atmospheres during your visit.
Vegetarian-friendly Restaurants in Hong Kong
- Breakfast Club (All-day breakfast): Breakfast Club offers a wide range of breakfast and brunch options throughout the day, making it a convenient choice for those who enjoy morning meals at any time.
- Oldish (Stylish brunch/daytime restaurant): Oldish is a trendy eatery that specializes in stylish brunch and daytime meals, providing a unique dining experience.
- Tim Ho Wan (World’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, famous for dim sum – not vegetarian-friendly): While Tim Ho Wan is renowned for its affordable Michelin-starred dim sum, it may not be the best choice for vegetarians, as it primarily serves non-vegetarian dishes.
- Light Vegetarian (Excellent vegetarian and vegan Chinese cuisine): Light Vegetarian is known for its excellent vegetarian and vegan Chinese dishes, catering to those who prefer plant-based options.
- O Green (Western vegetarian with some fish; offers various “health-conscious” foods like quinoa, chia seeds, kale, etc.): O Green specializes in Western vegetarian cuisine with a focus on health-conscious ingredients such as quinoa, chia seeds, and kale. They also offer some fish dishes for a broader range of options.
- Grassroots Pantry (Organic vegetarian, fusion of Eastern and Western cuisine): Grassroots Pantry serves organic vegetarian cuisine that combines Eastern and Western flavors, providing a unique and diverse dining experience.
- Studio Caffeine (Bagels, sandwiches, coffee): Studio Caffeine offers a selection of bagels, sandwiches, and coffee, making it a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Pizza Express: While Pizza Express is a chain restaurant, it’s known for its excellent pizzas, which are worth trying despite its widespread presence.
These options give you a variety of choices for vegetarian and vegan dining in Hong Kong, from traditional Chinese cuisine to innovative and fusion dishes.
Awesome Bars in Hong Kong
- Mrs. Pound (Subterranean bar and restaurant): Mrs. Pound is a unique underground bar and restaurant in Hong Kong. The entrance is cleverly disguised as a stamp shop, and once inside, you’ll find a stylish, speakeasy-style bar with a vintage ambiance. They offer a range of creative cocktails and a menu that combines Asian and Western flavors. The atmosphere is intimate, making it a great place for a relaxed evening out.
- Azure (Rooftop bar at the Lan Kwai Fong Hotel): Azure is a rooftop bar located at the Lan Kwai Fong Hotel, offering stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy the city lights while sipping on your favorite cocktails. The bar has a chic and modern design, making it a popular choice for those looking for a luxurious and upscale atmosphere.
- Medusa: Medusa is a trendy and vibrant nightlife spot in Hong Kong, known for its energetic and lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to dance to the latest music and enjoy a night out with friends. The bar features a dynamic mix of music, and the contemporary design of the venue adds to the overall experience.
These bars cater to a range of preferences, from hidden speakeasies to rooftop venues with stunning views and lively nightlife spots. Each offers a unique atmosphere and a diverse selection of drinks to suit different tastes and moods.
