Traveling to Hong Kong? Here are 10 of the best things to do in Hong Kong including where to stay, best rooftops, delicious dining, where to shop, top hiking, and where to find the best views of Hong Kong.
Before we jump straight into the Hong Kong travel guide, here is a little background on our time in Hong Kong first…
We visited Hong Kong during the Chinese Lunar New Year in February 2019 which is a sacred and celebrated time in China.
For my fellow astrology and numerology lovers: 2019 is Year of the Pig which is the completion of a 12-year cycle, meaning it’s officially time to release the old to make way for the new! 2019 is the year of success and luck, so make those investments and work hard towards those goals. Remember though: luck is not given to us, it comes from taking action.
I truly felt the intense energy of the new year while we were in Hong Kong; I could not sit still all week. In fact, I officially launched this blog during the Chinese New Year in Hong Kong. No more holding back!
Now for the 10 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong:
1. Stay at 99 Bonham
This Sheung Wan hotel seriously blew me away from the minute we arrived. We felt like we were residents of Hong Kong while staying at 99 Bonham because the rooms feel like you’re in a high rise condo (and has a kitchen). There are also floor to ceiling windows with sweeping views of the city.
Big Bonus? 99 Bonham has an incredible rooftop where you can drink wine in the middle of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers. This hotel is also in a perfect Sheung Wan location location where you can easily walk to Central, Soho, and Lan Kwai Fong. Here is the rooftop view:
Photo by @lauraJaneHaver
2. Hike up to Victoria Peak for 360 degree panoramic views of Hong Kong
There are multiple routes you can take to get to Victoria Peak depending where you start from within the city. You can check out all the Victoria Peak routes here.
Also, please make sure you check the weather forecast first! We hiked all the way up 136 floors of stairs to the top…
Photo by @lauraJaneHaver
and this was our view:
But on a clear day the picture below shows the breathtaking view you see, which makes the 7 mile hike so well worth it! (although you can also take a tram if you get tired),
Since I didn’t have my own photo, this is by Megan Eaves @ Lonely Planet
3. Have a drink at OZONE on top of the Ritz Carlton in West Kowloon
For more views on views that do not require a long hike to see. Instead of a hike, you take the Ritz’ fancy elevator up 118 floors to reach Ozone.
You can get all dolled up and sip on super fancy cocktails at Ozone (and snack on trail mix because the menu is $$$$).
4. Eat dinner at Aqua in Tsim Sha Tsui to get a front row seat for the Hong Kong Light Show
Aqua serves a strangely delicious combination of Italian and Japanese food (LOL), so you can indulge in pizza, sushi, pasta, tempura, and then maybe finish it off with chocolate cake.
I recommend getting a reservation for 7:30pm so you can get a table next to the window and watch the Hong Kong light show which starts at 8pm sharp. I also recommend drinking a nice bottle of red wine for the show (its the wino in me).
Photo and video by @lauraJaneHaver
5. Stroll through Hong Kong Park
The parks in Hong Kong are so beautiful and peaceful. While strolling through Hong Kong Park you feel like you are in a small oasis filled with ponds, botanicals, koi fish, and palm trees; as Hong Kongs skyscrapers tower over you on the perimeter.
Photo by @lauraJaneHaver
6. Go out to dinner with a view at Ce La Vi in the party district of La Kwain Fong
Ce La Vi is at the very top of the California Tower in the heart of the nightlife district, La Kwain Fong. Our Modern Asian dinner here was the best meal I had in Hong Kong. The mixologists also deliver some incredible cocktails, just sayin’.
I recommend having an after-dinner drink on the rooftop and then hitting up some of the local bars in La Kwain Fong for a fun night out.
7. Shop and Brunch in Soho
The little neighborhood of Soho is filled with small streets lined with fun shops and cafes. You can stop by a few boutiques and then have mimosas – it makes for a perfect afternoon. Check out Culture Trip for the top 10 things to do in Soho Hong Kong!
Photos by @lauraJaneHaver
9. Take a ride on the Mid-Level Central Escalators
These escalators are the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system. This system was made to help people commute to and from the mid levels of Hong Kong. However, also an easy way to commute to and from a lot of great bars and restaurants.
Central Hong Kong also has a ton of cool street art surrounding the escalators.
Photos by @lauraJaneHaver
10. Eat all the Chinese food and Dim Sum Hong Kong has to offer
Hong Kong is famous for many delicious Chinese and Dim Sum restaurants (duh, you’re in China).
When we were in Hong Kong, we actually befriended a local family with toddlers who took us out to dinner with them at “their favorite restaurant in all of Hong Kong”. What was that place called? Ho Lee Fook – the name says it all. Ho Lee Fook has the best Chinese food as well as a fun trendy atmosphere. Make a rez!
I hope you have the best time ever in Hong Kong, and I will cross my fingers for clear skies. Of course feel free to email me at LauraJane@ifthesunseteast.com for more Hong Kong tips and recommendations.
You can find even more fun city guides here.
