During my round the world trip, I went to Hong Kong twice. My first stop in Hong Kong was in 2011 after Bali and before I went to Japan. I stayed for a week with my photographer buddy Toby who went to college with me in Vancouver. For my second visit, I went to see my then boyfriend who lives there and stayed a month. Here is a round-up of the top 5 Hong Kong must-dos you should add to your trip itinerary. 

 

Top 5 Hong Kong Must-Dos!

#1 – Star Ferry

The Star Ferry is a passenger boat that transports people across Hong Kong Harbour. When you ride it, you get a view of both Kowloon and Hong Kong Islands. It is one of the cheapest attractions to experience but one of my favourites in the city. 

*I recommend riding the Star Ferry from Kowloon side to Hong Kong side. If you can, take the ferry in the evening as the Symphony of Lights show goes on and get a free light show at the same time!

Taking the Star Ferry

Riding the Star Ferry

More views

Night bright

#2 Symphony of Lights

Victoria Harbour is already a stunner but add watching 40 buildings on either side of the harbour put on a light show set to music. Some of the best places to view the show are at some of the hotels along the harbour front with viewing areas, the Star Ferry (as seen above), or a bar like Aqua or Ozone that is on top of a tall skyscraper with good windows. I have viewed the light show from the ferry, my harbour facing suite at the Shangri-La Kowloon as well as Aqua.

The view from Aqua

Here’s a snippet of the show. This is an unedited video I filmed with my iPhone:

#3 Victoria Peak

Sometimes you have to do the super touristy thing because it’s worth it. In Hong Kong, that thing is Victoria Peak. The views are amazing both day and night and I’m a sucker for a stunning view. When I went in 2011, I went in the evening. So I’m keen to go back for some day time views. You can also hike up to the peak so that may be my goal for my next visit when it’s not humid.

When I visited in 2011, Toby and I took the funicular. I love this word! Its definition is an inclined plane or cliff railway. It’s not very common in North America but it seems common overseas.

Funicular :)

Night view of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak.

Hong Kong Must-Dos #4 – Shopping or Window Shopping! 

If you love shopping, Hong Kong is a dream. Even if you don’t want to shop, the luxury retailers are something else in Asia. All the stores are so beautifully designed and merchandised. I didn’t buy anything it was fun to window shop and people watch. Check out the luxury stores in Central, department stores in Causeway Bay and IFC mall in Kowloon is amazing.

Hong Kong Must-Dos #5 – Eat Delicious Food

Dining in Hong Kong is the best. I think it is one of the best food cities in the world. You can pretty much get any food in the world here and some of the best in fact. From street food to the best noodles to Peking Duck to fine French or Italian. It’s all here.

I do love eating cheap and delicious Chinese food. One of my favourite places is Kau Kee. It’s a noodle spot that Toby brought me to. We came here for an afternoon snack of beef brisket noodle soup as well as beef with curried noodles. The bowls were enough to fill us up (more than a snack in all honesty) and cost $7 HKD which is less than a dollar. I try to go back every visit!! The lines can be long but they move fast. It’s really no frills in there. Address: 21 Gough Street.

Kau Kee‘s beef brisket soup and curried beef with noodles

Who’s a happy eater in HK! At Crystal Jade in Kowloon

Hong Kong Must- Dos Bonus: Lang Kwai Fong

Now, this is not something I recommend for everyone. Some of my other local HK friends call this area hell. Lang Kwai Fong is an area on the Hong Kong island side. It’s a party zone at night and it’s where a lot of people come and party, especially expats. I came here with Toby one night to see it and a few times really late at night to grab food with friends. There’s a taco spot called Brickhouse in LKF that has awesome margaritas. Upstairs and away from the fray is a great bar that I love called Lily & Bloom which is in the Hotel LKF.

The madness – LKF or Lan Kwai Fong 

When I went to Hong Kong in 2011, I fell in love with it. I loved the cosmopolitan nature, the expats, the culture, the shopping, the nightlife, and everything else it has to offer. I remember telling Toby that I could see myself living there.

When I went back in July 2012, I felt different about it. My plans did not include going back but I went on a whim or rather reunited with a past amour. My round the world trip had me spending 5 months on tropical islands with people who had next to nothing. It was such a stark contrast to the city life of Hong Kong.

Eating amazing food every day and hanging out with my boyfriend at the time was amazing but my feelings changed. Hong Kong is amazing but I couldn’t ever see myself living there. Perhaps for the proximity to the rest of Asia and being able to have weekend adventures but now I value space and simplicity. If you love the cosmopolitan life, this is it for Asia!

What are your Hong Kong must dos? Share them in the comments!

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST

**If you want to stay connected while you are in Hong Kong, considering renting a Y5 Buddy wifi hot spot. I was given a complimentary trial while I was in Hong Kong and I was able to connect several devices at one time. They let me test it but for around $5/day, it’s worth it if you are travelling with friends, business colleagues, or a partner. You can also check out their rates for other countries in Asia.**

*Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you for my referral. I only ever recommend services that I have used myself. The support is always appreciated but never expected and helps with the running costs of this blog. Opinions stated are solely my own*