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Hong Kong is my favorite city in the world. It’s a place with a rich history, amazing food, great markets, and easy English language accessibility (due to its British control until 1997). I find the energy, people, and sights keep me coming back time and time again (I’ve been there many times and will head back this May). It’s a long flight from the US, but well worth the journey.
Here are five things you can’t miss on your visit.
5. Ride the Star Ferry
The Star Ferry is a passenger ferry boat that carries passengers across Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It’s a five-minute ride and costs around $3. The green and white vessels have been crossing Victoria Harbour since 1880 and might be going away in 2033.
Can’t Miss: Take in the views of the skyline as you glide across the water.
Address: Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui, Central or Wan Chai
4. Central-Mid-Levels Escalators
The Central–Mid-Levels escalator system in Hong Kong is the longest covered, outdoor escalator system in the world. It consists of 18 escalators that cover over half a mile. The escalators are a fun way to explore the Central business district and SoHo entertainment district alongside the more than 85,000 people that use them every day. Hop on and hop off along the way to shop, grab a snack, and explore. The escalator is a one-way system that goes from south to north except from 6:00 to 10:00 AM when they go in reverse to allow commuters access to work in Central.
Can’t Miss: Hop off at Stanley Street and check out one of Hong Kong’s last open-air diners or dai pai dongs (which means big license stall”).
Address: Jubilee St, Central, Hong Kong
3. Grab a Cocktail at OZONE
The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong features OZONE rooftop bar on the 118th floor, which makes it the highest bar in the world. The space offers amazing views of the Hong Kong skyline and offers a menu of fun cocktails and small plates. It’s a lot of fun with live DJs and an outdoor viewing area when the weather permits (we were there once when it was closed due to high winds).
Can’t Miss: Try to get a table in the open-air terrace to fully appreciate the beautiful views.
Address: International Commerce Centre (ICC), 118/F, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, 1 Austin Rd W, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
2. Ngong Ping Cable Cars
Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong and home to Tian Tan Buddha (also known as The Big Buddha), Hong Kong Disneyland, Tai O fishing village, and more. The island is mountainous and has a good amount of indigenous forests and parks covering it. Cable car rides are not for the faint of heart as you’re quite high, the floor in some cars is glass, and you’re gliding over open water for a lot of the 25-minute ride. This is longest bi-cable ropeway in Asia as it stretches over 3.5 miles.
Can’t Miss: Climb up the stairs and explore the 112-foot Tian Tan Buddha.
Address: Departing – Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal is adjacent to MTR Tung Chung Station, Hong Kong | Arriving – 11 Tat Tung Rd, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
1. Dim Sum
Dim sum refers to the Cantonese style of small portions of food served on small plates or in steamer baskets. The hustle and bustle of a dim sum hall excites me and makes me want to try just about everything that is on the menu or wheeled by in carts. One of my favorite spots is Yum Cha. While the food is made for Instagram (like the piggy bao above), it also is high quality and tasty. Some other good spots include Seventh Son, Sun Hing, and Ming Court.
Can’t Miss: Wear your stretchy pants and prepare to gorge yourself with dumplings, bao, and much more.
Address: Yum Cha: Nan Fung Tower, 2/F, Nan Fung Place,, 173 Des Voeux Rd Central, Central, Hong Kong | Seventh Son: 57-73 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong | Sun Hing: Shop C, G/F, 8 Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town, Western District, Hong Kong China | Ming Court: Level 6, 555 Shanghai Street Cordis, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Come for the the history and culture. Stay for the Dim Sum.
These are my can’t miss picks for Hong Kong.
Bonus Hotel Pick: The W Hotel is one of my favorite hotels in Hong Kong. It’s connected to the luxurious ELEMENTS mall and has beautiful views, a rooftop pool, a nice spa, as well as extremely comfortable rooms and suites. We last stayed in 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Address: 1 Austin Road West Kowloon Station, Hong Kong
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1 comment
Don’t forget: “Sneeze in front of the wrong person and enjoy a 2 week detention at Penny’s Bay”