Number 27 - Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong is just as you have imagined it to be, completely crazy, vibrant steeped in culture and such great food! 

I spent 4 days in this amazing city a few months ago. And was lucky enough to be travelling with one of my best friends who had spent some time working in the city a few years ago and was the perfect guide. 

The city is so very densely populated with 7.3 million people the first thing that struck me when we arrived was the fact that every tiny space was used for a small shop, restaurant, home or business. 

Whilst the city is so busy I was surprised to have discovered that there were still places on the island where you could get away from the city, enjoy green landscapes and even spend time at the beach. 

We crammed in a lot during our stay and our trip was filled with the perfect mix of partying, getting active soaking in the culture and food food food.

Here’s my list of places we visited during our visit

Places to drink and party

LKF and Wydnam Street is where all the bars and clubs are located, with a large ex pat community, this is where you’ll find people enjoying a drink or two after the working week. 

Iron Fairies - this cocktail bar is tucked away underground. It’s magical decor of floating butterflies and fairies along with tables tucked away in underground bunkers is the perfect place to enjoy exquisite cocktails whilst enjoying the music of the live band. Try the Midnight Butterfly cocktail. 

Dragon-i - perched on a rooftop this is certainly a place where the beats are pumping, the strobe lights are flashing and the fireworks are blazing out of champagne bottles. A great place to dance the night away 

Nine Dragons Rooftop bar - a secret hideaway that mostly only the locals know about. It’s the perfect spot to watch the daily 8pm Hong Kong lightshow where for 5 mins the skyline twinkles in the night with a spectacular show of lasers and lights 

Places to eat

There are so many options for great food in Hong Kong, but here’s the places we visited.

Madame fu - Central - located in the Tai Kwun Centre of Heritage and arts in the former Central Police Station compound, it’s the perfect place for an East Meets West lunch. The pork belly is to die for!

Mandarin Oriental Hotel - Central - their first and flagship hotel in Hong Kong hosts the most amazing Afternoon Tea with exquisite pastries, cakes, freshly baked scones and locally sourced teas all set in a traditional luxury setting. 

Nobu - Intercontinental Hotel - Kowloon- overlooking the Hong Kong skyline, Nobu never disappoints with its amazing selection of Japanese signature dishes and specialities made from locally sourced ingredients 

Classified - Stanley is the perfect place for brunch, with healthy smoothies, granola bowls or classic Eggs Benedict.

Coppacabana - Shek O this beachside Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a well earned cocktail after hiking the Dragons Back

Ho Lee Fook “good fortune for your mouth”. - Central greeted by a wall of lucky cats, this place has some of the most amazing food I’ve had. It’s a funky chinese kitchen inspired by old school Hong Kong cha chaan tengs and the spirit of late-night chinatown hangouts in 1960’s new york. The peanut butter French toast is to die for!

Din Tai Fung -  Causeway Bay DIM SUM, so much DIM SUM - Yum

Things to do

Victoria Peak - hike up the west side of the island to ‘the peak’ 552m high and enjoy some of the most amazing views of Hong Kong down below. You can also get the local tram on the way back down which is also quite fun 

Star Ferry - boats have been transporting passengers from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon since 1888, and this has now become one of the most popular ways to see one of the world’s most photographed harbours

Hike the dragons back - named the best urban hike in Asia, Dragon’s Back has a sightseeing platform near the peak that provides truly spectacular views of southern Hong Kong Island and its shores. This is a must, it’s hard to imagine when you’re there in amongst the wilderness that you’re actually so close to one of the most busiest cities full of glitz and skyscrapers.

Man mo temple - Central - a picturesque tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). Built in 1847, this remains the largest Man Mo temple in Hong Kong. The spectacular entrance and giant hanging incense coils, it makes for a pleasant contrast with the hectic pace of the nearby financial district.

These are just some of the places we visited whilst in Hong Kong, but there’s so much more to see and do. Whether it’s just walking around the city, shopping in the huge malls, or taking a ride on one of the street escalators to get across the city, to seeking out the variety of street art. 

This city is certainly one that doesn’t disappoint and is a constant opportunity to feed anyone’s need for discovery.