Hong Kong: the tips you always want to keep at hand
Let's start with a conclusion for a change: there really is no city in the world that can be compared to Hong Kong and Hong Kong in a few words is impossible. It is a city that you must have seen once in your life. Hong Kong is chaos, but in a charming way. Hong Kong is gigantic, but because it consists of different islands and districts, it is manageable. You can also compare it to the New York of Asia. The center of Hong Kong is skyhigh and built of concrete, neon lights and glass while the city has more square meters of nature than of bricks. Hong Kong is seedy but also a creative test market for fashion, contemporary art and hospitality. The Hong Kongers and their culture are well represented but since the city is one of the largest business hubs in the world, there is a huge group of Western immigrants.
You get the idea, with a skyline like Hong Kong, rooftop bars are a must. Barts Bars in Hong Kong for a picture-perfect prospect:
Piqniq. Located on H Queens is the perfect spot for an aperitif. You don't see the sun set in the sea here but just in the Skyline, ha. Nice to order a cocktail here and already have some tasty bites. And then hop on, into the city.
Eye bar. This is our favorite rooftop bar if you ask us. You rarely have such a beautiful view of the skyline. Good cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere. vibe.
Yard Bird. A modern Japanese izakaya-style restaurant specializing in yakitori dishes. Chefs Matt Abergel and Lindsay Jang are the owners of yardbirdThe restaurant is a family style, neighborhood restaurant but the Service en food of the highest level. The restaurant has already won several international awards. And that is of course not without reason. For example, the restaurant won an award as number 45 of the 50 best restaurants in Asia.
Tim Ho Wan. Is the cheapest Michelin star restaurant in the world. Tim Ho Wan is a dim sum restaurant and people you really don't want to miss this during your visit to Hong Kong. Sometimes there is a line in front of the door, this often goes quickly and the wait is really worth it. Oh and don't expect luxury here, you don't eat dim sum at Michelin star level for nothing for ten euros per person.
Elephant Grounds. A good place for a trendy coffee and something tasty. Oh and for the ice cream fans among us. Try the you are knot alone: salted caramel ice cream between a cracker. Yes it sounds very strange but nom what was that very tasty.
Please don't tell. Is a hidden bar in Hong Kong and definitely recommended. PDT is a bar within a bar on a hidden mezzanine. You enter through a phone booth. An exclusive trendy bar with room for up to 25 people.
This is one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong. It is the last leg of the Hong Kong Trail and this hike will take you the whole afternoon. At the end, near the top, you have a really nice view over the south of Hong Kong Island and the coastline. And as a reward, at the end of the trail, there is Big Wave Bay, where you can cool off by taking a dip.
Those who don't suffer from FOMO can skip the tourist traps and head to the streets of Kowloon. There, you can wander through teeming markets like the Ladies Market in the Mongkok district, or join a tour of Hong Kong traders. Visit the retro-cool shopping district of Sheung Wan, the artists of the edgy Wong Chuk Hang neighbourhood, dive into the cafes of Sai Yin Pun or the park of West Kowloon where more and more galleries are being built out of nowhere. And in the summer, definitely go to one of the small islands – Hong Kong has a subtropical climate and in the weekends the city goes to the beaches. Or find the gems of the bustling city centre.
Duh. And it can be done anywhere in Hong Kong, although it is most fun to rent a private space with a group of friends (or strangers) where you can sing, eat and drink unlimitedly. Bar Red Mr is a good address.
In TST, an abbreviation of the Tsim Sha Tsui district, there is an old opera house where you can experience an unforgettable, unintelligible evening.
Instead of the metro (side note: the metro system is easy to understand, works very fast and is the cheapest and fastest way to get around) the ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island is recommended. Two birds with one stone: you are transported and the view of the skyline is phenomenal from the water.
It is a bit hidden. For example, you should not enter Quarry Bay on the navi, but Yick Cheong Building. But holymoly, what an impressive place this is. Surrounded by thousands of colored and stacked blocks of houses. Then to think that in one such block lives on average five people. Also, it is not that many tourists visit this place and so you can easily take a cool picture here. The Choi Hung Estate looks a lot like Quarry Bay, but is also fun to visit. This is a colored basketball court with colored high-rise buildings.
Book via the website and meet at the Sham Shui Po metro station in Kowloon. From there, you will explore the oldest neighborhoods of Hong Kong with a maximum of six people and eat at six different addresses – everything perfectly coordinated. The guide is an inexhaustible source of information, not only about the special dishes and exotic ingredients, but he also knows everything about the history and culture of the city. Hello dim sum.
Picnicking in the park at sunset overlooking Hong Kong Island and Lantau Island is like looking at a painting. Perfect for the lazy sunday, a frequently heard term.
The West Kowloon Cultural District
If you have time, book a trip to Tai Long Wan Island in Sai Kung where many locals go hiking and camping. It is primitive but fun, you can pitch your tent on the white sandy beach and the island is always full on weekends.
On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings a mischievous little man teaches Tai Chi at a beautiful spot on the promenade. A great experience for only 50 Hong Kong Dollars (HKD).
The horse races in Happy Valley are a party. Lots of people, lots of fun and enough to eat and drink. Actually betting on horses is secondary.
Some obvious ones tourist traps which in our opinion are not worth the time, money and energy.
The Big Buddha
It will take you half a day to get to the Tian Tan Buddha and it is actually nothing more than that: a large Buddha statue.
The Peak
Don't get us wrong; at the highest point of Hong Kong, The Peak, you have an amazing view and a picture does wonders for your Instagram feed. However, the line for the train that takes you there is endless. This tourist activity often costs you more than half a day, or more. While you can also get to the top of the best by taxi. thepeak.com.hk
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hysterical and not quite. Although there is of course something to be said for that too. hongkongdisneyland.com
If possible, fly to Hong Kong with one of the finest Asian airlines based airlines oout there: Cathay Pacific. We are not the only ones who think so, it is a fact: Cathay (we are allowed to call it Cathay) is praised a few times a year for either the good meals, or the pleasant service or the cleanliness both in the air and on the ground. And let the HQ of the flying club be in Hong Kong. Nah! Well, then you can't do otherwise.
