Your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Hong Kong

There’s a sparkle to Hong Kong that shimmers from sunrise to well beyond sunset. Discover it with this ultimate guide.

While Hong Kong has an undeniable polish, this contemporary urban oasis is also endlessly welcoming. Here you can slip onto the streets and immediately match the tempo. It’s a city that is enlivened with its many diversions, yet the more you see, the more a rich and beautifully preserved culture is revealed.

Split in two halves by the jade brushstroke of Victoria Harbour, traverse the water from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central to indulge in some of Asia’s finest fare. From Michelin stars to streetside carts; sip elegantly stirred cocktails on svelte rooftops; and discover diverse neighbourhoods and incredible shopping.

Although Hong Kong is well-loved for its tightly packed cityscape, it’s also a surprising revelation of natural beauty. From verdant jungle-encroached cliffs to the smattering of over 250 pristine islands hemmed by fishing villages and hidden beaches, there is plenty to balance out the bustle.

A many-faceted gem that deserves top billing on your bucket list, this is your guide to unearthing the real Hong Kong.

1. Neighbourhoods

Famous for red-sailed junk boats that dot the harbour, Hong Kong is waiting to be explored. Delve beyond the water and you’ll find neighbourhoods lined with first-class eateries, leading-edge bars and an exciting lifestyle with an east-meets-west twist.

Central

Go chic and explore Central’s charming alleyways, thriving bar scene, and art-inspired attractions. Enjoy original dining experiences in cha chaan tengs (traditional Hong Kong-style cafes). Don’t miss Hollywood Road: this one-kilometre stroll takes in temples, world-famous murals and UNESCO-honoured heritage sites.

Explore Central’s charming alleyways. (Image: HKTB)

West Kowloon

Unravel Hong Kong’s most artistic gem, West Kowloon Cultural District. Wander West Kowloon Art Park with sweeping views of the harbour. Settle in for a picnic or time your visit with one of many free events in the park. Watch live music, dance and theatre at FreeSpace, then visit the performing art studio Xiqu Centre, M+ Museum of contemporary visual culture and Hong Kong Palace Museum.

Unravel Hong Kong’s arty West Kowloon Cultural District. (Image: HKTB)

Sham Shui Po

Garner cultural knowledge in Sham Shui Po, one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most delightful districts. After exploring its themed streets, notably Fuk Wing Street (Toy Street), and Apli Street (all-things-tech), seek out one of the Michelin-recommended eateries for affordable local delights.

Wander one of Hong Kong’s oldest districts. (Image: Chi Lok Tsang)

2. Wine & Dine

You needn’t look far to find an exceptional meal in Hong Kong. From street stalls to hole-in-the-wall eateries and rooftop fine diners, you can’t turn a corner without finding something delicious to eat.

Fine dining in Hong Kong

With the city’s profound love of food and its own distinct culinary legacy, it’s little wonder the city is home to over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants (for every budget).

At the one-starred Mong Kok’s Ming Court enjoy finely tuned examples of Cantonese classics, from roasted crispy chicken to shrimp dumplings. Or sit down in the green-hued dining room at The Chairman to enjoy Cantonese fare with a local and organic focus.

Enjoy Cantonese fare at The Chairman. (Image: HKTB)

Chef Vicky Lau’s TATE Dining Room interweaves the culinary heritage of French and Cantonese cuisines, earning the restaurant two Michelin stars. While the two-starred contemporary Amber sends elegant expressions of French classics across the pass, picking up a Michelin green star for gastronomy and sustainability in the process.

Dine in elegant Franch-inspired surroundings at Amber. (Image: HKTB)

Hong Kong street food

Hong Kong makes snacking an artform with its astonishing array of street food and hyper-local eateries. Fei Jie sells incredibly snackable skewers. Try the soy-braised sticks and cuttlefish balls. The Third Generation Fatboy Snack is another top-tier skewer option.

For an exemplary version of Hong Kong classic ‘typhoon shelter style crab’ (deep-fried in garlic and chilli, named after the people who once lived on fishing boats in typhoon shelters), hit up Hee Kee Fried Crab Expert. For yum cha, follow the locals to Luk On Kui for old-school, authentic dim sum.

Try typhoon shelter-style crab at Hee Kee Fried Crab Expert. (Image: HKTB)

Enjoy shrimp wonton in a five-hour-simmered broth at Mak Man Kee Noodles and Dumplings – recently awarded the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand.

No visit to Hong Kong can be considered complete without sampling a traditional Cantonese egg tart from Tai Cheong Bakery. While Oi Man Sang is one of the oldest dai pai dong (open-air food stalls) in Hong Kong for a reason. Relish Cantonese classics like salted egg yolk prawns

Taste a traditional Cantonese egg tart from Tai Cheong Bakery. (Image: HKTB)

3. Hong Kong Nature

Hong Kong was formed by super volcanoes dating back 140 million years. That rich geologic history is written all over its striking natural landscape of lushly wooded mountains, rocky cliffs, and volcanic tropical islands, making it a natural paradise.

Go island-hopping for some of the best beaches. Sharp Island offers end-of-the-earth vibes and a pristine coral reef for snorkelling.

Swim at Hap Mun Bay (Half Moon Bay) on Sharp Island. (Image: HKTB)

Cheung Chau is a historic fishing village turned vibrant foodie destination. As are remote Kat O (Crooked Island) and tiny Ap Chau (Duck Island) to try the simple-yet-insanely-flavourful cuisine of the Hakka people, who migrated here in the 1600s. Famous dishes include braised meats and steamed buns.

Get your art fix on peaceful Peng Chau island, or lace up your hiking boots for Po Toi. Here, see Bronze Age carvings, dramatic rock formations and unforgettable coastal views along three scenic hiking trails.

In the north-west corner of Hong Kong you’ll find Mai Po Nature Reserve, a globally significant avian paradise of tranquil wetlands where 60,000 birds migrate each winter to roost in Deep Bay. The WWF offers sublimely immersive eco-visits. Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park shelters 60 types of coral and 120 fish species. It’s the perfect spot to snorkel (while being mindful of the coral) or paddle through mangroves in a kayak.

Geologic history is never more present than in Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, a 150-square-kilometre stretch of ancient sedimentary rock formations and volcanic rock columns spread across the east and
north-east New Territories.

See ancient sedimentary rock formations in UNESCO Global Geopark. (Image: HKTB)

4. Arts and culture in Hong Kong

As far as city playgrounds go, Hong Kong has all bases abundantly covered. But no one aspect stands out more than an escape into the city’s expert curation of art, culture and heritage.

From priceless antiquities to contemporary treasures, Hong Kong’s creative institutions captivate art enthusiasts. Street art enthusiasts should head straight to Artlane in Sai Ying Pun, where vibrant projects have enlivened the streetscape. Explore the colours and flavours of Cantonese culture through unique Hong Kong experiences. Like the Temple Street Night Markets which transform to a lantern-lit party after dark.

Making the journey from Kowloon Peninsula to Hong Kong Island the iconic Star Ferry, operating for 136 years. Likewise, the affectionately dubbed Ding Ding tramway is a nostalgic and fun way to get your bearings at street level.

Catch a ride on the the iconic Star Ferry. (Image: Getty/Nikada)

For some history and heritage, wander through Tai Kwun. Considered the cultural heart of Hong Kong, this former Central Police Station Compound is now a place for arts, dining and heritage. Or take a seat at the Cantonese Opera.

And be sure to time your trip for October, a 67-metre-long dragon made of incense sticks is set alight and carried by 300 performers, who dance it through the streets of Tai Hang for the Fire Dragon Dance. This spectacular sight dates back to the 19th century.

Join the spectacular Fire Dragon Dance celebrations. (Image: HKTB)

Start planning the ultimate Hong Kong getaway at discoverhongkong.com/anz.