Hong Kong City Guide
Top of Victoria's Peak
Post Diamonds tournaments this year, I headed on a hotly anticipated jaunt overseas to Hong Kong. Having visited quite a few Asian countries over the last few years, including the somewhat similar Singapore, I was excited to experience the vibrant and skyscraper-filled city.
The significance of Hong Kong in the historical landscape of British colonization and WW2 was visible in the variety of architecture but also in the ongoing anniversary celebrations; as 2017 marks 20 years since HK was transferred back to China from the British.
I’ve put together a brief guide as to where we stayed, what we did and most importantly where we ate, so if you’re thinking of planning a trip this will give a glimpse into what were some of my favourite things about Hong Kong.
First up, a place that was a bed and a bathroom (otherwise known as a hotel). Accommodation is quite expensive in Hong Kong, like most things, but if you can I would recommend staying on the main island. Kowloon is also a great place to stay, slightly more affordable but majority of the attractions are on the main island. Anywhere around Central gives you the best base to explore and in particular, I loved the SoHo district with the best combination of independent shops and amazing places to eat.
Right, once you’ve booked a place to recover next up is activities to fill your days with.
A trip up the iconic Victoria’s Peak rewards you with amazing views of the skyline and Victoria Habour. The choice is yours to either, walk up (which is not too difficult) or get the tram. Regardless of the decision, I would say go early to avoid long queues and also for better/uncrowded photo ops. Once you’re at the top, you do the circle walk which gives fantastic views around the entirety of the peak.
We also took the ferry across to Mui Wo on Lantau to go for a “walk” with some family friends. It ended up being slightly more physically taxing than anticipated as we trekked across to Pui O beach. It feels so removed from the bustle of the city and we set up camp at Maverick’s which is bar right on the beach as a reward for our efforts. Also on Lantau island is Disneyland, which is not an excursion for everyone. I will just add that I have been to almost every Disney around the globe but this was the best experience I have had due to the cleanliness, short queues and also; embracing my inner child; the parades! They were amazing!!
If you’re looking for photo opps, my friend Dan worded me up on this very instagrammable colourful basketball court in Choi Hung estate on San Po Kong. Also the aesthetical symmetry of the Yick Cheong and Tak Lee buildings in Quarry Bay.
For shopping, we went to the fitting room of online site Grana. Their business premise is really interesting, with the emphasis on quality fabrics with honest prices. They have a pop-up ‘fitting room’ which enables a more accurate sizing decision for customers when they place orders online. If you’re in the market for well-priced cashmere, check it out. We also hit up Beatniks for a spot of vintage shopping and Caelum Greene which has a range of active and casual wear from around the globe.
Always first up on the menu, is coffee. The best spots we discovered were mainly in Central.
- NOC Coffee Co, located on Gough St: surrounded by fab independent shops and has avo on toast. Dream combo
- Common Ground, located on Shing Wong St: this was away from the crowds so the perfect place for some R&C (rest and coffee)
- N1, Tsim Sha Tsui: great pit-stop on a day trip to Kowloon and ace bagels too!
What you have been waiting for, a list of places to stuff your faces!
- The first stop should be the classic dumpling restaurants started in HK but are now global sensations. We went to both Din Tai Fung and Tim Ho Wan and left neither disappointed
- For more upscale, modern Asian cuisine, both Little Bao and Chom Chom in Soho were incredible!
- A taste of the more traditional Chinese at Chongqing Szechuan Cuisine was a highlight, especially the fried chicken and service from Brenda, hostess with the mostess
- Most of the hotels have Michelin star restaurants but if you go for lunch, you can experience the quality without the dinner price tag. Try the Four Seasons or Duddell's
- For dessert, the best we visited was Oddies Foodies for egg waffle parfait that will make you drool and also the more classic Mammy Pancake in Kowloon
And lastly, a couple of locations for a nightcap or a bit of a boogie if you are not weighed down for mass food consumption.
- Employee's Only, LFK: located in the heart of the party district, it's an arm of the NY renowned speakeasy with amazing cocktails. Try the Ginger Smash
- Dr Fern's Gin Parlour, Central: Gin is my liquor of choice and this place made me feel like a kid in a candy shop. A whole variety of different G&T combinations each with a unique flavouring mix
- The Iron Fairies, Central: designed by an Australian, the decor of this venue is one of it's biggest attractions. You won't be able to peel you eyes away from the ceiling as it is covered with butterflies!
- Ping Pong, Sai Ying Pun: this place you could walk by and not blink an eye as to gain entry you open a nondescript door and walk downstairs to enter a spacious and vibrant bar. Another venue with a Gin specialty (sensing a theme) and phenomenal decor
- 65 Peel, Central: craft beer and hip hop, needs no further explanation
