Like fireworks against Victoria Bay's night sky, Hong Kong is a sensory explosion of dazzling contrasts. This is an international powerhouse of a city - smog-filled, crowded, cacophonous, rich with odours and rampantly consumerist. Street markets, shopping malls, designer brands, the latest gadgets, great culinary experiences – all are here in abundance, and many of the best places to stay in Hong Kong are well located to explore all of the above.
Some of our Hong Kong Collections:
Still rooted in tradition, old Hong Kong lives on beside new Hong Kong. Ultra-modern developments are aligned with care according to the advice of feng-shui masters. Just steps away from traffic jams oases of peace can be found in neighbourhood temples. And historic trams rumble above one of the world's most advanced subway systems. Chinese culture mixes with the West. Have dim sum followed by afternoon tea to a soundtrack by this week's Cantopop sensation.
What not to Miss
- This may surprise you - considering Hong Kong's reputation as a bustling city of glass skyscrapers and traditional markets crammed full of treasures, and the fact that it's one of the most densely populated places on the planet - but over 70% of Hong Kong is mountains and country parks. So there's plenty here to appeal to the outdoor adventurer too.
- Hong Kong 'city' is centred around the Kowloon peninsula and the strip opposite it on Hong Kong island. Tsim Sha Tsui, at the tip of the Kowloon peninsula, is the main tourist area and is one of the best places to stay if you're looking for reasonably priced accommodation. In basic brush strokes, the Kowloon side is less colonial, more Chinese, and you might find that prices are generally a little cheaper.
- Hong Kong Island is where the colonial ties are strongest, so more English is spoken and there's more old fashioned luxury. Some of the harbour side hotels have reputations for being the best places to stay and which span many, many decades.
Kowloon
Many people come to Hong Kong aiming to shop. Or explore the markets. Or see the rugby or races. Even if you have a plan, there are a few highlights you should not miss.
- Wherever you stay, you should definitely try and see the harbour from the harbour. One of the best and cheapest ways to do that is on the Star Ferry. It's also worth going again in the evening when Hong Kong is all lit up. Every night at 8pm they put on a colourful light show using Hong Kong's skyscrapers as the backdrop.
- For another good view of the island, promenade the waterfront.
- If you're interested in old Hong Kong, the Shek Kip Estate is worth a walk through and Shanghai Street is worth a stroll along. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin, a Taoist Temple is also worth visiting. As is the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre and the Hong Kong Museum of History.
- If you want to see some of the local colour take a turn round Kowloon Park, where you may even spot an opportunity to try some Tai Chi.
Hong Kong Island
Once called Victoria, the main hub of Hong Kong business and administration is now called 'Central'. Lan Kwai Fong to the southwest of Central station is where you can find a lot of the restaurants, bars and clubs. Soho is the other entertainment district. Sheung Wan is probably the area where Hong Kong's colonial past is most evident. Sai Ying Pun is probably the island's most traditionally Chinese neighbourhood.
- The Peak Tram is an obvious first trip taking you up to Victoria Peak where Hong Kong's wealthiest citizens jostle for the best harbour views. Take some time to walk a bit higher than the tram stop and you'll see just how opulent some of these buildings are.
- Man Mo Temple is Hong Kong's oldest, dating from the 1840s. It sits in amongst the antique shops of Hollywood Road. So the whole area is worth a stroll. Careful though, many of the antiques for sale are clever forgeries.
- It's also worth taking a spin on 'the escalator'. At 800metres long it is the world's longest outdoor escalator. It runs downhill between 6AM and 10AM and then uphill between 10:30 and midnight.
With such a variety of things to see and do, Hong King is very popular. Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, to be sure of guaranteeing a room in one of the best places to stay in Hong Kong do make your plans soon and book early.