In Hong Kong, 1,100 km² gather everything we love: dizzying hills, hidden temples, rooftops with views, incredible street food, and stylish hotels everywhere. Between futuristic skyscrapers and deep-rooted traditions, the city cultivates contrasts at every corner. Easy to explore thanks to its ultra-efficient subway, it’s divided into two main areas — Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Let’s go!
Where to stay in Hong Kong
The glam hotel to book in Tsim Sha Tsui: The Langham
An iconic hotel in Hong Kong, The Langham sits on Peking Road, right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), Kowloon’s most vibrant district, just steps from Victoria Harbour and shopping hotspots. Marble hall, XXL chandelier, ultra-luxurious design… the palace plays the Art Deco glamour card, with a British twist. Rooms are spacious and filled with light, with marble bathrooms and top-notch bedding, perfect for fighting off jet lag. We love settling at the Palm Court for tea time, a refined nod to the legendary Langham London. In the evening, head to the Artesian bar, the Hong Kong twin of the award-winning London speakeasy. The address also features a three-Michelin-star restaurant (T’ang Court), a rooftop pool, and a holistic spa.
The peaceful haven overlooking the city: Island Shangri-La
Perched atop the luxurious Pacific Place mall, the Island Shangri-La ranks among the most iconic hotels in Asia. Directly connected to Admiralty station, it allows you to easily reach every part of the city while enjoying rare tranquility thanks to its elevated location. The style blends Asian refinement and European classicism: lacquered wood, precious silks, artworks in the ultra-spacious rooms and suites with views over Victoria Harbour. Highlights: the outdoor pool nestled between sky and skyscrapers, the spa with sauna and jacuzzi, and the fabulous restaurants, including a lobster & seafood grill bar.
The design choice in Western Hong Kong: Figo
Halfway between Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun, two lively districts away from the crowds, this boutique hotel on Queen’s Road West is a great surprise. An alternative to standardized chains, it offers compact yet smartly designed rooms: functional design, custom handmade furniture, and a terracotta, sage, and olive palette. The vibe is simple but stylish, with a bonus terrace to chill after a day in the city. A perfect pied-à-terre to explore everyday Hong Kong, with excellent value for money.
Where to eat in Hong Kong
Foodies, take note: in Hong Kong, cuisine is everywhere, from street stalls to palaces! From street food to Michelin-starred tables — 75 in total, including 7 three-starred — the city boasts one of Asia’s most vibrant culinary scenes. Each fall, the Wine & Dine festival celebrates this effervescence, but the show goes on all year long. Our favorites:
- For the best dim sum: Tim Ho Wan. One of the city’s most famous dim sum — and the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.
- For an old-school egg tart: Honolulu Coffee Shop. Founded in 1940, this spot serves golden tarts at the counter, paired with Hawaiian-style roasted coffee.
- For perfect roasted goose: Yue Kee Roasted Goose. A cult address on Wellington Street, known for its crispy award-winning goose.
- For a Hong Kong-style milk tea: Lan Fong Yuen. A local institution and the city’s oldest cha chaan teng — retro diners from the colonial era — where you can try the famous “sock” milk tea.
- For amazing pork dumplings: Cheung Hing Kee. Michelin Bib Gourmand for its Shanghai-style pan-fried dumplings, stuffed with truffled pork, crab, or spicy shrimp.
- For a comforting congee bowl: Trusty Congee King. This modern café (also Bib Gourmand) serves congee with eel, scallops, fish, or meatballs.
- For a starred dinner: VEA. Chef Vicky Cheng combines French technique with Chinese ingredients at this spectacular 30th-floor restaurant.
- For a drink with a view: Ritz-Carlton – Ozone Bar. The city’s highest rooftop, perfect for cocktails at sunset.
What to do in Hong Kong?
Explore the coolest markets of Kowloon
There’s no better way to feel Hong Kong’s pulse than by wandering its traditional markets. In Mongkok, start with a local curiosity: the Goldfish Market, where dozens of tropical fish await buyers in hanging plastic bags — a scene straight out of a Wong Kar-wai film. Just steps away, the Flower Market fills the air with orchids, peonies, and fresh blooms. Next door, the Bird Garden gathers breeders and collectors around rare birds singing in carved bamboo cages. A photogenic and authentic spot. For a more modern vibe, dive into the Ladies Market, a maze of stalls selling jewelry, handbags, cosmetics, and trinkets at bargain prices. At nightfall, head to Temple Street, one of the city’s liveliest night markets, for souvenirs, snacks, open-air dining, or even a fortune reading.
Visit Victoria Peak for a 360-degree view
An absolute must-do in Hong Kong. At 552 meters high, the view from Victoria Peak is breathtaking: the bay, endless skyscrapers, and hills in the distance. The city looks like a life-size model. Get there with the Peak Tram, a funicular that whisks you up in 7 minutes. Tip: go on a clear weekday to avoid smog and long lines.
Greet the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island
Head to Ngong Ping to see the Tian Tan Buddha, a 34-meter bronze statue atop 268 steps. The climb is challenging, but the reward is a stunning panorama of mountains, the Po Lin Monastery, and the village rooftops. Access is via the Ngong Ping cable car, a 25-minute ride over the sea and lush hills — one of Hong Kong’s most scenic journeys.
Spot the best street art
Once discreet, street art now flourishes on the city’s walls. For a visual feast, head to SoHo, south of Hollywood Road, where colorful murals bloom at every corner. On Graham Street, the façade by Alex Croft has become iconic. Don’t miss Bruce Lee on Tank Lane and the geometric works of Pasha Wais on Square Street. For deeper exploration, check out Artlane, a former residential area turned into one of the island’s most creative hubs.
