TRAVEL GUIDES
OUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG
Our recent visit to Hong Kong left such a strong impression that we found ourselves repeting again and again “ We could totally see ourselves living here! “.
Roaming through the historic districts of Central and Sheung Wan, we were impressed by the seamless blend of old and new, East and West. It's essential to understand the city’s unique history, from its 99-year lease to the United Kingdom to its return to China in 1997. Despite the passing of time, the allure has remained rooted in an interesting intersection of British and Chinese influences.
The bustling streets and ancient buildings stand in stark contrast to the contemporary structures, creating a charming and cool atmosphere that is distinctly Hong Kong.
But beyond its concrete jungle facade we also discovered a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. With over 450 miles of coastline, 100 beaches, and 260 outlying islands, Hong Kong is a sanctuary for those who enjoy tranquility amidst urban chaos. You can literally have the best of both worlds.
With its cosmopolitan vibe akin to an Asian New York City, Hong Kong celebrates its Cantonese roots through its renowned cuisine and vibrant street markets. From traditional eateries to upscale restaurants, our experiences in Hong Kong never disappointed. Explore them below!
Where to Stay
The Upper House, designed by architect André Fu, offers a contemporary and serene atmosphere. Its spacious studios and suites feature natural materials and floor-to-ceiling windows, with luxurious bathrooms boasting deep soaking tubs and stunning views. It has become a cultural hub in Hong Kong, hosting programs and supporting local talents.
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
THE UPPER HOUSE
From 500€ per night
As the name suggests, the hotel is located in Central, the heart of Hong Kong Island. Situated just uphill from Wyndham Street, the hotel provides easy access to Hong Kong's night scene hub, Lan Kwai Fong, while maintaining a peaceful ambiance away from the noise pollution. The location combined with its contemporary rooms offer great value for money.
Central, Hong Kong
OVOLO CENTRAL
From 180€ per night
Formerly a standard business hotel, the Fleming now boasts a dramatic makeover inspired by Hong Kong's famous Star Ferry. With its retro neon sign and nautical-themed lobby featuring vintage mailboxes, the hotel appeals to both business travelers near the Convention Centre and stylish leisure travelers who appreciate great design.
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
THE FLEMMING
From 250€ per night
The Hari, nestled between Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, has swiftly gained acclaim. A sister hotel to London's The Hari, it was designed by Tara Bernerd. The hotel boasts inviting spaces adorned with contemporary art and shelves stocked with classic novels and coffee table books, creating a cozy atmosphere akin to home (or your dream home, at least).
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
THE HARI
From 350€ per night
What to do
If you find yourself exploring the financial district, take a moment to visit Man Mo Temple, a tribute to the Gods of Literature (Man) and War (Mo). As the largest of its kind in Hong Kong, it was officially declared a monument in 2010. The temple offers a glimpse into centuries-old traditions and spiritual practices amidst the modernity of the city.
MAN MO TEMPLE
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Steps away from Man Mo Temple lies Cat Street, a haven for antique lovers. It’s famous for its vendors selling vintage artifacts. Remember how we mentioned Hong Kong’s mix between the old and the new? Cat street nails that vibe! Today it has evolved and now alongside these timeless treasures, you'll discover also trendy coffee spots and restaurants.
CAT STREET
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tai Kwun Center used to be a police station but now it's turned into this new cool cultural and arts hub. You can explore old jail cells and learn about Hong Kong's history, check out art exhibitions, grab some food, or just hang out in the courtyard. Again -another great example for this blend of history and modernity.
TAI KWUN CENTER
Central, Hong Kong
Located in the West Kowloon Cultural District, the HKPM opened in 2022. Despite its boxy design, it showcases Chinese heritage exploring life in the Forbidden City, Ming and Qing dynasties. The architecture itself was inspired by the Forbidden City, with vermillion gates and glazed tile replicas on the ceilings mixed with more modern aspects.
THE NEW PALACE MUSEUM
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tai O is known for its traditional stilt houses and bustling seafood markets. Even though we didn't get a chance to visit, we heard it's a unique experience, like stepping back in time to old Hong Kong. You can wander through the narrow alleyways, check out the temples, and even take a boat ride to see pink dolphins. Definitely on our list for next time!
TAI O FISHING VILLAGE
Tai O, Hong Kong
We're not really "mall people" but we decided to check this one out, and wow, were we blown away! It's unlike any mall we've ever seen. K11 was designed as a living, breathing art gallery. It is the world’s first Museum-Retail concept and a hybrid model of art and commerce displaying local artworks and performances.
K11 ART MALL
Tsim Shai Tsui, Hong Kong
M+ Museum, built to rival the Tate Modern, is a striking architectural marvel in Hong Kong. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, it boasts innovative features like a dark green glazed ceramic façade and a giant LED media screen. With 33 galleries spanning 17,000 sq. m, it's a must-visit!
M+ MUSEUM
Kowloon, Hong Kong
We absolutely loved exploring Hong Kong's walking trails. We went walking on a path that took us from the north to the south of the city. The views along these trails were simply breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of the city's skyline, lush greenery, and stunning landscapes.
WALKING TRAILS
Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
Repulse Bay is is a favorite destination for locals seeking a relaxing escape from the city. Along the promenade of the crescent-shaped bay , you'll find an array of restaurants and cafes offering mainly seafood and drinks. From there, you can also embark on a leisurely coastal walk to explore other beautiful beaches nearby.
REPULSE BAY
Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong
What to Taste
Central, Hong Kong
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We had a wonderful experience at Luk Yu Tea House! The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a sense of tradition and history. The restaurant pays homage to renowned Chinese tea master, and is famous for its delicious dim sums and aromatic jasmine teas. Despite the colonial atmosphere and classic decor, guests don't linger for too long thanks to the attentive service from the efficient team in their signature white jackets.
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
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Can you say you’ve truly explored Southeast Asia if you’ve never tasted Din Tai Fung? Din Tai Fung is dumpling heaven and in the last weeks, we’ve been able to taste their famous dimsums in different locations. Our favourite one so far is the Hong Kong one in Taim Sha Sui (this is the one that was awarded one Michelin star). Nils’ favourites: the shrimp and kurobuta pork dim sum. Ines’ favourites: the Shao Mai Soup dumplings and crisp cucumber salad.
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
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This izakaya treats chicken with the same reverence as the finest toro, resulting in delicious yakitoris made from literally every part of its body including the thigh, wing, neck, liver, tail or skin. We felt adventurous trying various chicken parts, and everything tasted amazing. We were also slightly obsessed with the tempura corn—it was incredibly delicious!
BEDU
€€€
Bedu is a Middle Eastern restaurant and bar concept by the team behind Uma Nota, a Brazilian-Japanese eatery. Inspired by the nomadic Bedouin tribes of the Middle East, Bedu offers a variety of spice-centric sharing plates alongside cocktails and mocktails made from seasonal produce and botanicals. Although we didn't have time to try it this time, we heard great things about it!
Central, Hong Kong
TSIM CHAI KEE NOODLE
€
Wontons are a staple in Hong Kong cuisine, found on nearly every street. However, Tsim Chai Kee stands out from the rest. Offering only three toppings—pork, shrimp, and sliced beef—all of which are delicious, it's a must-visit. During busy times, be prepared to share a table with strangers. The long lunchtime queue is a testament to the bouncy noodles and flavorful broth that keep customers coming back for more.
Central, Hong Kong
HO LEE FOOK
€€€
Central, Hong Kong
Ho Lee Fook, meaning ‘good fortune for your mouth’, is inspired by a deep love and appreciation of Cantonese cuisine. After a recent re-design, the dining room is now bedecked in plush red velvet, while large mirrors and dramatic Chinese prints adorn the walls. With pumping music, gold-plated Lucky Cat statues and a tongue-in-cheek name, Ho Lee Fook is a must-visit destination where the food is as fun as the vibe.
Central, Hong Kong
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The China Club is a retro-chic members club with an unmistakably Asian flair that has remained unchanged over the years. Make sure to get to the rooftop for drinks first to see the stunning skyline views before dinner. Then, head to the main room for a traditional Chinese dinner (the peking duck is an absolute must-try!). It's a timeless venue where you can always count on a consistent experience, complete with live music every night.
SUN KING YUEN CURRY
€
Sun King Yuen provides many family-style dishes but their main draw is the pork chop curry, which can come with different sauces. It’s very tender and of a good quality and doesn’t disappoint. The curry is a bit spicy and the pork chop is perfectly fried and is at the same time crunchy and juicy.
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
If you're in Hong Kong, you can't miss the egg tarts, and Sun Wah Cafe is the perfect place to try them. Less sweet than Portuguese Pasteis de Nata , the Hong Kong egg tart is a beloved freshly baked national dish. Sun Wah Cafe also offers a variety of other local favorites, including beef brisket noodle soup, eggs with ham over rice and cha siu buns.
SUN WAH CAFE
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Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong
While strolling along Cat Street in search of antiques, we stumbled upon Mora, a unique restaurant that caught our eye. In a city where culinary options abound, Mora stands out for its singular focus on a single ingredient: soy. Mora explores the versatility of soy in French-Chinese cuisine. With a passion for this humble bean, Chef Lau aims to revolutionize the perception and consumption of soy.
MORA
€€€
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Mostly Harmless is a bar with wall-to-ceiling white tiles serving as a canvas for the day's cocktail menu and guest names, handwritten in magic markers. Youcan select your drinking glass from a whimsical assortment of cups before diving into the carefully curated selection of cocktails. With a menu that changes almost daily, the bar showcases drinks crafted from seasonal produce and unique ingredients sourced from local markets and farms.
MOSTLY HARMLESS
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Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Frank's Upstairs, nestled above Frank's Restaurant, is a bit of a hidden gem. Finding it can be a challenge, but once you locate the unassuming entrance and ascend the elevator to the first floor, the anticipation builds. As the doors open, you're welcomed into a cozy speakeasy vibe, complete with old-school DJ vinyls spinning and delicious cocktails waiting to be enjoyed. It's definitely worth a visit!
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Central, Hong Kong
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