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| Hong Kong at Sunset |
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| View of Hong Kong Island by night |
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| Ferry to and from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui/ HK Convention Centre |
I unfortunately don't know many cheap accommodation recommendations as I normally stay with family or in hotels, however, if you are looking for areas to start looking in then I can certainly help out there...
Hong Kong Island
Firstly, I think as a tourist that you will probably want to stay on the Hong Kong Island side as that is where all the action is at. I think a lot of expats seem to end up in a bubble though and never really seem to venture out of the Island once they are settled there. Kind of sounds like an episode of Lost! But you shouldn't get sidetracked by all the going on's in Hong Kong Island because there are so many things going on in Kowloon and around and about Hong Kong. But for convenience purposes, sightseeing and going out, I would stick to Hong Kong Island.
So within Hong Kong Island, there are a few areas that you will end up spending a lot more time in than others, these include: Central ,Wan Chai & Causeway Bay
In terms of nightlife, in the many years that I have been back to Hong Kong, I have never really been anywhere else apart from these 3 areas to go out in. The shopping in Causeway Bay is also one place not to be missed. As well as that, Central is also where the Escalators are - there is basically the longest outdoor escalators you have ever seen taking you up and down the whole area. Probably partly put in for the lazy commuters, or partly because they felt sorry for the commuters in the sweltering heat and ridiculous humidity of Hong Kong, and they didn't want them to endure the massive walk up or down the hill to work dripping from sweat.
Central is also where you can get to the Peak, which is definitely worth a visit to admire a view of the city. As well as riding the old rickety train up. And it is also a good place to catch ferries to other destinations, be it the neighbouring residential islands or further ashore to China.
Kowloon
If you are interested in more of a local experience, I would definitely recommend Kowloon. I think when you don't know Hong Kong very well, you get scared of Kowloon because it feels like a bit of the unknown. But there are definitely lots of places to see in Kowloon, like Mong Kok for example. This is where the Ladies Market is and lots of cheap food and shopping. I spent a lot of time browsing the markets and haggling away on some cheap knock off brands, such as Prado bags D&C purses. Ok, I haven't actually bought any of those....mine are much better quality! No but seriously, I have actually seen some of those makes around.
Anyway, another great place to stay, which is just a verrryyy cheap ferry ride away from Hong Kong Island, is Tsim Sha Tsui. This is another great place to come for some more up market restaurants, some designer shopping and it is also the best place to get an incredible view of Hong Kong Island, day or night. Although the night time view of the Island is far more impressive than the day as all the lights turn on. It is also a great place to come if you are there for New Years as the firework display is second to none and it would be an awesome view from the Kowloon side.
More Luxurious Option....
If you can afford to stay in a nice hotel in Hong Kong I would highly recommend it. The service is incredible as they do pride themselves on their customer service. All the 5 star hotels in Hong Kong are also maintained at the highest quality and often the hotel restaurants and bars are the most sought after and popular in the city.
Grand Hyatt, Wan Chai
I have stayed here quite a few times now and the service and rooms have always been impeccable. It is situated right by the Hong Kong Convention Centre, where there are often events and shows going on. It is worth a visit if there is a good show on. Otherwise you might get the odd dressed up comic book characters walking around after a comic book convention. The Grand Hyatt is a beautiful hotel, with a great place for afternoon tea and pretty much has conventions and weddings going on in their function rooms every week. They really do put on a great function so if you are looking to hire a room out to entertain guests, it is an excellent location. Also my claim to fame, many Hong Kong celebrities frequent place, though I don't think you would care too much about that. Well how about the whole of the Barca team. Up close and personal with Ronaldhino back in the days he played for Barca!
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| Oh..Just Ronaldhino checking in to the Grand Hyatt |
There are actually 3 hotels in this area that all look onto each other and I can't remember the name of the 3rd one. But these 2 are definitely worth staying as well. Admiralty is a great location as it is the interchange for the Red and the Blue metro line (basically the only 2 lines you use to get around Hong Kong Island and Kowloon). The hotels are also attached to a huge shopping mall named Pacific Place so it is awfully convenient, whether you are wanting a cheeky little shop or just enjoying the aircon before you head out into the heat. The facilities are also amazing, such as the swimming pool. Nothing better than chilling out by the pool after a day of sightseeing in Hong Kong.
W Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui
If you are looking to stay in Kowloon, W Hotel recently opened a few years ago. We watched this being constructed and it would just look more grand and more impressive by the day. A great modern and chic hotel with a great bar and the restaurant wasn't too bad either. Again, like the majority of the best hotels in Hong Kong, it is attached to yet another shopping mall named Elements. You will find that they do love their shopping malls in Hong Kong. A popular hang out and yes I am sure it is primarily for the air con and convenience of everything being placed under one roof. Hong Kong people don't like to be inconvenienced! 20 mins is a terribly long commute for them!
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| Front of W Hotel |
I am probably going to be quite useless suggesting places to eat in Hong Kong because there are sooo many places to eat. Firstly I would recommend...
Street Food
This is not the name of a restaurant, but I am actually suggesting that you try the street food in Hong Kong. This is one of the things that me and my Mum often find we crave once we get back to London because those dodgey looking hot dog vendors on the street don't quite live up to the stalls around Hong Kong. Seriously, try the curry fish balls, or the dessert foods, they are the most authentic and tastiest things you will try.
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| Street Food stalls |
If that isn't realllyy you're thing, then you can move indoors to some of the noodle shops. There are many to choose from, and I don't think you can go too wrong, though I don't want to speak too soon. But Crystal Jade is a chain around Hong Kong and you often find them in the many shopping malls in Hong Kong. Some great noodle dishes and informal dining if that is what you are looking.
Hot Pot Restaurants - Little Fat Lamb
If you haven't tried hot pot before, then I think you should definitely have it when you are over in Hong Kong. I am not sure if this is actually what it is called in English because it is a direct translation from the Chinese! (Siu Fei Yeung). Anyway, there should be a few of them around and it is a great winter dining experience where you get to cook your own food in a hot pot. Very sociable and quite nice for a light meal. Also if you are good with spicy food then definitely ask for the spicey soup base.
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| Hot Pot |
If you are on a budget and want some fast food Cafe de Coral is really worth visiting. There are tonnes of them around and the amount of choice in this place is just incredible. Think of Macdonalds but Asian and with quadruple the choice.
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| Cafe de Coral |
There are a lot of Chinese diner-esk cafes around Hong Kong and I think they are probably my favourite because there is such a wide selection of food. Whether it's a rice dish, or noodle dish or breakfast food or even western food, it's got it all! And this place is situated in the perfect location, right in the middle of Lan Kwai Fong in Central, which means that at 5am when you leave the clubs, this is normally where you head to for a late night feast.
More expensive option....
If you are looking to dine in style in Hong Kong, you are most definitely not short of options. As I said, I would look to the hotel restaurants in Hong Kong. Although some are a bit more overrated than others, they are generally of a very high standard.
Nobu
I was very impressed by the food in Nobu. Some of the meat and sashimi would just melt in your mouth. As well as the incredible desserts they have there. I was much more impressed in fact by the Nobu in Hong Kong than I was by the one in London. The quality of food was far more impressive over here than it was in London.
1 Peking road
Ah not only is this where my favourite bar is, but it is also where there are a tonne of great restaurants. You can either go to the Japanese restaurant - I believe it is on the 7th floor. Great sushi and an extensive menu to choose from. And for an added bonus, it is definitely not as expensive as the rest of the restaurants in the 1 Peking Road building.
Hu Tong is another great restaurant in the same building if you are looking for more a traditional asian dining. I think they do cater slightly to more of a Western taste but the decor is beautiful with a very grand and dynasty feel about the place.
Aqua - This is one of my favourite bars in Hong Kong with one of the best views in the city, overlooking Hong Kong Island at night and being able to admire the lights whilst sipping on a cocktail. But it is also an Italian/Japanese fusion restaurant. It does sound like a strange combination and I wouldn't say the food is amazing. However, if you are looking for an impressive place to dine, perhaps a first date where you are wanting to impress a certain someone, I think it is perfect. Otherwise, just come relax and enjoy one cocktail here. Definitely worth a visit.
Where to go Out?
Oh good old Hong Kong nightlife. This is a great place to party the night away and it really is a city that doesn't sleep. You can party until 6am here, then continue on for an early morning breakfast as there are tonnes of diners that are open until the early hours. Whatever time of day it is in Hong Kong, there is always something happening.
Bars
Lan Kwai Fong
My favourite area in Hong Kong and where I spend half my time. Lan Kwai is an expats safe haven as the streets are filled with foreigners or people like me, so Chinese who have schooled abroad and come back for a visit. There are also a lot of local Chinese as well. But you can definitely expect an eclectic mix of people in Lan Kwai. It is the main bar street of Hong Kong and a frequent feature and tourist attraction site in all the guide books. It is also where all the bankers come to splash their cash. Pretty much every second person you speak to is probably in banking. What they probably don't inform you about is the incredible thing that exists called Ladies Night. I don't think there is anywhere else in the world that I know of that does such a good Ladies Night. Generally Lan Kwai Ladies Night happens on Thursday nights, but you will find a few places on a Wednesday and even some on a Friday night. It is basically where girls get free entry into all clubs AND open bar. Ermm... yes that is correct - open bar! Some places don't have a full selection of beverages, but often it will be any house liquor and mixer or cava or a house cocktail. Not a bad deal hey?
Wan Chai
I have to say that boys in Hong Kong have probably drawn the short straw because it isn't that cheap to go out in Hong Kong if you are a boy, but it can be so cheap if you are a girl on a Ladies Night. However, it does tend to be a bit cheaper in Wan Chai in comparison to Lan Kwai. What I would say though, is that the calibre of bars and clubs are a lot better in Lan Kwai than they are in Wan Chai because it is kind of the Red Light District of Hong Kong. So everything appears a little more seedy. Having said that, they also have a Ladies Night. Mostly on a Wednesday Night so definitely worth a trip if you are looking for a change of scene and have been to Lan Kwai one too many times.
Aqua, Tsim Sha Tsui
As I mentioned earlier, probably one of my favourite bars in Hong Kong. Absolutely stunning view, an extensive list of cocktails. Very chic and chilled atmosphere. Nothing better than coming here for a lychee martini and admiring the view of Hong Kong.
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| Aqua Bar |
There are plenty of clubs to choose from in Hong Kong and we often end up with a rota of clubs to visit throughout the week. We also tend to club hop a fair bit in Hong Kong. It wouldn't be surprising if we ended up going to 2 or 3 different clubs in one evening. After all, you do have until 6am to choose where you want to be. And besides everything is just around the corner, you just need to walk about 10 meters and you're at another club. The main clubs that we normally go to are: Prive ,Beijing ,Billion ,Volar ,Dragon i
I would say that Beijing and Billion attract more of a local Chinese crowd, whereas Prive has more of a mixed crowd. Most of them you will find are filled with bankers. You will find carousel horses in the middle of the Volar dancefloor, whereas in Dragon i you will find a crowd of beautiful people as it is the model hangout. It also has a massive birdcage at the entrance and quite a nice outdoor decking area.
Other Activities
There are definitely a lot more activities than just going out in Hong Kong to enjoy. If you do have time to enjoy Hong Kong I would definitely suggest that you head a bit further out to Clear Water Bay or Sai Kung where there are beaches and some incredible mountain and sea views. Shek O is also another area which is popular to visit if you are looking to go to a beach. There are bbq ports set up so have a look into having a bbq down at the beach with a group of friends.
Boat trips
Sometimes more commonly known as 'junk trips' these are the best day out in the height of summer. Either organised by a group of friends, by social groups or whoever really they cost an average of about 20 - 40 pounds for the day. This will normally include your own private yacht with crew who take you out either to a beach, or to an area where you can either do banana boating or wakeboarding (all included with the boat). There is often lunch provided and cooked on board. You can bring your own drinks and just generally enjoy life out at sea for the day. A great way to spend a day.
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| Spot of Wakeboarding |
Hong Kong has an endless amount of shops and friends have often been envious of the items I come back with from Hong Kong as the clothes are often 1/8 of the price over in Hong Kong compared to London. There are tonnes of shopping complexes around Hong Kong. My favourites are Beverly Island in Causeway Bay and Mong Kok - Argyll Centre. Mong Kok is even cheaper than Causeway Bay, but sometimes I find the quality in Causeway a bit better. Anyway, whatever you are looking for, Hong Kong is a great place to browse if you have the time to shop around.
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| Shopping in the busy streets of Hong Kong |
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| Partial view from Clear Water Bay Sports Club |
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| The Big Buddha - Dai Yu San |
Wanchai? I've never been there for bar hopping. I always go to Central for night life in HK. But I might as well try the bars you listed in here. Will go with my friends so that would be more exciting.
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