Hong Kong city guide (Copy)

Written By Carlos Alvarez

Welcome to our exclusive Hong Kong City Guide, designed for travelers eager to experience the city's electrifying blend of East and West. From rooftop bars with panoramic views over Victoria Harbour to bustling street markets and upscale dining in hidden corners, this guide will reveal Hong Kong’s many layers. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant districts of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui or seeking out serene temples tucked away from the urban buzz, our curated recommendations promise a luxurious yet authentic Hong Kong experience. Let us take you into the heart of this dynamic city, where tradition and modernity intersect in unforgettable ways.

Hong Kong map with our favorite places: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kqxHLfmGaHDKZoMp8

What to do in Hong Kong

This is one of our favorite cities in the world and here are some tips:

  • Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak

  • Explore the Markets

    • Must-Visit Markets:

      • Temple Street Night Market for street food and unique finds.

      • Ladies' Market on Tung Choi Street for souvenirs and fashion items.

  • Visit Man Mo Temple

  • Hollywood Road for Antiques and art galleries

  • Star Ferry Ride Across Victoria Harbour

  • Take a Stroll in Central and SoHo

  • Explore the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

  • Hike the Dragon’s Back Trail

  • Discover Hong Kong’s Nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong

Hong Kong Tailors: Hong Kong’s tailors are legendary for their craftsmanship, quick turnaround, and bespoke perfection. From classic suits at Sam’s Tailor to other master tailors, they offer custom clothing tailored to your style, often ready in days. A hallmark of quality and precision, Hong Kong tailoring is a must for anyone seeking personalized elegance. If this interests you here are some of our top choices and its very important to make an appointment prior to visitng:

  • Empire International Tailors

    Each garment is handcrafted in Empire's very own workshop by its master tailors using the time-honored traditions and techniques of Hong Kong tailoring. The craftsmen at Empire are seasoned professionals with an average of 30 to 40 years of expertise.

    Address: Shop 6, G/F 63 Mody Road Houston Centre, East, Tsim Sha Tsui

    Link: https://www.empiretailors.com/

  • Sam's Tailor

    Sam's Tailor is one of Hong Kong's oldest bespoke tailors and has a reputation for producing high-quality clothing. Since the store's opening in 1957, it has been in the same place and passed down through the generations.

    Address: Burlington Arcade, 90-94C Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

    Link: https://www.samstailor.com/

  • Charms Tailor

    Charms Tailor and Lord's Tailor were established in Hong Kong since 1980 and they specialize in first class, custom made clothing for people who insist upon the best. 

    Address: Mezzanine Floor, Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel, 64 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong

    Link: http://www.charms.hk/

Shopping options:

 Shopping malls:

Landmark (high end)

Furthering its reputation as Hong Kong's prime luxury shopping destination, Landmark is one of Tatler's frequent partners, and co-hosts multiple luxury lifestyle events and celebrations.

Address: 15 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Link: https://www.landmark.hk/en

 

Pacific Place (high end)

Located in the heart of Admiralty, Pacific Place has been a lifestyle hub for Hongkongers since it was opened by Swire in 1988. In 2011, the mall was given a fabulous facelift by award- winning British design and architecture studio, Heatherwick Studio—12 years later, we’d say it’s still the most stylish mall in the city. 

Address: 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Link: https://www.pacificplace.com.hk/en

 

 

Harbour City

Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Harbour City is a leading shopping mall in Hong Kong. Over 450 shops of all kinds, three hotels, an art gallery and more than 70 food and beverage outlets ensure visitors from all over the world enjoy an incredible one-stop shopping, dining and entertainment experience.

Address: 3–27, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Link : https://www.harbourcity.com.hk/en/

 

K11 Musea: This new amazing & modern mall in Kowloon connects the Rosewood and Regent hotels and has amazing shopping and a ton of great art work. https://www.k11musea.com/

 

Vintage stores

 

Select 18

Random yet full of surprises, Select 18 is one of Hong Kong’s best vintage dens, where you can sift through a range of olde tyme knick-knacks, furniture and jewellery. If you’re lucky, you may even come across some thrifty designer finds.

Address: 14 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

 

BANG! BANG! 70'S

Make your way over to Aberdeen Street and this funky vintage store where you can discover groovy clothing and memorabilia that will make you nostalgic for the days when disco was king. Forget about time machines and head to Bang Bang 70s instead.

Address: 1/F, 16A Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong Island

Recommended Hotels

  • Rosewood Hong Kong: Won #2 best hotel in the world in 2023 and is the newcomer in Kowloon. Top top all around. For me the biggest Boom boom pow factor in the city!

  • Peninsula Hong Kong: Peninsula only has 12 city hotels in the world and this is their flagship hotel. If you don’t stay here, tea time is highly recommended.

  • Mandarin Oriental Landmark: This is right in Central, opposite of Kowloon and it’s more of a boutique hotel, right at the Landmark luxury mall and walking distance to SoHo. Right in the middle of the action.

  • Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong: Larger hotel also on the Central side, with many dining and bar outlets.

  • The Regent: Also in Kowloon side. It used to be the Intercontinental and how has a more clean design and also offers views of victoria harbour just like most hotels in Kowloon. Its a knotch down form the luxury hotels above but still a 5* property.

  • Upper House Hong Kong: Great luxury property with amazing interior design and a more residential feel. Not my favorite location as its in Admirality which means you don’t have the amazing location in Central like the Landmark nor do you have the view that the hotels in Kowloon have but still an amazing hotel.

  • The Icon: Its a very good 4* property in Kowloon with great value.

Recommended Restaurants

Hong Kong’s dining scene is a vibrant fusion of East and West, from traditional dim sum and street food to upscale fusion in Central. Whether savoring dim sum at Luk Yu Tea house or trying wonton noodles, the city offers an unforgettable culinary adventure.

  • Chinese restaurants:

    • The Chairman

    • Seventh Son - Loved it for lunch, great dim sum

    • Lung King Heen: 1st Chinese restaurant in the world to get 3 Michelin stars. Their roasted duck is to die for.

    • Duddel’s

    • Ho Lee Fook

    • Mott 32: Trendier Chinese born here and now also in Vancouver and Las Vegas

    • Hutong: Not my favorite Chinese but good ambiance an amazing view.

    • Grand Majestic Shichuan: Very good but ONLY if you like spcy food.

  • Dim Sum, Street Food & Noodles:

    • Wonton noodles try Mak’s Noodles or Tsim Chai Kee, they are right in front of each other

    • For dim sum try Luk Yu Tea House, Maxim’s Place, Seventh Son or Tim Ho Wan.

    • For the best roast goose try Yat Lok or Kam’ roast goose.

  • Yardbird - Fan favorite yakitori

  • Chacawan: Thai

  • French fine dining try Belon, Amber or Caprice.

  • Aqua: Italian & Japanese fusion with an amazing view

  • 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana: 3 Michelin starred Italian

  • You will also find the usual international restaurants like Zuma, Carbone, etc.

Best Bars:

  • Bar Leone - This is probably the best cocktail bar we have ever been to and great for a pre-dinner drink. Its currently the #2 bar in the world. Lineup before it opens to get a spot.

  • Bars at Lan Kwai Fong - For a younger crowd, feels more like a Bourbon St type bars in Hong Kong.

  • Coa

  • The Quinary - Also on the Asia’s best bar list, their earl grey caviar martini is amazing.

  • The Aubrey - The interiorism on this bar is amazing, food is so so.

  • Diplomat: We love this bar! Its only walk-in unless you are a member. If you book your trip through us we can get you in the back room where there is a DJ on the weekends and really fun.

  • Captain’s Bar

  • Darkside - Jazz bar at the Rosewood

  • The Savory Project

Great walks around Hong Kong:

  • Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade (Kowloon): https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZSbxAVTV3P5tGnS36

    This easy walk along Victoria Harbour offers spectacular views of Hong Kong Island’s skyline. The Avenue of Stars features statues and handprints of local film icons and finish in Canton road lined with luxury shopping.

  • Star ferry from Kowloon to Central: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iyGQ7QmhQkoVJTWQ8

    This is my favorite walk. Take the ferry to Central and when you get off you walk on a pedestrian-only 2nd level. This walkway is very unique I have never seen this anywhere else. When you arrive to landmark exit to street level and then head to the Mid-level escalator and take the electric escalators up to explore all of Soho area. When finished walk down and see Man Mo Temple.

Carlos Alvarez