Hong Kong city guide (FREE)

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.

      • Jade Market in Yau Ma Tei for jewelry and jade trinkets.

  • Visit Man Mo Temple

  • 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

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

    • 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.

  • 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 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: 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

  • Bars at Lan Kwai Fong

  • Coa

  • Ozone at Ritz Carlton

  • The Aubrey

  • Captain’s Bar

  • Darkside

  • 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