{"id":1134,"date":"2019-05-20T23:49:56","date_gmt":"2019-05-20T23:49:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/?p=1134"},"modified":"2024-04-26T04:56:10","modified_gmt":"2024-04-25T20:56:10","slug":"25-cool-things-to-do-in-hong-kong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/25-cool-things-to-do-in-hong-kong\/","title":{"rendered":"25 Cool Things To Do in Hong Kong"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/h2>\n

25 fun ways to experience all that Hong Kong has to offer!<\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\"Cool<\/div>\n

 
\nMany of our clients are expats with relatives and friends flying over to Hong Kong to attend their wedding<\/a>.\u00a0 There is no doubt a short travel guide would be beneficial for them when they wandering around the city.
\nWe could have listed way more, because this city has it all. It\u00b4s not just about shopping and stuffing your face with Cantonese cuisine (although we mention those things too). Don\u2019t believe us? Here\u2019s 25 reasons why we know what we\u2019re talking about.
\n <\/p>\n

Drink in the view<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"terrace<\/p>\n

The terrace at SEVVA<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How can you not go up one of those glittering skyscrapers that make Hong Kong\u00b4s skyline one of the most famous in the world? You can take in the magnificent views of Victoria Harbour while sipping on fantastic cocktails, as many of these places host top-notch mixologists.\u00a0Ozone<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is probably the most noted one here, where a speedy lift takes you\u00a0118 floors<\/em>\u00a0up the Ritz Carlton for a jaw-dropping sight from Kowloon. Over in Central,\u00a0C\u00c9 LA VI<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0sits in a prime spot in Lan Kwai Fong with a rooftop garden that puts you among Hong Kong Island\u00b4s noted towers.
\n <\/p>\n

Get a custom suit<\/a> made<\/h3>\n

 
\n\"drawing
\nSavvy travellers know that Hong Kong is one of the top cities to get a quality suit that won\u2019t break the bank, and one of the better-known tailors in the city is Empire Tailors<\/a><\/strong>. The bespoke service you get from Empire isn\u2019t like those in-and-out places, as their intricate process takes a minimum of four days. And it\u2019s not just suits for men that they\u00b4re expert at \u2013<\/em> they also make impressive women\u00b4s apparel<\/a>. You\u00b4ll see when you try on your\u00a0tailored suit<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>that they take care when making your garment, from the fabric selection to the custom fit. When it\u2019s ready for pick up, take your stylish self out on the town in your new threads for a swanky bottomless brunch or a chic afternoon tea (see below)\u2026you\u2019ll definitely get noticed.
\n <\/p>\n

Binge on a boozy brunch<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Zuma's<\/p>\n

Weekend brunch at Zuma<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Hong Kongers love a boozy brunch. There are countless options to indulge in this favourite past-time where one can gorge on a fine spread of brunch fare with bubbly to boot. Glass after glass of Champagne and a myriad of food options, from classic western picks where you can get all the eggs you want, to appealing Asian dim sum brunches, are available all over the city in various luxe, al fresco, sky-high or family settings.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Go for a drop of afternoon tea<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Peninsula<\/p>\n

Afternoon tea at The Peninsula<\/p>\n

 \n<\/p><\/div>\n

The British left behind a lot here, which is clear to see from the English place names and architecture around the city. This is also true with their tradition of afternoon tea, in which one gathers for a quaint midday affair of scones and other baked sweets, plus dainty savouries, all lovingly presented on pretty tiered stands.\u00a0The Lobby at The Peninsula<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0offers a beautifully traditional afternoon tea experience, complete with string music playing in the background of its gorgeous setting. But this being Hong Kong, afternoon tea also comes with an Asian touch, like\u00a0Above & Beyond at Hotel Icon\u2019s<\/a><\/strong> Cantonese tea set, or if you fancy tea done the Scandinavian or Japanese way......
\n <\/p>\n

Dim sum and them some<\/h3>\n

 
\n\"Hong
\nNo visit to Hong Kong is complete without sampling the dim sum. It\u2019s a delicious cultural experience where you can feed your senses: your tastebuds delight with each bite of savoury and sweet morsels, and your eyes get a treat from the sometimes manic atmosphere of workers pushing carts with baskets of dim sum to eager diners. You can\u2019t leave without trying the beloved baked BBQ pork buns, nor the gooey custard ones. Places like\u00a0Tim Ho Wan<\/a><\/strong>, known for being the world\u2019s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, do both well, and for something on the fancier end with a modern twist, check out\u00a0Duddell\u00b4s<\/a><\/strong>. If you want to go where the locals go,\u00a0Maxim\u00b4s Palace City Hall<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a well-known haunt. While in the city, don\u00b4t forget to sample other HK food favourites<\/strong>\u00a0like egg waffles, milk tea and pineapple buns.
\n <\/p>\n

Shopaholics stop here<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Elements<\/p>\n

Elements Mall (photo credit:Flickr\/knoizki)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

It\u00b4s true \u2013 <\/em>Hong Kong is a shopping mecca. Everyone from Gucci-draped society women to market bargain hunters love coming here and walking away with loads of stuff. You can easily spend a day in one of the many giant malls scattered across the city that are lined with top brand names, plus cinemas, restaurants and even ice rinks (Elements<\/a><\/strong>, Festival Walk<\/strong><\/a> and Harbour City<\/a><\/strong> are the most popular ones). Head to Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon for luxury goods at Herm\u00e8s and Chanel, or go across the water to Causeway Bay and brave the crowded pavement as countless \u00a0others get their shopping on. For something a bit different, a visit to one of the city\u00b4s markets<\/a><\/strong> is a must, as in these busy outdoor stalls you can browse and buy day and night for everything from antiques to flowers.
\n <\/p>\n

Floating food<\/h3>\n
<\/div>\n
\n\"jumbo<\/p>\n

Jumbo Floating Restaurant, Aberdeen Harbour (photo credit: Flickr\/Jahphotolibrary)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Another special Hong Kong experience is taking in the varied cuisine, especially when you\u2019re bobbing up and down on the water. You can literally do this in a sampan, a small swaying boat, like at Shun Kee Typhoon Shelter seafood restaurant in Causeway Bay. It\u2019s by no means fancy, but the signature crab adorned with a mountain of chilli and fried garlic is a culinary experience that everyone should try before leaving.\u00a0Over in Aberdeen, known for its floating village and seafood restaurants in the harbour, there\u00b4s\u00a0Jumbo Kingdom<\/a><\/strong>, a floating palace with shimmering lights and tasty Chinese seafood dishes.\u00a0Lamma Rainbow<\/a><\/strong> is a laid-back open-air affair on the Sok Kwu Wan waterfront on Lamma Island. A free ferry from Central or Tsim Sha Tsui piers takes you over for a casual feast of seafood or their award-winning sweet and sour pork.
\n <\/p>\n

Ride a junk<\/h3>\n

 
\n\"Aqua
\nThey\u00b4re called junks, but they\u00b4re nice to look at and even better to sail in. The classic red-sailed wooden boat that you\u00b4ve seen in postcards still exists, although now it shuttles tourists around. One of the last remaining Chinese junk boats,\u00a0Aqualuna<\/strong><\/a>,<\/strong>\u00a0sails Victoria Harbour, and is the perfect way to take in the glittering water and skyline of the city.\u00a0Island Junks<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>has a fleet of Chinese teak junks equipped to carry up to 50 passengers around various parts of Hong Kong through charter packages and tours, or sign up for a\u00a0dinner cruise<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or view the nightly Kowloon spectacle of lights on a\u00a0Symphony of Lights cruise<\/strong><\/a>.
\n <\/p>\n

Public transport adventures<\/h3>\n

\"tram
\nAfter a few days here you will inevitably compare Hong Kong\u00b4s transport options to those of your city\u00b4s \u2013<\/em> in a good way. There are so many ways to get around, and none will bankrupt you. The cheapest and most cheerful by far is riding the tram, or the\u00a0ding ding<\/em>. These iconic double deckers go slow, and that\u2019s just fine for parking yourself by the window on the top deck and gawking at the sights below. Hop on the Star Ferry for another unique local experience, sailing between the islands among the skyscrapers (even better at night when they\u00b4re all lit up). Brave the twists and turns that the mini buses make as they rip around the city; you\u00b4ll definitely have a story to tell after riding one of these around. Finally, take the subway to China. Really \u2013<\/em> the MTR from Hung Hom station takes you all the way to Shenzhen \u2013<\/em> and all over Hong Kong in clean, fast, air-conditioned comfort (okay, maybe it\u2019s not as comfy in rush hour).
\n <\/p>\n

Hit the beach<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Big<\/p>\n

Big Wave Bay<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

One thing that often surprises people when they visit is that Hong Kong is not just the concrete jungle they thought it was. We also have glorious beaches, and you don\u00b4t have to venture far out of the city for a dip and a relax on the sand, like at Repulse Bay. If you\u00b4re looking for a more secluded spot, you can have that too in Lantau at Cheung Sha beach or Shek O\u00b4s Big Wave Bay, where as you can guess by the name, you can surf up a storm.
\n <\/p>\n

Take a Peak<\/h3>\n

 
\n\"peak
\nIt\u2019s one of the more typically touristy things to do on this list, but a trip to\u00a0the Peak<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is a must, along with a ride up on the steep Peak tram. There\u2019s often a queue to board, but once you\u00b4re on it\u00b4s the quickest and most scenic way to get to the top: at 552 metres above sea level, the Peak is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island. When you stand on the Sky Terrace 428 viewing platform<\/a> and take in the amazing 360-degree panoramic view across Hong Kong, you\u00b4ll be glad you waited in line.
\n <\/p>\n

Some spiritual time<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Man<\/p>\n

Man Mo Temple (photo credit: Flickr\/Kenneth Moore)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Step away from the bustling malls and loud street food stalls for some respite at one of the city\u2019s impressive temples. Perhaps the most popular is the Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon. Spanning 18,000 square metres, you can spend hours here observing the sacred space dedicated to Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Man Mo Temple, the oldest in Hong Kong, was built in 1847 and is so named as it honours Man, the god of literature, and Mo, the god of war. In New Territories, Sha Tin\u2019s Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a delight for its actually more than 13,000 buddhas housed within. Each one is different in size and expression and made from a variety of materials.
\n <\/p>\n

Behold the Big Buddha<\/h3>\n

 
\n\"Big
\nVisiting the mighty bronze Tian Tian Buddha aka The Big Buddha will take up your day as it\u2019s located over in Lantau Island at the remote\u00a0Po Lin Monastery<\/a><\/strong>. It\u2019s a worthwhile trek if you have a few days in Hong Kong, because it really should be seen in real life. The big guy cost a whopping 60 million HKD to construct and sits 26.4 metres atop a lotus throne looking over the Chinese people. Getting there is an adventure in itself aboard the Ngong Ping Cable Car<\/a>, which takes around 25 minutes and offers marvellous views of the surrounding lush mountains.
\n <\/p>\n

Take the longest escalator ride on earth<\/h3>\n

 
\n\"Mid-Levels
\nThe Mid-Levels escalator in Central is a collection of sorts of escalators, footbridges and walkways, and is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. It measures more than 800 metres in distance, at an elevation of 135 metres, taking you through the streets of a steep hillside. You will find some people like to walk up, so please remember the etiquette here is to stand on the right and walk left. But standing lets you glimpse into the buildings you glide past, and even the odd resident having breakfast in their flat.\u00a0Check operating times as it\u2019s currently undergoing a major refurbishment and may be shut, which you\u2019ll curse on a sticky summer day. SOHO and Lan Kwai Fong are in the area for dining and partying, so take due care when going up and down after a few drinks.
\n <\/p>\n

Visit a city in itself \u2013 <\/em><\/strong>Chungking Mansions\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Chungking<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: Flickr<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Some people may steer you away from coming here, but don\u2019t worry (although we wouldn\u2019t recommend staying in a room here unless you\u00b4re a fan of\u00a0really<\/em>\u00a0budget lodging).\u00a0A walk around the jam-packed building that is billed as its own city by some on Kowloon\u00b4s famed Nathan Road is an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. Here is a melting pot of Hong Kong\u00b4s varied cultures, in particular South Asians, Middle Easterners and Africans, who run and frequent the guesthouses, clothing shops and foreign exchange booths that make up this chaotic place.\u00a0A good excuse to go besides the people watching is the cheap but good curry that locals of all backgrounds come here for.
\n <\/p>\n

Coffee with cuddly creatures<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Mr<\/p>\n

Mr. and Mrs. Cat Cafe<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

If you don\u2019t mind a bit of whiskers with your cuppa, or the sound of rabbits gnawing on carrots in your midst, then you\u2019ll be at home at one of Hong Kong\u2019s animal cafes. At Rabbitland Cafe<\/a><\/strong> watch bunnies with names like Mimi and Momo scurry about in three rabbit pens as you munch on fries and sandwiches. Same deal at Mr and Mrs Cat Cafe<\/a><\/strong> and Ondogdog Cafe<\/strong><\/a>, where coffee and dessert are on the menu, along with interaction with furry friends.
\n <\/p>\n

Take the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Skyline<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: Flickr<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The waterfront along East Tsim Sha Tsui is famed for being the vantage point of the nightly Symphony of Lights laser and light show. It\u2019s free to watch and is worth a look, as while you wait for the show to start, you can have a nice stroll along the water with many stops for photo ops with Hong Kong\u2019s son Bruce Lee (there\u2019s always people clamouring for a shot with the statue), the Avenue of Stars, and the colonial clock tower by the former railway stop.
\n <\/p>\n

Make it a museum day<\/h3>\n

 
\n\"Hong
\nIt can rain in Hong Kong, no matter what time of year, so if perchance your travels fall on a wet day, what better time than to hit up one of the museums? Hong Kong Space Museum<\/strong><\/a>, Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum<\/a><\/strong> and Hong Kong Museum of History<\/a><\/strong> are some of the top picks, and kids will especially enjoy the Hong Kong Science Museum<\/a><\/strong>.
\n <\/p>\n

Happy day at the races<\/h3>\n

 
\n\"Happy
\nEven if you haven\u2019t a clue about horse racing, do go to Happy Valley for the Happy Valley Racecourse<\/a><\/strong>. It\u2019s always a good time, whether you just sit back to people (and horse) watch, or get in on the fun and do some friendly betting. Beer is always flowing here, with greasy treats to match.
\n <\/p>\n

Amusing parks<\/h3>\n

 
\n\"Hong
\nHong Kong has plenty for families to do, and one of the big ticket items is a day at a massive amusement park. But here we have pandas! Ocean Park<\/a><\/strong> has the cute animals along with a slew of rides, entertainment and food, Noah\u2019s Ark<\/a><\/strong>, featuring a full-size replica of Noah\u2019s Ark, offers varied exhibits and activities, and Hong Kong Disneyland<\/a><\/strong> needs no explanation. Mickey and Minnie are here, although Minnie sometimes sports a cheongsam.
\n <\/p>\n

Regular parks<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Kowloon<\/p>\n

Kowloon Walled City Park | Photo Credit: Flickr<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

For an escape after a hectic day in Causeway Bay, or if you\u2019re carrying around a hangover from the previous night\u2019s shenanigans in Lan Kwai Fong, our city has plenty of green spaces to take in. Yes indeed, among the concrete structures and rows of taxis are some beautiful green locales like Victoria Park<\/strong><\/a> and Kowloon Park<\/a><\/strong>. Even in busy Central you\u2019ll find one: Hong Kong Park<\/strong><\/a>.
\n <\/p>\n

Tea and tradition<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Lock<\/p>\n

LockCha Tea House<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Hong Kongers love their tea, but not just to sip. Tea houses also celebrate the culture and tradition of tea, and you can spend a lovely afternoon learning about different types of tea while drinking some heavenly brews. Go for a traditional experience at LockCha Tea House<\/strong><\/a> or Ying Kee Tea House<\/a><\/strong> (it has more than 130 years of history), or sample a modern cup at MingCha<\/a><\/strong>.
\n <\/p>\n

Chow down at a Cooked Food Centre<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Java<\/p>\n

Java Road Cooked Food Centre | Photo Credit: Flickr<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Another quintessential HK thing to try is a meal at a cooked food centre. Anthony Bourdain did it when he was here and he lapped it up. You will too if you don\u2019t mind plastic chairs, clanging cutlery and loud chatter. They\u2019re flip flop-friendly kind of places, and the food is pleasing and affordable. Locals love it, and many will even help you out when ordering. Notable ones are Java Road Cooked Food Centre, Kowloon City Cooked Food Centre, Tai Po Hui Market and Cooked Food Centre, and Queen Street Cooked Food Market.
\n <\/p>\n

Do and see tai chi<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\"Tai<\/p>\n

Photo Credit: Flickr<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Early birds will undoubtedly encounter locals engaging in some tai chi at one of the city\u2019s parks, and it is quite a mesmerizing sight to witness. Watching the slow, calm movements of this ancient Chinese fitness and martial art form is a wonderful way to pass a morning. Better yet, join in. Novices can take a class<\/strong><\/a> offered by the local government. Sadly, they used to be free, but the price is still decent.
\n <\/p>\n

There\u2019s more in Macau<\/h3>\n

 
\n\"Macau
\nIn under one hour you can a have a little taste of Portugal. The former Portuguese colony of Macau can be reached by the high speed TurboJET ferry, and is a great day trip for something different. Here you\u2019ll get a mixture of Chinese and Portuguese culture, taking in the sights and food, like those famous eggs tarts \u2013 <\/em>you can thank the Portuguese for the creamy and flaky pastel de nata. <\/em>You\u2019ll think you\u2019re in Lisbon for a moment as you walk along traditional cobblestone streets and roads bearing names on blue and white tile in Portuguese and Chinese. Oh yes, there\u2019s also lots of casinos boasting tons of entertainment, and further out, you\u2019ll find some great beaches with water activities too.
\n 
\ncontent credit The HK Hub<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

25 fun ways to experience all that Hong Kong has to offer!     Many of our clients are expats with relatives and friends flying over to Hong Kong to attend their wedding.\u00a0 There is no doubt a short travel guide would be beneficial for them when they wandering around the city. We could have […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1134","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1134","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1134"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1134\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1624,"href":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1134\/revisions\/1624"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1134"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1134"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theweddingplanner.com.hk\/staging\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}