Hong Kong: Top Thing To Do

This post brings to a close my Hong Kong series – having spent a fortnight there just before Christmas last year, we took in a lot of sights and restaurants and here are my top ten things to do if visiting including sights, bars and restaurants too.

The Peak

The 125-year old tram ride up to The Peak alone is worth doing for the experience – it’s the highest viewing point in Hong Kong and is well worth a visit for some fantastic views. We actually visited on a slightly cloudy day, but the views were still phenomenal. We had a lovely high tea of sandwiches and pastries at Café Deco that I can recommend but there’s a huge array of cafes and restaurants at The Peak which allows you a meal with some seriously beautiful views.

Ladies Market

This is a truly wonderful and unique shopping experience that brings new meaning to the phrase ‘hustle and bustle’, located in Mong Kok, this place sells plenty of ‘designer’ gear, but if you’re not interested in Sch-Mulberry and Des-Prada and the likes, don’t despair – this is the best place to pick up souvenirs for back home, from gorgeous silk scarves and pashminas, traditionally Chinese crockery and chopstick sets, traditional robes and pretty much everything else you can think of. Bartering is absolutely essential here – expect to get a good 30% off the original price.

Disneyland

Whether young or old this for me was a must-see attraction. I may be into my thirties now, but the magic of Disney was very much alive in the parades and seeing the likes of Cinderella’s castle and the characters wandering around. 

Disneyland

Star Ferries Journeys

These ferries have been in operation since 1881 and are truly iconic – for me knowing I was taking the same journey my Grandad would have took was back in the 1950’s was quite awe-inspiring and it’s the best way of taking in the view of both the Kowloon and Central harbour sides. Also let’s face it, this is a far more enjoyable way to travel that jumping onto the MTR underground system or buses.

Symphony of Lights

Victoria Harbour is a pretty impressive sight in the evening with all the bright lights and when coupled with the nightly 8pm Symphony of Lights – a light and sound show it makes for a breath-taking experience.

Symphony of Lights at Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbour with my Dad

The family

Lan Kwai Fong

Officially pitted as an eating and drinking location in Hong Kong – my experience here was purely boozey. For females, visit on Ladies Night (Wednesday and Thursday) where spirits and mixers are free all night to all women – expect a hangover the following day.

Lan Kwai Fong

Stanley

Stanley is a great seaside, fishing village with a cosmopolitan vibe and plenty of restaurants and bars plus a bustling market – a great day trip.

Stanley Bay

Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula

A Hong Kong institution and one of the most impressive hotels in the world – take tea here in the opulent surroundings of The Lobby. 

Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula

Mid-Levels Drinks

The world’s largest undercover escalator acts as a pathway up a hill full of bars – with opportunity to hop off at various watering holes. During the rush hour it is jam-packed full of post-work drinkers and the atmosphere is buzzing.

Dim Sum at Maxim’s Palace

The Hong Kong institution in City Hall is traditional with waitresses bringing round dishes for diners to choose on trolleys – a rarity now. Try the scallop and chive dumplings!

Maxim's Palace

There are plenty of other places, bars and restaurants to visit in Hong Kong but these were my favourites.