How to Do Hong Kong in Style: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Think Hong Kong and think of a place filled with culture and traditions, a flurry with street markets, along with the Causeway Bay, the historic Star Ferry, and views from The Peak. And of course, it’s a gastronomic paradise that caters for all: whether you’re wanting Michelin star fine dining or delicious street food, it won’t disappoint. Sound tempting? Here’s your starter guide to this vibrant city.

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How to Do Hong Kong in Style: The Ultimate Travel Guide

STAY

Rosewood Hong Kong

The five-star Rosewood Hong Kong has all the style and luxurious niceties that the brand is known for, and set on the Kowloon waterfront of the Victoria Harbour, just 500 metres from MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station, the hotel is conveniently located too. Expect 413 rooms, and a range of accommodation types, including the 123sqm Grand Harbour Corner Suites, that offer picture-perfect harbour views, your very own butler, and The Manor club access. Alongside the accommodation there are 11 restaurants and lounges complemented by recreational facilities such as restorative experiences of Asaya (the treatment menu offers everything from sleep therapy to lymphatic drainage), a fitness centre and swimming pool. This hotel has been categorised as a Travel Sustainable Level 3 hotel by booking.com.

BOOK IT: rosewoodhotels.com

The Fleming

For a smaller, boutique hotel, head to The Fleming. Offering a cool, creative vibe (after all, it is in the Wan Chai district), the property was renovated in 2017, and its design takes influence from Hong Kong’s cross-harbour ferries. Alongside the 66-rooms, there’s the Italian-inspired on-site restaurant, Osteria Marzia serving up coastal classics from Amalfi, Puglia, and Sicily. As for the transport, The Fleming is a five-minute walk from MTR Wan Chai Station and is a 20-minute MTR ride from Lan Kwai Fong and Central.

BOOK IT: thefleming.com 

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Having opened in 1928, the grand building of The Peninsula Hong Kong, exudes old school glamour. Along with the modern, minimal, elegant rooms that either overlook the hotel’s courtyard, Victoria Harbour or Kowloon, there’s an equally grand Roman-style indoor pool and a 1114 sqm spa. There’s a whole host of restaurants too, including the Michelin-starred Spring Moon Cantonese restaurant, along with French, Swiss, Japanese, and European dining to suit all tastebuds. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the Tsimshatsui Ferry Terminal, and if you want to travel in style from the airport, there are transport options in the form of Rolls-Royce limousines, MINI Cooper S Clubman’s, and a private helicopter.

BOOK IT: peninsula.com

DO

Hong Kong Museum of Art

HKMoA was established in the ’60s and is the first public art museum in the city located within Tsim Sha Tsui. With not over 18,800 items in its care, the museum proudly displays a breadth of work from old to new, Chinese to Western, local to international – all curated through the HK lens, offering a unique viewpoint on tradition and understanding. Admission is free for permanent exhibitions. hk.art.museum

The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

One of Hong Kong’s most famous landmarks-meets-tourist attractions, The Big Buddha at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, is a huge bronze statue of Buddha that’s set against a mountainous and coastal backdrop. The neighbouring Po Lin Monastery and the Buddha are open to the public between 10am and 17.30pm; access to outside of the Buddha is free of charge, but there is an admission free to go inside. It’s about an hour’s drive from Victoria Harbour. plm.org.hk

Star Ferry

Be sure to have a ride on the infamous Star Ferry – it’ll take passengers across Victoria Harbour, between Hong Kong Island, and Kowloon as it has been doing for over 100 years. Fares range from $2.80 to $6.50. starferry.com.hk

WELLNESS SPOTS TO KNOW

Victoria Peak

Take in the impressive views at Victoria Peak (AKA. Mount Austin) which at an elevation of 552m, is the tallest hill on Hong Kong Island. As such, it offers a viewpoint for Lamma Island, Victoria Harbour, and Central Hong Kong, and has proven itself to be popular (and free) destinations for tourists. Visit anytime, but dusk is said to be the best. hk-victoria-peak.com

111SKIN at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and book a luxurious 111SKIN treatment at The Mandarin Spa. Expect Harley St. expertise and medically inspired innovation via a range of facial and body treatments such as the Celestial Black Diamond Non-Surgical Face Lift, Sculpting Treatment, and the Cryo Globe Energy Facial. mandarinoriental.com

Dragon’s Back Walking Trail

For those who want to sightsee via a trail, try the 8.5km Dragon’s Back route. It’s popular with tourists and locals alike thanks to its views of the beaches, Tai Tam Bay, and the ridge. The trail is open year-round, it’s categorised as moderately challenging, and on average about 4 hours to complete. discoverhongkong.com

EAT

Spring Moon

The Michelin-starred Spring Moon at The Peninsula Hong Kong has been one of the most famed Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong since it first opened in 1986. Known for offering refined Cantonese cuisine brought to you by Chef Lam Yuk Ming, dishes include bird’s nest soups, dim sum, and Peking duck – all served in its elegant Art Deco dining room. peninsula.com

Private Street Food Tour

For a special foodie experience, try out one of the personalised and private street food tours. Led by a local host expert in food and culture, the walking tour takes about two and a half hours, and is an opportunity to taste, and learn about the cuisine, traditions, and history of Hong Kong. withlocals.com

Tin Lung Heen

Tin Lung Heen Logo, which translates to ‘sky dragon pavilion’ in Chinese, is a grand Michelin starred restaurant located within The Ritz-Carlton, on the 102nd floor. Thanks to the huge windows it’s a place to take in the sunset, or Hong Kong’s skyscape. tinlungheen.com

HOW TO GET THERE

Cathay Pacific operate five flights daily from London Heathrow to Hong Kong, and four weekly from Manchester City Airport to Hong Kong. Prices for roundtrip Premium Economy begin at £1133 and Business Class start at £2709 inc. taxes and fares. cathaypacific.com