Gritty, glitzy and endlessly growing upward, Hong Kong is small but mighty. This world-class city is packed with Cantonese cuisine, luxe shopping, towering skyscrapers and a surprising amount of green space. While there’s something for everyone here, these are our Hong Kong picks.
Where To Stay:
With 413 rooms and 11 dining options, there’s really no reason to leave this marble-clad urban paradise. An uber-elegant mix of Chinese feng shui design mixed with British touches, the Rosewood is an ode to the history of Hong Kong. Plus, its Kowloon side location gives guests epic views of Hong Kong and the daily 8 pm Symphony Of Lights show.
Located in the upper part of the JW Marriott Hotel, The Upper House is in a league all its own. Designed by the iconic Andre Fu, its 117 guest rooms are more like sprawling apartments with floor-to-ceiling views of the Peak. Japanese touches like light timber, lacquered paper panels and limestone give a Zen aesthetic. And its 49th-floor restaurant Salisterra delivers spectacular views and even better dishes.
Where To Eat:
An homage to Latin American cuisine, the open-concept kitchen invites diners on a journey through South America using the best ingredients from around the world. Chef Chaneton pairs Faroese langoustines and Ecuadorian cacao in his signature dish. Mole made tableside and its special partnership with Krug have earned this 30-seater a Michelin star and No. 32 rank on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Serving fiery Sichuan food, the interiors of this Alexandra House restaurant are as red as the chilis it serves. Velvet seating and tiger-adorned carpets put the G in grand, while dishes like Angus beef in a sea of chilies will leave your mouth tingling long after you’ve left.
Holding a spot with Bib Gourmand since 2016, this no-frills institution has served satisfying glutinous rice bowls to hungry Hong Kongers for over 70 years. The Preserved Sausage & Duck Liver Dried Sausage is their signature dish, and at just over $8, it’s one of the best bites in Wan Chai.
Where To Drink:
Inside the Peninsula Hotel, the Grand Dame of Hong Kong, this iconic afternoon tea has been around for 95 years. Cathedral-tall columns with ensconced gold ceilings add to the grandeur, while a live band serenades tea drinkers from the balcony. Remember, pinkies up!
Brought to you by the guys behind Asia’s #1 bar, Coa, this new Soho spot focuses on savory cocktails and non-alcoholic creations. Plays on a classic Gibson, a Thai beef salad and teriyaki are some of the most creative cocktails on the continent.
Where To Visit:
Arguably the most famous destination in Hong Kong, the city’s highest point is reachable by Asia’s first tramway. Since 1888 trams have been slugging passengers up this verdant mountain. Today, the Peak Tower is admittedly touristy but still offers the best views over Hong Kong.
This historic junk boat was built in 1955 and rescued from destruction in 2015. The only traditional junk still sailing Victoria Harbour, up to 40 tourists per sail can book a weekend trip aboard a piece of Hong Kong history.
Explore Sham Shui Po
This historically working-class neighborhood is now one of the city’s coolest, thanks to a swath of young creatives. Criss-cross the streets, stopping for coffee at DOZY, browsing leather goods at Teepee, buying gifts at Storerooms and then fueling up with food at Café Sausalito.
Ferry To Cheung Chau
There are over 250 islands in Hong Kong, but Cheung Chau or “Long Island,” is a weekend favorite. Famous for its sweet-filled ‘lucky buns’ and mango mochis, stylish boutiques and photo-friendly cafes continue to pop up in this once-sleepy fishing village. Take the 30-minute ferry over from Central and spend the day meandering its colorful streets.
Meaning museum and more; M+ has a whopping 33 galleries to get lost in. Opened in 2021, it’s easy to spend an entire day meandering the various exhibitions of visual culture, from its four permanent collections to its rotating exhibitions featuring famed artists like Yayoi Kusama.
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