Why Everyone Should Visit Hong Kong at Least Once in Their Lifetime

Hong Kong is a city that pulsates with energy. Here’s why everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
A former British colony, Hong Kong is a place where east and west meet to create a truly unique culture. There’s also a superb array of attractions, from towering skyscrapers and street bazaars to beaches and verdant parklands.
It’s a dining capital and home to the world’s cheapest Michelin-star meal
Hong Kong attracts chefs and restaurateurs from all over the world, and boasts the most restaurants per capita in Asia. The city has a rich gastronomic landscape, with authentic Chinese and global cuisines, rustic local noodle joints, fine dining, hipster microbreweries and healthy vegan cafés. You can even sample the world’s cheapest Michelin-star meal at the original branch of legendary dim sum emporium Tim Ho Wan. The unforgettable dining experiences on offer in Hong Kong also include the myriad street-food stalls, serving everything from stinky tofu and fish balls to poutine and milk tea.

Shopaholics will love the luxury malls and Mong Kok’s markets
Hong Kong is hard to beat as a shopping mecca, with malls, shops and markets to fit any budget. Those seeking haute-couture fashion from brands such as Chanel, Gucci or Hermès can head to one of the city’s luxury malls – pay a visit to the IFC Mall or Pacific Place on Hong Kong Island, or Elements in Kowloon. Bargain hunters looking for antiques, souvenirs or electronic goods will be spoilt for choice at the myriad local shops and street markets in Mong Kok, including the legendary Ladies’ Market and Temple Street Night Market.

Gorgeous hiking trails make it easy to explore nature
With a landscape as diverse as its population, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Hong Kong. Not everyone knows this, but the crowded skyscrapers and apartment blocks that Hong Kong is famous for only take up a third of the territory. The other two thirds are made up of lush, mountainous national parks and forests. If you want to see the greener, more tranquil side of the city, head out onto one of the city’s hiking trails to enjoy nature, fresh air and gorgeous views of the city and sea. Two of the best trails for beginners are the beautiful Dragon’s Back and Lion Rock Country Park.

There are enchanting islands and beaches to explore
In summer, suntanning, building sandcastles and swimming are definitely on the table. Surrounding Hong Kong Island are a few small islands that are easily accessible via regular ferry boats from Central Pier. A visit to the islands of Cheung Chau, Lamma or Lantau – all of which offer seafood, street-food stalls, hiking trails, cool boutique shops and relaxing beaches – is a lovely way to enjoy a sunny day if you visit in the warmer months.

From the MTR to the Star Ferry, getting around is easy
Hong Kong’s public transportation system is one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world. And it’s not just the MTR – Hong Kong’s fantastic subway – that deserves praise. From the delightful double-decker trams that traverse the northern part of Hong Kong Island and the longest outdoor escalator system in the world, to the charming Star Ferry that takes passengers across Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong’s public transport makes for convenient sightseeing and is also quite an eye-opening experience in itself.

The vibrant street art will blow you away
Hong Kong’s street-art scene is booming, with colourful murals testifying to the city’s creative verve. Many famed international street artists have left their mark on Hong Kong, with the most Instagram-worthy graffiti spots including the Shing Wong Street mural of two koi fish by Danish artist Christian Storm, a tribute to Bruce Lee on Tank Lane by South Korean artist Xeva, and the fully painted Man Fung Building by Madrid-based street artist Okuda San Miguel. Continue your street-art tour at Mong Kok’s Hall of Fame or at Art Lane in San Wai.

It has an exciting nightlife scene, beginning with party central Lan Kwai Fong
To experience Hong Kong’s nightlife, Lan Kwai Fong is the place to go. This compact neighbourhood in Central is packed with upscale clubs and restaurants, and boasts some of the best bars and parties in Asia. Besides Lan Kwai Fong, there is the nightlife zone along Lockhart Road in Wanchai and Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Tsa Tsui, and a number of comedy clubs such as The Punchline and TakeOut Comedy.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Sally Gao.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.