3 days in Hong Kong – My picks

June 08, 2017 • Places

3 days in Hong Kong – My picks

Hong Kong is one of those cities you either love our hate. One of the highest density cities in the world, cosmopolitan, vibrant, with one of the most beautiful skylines. Hot and humid, crowded with superb food. 

After been in Hong Kong at least 20 times (for work, study and pleasure), below are my picks for the TOP 10 things to do (not necessarily the most touristic) together with the pictures from our latest trip last month.



1.The Peak: from the peak you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree panoramic view across the Hong Kong. The Sky Terrace, standing at 428 meters above sea level, is a scenic spot that anyone visiting Hong Kong should not miss. Getting to the Peak by the Peak Tram is an unforgettable experience. One of the world’s oldest and most famous funicular railways, the tram rises to 396 meters (about 1,300 feet) above sea level. It is so steep that the buildings you pass look like they are leaning a gradient of between 4 to 27 degrees! Whether you are going up or coming down, you will love this trip. You can find all the info on how to get to the peak here

2.Harbor Cruise: Skyline is breathtaking in Hong Kong, and one of the best way to admire it is with a sunset cruise in the harbor. Sail on a traditional old wooden junk boat, while enjoying a cold drink with a spectacular view. See the pictures and info of our AquaLuna cruise by clicking here

3.Dim Sum: cannot leave Hong Kong without tasting the delicious dim sum (dumplings). There are many great options in the city. If you are looking for classic Dim Sum with a modern twist try Yumcha or Social Place (very instagrammable!), if you are looking for Dim Sum and great view and amazing traditional chinese furnitures, try Hutong (see our brunch at Hutong here)

4.Drinks with Skyline view: Hong Kong skyline is definitely one of the most stunning in the world, and the best way to admire it is at night with a glass on wine your hand. My favorite places for a drink with stunning view are Sevva (Hong Kong Island side), and Aqua (Kowloon side)

5.Tram Ride: when I only have few days in a city, I love to use public trams (possibly double decked) to see around the city. Trams in Hong Kong have not only been a form of commuter transport for over 110 years, but also a major tourist attraction and one of the most environmentally friendly ways of travelling in Hong Kong. The tram system is the only one in the world operated exclusively with double-decker trams, and is one of only three non-heritage tram systems in the world that use double-deck cars. Too have more info on routes, schedule, prices of trams in HK click here

6.Escalator: The Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system in Hong Kong is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. Engineered by French company Constructions industrielles de la Méditerranée the entire system covers over 800 meters in distance and elevates over 135 meters from bottom to top. It was constructed in 1993 to provide a better commute by linking areas within the Central and Western District on Hong Kong Island.

7.Ferry: The Ferry is not only a cost effective mode of transportation, but also it is a world-famous sightseeing trip between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The services across Victoria Harbor run daily from early morning till 11-11:30pm with a frequency every 6-20 minutes. The journey takes about 8-10 minutes. To know more about the ferry schedules click here.

8.Sheun Wan: Sheung Wan is an area in Hong Kong, located in the north-west of Hong Kong Island, between Central and Sai Ying Pun, and was one of the earliest settled places by the British. We especially loved the boutique stores, its graffiti and the cool cafes in this area.

9.Monster Building: Known as a “Concrete Jungle”, Hong Kong is famed for its tower-studded cityscape and stunning skyline. In recent years, a place in Quarry Bay has become the loved location for filming and the “Monster Building” is in fact an architecture complex composed of five old mansions which resembles a walled city. If you think you are living in a crowded place, go and visit the Monster Building and you will change your mind (see one of my most liked Instgram picture here)

10.Night Markets: Temple Street Night Market is the largest and liveliest in Hong Kong. This carnival of shopping and snacking starts every night from around 18:00 but really gets going once the sun sets. Located in Kowloon side, (near Jordan MTR station), it is the most popular place to go for cheap clothes, delicious street food, watches, pirated CDs and DVDs, fake label clothing, sports and everyday footwear and much more. To know more about this market click here

 

Where to stay: we stayed at the Lanson Place, a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of vibrant Causeway Bay, one of the Hong Kong’s most famous business and entertainment districts.  Shops, malls and markets are immediately around, as well as restaurants and MTR station. The service is excellent, from early morning with a yummy continental breakfast served in a beautiful bright living room where you can enjoy your coffee comfortably sit in a sofa. The view from our room was stunning and we also enjoyed a complimentary unlimited 4G mobile phone for the three days of our stay (this should not be underestimated if you are an Instagram addicted like I am ;-)).

For more practical info about Hong Kong please click here.

Enjoy, xxx Paola