Fast-paced, neon-lit and defined by the constant interplay of Eastern and Western influences, Hong Kong has long earned its title as “Asia’s World City.” On one street corner, colonial relics from its British past linger; on the next, generations-old shopkeepers still handcraft mahjong tiles or pull bamboo poles of noodles by hand. Add in every cuisine imaginable for a city that punches well above its size, and Hong Kong reveals itself as endlessly layered and impossible to exhaust. Here’s a quick pocket guide on where to stay, eat, drink and explore.
Where to Stay
Upper House
Perched above Pacific Place shopping mall, Upper House sets the benchmark for understated luxury in Hong Kong. Designed by Hong Kong architect André Fu, the hotel is wrapped in soft beiges and minimalist tones, with rooms featuring freestanding, limestone-clad bathtubs positioned to take in sweeping city views — the same vistas enjoyed at Salisterra, the hotel’s restaurant. Wellness devotees should head to 10X Longevity, home to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, near-infrared LED light treatments and embark on a full-body sculpting workout by Lindsay Jang’s Family Form.
Tuve
This moody, minimalist boutique hotel sits just outside the city center yet offers everything required for a sophisticated Hong Kong stay. Built around raw materials and natural textures, its pared-back furnishings somehow feel both homely and quietly futuristic. A seamless interplay of shadow and light lends the space an almost meditative quality. There’s no gym, spa or in-house restaurant (though it partners with local cafés), but the warmth, service and design credentials more than satisfy the style-savvy traveler.
Where to Eat
Lung Wah Hotel
Bruce Lee once trained on the rooftop of this decades-old establishment, famed for its crispy roast pigeon, which used to sell by the hundreds in its heyday. Tucked away in Sha Tin — about a 15-minute walk from the MTR station — it’s a little off the usual tourist track, but well worth the journey. The restaurant’s near-century-long history is on full display in walls lined with photographs of government officials, dignitaries and other notable visitors over the years. Don’t miss the sweet and sour pork, tender beef cubes, and, of course, the legendary pigeon.
Samsen
An ode to the aromatic street food of Bangkok’s Chinatown, Samsen has grown from a single outpost to three locations in just over a decade. It continues to dish out bold, deeply flavorful Thai classics — from its famed Wagyu beef boat noodles and baby oyster omelettes to the irresistibly fragrant khao soi (curry chicken egg noodles). Queues are part of the ritual.
Where to Drink
Bar Leone
Founded by veteran bartender Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone shot straight to the No. 1 spot on last year’s World’s 50 Best Bars list — intensifying queues that were already formidable. A tribute to Italian drinking culture, particularly Antinori’s hometown of Rome, the bar pairs an upbeat, convivial atmosphere with impeccably executed classics. Order the filthy martini and settle in.
Terrible Baby
Located within the Eaton HK hotel and named after Jean Cocteau’s Les Enfants Terribles, Terrible Baby is a buzzy rooftop bar accessed via a neon-lit escalator or the hotel’s retro glass elevators. The space includes an outdoor terrace overlooking Jordan, alongside a Music Room, Gallery Room and access to Eaton House co-working space, all animated by a regular roster of cultural events. Just a five-minute walk from Temple Street Night Market, it’s an easy way to round out the night.
Where to Visit
M+ Museum
Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture is an impressive feat. Anchoring the West Kowloon Cultural District — a destination in its own right — M+ hosts a rotating program of international and local exhibitions across design, film, architecture and art. M+ at Night offers a playful after-hours spin on the museum experience, complete with Champagne, live performances and a distinctly Hong Kong energy (check the website for any upcoming dates).
PMQ
The beating heart of Hong Kong’s independent creative scene can be found at PMQ, home to more than 100 local entrepreneurs working across everything from art-jamming studios and jewelry workshops to fashion labels and design collectives. Once the Police Married Quarters, the revitalized complex traces its roots back to the 19th-century colonial era and has since evolved into a lively hub of studios, cafés and restaurants — including the unmissable Michelin-starred Louise.
Cat Street (Upper Lascar Row)
Tucked away in Sheung Wan, Cat Street is a charming strip dedicated to antiques, curios and collectables. With over a century of history, it’s a favorite for souvenir hunters seeking something more distinctive — from jade and vintage bric-a-brac to retro posters and Chinese calligraphy. Many of the stalls are still run by families who’ve been here for generations.
Sai Kung Old Town
If you have more than a few days in Hong Kong, venture east to Sai Kung — a sleepy seaside enclave known for its hiking trails, clear waters and excellent seafood. Wander through the Old Town, where independent coffee shops like Neko Bear Cafe and the always-vibey Winston’s sit alongside old-school cafés, wife cake bakeries and dim sum parlors, vintage stores and leather workshops. Check out Oelili, which showcases beautifully crafted pieces by local artisans.
Hong Kong, China
