Savvy and Splurge Travel Guide: Hong Kong
I recently escaped Sydney for a five-night, six-day round trip to Hong Kong. I was heading up for business, but strategically tagged on spare time to play tourist.
The city is a civilised nine-hour non-stop flight from Sydney and makes for one of our closest neighbours both geographically and economically.
Over 7.4 million people call Hong Kong home within a tiny 1104-square-kilometre space. Walking around the city at any given time will leave you feeling as though all 7.4 million of them are walking right by you. Hong Kong may be crowded with people, but it’s just as crowded with culture, good food, and truckloads of things to do and see.
I was told before visiting that Hong Kong is like the New York City of Asia, and they weren’t wrong. No matter where in town you find yourself, you’ll almost always be greeted by towering skyscrapers, animated billboards, and neon lights.
The food scene is vast; I’d never seen anything like it. It was impossible not to stumble upon an authentic Chinese restaurant, serving dim sum for brunch right through to the late evening. If the volume of bricks-and-mortar establishments weren’t enough, there was fresh fruit, raw meat and local nuts for sale at street markets across the city. I wondered how so many seemingly identical businesses could stay afloat, yet with a population so dense and dinner hours operating from 4 ‘til 10pm, the ratio of patrons to establishments stands up.
I sought to busy my days on a budget, dedicating my time to the urban districts of Tsim Sha Tsui (TST)Â and Causeway Bay.
If you’re keen to do the same, here’s my suggested itinerary:
If, like me, your day begins with a coffee, grab one to go and take a stroll through the neighbourhood. For those who get can’t get their heads around pho before midday, head to Zombie Specialty Coffee for a slice of banana bread and a latte. Take a walk down tree-lined Nathan Road for a touch of nature amongst the chaos. There you’ll find coffee at The Nest: a not-for-profit social enterprise enabling adults with learning disabilities realise their full potential and be part of [the local] community. Extra cool coffee nooks can also be found further north along Ki Lung Street, or head over to Buff for a bite. For a full eggs-benny, drop by BRICK LANE on Hong Kong Island.
For a cost-free activity, wander through Kowloon Park where you’ll be treated to an aviary, soothing water features and a massive kids’ playground. Just count how many locals you find here practicing tai chi.
The Hong Kong shopping scene is immense. 618 Shanghai St features a set of quirky stores, from Midwest Vintage to FUNCOLOR Stationary. At TST’s southern end, spare some time for a stroll to K11 Musea, starting at the stunning 1881 Heritage site and finishing at the waterfront Intercontinental for a drink or two. Ensure you pass the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Museum of Art, and Avenue of Stars along the way. Speaking of art, I personally loved M+, situated in West Kowloon. Until April 2024, the gallery is exhibiting works by Chinese fashion designer, Madame Song
Down on Hong Kong Island, Fashion Walk makes for the most electric of shopping locales. Truthfully, if designer labels are what you’re after, the whole region will leave you spoilt for choice. At a bougie, yet reasonable price-point, I adored Initial (for pieces donning blanket stitches), and I.T (where urban favourites like Jacquemus, Acne Studios and Comme des Garcon are housed).
For those squeezing their pennies, chain stores like Brilliant. Mille are dotted everywhere or try Focus. S for their addictively soft trackie sets. Australian labels like Cotton On and Seed Heritage are also available. Rest your feet at Mercury Recalls for good food, good tunes and eclectic interiors.
Enjoy!
Main image source: Daniel Graham for Vogue Ukraine.