Hotel, Restaurant, Shopping & Itinerary Recommendations
One of Hong Kong’s most iconic sights is the glittering of Victoria Harbor at night, but it isn’t the only time that the city shines. Whether you’re visiting for the myriad art-related activities in March or you find yourself in the metropolis at any other time of year, it’s a bustling, fascinating place to explore. From major museums, world-famous restaurants, and iconic hotels to food stalls, independent boutiques, and night markets, the sights and activities that Hong Kong has to offer will keep any traveler engaged, excited, and very well fed. Here, with the help of some in-the-know locals, T&C offers a guide to some of the best that the city has to offer.
Where to Stay
The Peninsula Hong Kong is among the city’s most storied hotels, and during the annual Art Month in March, it’s a hotbed of creative activity.
Kowloon, just across Victoria Harbor from Hong Kong Island, was once known as the Dark Side, and thought of a less desirable place to spend time. Those days, thankfully, are long gone. Still, the charming, moody bar at the Rosewood Hong Kong is named after the sobriquet, just one of the cheeky nods that the 43-floor property makes to the history of its home. Elsewhere in the hotel are a Michelin-starred fine-dining (as well as more casual) restaurants, a huge spa, and the private Manor Club. The Rosewood is polished and sophisticated with a clientele to match (T&C spotted both Donatella Versace and Larry Gagosian—though not together—on a recent visit) and pulls off the charming trick of being both a haven from the bustle of the city and walkable to any number of its best attractions—or at least the ones that aren’t already under the same roof.
The Peninsula Hong Kong, the grande dame of the city’s hotel scene, is just across the street. Open since 1928, the luxurious, classic property is still one of those hotels that a traveler simply must visit, even if only for the iconic afternoon tea in the lobby. But a cuppa might not be enough; staying here means indulging in magnificent views (especially the one from Felix, the rooftop restaurant), a dizzying array of dining options (don’t skip the dim sum at Spring Moon), and thoughtful activities like the afternoon tea service aboard the Star Ferry or the art and artistry that take over during Art Basel Hong Kong, when the property hosts exhibitions, installations, and no small amount of creative revelry. This year, Art Basel Hong Kong runs from March 28 through March 30, and other exhibitions, fairs, and events are open throughout the month as part of the city’s annual art celebration.
Of course, there are plenty of places to stay outside of Kowloon as well. On Hong Kong Island, the Shangri-La (which also has an outpost back across the harbor) is beloved for its old-world elegance, attentive staff, and the panoramic views from the French restaurant, Petrus, on its top floor. Design aficionados make a habit of checking into The Upper House, by hometown hero architect Andre Fu; everyone seems to love the Four Seasons and its proximity to (and view of) the harbor; gourmands rave about the dining options at The Murray; and the St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, and Mandarin Oriental all have armies of fans. Long story short, you’re not going to have trouble finding a great place to rest your head.
Where to Eat
CHAAT, a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in the Rosewood Hong Kong, is one of the city’s best places for a meal. Don’t skip the lobster Champagne curry.
The Michelin Guide lists more than 200 restaurants in Hong Kong, including fine-dining mainstays like Octavium and Joël Robuchon Hong Kong, but there’s more to eating well in the city than just white tablecloths and famous names.
“For a casual night out, bar hopping on Hollywood Road is always fun and most places offer interesting menus alongside innovative drinks,” says art collector and Sunpride Foundation founder Patrick Sun. “My recent favorites are Kinsman and The Savory Project. The former is a Cantonese-concept bar serving cocktails with Chinese spirits, and a fun menu with local favorites such as baked ox-tongue rice and prawn toast. The latter, as the name suggests, features savory cocktails and authentic Italian pizzas from the neighboring restaurant Fiata.”
Artist Kingsley Ng, a lauded local artist and veteran of the Peninsula’s Art in Resonance program, notes, “For meals and drinks with friends, Sai Kung is an idyllic destination. This charming seaside area is renowned for its diverse array of seafood restaurants, ranging from Michelin-starred establishments to quick local snack bars. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by numerous cafes and bars dotting the waterfront. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood or enjoying a leisurely coffee by the sea, Sai Kung offers a perfect blend of relaxation and culinary delight. For a luxurious night out, Tsim Sha Tsui is the place to be. This vibrant district is home to high-end dining options, all within walking distance of one of the world’s most spectacular harbors.”
Dickson Yewn, the founder and creative director of the contemporary Chinese fine jewelry line Yewn, says, “My favorite place would be Tung Po Kitchen because of its Asian-influenced hawker style and Chinese fusion dishes operated by a very entertaining owner. Another favorite would be Ju Xing Home, I go there because my wife who is a great chef goes with her chef friends. This is the restaurant where chefs eat!”
Lotus Leung, the cultural ambassador at the Rosewood Hong Kong, recommends, RONIN Snack Bar, a Japanese izakaya in Sheung Wan, for a casual meal with friends, followed by a nightcap at Melody in Sai Ying Pun.
T&C is partial to the dim sum at Duddell’s as well as the Vietnamese street food at Chôm Chôm in the Central neighborhood. Contributing editor William Li says that the dumping noodle soup at Tsim Chai Kee on Wellington Street is the best in the world and is equally passionate about the roast duck at Yung Kee Restaurant, the dim sum at Lung King Heen in the Four Seasons, and pretty much everything at The Chairman, which he claims might just be the finest restaurant in town.
Where to Shop
The Temple Street Night Market is a Hong Kong favorite, although excellent shopping can be found in nearly every corner of the city.
When it comes to shopping, Hong Kong has no small number of great options. We always get a charge from visiting the K11 Art Mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, which is home to fashion and jewelry boutiques, restaurants, and live events. Other high-end destinations around town include shopping centers like Pacific Place (don’t forget to stop at Shanghai Tang), Landmark, The Peak Galleria, and Russell Street in Causeway Bay, which was once home to the world’s most expensive retail real estate and still draws crowds thanks to shops like the locally legendary Lane Crawford.
But not all your shopping needs to be done this way. Patrick Sun notes that “Sham Shui Po is a vibrant neighborhood that offers visitors a different perspective of Hong Kong poles apart from the glittery skyscrapers in Central. It is famous for its lively street markets such as Fuk Wing Street for toys and party goods, and Ap Liu Street for electronics and gadgets,” and adds that “Goods of Desire is my go-to shop for souvenirs with a distinctive local design. Items such as Mahjong tableware, Kung Fu boxer shorts, or Nathan Road cushions make fun and memorable gifts from Hong Kong.”
Kingsley Ng advises, “For unique souvenirs, visitors should explore PMQ (Police Married Quarters) in Central, a hub for local designer brands. Fishing villages like Lei Yue Mun or Tai O, as well as outer islands such as Cheung Chau also offer a wealth of local products and artisanal goods. These areas provide a glimpse into Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage and are perfect for finding memorable keepsakes.”
Christina You, the director of Gagosian Hong Kong, says, “For unique souvenirs that capture the essence of Hong Kong, I recommend exploring the vibrant markets of Mong Kok. From quirky trinkets to traditional handicrafts, visitors can find a treasure trove of mementos to take home. Don’t miss the bustling Ladies’ Market for a true shopping adventure.”
Hugo Montanari, the general manager of the Rosewood Hong Kong, suggested a visit to the Temple Street Night Market in the Jordan neighborhood to T&C. “It’s a combination of merchants selling clothes, electronics, and shoes as well as Chinese jewelry and furniture. You can shop and at the same time get different types of street food—that’s what I love to do.”
Also, don’t write off shopping at the airport, which has outposts of Cartier, Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior, Gucci, Fortnum & Mason, and more.
What to See
The M+ museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District is one of Hong Kong’s premier artistic institutions .
How long do you think it’ll take for someone to mention the West Kowloon Cultural district to you? Considering everything the developing neighborhood of arts institutions has going on, it’s decidedly worth being on the tip of everyone’s tongue.
Your first stop should be M+, the area’s impressive contemporary art museum dedicated to visual culture from the 20th and 21st centuries. There are several vibrant exhibitions on at any time, but a word to the wise: the gift shop is always worth a visit and a roof garden (part of which features work by and inspired by Isamu Noguchi) makes for a lovely spot to take in the skyline. Nearby, the Hong Kong Palace Museum brings history to life by showcasing collections from the Forbidden City in Beijing. The area’s Art Park provides an outdoor venue for exhibitions, performances, and more. Other popular institutions include Free Space, which features performing arts programming, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. There are also any number of must-visit galleries, including Osage Gallery, Para Site, Villepin, Gagosian, White Cube, David Zwirner, Hauser & Wirth, and more.
Most first-time visitors will have a trip on the Star Ferry on their itinerary, as they should. But local experts recommend digging a bit deeper into what the city has to offer. “The Mid-Levels Escalator area is a must-visit for any traveler,” Ng says. “This unique neighborhood is teeming with cultural and historical landmarks. Explore Tai Kwun, the former police station and prison now transformed into a hub of cultural activities. Art enthusiasts can visit H Queen’s, which houses several contemporary art galleries, while antique lovers can wander along Hollywood Road, renowned for its antique shops. The newly renovated Central Market offers a modern twist on local fare. Additionally, this area is iconic for fans of Wong Kar-wai, featuring famous scenes from the film Chungking Express.”
Sun suggests a visit to Wong Chuk Hang on the south side of Hong Kong Island. “It is a manufacturing district now transformed into an art hub booming with creativity,” he says. “The newly opened subway stations make it easy to visit galleries here which often present local talents rivaling international big names in Central. Blindspot, Empty, and Kiang Malingue are some of my favorite galleries, but the list is long and there are many equally exciting art spaces hidden within this humble neighborhood.
Leung recommends the Mei Ho House Heritage Museum, “a neighborhood museum that holds great significance in the local history and architecture. Mei Ho House was constructed after a devastating fire in 1954, which left 58,000 people without homes. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of public housing in the area. One of its permanent exhibitions, ‘Memories of Our Days,’ offers a glimpse into the unique cultures and way of life during that era.” She also advises venturing beyond the city center: “New Territories and outlying islands like Lamma Island offer a different perspective of Hong Kong,” she says. “Hiking in these areas allows you to connect with nature, interact with locals, and delve deeper into the city’s history and culture, providing a glimpse into authentic Hong Kong life.”
Adam Rathe is Town & Country’s Deputy Features Director, covering film, theater, books, travel, art, philanthropy, and a range of other subjects.
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