For a city whose culture is based on one of the most traditional countries in Asia, Hong Kong is incredibly modern and cosmopolitan. Interestingly, this is a place where you’ll find old temples situated alongside new shopping malls, or huge dim sum banquets next to Western luxury joints. The city draws in thousands of tourists every year, but with so many things to do and see here, it’s easy to feel a bit overwhelmed if it’s your first time visiting Hong Kong. Here we’ve listed five simple things you should do when experiencing Hong Kong for the first time:
Use Public Transportation
Image Credit: South China Morning Post
With over 380,000 registered private vehicles, Hong Kong may seem like a posh city filled with cars, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. From buses and ferries, to trains and trams, this city has everything. Plus, they’re all interconnected, making Hong Kong’s network one of the most sophisticated in the world, according to a report on CNN. To truly blend in with the locals, make sure to use public transportation whenever possible, as it will save you a fortune.
Visit the IFC
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With a whooping 88 floors, the International Finance Centre (IFC) is the most visible structure that populates the Hong Kong skyline and the 8th tallest in the world. It is also known for being the most popular luxury retail shopping centre in the city, with over 200 premier brands to choose from. Additionally, it has a classy rooftop garden where locals frequently visit at the weekend.
Shop at the Graham Street Market
Image Credit: Hong Kong FP
Of course, if there’s a go-to place for high-end shopping, there’s also one for fresh produce and local ingredients. Hong Kong has a unique taste palate—a mix of traditional Chinese cuisine and contemporary flavors—and it can only be authentically made with the local ingredients and spices.
Eating street food is one way to experience Hong Kong’s thriving food culture, but if get time, learning how to make their local dishes is a great experience too.
Get a Ferry to Macau
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It’s very easy to travel between Hong Kong and Macau. In fact, a lot of Hong Kong residents tend to get ferries to neighboring islands to go on weekend getaways. As expected, the most popular stops in Macau are the casinos. Macau is Asia’s answer to Las Vegas, with locals often visiting for a weekend or two in order to escape the crowds. The guide provided by partypoker emphasizes that first-timers should ease into the games slowly but surely. While it’s tempting to dive straight in, one of the biggest pitfalls when it comes to gambling is letting the excitement get the better of you. Just remember that gaming should be good fun, first and foremost.
Party Along Lan Kwai Fong
Image Credit: Time Out
If Asia has a city that never sleeps, then it’s Hong Kong. Locals especially love to hang out along Lan Kwai Fong—a downtown district where expat owls like to drink, dine, and party. Nightlife in Hong Kong is a one-of-a-kind experience. When the skyscrapers begin to illuminate the harbour, you’ll see nightclubs drawing people in with lively music, and people partying until the sun rises. Here, you’ll see Hong Kong in its raw form—vibrant, friendly, and incredibly diverse.
While this list is by no means exhaustive, it’s a good place to start if you want to sample the best of Hong Kong. There’s an activity for every kind of traveler—whether you’re looking for the wildest night of your life, or a spontaneous rendezvous around the harbour.
This post was written in collaboration with Jessa Swan.
