with these addresses your stop-over in Hong Kong will be a success!
Hong Kong is without a doubt one of the coolest cities in Asia. I’m lucky enough that I’ve visited this city a couple of times already and I can honestly say that I begin to know the way around here like I do in New York or Berlin. What I find so extraordinary about Hong Kong is that the trendy hotspots and authentic canteens seem to coexist and the centre of the city is actually pretty small. There are several nice districts where you can hop from hotspot to hotspot and if you’re a dim sum lover just like me you’re about to get real lucky here. Below in this blog you can read how you can win a trip to the dream destination Hong Kong! Personally, I just returned from a stop-over in Hong Kong on my way to Vietnam and in this blog I’ll line up a couple of my favourite addresses for you.
9 X hotspots in Hong Kong you’ll want to know
Sky bars: In Hong Kong there are lots of sky bars from where you can enjoy an amazing view of the skyline with its skyscrapers. During my last trip to Hong Kong I was there in the middle of the rainy season and my oh my, that didn’t go unnoticed. But… At these sky bars, you are high and dry in contrast to the rooftop bars, which makes them ideal for a drink later in the evening. Would you like a view of Hong Kong Island? In that case Ozone is a classic! Rather prefer a view of Kowloon and Victoria Harbour? Then the Mandarin Bar is a must.
Mott32: It’s quite a search among all the skyscrapers and offices, but once you’ve found the entrance to Mott32 you won’t be disappointed. Via the escalator you go down to the basement where they’re beautiful restaurant is situated and where they serve delicious Cantonese dishes and dim sum for lunch and dinner. I had the best BBQ pork buns ever there!
Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Rd Central, Central, Hongkong, mott32.com
PMQ: In the area of Aberdeen Street in Hong Kong you can find lots of great hotspots, but an address you definitely don’t want to miss out on if you’re into shopping is PMQ. In barracks formely used as living spaces for police officers there are now tons of small stores by local designers situated. A great address for a special souvenir! Tip: they regularly host a night market at PMQ so make sure to check that on their agenda before you go!
35 Aberdeen St, Central, Hongkong – pmq.org.hk
Aberdeen Street Social: Done shopping at PMQ? Then go for a bite and a drink at Aberdeen Street Social. During the weekend this all day restaurant is renowned for their tasty brunch, but it’s also a great spot for lunch or dinner on their balcony or in their garden with a view of all the colourful building in the Central district.
G/F, JPC, PMQ,, 35 Aberdeen St, Central, Hongkong – aberdeenstreetsocial.hk
Dim Dim Sum: The first time I was in Hong Kong I went for an extensive dim sum dinner at Dim Dim Sum. They have several locations, but I personally think the establishment in Mongkok is the most authentic. You’re among the locals there and the dim sum is so delicious and affordable. Whenever I’m in Hong Kong I always try to visit this place!
112 Tung Choi St, Mong Kok, Hongkong – check de Facebook pagina
Potatohead: Does the name Potato Head sound familiar? Chances are you know this hotspot from Bali. Over there it’s one of the most relaxing beach clubs of the island, in Hong Kong it’s a trendy restaurant where you can hang out till late in the weekend and have some drinks at the bar.
100 Third St, Sai Ying Pun, Hongkong – ptthead.com
Ted’s Lookout: There also in the district Wan Chai, but close to the neighborhood of Star Street (which is great for shopping during the day) is the cocktail bar Ted’s Lookout. A real hidden gem on a square where you’d least expect it. They also serve international dishes, but the real reason to come here is for the cocktails later in the evening.
17A Moon St, Wan Chai, Hongkong – check their Facebook page
Ham & Sherry: Craving for something other than dim sum or Cantonese food? Then tapas bar Ham & Sherry is a must. From the outside you wouldn’t guess that this hotspot is in the district Wan Chai in Hong Kong but rather in the heart of Madrid. You go here for classic tapas like Iberico ham!
1-7 Ship St, Wan Chai, Hongkong – hamandsherry.hk
Little Bao: Curious as to where the bao bun trend is coming from? I bet that most Chefs got their inspiration from hotspot Little Bao in Hong Kong. Because at this burger joint they only serve steamed bun burgers. Order a coke with it and taste away! They’re only open in the evening and there’s always a line, but it’s definitely an address where you’ll want to have dinner at least once. And probably many more times ;-).
66 Staunton St, Central, Hongkong – little-bao.com
5 X fun to do in hong kong:
Go to the beach: You probably wouldn’t guess this in a city like Hong Kong, but in the area of Hong Kong you can find many great beaches where you can easily relax, sunbathe and swim on a sunny day. Would you rather combine city and beach? In that case the Beaches Tai Long Wan (also known as Big Wave Beach), Shek O and Repulse Bay recommended!
Best view: There are several spots in Hong Kong from where you can enjoy an amazing view over the city. Are you in Hong Kong for the first time? Then a visit to the Sky Terrace 428 at The Peak is a must. YES, it’s very touristic but still something you have to have done at least once when you’re visiting Hong Kong.
Do a food tour: Almost every time that I’m in Hong Kong I book a food tour at Hong Kong Foodie. Nice young guides that tell you everything about the local eating culture and street food and who take you to spots where normally you wouldn’t end up. Are you travelling alone? Then a food tour is also a nice way to meet other travelers!
Districts not to miss: When you’re in a city and you know the go-to districts there’s almost nothing that can go wrong when you go exploring. Wan Chai, Central and Shueng Wan are my favourite areas in Hong Kong. With the coming of Potatohead in the district Sai Ying Pun (close to the metro station of the same name) this is certainly an area to keep a close eye one, because here they open the most new hotspots at the moment.
Naar de night market: Who loves night markets just like me came to the right place in Hong Kong. The most well known night market is the Temple Street Market in the area of Kowloon across Hong Kong Island. The market starts every day around 6PM and lasts until midnight. In the surroundings of the night market you can find lots of affordable restaurants for delicious noodle dishes or dim sum.
TIP: WIN a trip to one of the 74 dream destinations
Would you like to go to Hong Kong to try out all the tips from this blog? Well, good news! Coca-Cola is giving away dream vacations every week this summer, to destinations from Hong Kong to Bali and Ibiza! Get your can or bottle of Coca-Cola with the special label of dream destinations on it. Underneath the label, the cap or the lip of your Coca-Cola you can find an action code, which you can fill in on the website www.cocacola.nl/summer. Who knows, you might win a trip to that one city or that one island that’s been on your bucket list for ages!
Happy travels!
WITH LOVE,
ANNE
In collaboration with Coca-Cola