A guide to some of the best places to eat, drink, shop and visit in Hong Kong
The Upper House
The Upper House is the premier hotel in Hong Kong. In a city where space is the most valuable asset, this hotel is a place of real indulgence, where rooms are bigger than the average apartment. Located in Admiralty, the epicentre of Hong Kong Island, rooms offer incredible views of the harbour and of the Peak, as well as the skyscrapers for which the city is best known. With a warm atmosphere, the staff here really go out of their way to look after you, with the aim of making you feel like you’ve arrived home. Designed by André Fu, who wanted the space to feel like a private residence, the hotel is calm – modern and minimal without being cold or boring – with warm, natural materials used throughout, along with touches of Asian influences like bamboo or green agate.
Salisterra
On the top floor of the Upper House sits Salisterra, a phenomenal Mediterranean restaurant with panoramic views of Hong Kong Harbour. Designed to feel a bit like the restaurant in Sofia Coppola’s seminal film Lost in Translation, the decor is as elegant as it is luxurious.
Peel Street/Please Don’t Tell bar
If you’re in the mood for a nightcap then head to Peel Street, where a string of drinking establishments sit amid the city’s Blade Runner-like surroundings. Please Don’t Tell is an intimate venue in collaboration with the iconic New York cocktail bar PDT, and the perfect spot for a late-night cocktail.
M+
Having opened in November 2021, the M+ museum is a relatively new cultural landmark in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Designed by famed architects Herzog & de Meuron, its design is as striking as its contents. Set to be a global hub for visual culture, M+ showcases a vast collection of contemporary and modern art, design and architecture from Asia and beyond. The museum’s avant-garde design and commitment to fostering creativity make it a must-visit destination and a significant addition to Hong Kong’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Hong Kong Palace Museum
Just a stone’s throw away from the M+ Museum lies the Hong Kong Palace Museum, located in the West Kowloon Cultural District, a cultural gem dedicated to Chinese art and history. Collaboratively curated by the Palace Museum in Beijing and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, it offers a captivating journey through China’s imperial legacy. Housed in a striking architectural masterpiece designed by Rocco Design Architects, the museum features an extensive collection of artifacts spanning centuries of Chinese civilisation. With its immersive exhibits and interactive displays, the Hong Kong Palace Museum stands as a testament to cultural preservation, inviting visitors to explore the richness of Chinese heritage in the heart of Hong Kong.
Broadway Cinematheque
One of my longtime favourite spots in all of Hong Kong is the Broadway Cinematheque in Yau Ma Tei, right in the heart of Kowloon. Set at the foot of Prosperous Garden, a beautiful housing estate built in the early 90s, the venue not only offers a constant rotation of local and international arthouse films (as well as the occasional blockbuster movie), but also houses one of Hong Kong’s only good art and photography bookshops, stocked with Chinese and Western books, magazines and other printed ephemera, as well as a lovely cafe. A short walk from Kowloon Park, it’s the perfect place for a mid-day pit stop.
St Francis Yard
Another cute spot to hang out in is St Francis Yard in Wan Chai, which boasts a great selection of independent cafes, restaurants and shops. There’s even a Monocle shop that offers a curation of magazines, clothes and design objects.
Joyce
Obviously, Hong Kong is great for luxury fashion shopping – there are Louis Vuitton and other luxury stores scattered throughout the city. But if you’re searching for clothes by emerging designers or independent labels, then it can be more tricky. Joyce, however, offers an amazing range of brands from its two locations in Hong Kong – one in Admiralty and one in Tsim Sa Tsui. Like Hong Kong’s answer to Dover Street Market or Machine-A, the store stocks all your favourite: Raf, Rick, Comme, Chopova, Wales Bonner – you name it.
Maxim’s Palace
Maxim’s Palace is an iconic culinary destination in Hong Kong, celebrated for its traditional Cantonese dim sum and timeless elegance. Located in City Hall, this renowned restaurant offers a feast for the senses with its ornate chandeliers, high ceilings and panoramic harbor views. With a history that stretches back to 1980, Maxim’s Palace is a cultural institution, as popular with locals as it is with businessmen and tourists. The extensive dim sum menu features a delectable selection of dumplings, buns and savory bites. It’s a place where culinary excellence meets cultural charm, making Maxim’s Palace an enduring symbol of Hong Kong’s gastronomic heritage.
The Chinese Library
Another great place to eat is the Chinese Library in Tai Kwun, also on Hong Kong Island. It’s located in the old Police Headquarters, which means that you get a glimpse of colonial-era architecture (some of the building’s old prison cells are open to visitors) in a city that can feel so relentlessly modern. The food itself offers a delicious and diverse offering from the various culinary regions of China.
Mee & Gee
Hong Kong isn’t known for its vintage shops, but if you’re in the market for some second-hand gems and don’t mind hunting for treasure, then it’s well worth a trip to Mee & Gee in Mong Kok. It’s quite hit-and-miss, but I once found an amazing black Levi’s denim jacket there – plus, it’s all very cheap. If you don’t find anything, you’re right on Ladies Market, which is a tourist-y spot good for souvenirs. And if you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, then the MOKO and Langham Place mall are super close.
Cathay Pacific’s Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport
If you’re lucky enough to fly in first or business class, then it’s worth arriving to Hong Kong International Airport early just so you can make proper use of Cathay Pacific’s lounge, which sits at the height of luxury travel and offers a welcome respite from the bustling airport. The expansive space is adorned with elegant decor, providing a serene atmosphere. There, passengers can indulge in a gourmet culinary experience with a diverse menu featuring international and local delicacies. The lounge also boasts well-appointed business facilities, shower suites, and relaxation zones, in addition to a spa that offers a range of treatments – all of which are designed to ensure a supremely comfortable pre-flight experience.
