December 2025
One of the most densely populated regions in the world, Hong Kong is a financial powerhouse which is home to the most skyscrapers of any region in the world. While it used to be an English colony, it has since become a special administrative region of China under what is called the “one country, two systems” principle. Worth mentioning I was here for less than 24 hours (basically one full day / night).
General Tips / Notes
- The city is divided into mostly 2 parts: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Kowloon is more culturally authentic but residential with street markets and the like, while Hong Kong Island is the political and financial core with the massive skyscrapers, central business district, and upscale dining and nightlife
- We did Kowloon during day then took the ferry to Hong Kong Island for nighttime
- Public transport here is good
- Look into some of the staple foods (roast goose, pineapple buns, egg tarts, beef brisket noodles) and try them out
Food / Coffee
Home to a number of iconic foods specific to the area, you can find places ranging from street food carts to 3-Michelin starred restaurants. Dim sum for at least one meal is a must.
Ho Lee Fook
- Upscale Cantonese fusion dim sum restaurant
- Fun interior decorations
Little Bao
- Hip restaurant with mostly bar-seating
- Contrary to what one might think, the baos here are big and more like the size of burgers
Mak Man Kee Noodle Shop
- Very hyped and has one of Hong Kong’s staples in beef brisket noodle soup but I didn’t love it
Bakehouse
- Egg Tart (Hong Kong staple dish) was excellent
- Everything else was just ok
Halfway Coffee
- Fun lattes
Nightlife / Bars
Massive nightlife scene, can find any type of environment you are looking for from lowkey dive bars to hidden speakeasy cocktail bars to high-energy clubs and rooftop bars.
Bar Leone
- Rated the #1 bar in the world on World’s 50 Best 2025
- Thought it was great but #1 in the world is too high
- No reservations, got in line 15 min before the 5pm open, ended up getting waitlisted for second seating at 630pm but when we returned they were just sending away anyone trying to get on the waitlist at that point so need to be in line at open or won’t get in
Lan Kwai Fong
- Historic nightlife district and leading entertainment destination
- Can just come here at night and figure your way from there
Activities
Ladies Market
- Touristy market with vendors selling clothing, accessories, souvenirs, bags, everything you can imagine
- Fun to barter
Avenue of Stars
- Modeled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, location is prime as it is on Kowloon on the Victoria Harbor looking toward Hong Kong Island and along a promenade
- Can catch a ferry to Hong Kong Island from here
- Bruce Lee statue is also on this walk
PMQ (formerly, Police Married Quarters)
- Mixed-use arts and design venue
- Vendors set up and sell different arts and crafts