There’s never been a more exciting time to explore this cultural and commercial powerhouse with few rivals, so follow the “ding-ding” of age-old trams, jump on a Star Ferry across the harbor, and let Hong Kong beguile and intoxicate you like nowhere else.
The local experts at Conrad Hong Kong have carefully crafted this guide to their home:
WHERE TO SHOP
Hong Kong has long been regarded as one of the best places to separate yourself from your money, thanks to its variety and the quality of the shopping. The only challenge is knowing where to start.
Malls rise to a whole new level of luxury across the city, and few are as sleek or swanky as Pacific Place, conveniently just a short walk from Conrad Hong Kong. Every high-end designer brand resides there along with brilliant dining and entertainment.
For quirkier local spots, try Gough Street in the heart of Central on Hong Kong Island. It’s home to one-off designer stores and funky homeware boutiques that make for perfect gifts.
Goods of Desire, known as G.O.D., is another local brand worth checking out for its cheeky sense of design humor. Street markets are another huge draw, especially the night markets around Temple Street in Kowloon’s Mong Kok district, where bargaining is definitely expected.
WHERE TO VISIT
Take the circa-1888 Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, which overlooks most of the city and boasts unbeatable, jaw-dropping views. And, if you have time, the slow walk down through its lush forest is a treat. Another form of transport not to be missed is the Star Ferry, a beloved, historic collection of wooden boats that navigate the waters of Victoria Harbour for just 35 cents a trip.
Fascinating places to discover also include the lavish and incense-filled Man Mo Temple on Hong Kong Island, the atmospheric Chi Lin Nunnery and the massive 34-meter bronze Tian Tan Big Buddha overlooking Lantau Island.
Additionally, don’t miss the chance to head out on a gentle hike over one of the hundreds of trails crisscrossing many of the 263 islands, taking time to stop in traditional fishing communities or organic farms.
The Conrad concierge recommends the scenic hike to Siu Sai Wan and Big Wave Bay to discover Hong Kong’s natural side.
“The trail is built for beginners, and there’s an unobstructed view of the skyline along the coast of eastern Hong Kong Island,” he says. “Bring your swimsuits in summer to sunbathe at Big Wave Bay, where you’ll find local eateries and can also rent surfing equipment.”
Toast your visit to Hong Kong with an Insta-worthy earl grey caviar martini at Quinary.
WHERE TO HANG OUT
Hong Kong’s diverse neighborhoods have distinct personalities. The increasingly bohemian and hipster spots of Tai Hang or Sham Shui Po vie for attention, while new artistic projects emerge like Tai Kwun, a 19th-century police station turned museum and dining hub.
The swish bars, restaurants and clubs of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui are a popular draw, with literally thousands of independent bars in Soho, Lan Kwai Fong and Mong Kok.
Make a point to visit Quinary, which whips up a multisensory mix of cocktails and food. Order the Insta-worthy Earl Grey Caviar Martini, topped with a fluffy foam of Earl Grey tea caviar and infused air.
The concierge at Conrad Hong Kong has a particular favorite known as 65 Peel: “65 Peel is a low-key bar that serves up the best of Hong Kong’s craft beer scene just a few streets from Lan Kwai Fong.
It’s a microbrewery, so you have to try the ‘gweilo herbal tea,’ or what Hong Kongers call beer in Mandarin. 65 Peel keeps 12 local brews on tap sourced from breweries all over Hong Kong, and there’s also a locally inspired snack menu.”
WHERE TO STAY
Conrad Hong Kong soars 61 stories above Pacific Place in the heart of Hong Kong Island, serving as the perfect base whether you’re exploring the city as a curious traveller or sealing business deals. Rooms and suites are sleek, high-tech and comfortable, and many of them boast stunning views over bustling Victoria Harbour and the city’s iconic skyline.
Regardless of whether you travel by tram, taxi, bus, railway, ferry or on foot, you couldn’t be better positioned, with shops, restaurants, businesses and entertainment right at your doorstep.
Select from six restaurants and bars, including award-winning Cantonese dining at Golden Leaf, which allows you to discover Hong Kong’s incredible diversity of local dishes. Then, work it off at the 24-hour gym, complete with a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. Sincere, warm hospitality and service complete the picture of a hotel consistently rated one of the finest in the city.
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Conrad Hong Kong
Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong, 518000, China
+852-2521-3838
conradhongkong.com
Discover the best of Hong Kong from ConradHongKong.com.
