Hong Kong is pure electricity — and not just because of the dazzling lights that dance across Victoria Harbor each night. This cosmopolitan city hums with contrasts, where East and West intertwine to create something thrillingly unique.
From the intoxicating swirl of scents in a street-side dim sum stall to the colonial facades that whisper of another era, Hong Kong is a sensory feast. Across Victoria Harbor, Kowloon offers its own brand of magic — closer in spirit and geography to Mainland China, equally modern and mysterious — and it’s here, in Tsim Sha Tsui, that Kimpton is calling home.
Hong Kong’s glittering Victoria Harbor never fails to steal the spotlight. (Photo Credit: Manson Yim)
Welcome to Hong Kong. (Photo Credit: Jet Dela Cruz)
The greatest adventure in Hong Kong isn’t found on any itinerary — it’s found by simply walking and letting the city unfold around you. From the museums, malls, and markets at your doorstep in Kowloon to the legendary skyline views and cultural icons across the harbor, here are a few insider favorites you won’t want to miss.
Hong Kong Highlights
In Hong Kong, there’s something new to discover around every corner — from the sleek skyscrapers, museums, and world-famous markets of Kowloon to the vibrant neighborhoods across Victoria Harbor, alive with designer boutiques and hawkers selling everything from incense and paper lanterns to dried seafood.
Step inside Man Mo Temple, one of the city’s oldest, where coiled incense spirals fill the air beneath red and gold adornments honoring the Gods of Literature (Man) and War (Mo). Ride the Mid-Levels Escalator — over 2,600 feet of interconnected walkways winding through chic hillside neighborhoods near Victoria Peak — and let the journey itself become the destination.
A walk through the Mid-Levels Escalator is a journey through the heart of the city. (Photo Credit: @romeoa)
For a glimpse of local life, spend an evening at the Happy Valley Racecourse, where the energy of Wednesday night races fills the stands from September through July. And don’t miss the West Kowloon Cultural District, a dynamic new waterfront hub where open-air performances, art galleries, and cutting-edge theaters bring contemporary culture to life on the mainland.
It’s All About That View
What’s the best sight in all of Hong Kong? The view.
By day, ascend Victoria Peak, where the city’s skyline stretches endlessly beneath you. The historic Peak Tram — one of the world’s oldest funicular railways — climbs a heart-pounding incline to the summit, delivering passengers to a 360-degree viewing terrace that feels like the top of the world. Wander the nearby trails for a peaceful start to the morning (and a jet-lag cure that beats coffee), especially before the crowds arrive.
In Hong Kong, the views only get better the higher you climb. (Photo Credit: Austin Poon)
Come nightfall, the magic shifts to Victoria Harbor. At 8 pm sharp, the Symphony of Lights transforms Kowloon’s skyline into a dazzling performance of lasers and color, best admired from the deck of the iconic Star Ferry as it glides across the water.
And for a view worth the journey, make your way to Lantau Island to witness the awe-inspiring Big Buddha at Po Lin Monastery. Rising out of mist-shrouded peaks, the colossal bronze statue is breathtaking — whether it’s the sheer scale that moves you or the slight sway of the cable car nearly 2,000 feet above the ground.
A Feast for the Senses
When it comes to dining, Hong Kong is a true culinary capital — an intoxicating mix of East and West where every meal feels like a discovery. From Michelin-starred masterpieces to humble local favorites, food here isn’t just a pastime — it’s a way of life. Feast on Peking duck, dim sum, hotpot, or the seasonal delicacy of hairy crab, and you’ll understand why this city sits at the crossroads of global gastronomy.
Hong Kong is a true culinary capital. (Photo Credit: Jojo Yuen)
Wang Fu is a modest, Michelin-recognized hole-in-the-wall that’s easy to miss but impossible to forget — especially if you visit during pea shoot season, when the dumplings reach perfection. The shop is particularly famous for its Pekingese dumplings.
Hong Kong’s dining scene also celebrates the full spectrum of Asian flavors — Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Japanese, and beyond — alongside a flourishing array of vegetarian and halal options. If you’re craving a taste of home, head to Pastis for French bistro comfort, grab an authentic New York-style slice at Pizzeria Napoletana under the Mid-Levels Escalator, or linger over perfectly poached eggs and rich espresso at Brunch Club.
Dumplings are the city’s definition of comfort food. (Photo Credit: Dex Ezekiel)
When the night calls for a final toast, our favorite hideaway is Bar Buonasera, a Japanese whiskey and cocktail bar tucked inside an unassuming office building, where mixologists craft drinks with near-academic precision. Across Victoria Harbor, Wan Chai’s Dusk Till Dawn keeps the live music going late.
A Shopping Mecca
From the world’s top designers at 1881 Heritage in Tsim Sha Tsui and Pacific Place in Wan Chai to the bustling hawker stalls of Sheung Wan selling dried seafood, herbs, and handcrafted treasures, Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise — an endless, tax-free playground of style and discovery.
For something uniquely Hong Kong, make your way to Shanghai Tang, the iconic label founded by the late Sir David Tang, where high-end fashion, handbags, jewelry, and housewares blend modern luxury with traditional Chinese design. Dress like a mogul at PYE, known for its impeccable men’s cotton shirts that are crafted in sustainable factories.
Hong Kong is truly a shoppers’ paradise. (Photo Credit: Gong Ty)
Home decor lovers will want to wander Hollywood Road, where antique shops and open-air stalls showcase Chinese porcelain, jade, and classic furniture. Near Graham Street, dig through art prints and vintage finds that make for perfect keepsakes. For a dose of contemporary creativity, explore PMQ — the former Police Married Quarters turned art-and-design hub — home to more than 100 fashion designers, artisans, and visionaries.
Where to stay: Kimpton Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong
