After three short weeks in Hong Kong, it was easy to see why it has become one of the top destinations for tourists from around the globe. It also made it easy to see why the winter season is the best time to take a family vacation to Hong Kong.
During my three weeks here, which began in late-December and ended in mid-January, the weather lingered between a comfortable 11 to 16˚ C (52 to 60˚ F) with mostly sunny days, making each day a perfect day to do whatever you may have planned. And there is certainly plenty to do. Hong Kong offers some of the best in accommodation, food, shopping, and sightseeing, and for those willing to spend a little more or travel a little farther, Japan, South Korea, Mainland China, and Taiwan are all a short flight away for a weekend trip.
To make your planning easier, here’s a list of Hong Kong’s latest and greatest that I personally recommend:
Things to Do: Hong Kong offers some of the best and biggest shopping districts for everybody’s budget, ranging from big-brand shopping centers like Times Square, to more cozy boutiques in Mong Kok. For those who enjoy shopping until the late hours of the night, the best bargains and souvenirs around town are found in Ladies’ Market. Otherwise, a day-trip to Ocean Park or Disneyland is sure to thrill the kids, while the adults can enjoy the nightlife in Hong Kong that buzzes all year round.
Places to See: The night skyline from Victoria Peak, or better known as “The Peak”, is not a sight to miss. For those who long for fresh seafood, the Public Pier at Sai Kong is the place for you. Other attractions are the Tian Tan Buddha, the quaint fishing village of Tai O, and Temple Street Night Market.
Where to Eat:
Breakfast: For those who want something a little more adventurous than the hotel’s breakfast options, eat at local congee shops early in the morning for fresh rice porridge and side dishes. Eat what the locals eat!
Lunch: I personally prefer a bowl of wonton noodle soup or a barbeque pork rice platter found in many local Chinese restaurants. But if that’s not your taste, what’s hot right now is Tsui Wah, a restaurant chain that serves food of “the local culture,” as they claim on their website.
Afternoon tea: Again, a good option for this is to find small local shops that offer afternoon tea sets, which include a meal and a drink, at very affordable prices.
Dinner: One of the greatest things about Hong Kong is that all varieties of foods around the globe can be found here if you know what you’re looking for. In this case, the Matsubishi restaurant located in the Renaissance Harbour View hotel in Wan Chai is the place for excellent Japanese cuisine and teppanyaki. Though it is more than a bit pricey, the quality of the meal and service is certainly worth it!
