Harbor Highlights: The Ultimate Pre- and Post-Cruise Travel Guide to Hong Kong

Things to do

I love riding the Mid-Levels Escalators, they are the longest outdoor escalator system in the world and offer a unique way to explore the vibrant Central and Mid-Levels districts. As you ride, you'll pass through lively areas like SoHo, filled with trendy restaurants, bars and art galleries. The escalators provide a fun and easy way to hop off and explore street markets, boutique shops, and some of Hong Kong's best dining spots.

Hong Kong offers a range of incredible hiking opportunities, from scenic coastal trails like Dragon's Back to more challenging routes like Lion Rock that provide amazing panoramic cityscapes. Another popular option is The Peak, where the hike culminates with breathtaking vistas of the city skyline and Victoria Harbor.

If you are looking to take in the views but hiking is not on your agenda, you can take the historic Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak or a scenic cable car ride on Ngong Ping 360 to Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island.

Experiencing Hong Kong from the water offers a unique perspective on the city's deep-rooted connection to maritime culture. Enjoying a cruise along Victoria Harbor reveals the iconic skyline, while a historic Sampan ride through the Aberdeen fishing village showcases the enduring traditions of local fishing communities.

The Symphony of Lights is a dazzling multimedia show that illuminates the city’s skyline each evening, combining synchronized lights, lasers and music across dozens of buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbor. Public spaces like the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Golden Bauhinia Square in Wanchai offer prime viewing spots along with reservations on ferry tours and key restaurants around the city.

Where to eat and drink

Taking a food tour in Hong Kong will open your senses to a journey through the city’s rich culinary landscape, from bustling street markets to hidden family-run eateries. If you are looking for an opportunity to sample iconic dishes like dim sum, egg tarts, and roast meats while learning about Hong Kong’s unique blend of Cantonese, British and Southeast Asian influences, a guided food tour is a must. I love to take a food tour on the first day of my visit, the guides are always so knowledgeable and help me with great suggestions for the rest of my stay.

If, like me, you could eat your own body weight in Dim Sum, Hong Kong is your paradise. For an unforgettable MICHELIN starred dim sum experience in Hong Kong, two top recommendations are Tim Ho Wan and Lung King Heen. These restaurants offer very different dim sum experiences, from Tim Ho Wan’s affordable street-food vibe at six locations across the city to Lung King Heen’s refined elegance at the Four Seasons Hotel.

The St. Regis Hong Kong is home to two, two-MICHELIN-starred restaurants. L’Envol offers a contemporary French dining experience, while, Rùn showcases modern Cantonese cuisine.

Trust me when I say that Club Feather Boa is a hidden gem in Hong Kong’s nightlife scene. Located in the trendy Soho district behind unmarked doors, this intimate boutique bar has a quirky, speakeasy vibe and offers an eclectic, vintage-inspired interior. Some of the specialties include fresh fruit daiquiris, espresso martinis and my personal favorite, the indulgent Malteser martini.

For those staying on the Kowloon side, Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Kowloon, has one of the world’s highest bars, with panoramic views of the skyline and an excellent spot to watch the evening light show.

Getting around

• Airport: In addition to a pre-arranged limo or hailing a taxi, you can catch the Airport Express train, one of the most efficient and cleanest trains I have ever experienced. It will take you from Hong Kong International Airport to two main stations in the city, Hong Kong Station (Central) and Kowloon Station (Tsim Sha Tsui/Jordan area).

• Walkability: Hong Kong is highly walkable, with well-maintained sidewalks, interlinked sky bridges and an extensive escalator system, making it easy to explore neighborhoods on foot while enjoying the city's exciting street life and architecture.

• Public Transport: Download the HKeMobility mobile app to find transport routes, fares, journey time, arrival time and real-time traffic conditions about MTR, buses, mini-buses, trams, ferries and water taxis to help you make the most of your visit.

• Taxis: Widely available and color-coded based on service areas (red for urban areas, green for New Territories, and blue for Lantau Island). Highly recommend to have cash on hand for taxi rides in case your driver does not take contactless payment.

• Octopus Card: Consider getting this rechargeable card used for seamless payment across most public transport options.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Hong Kong. In need of further inspiration? Check out Ann Tan’s guide, Hong Kong Must Eat and Do.