What Not To Miss In Hong Kong

It almost feels like a lifetime ago we were in Hong Kong, young (I like to think we still are) fresh faced and eager to make the most of every second of our trip. Hong Kong was only the second stop on what would turn out to be nearly two years in that area of the world and at the time seemed a world away from what we had become used to in China during the previous 6 weeks.

Once again we were reunited with all of the major shopping brands we knew from home, large signs advertised the usual chains we had grown up with and English was the go-to language for most things. Needless to say, for a couple of travellers so young and inexperienced, Hong Kong was a welcome relief from the daily struggles of life on the road.

There was a lot to pack into our short time in Hong-Kong (in those days we were still moving quite quickly like the world depended on it) and so we set out early each day, guide book in hand, to tackle as much as we could of what lay in front of us. Nowadays we would be far more relaxed, taking the time to discover lesser known attractions, things that maybe wouldn’t make it into your usual top-10 must-see lists. Despite that, there are still a few things we did do right, a few things that no matter how many times you’ve been to Hong-Kong will always be right up there.  And even better, now you can get the best travel experience with discounted deals.

Top Three Things Not to Miss on Any Hong Kong

The weather was not kind to us on this day – Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak

This is without a doubt Hong Kong’s biggest attraction and for good reason, if you’re visiting somewhere then what better way to see it than all at once and from above. Just getting up there is an experience in itself, one of the world’s oldest and most unique funicular railways manages a  very steep climb all the way up to the peak tower at 396 metres above sea level.

At the top, you’re greeted with spectacular views of the city (weather permitting) and it’s even possible to get an undisturbed 360-degree view from the sky terrace at a whopping 428 metres above sea level. Once you’re done with the views you can enjoy some fine dining or make the most of some retail therapy in the main shops located in the peak tower.

The crowds gathering ready for the show at Victoria Harbour

A Symphony of Lights

Quite simply a must do, the city skyline in impressive enough in Hong Kong but add a multimedia show including over 40 of the largest buildings to the mix and you have something very special. At 8pm nightly, Victoria Harbour comes alive for over 10 minutes with music and lights, from both sides of the harbour the light show almost makes it seem as though the buildings are dancing for you.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays you can listen to the narration and music in English from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

The hustle and bustle outside Chungking Mansions

Curry in Chungking Mansions

Known as one of the best places to find cheap hotels in Hong Kong, it’s fair to say Chungking Mansion is a very intimidating place for young backpackers, it certainly was for us back in 2010. The huge building is alive with shops selling everything you could imagine and if it wasn’t for the people trying to secure your business in the entrance way then you’d never believe this place was home to some very affordable guesthouses.

But while initially you might be keen to spend as little time as possible here, take a moment to scan the list of restaurants inside, hidden away on some of the middle floors are restaurants serving some of the best Indian food we have ever had. In a quiet room that could be a restaurant anywhere in the world, you’ll have a hard time believing you’re still inside Chungking Mansion.

Have you been to Hong Kong? What would make it on to your must-do list for new visitors?