If you’re planning a visit to Hong Kong, there are many things to consider before you leave. For instance, you should plan your trip well in advance to avoid disappointment and make the most of your trip. You should also be aware of the public holidays in Hong Kong and how they affect your plans. Finally, it’s important to be prepared for the weather. There are a number of places to stay and activities to do when you’re in Hong Kong, including museums and attractions. And you can get countless great deals in Hong Kong. For instance, Cathay employees from Cathay Pacific often spend time here on layovers.
Tim Ho Wan
One of the best places to eat in Hong Kong is Tim Ho Wan. Its dim sum is the star of the show, and the restaurant has been serving up inexpensive, tasty bites for years.
The name Tim Ho Wan is not new, but the company has recently started expanding its empire. Its latest venture is a second restaurant in Macau. In Hong Kong, the brand has six locations, including one in the posh new Central district. There is also a new Tim Ho Wan in the old quarter, and the company will soon open a third in the city’s swanky Mong Kok district.
Despite the fact that the restaurant has been around for over a decade, it’s still popular with locals and tourists alike. This is no doubt largely to do with the affordability of its food, and the speed with which it is delivered. And when you’re dining at Tim Ho Wan, you can expect to see staff wearing faded lime green polo shirts.
Tim Ho Wan’s menu isn’t as extensive as that of some of its more upscale competitors. However, the restaurant is still worth a trip. For a modest sum, you can dine on deep-fried bean curd sheet rolls with shrimps, steamed fresh shrimp dumplings (ha jiao), and steamed rice with dry squid and black mushrooms.
A full-blown meal for two costs about $33 and includes a sweet barley soup with bean curd skin. You’ll also find the Tim Ho Wan signature baked BBQ pork buns. These are a must-try in the city.
Although Tim Ho Wan does not get as much press as the more expensive restaurants, it’s still a reputable place to eat in the city. So, if you’re looking for a delicious, affordable meal, you should definitely check out this Michelin-star worthy restaurant.
Star Ferry ride to Central Pier
The Star Ferry is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong. It is an inexpensive way to enjoy the scenic views of the city’s skyline. The ferry takes you across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui to Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island).
You can catch a ride on the ferry from both sides of the harbour. However, the Central to Tsim Sha Tsui route is the most common and most popular. On this route, you can enjoy the view of the harbor and the IFC Tower. In addition, you can also experience the Symphony of Lights show. This evening show is a multimedia spectacle that lights up the Hong Kong skyline.
In addition to being a cheap way to get across the harbor, the Star Ferry is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. To use the ferry, you will first need to purchase an Octopus card. There are also vending machines at piers where you can buy tokens.
The cheapest option is to take the lower deck, but you may be better off with the upper deck. The upper deck offers better views and air conditioning. But be warned, the fares are slightly higher on the upper deck.
You can also take a cruise on the Aqua Luna. This 45-minute afternoon or evening adventure will take you around the harbour. The ride is free for children under three and seniors over 65. A discount is also offered for seniors on the Aqua Luna Cruise.
Besides being a great sightseeing experience, the Star Ferry is a great commuting option. Many trips are made daily.
Sightseeing tours
Sightseeing tours in Hong Kong offer visitors a chance to take in the city’s top attractions. The city’s most popular attractions include Temple Street Night Market, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Victoria Harbor, and the Old Clock Tower.
You can also explore the city’s cultural heritage by visiting Hong Kong’s museums and cultural centers. There are many hidden gems to be found in the city.
For example, the sky 100 in Kowloon offers 360 degree views of the city. This is one of the best sightseeing tours in Hong Kong.
Aside from its panoramic views, the Sky100 also offers a variety of other attractions. These include restaurants, shops, and an observation deck.
Another noteworthy activity is the TramOramic Tour, a 1920s-style open-top tram tour of the city. Onboard, travelers can enjoy Wi-Fi service.
Some of the tour routes also include convenient stops at major landmarks, including Victoria Harbor, the Aberdeen Fishing Village, and the Stanley Market.
One of the most impressive sights is the Symphony of Lights show. This show features laser beams lighting up the city’s skyline.
For a more unique experience, consider a private tour. Private guided tours give you insider knowledge and a chance to explore lesser known temples and markets. With local guides, you can experience the city as locals do.
You may also want to check out the MTR Tourist Day Pass, which allows you to ride the MTR for free for 24 hours. It can be purchased through Klook. Depending on your itinerary, you can also choose to take the Ngong Ping cable car.
Other noteworthy sightseeing tours in Hong Kong include the Ocean Park tour, which includes a ferry ride and a funicular train. This option is especially worthwhile during the warmer months.
Nightlife
Hong Kong nightlife offers a wide variety of activities. You can choose from horse racing, casinos, pubs and even night markets. Some areas of the city are better for clubbing than others.
One of the best places for a cosmopolitan nightlife is the Central area. SoHo is home to some of the newest and most cutting-edge clubs. There’s also a great selection of bars and restaurants here.
Other great places to go out are Causeway Bay, Tsim Tsa Tsui, and Kowloon. These places offer locals and tourists alike a place to hang out and party.
One of the most interesting places to visit is the Central Night Market. Here you can buy inexpensive jewellery and figurines. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s a fun experience to visit.
The Old Colonial Bar is a popular hangout for expats. It features leathered booths, wood paneling, and house craft beer. This 60-year-old institution is a hot spot for expat city types.
Another popular night spot is the Volar Club. This club features two rooms, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a large dance floor. In addition, it’s open until 5am, Tuesday through Saturday.
SoHo is another fun part of the Central district. It is the busiest nighttime zone in the city. Besides being home to many bars and restaurants, it’s also close to LKF escalators.
If you are looking for a nightclub in Hong Kong, consider Ce La Vi. This place is a bit of a hybrid, combining the best of both worlds. With a restaurant, a club, and a sky roof lounge bar, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among locals.
Public holidays
Hong Kong Public Holidays – The list of holidays in Hong Kong is determined by the Government of Hong Kong. They are public and statutory holidays. These are given to employees and the public.
These include: Easter, Buddha’s Birthday, Chinese New Year, Qingming Festival, and May Day. Many churches organize special services to celebrate these days.
Besides these, there are 17 statutory holidays. Employees of banks and social institutions are also given public holidays. Moreover, employees with continuous employment contracts for three months are granted with holiday pay equivalent to their daily average wages.
There are many statutory holidays in Hong Kong, but there are also some non-statutory holidays. These are written in gray, or beige, and are not a part of the statutory holidays.
One of the most popular festivals in Hong Kong is the Mid-Autumn Festival. This festival is celebrated to commemorate China’s rebellion against Mongolia during the 14th century.
Another important festival in Hong Kong is the Chung Yeung Festival. On this day, families gather to perform grave-sweeping and offerings. In addition, people visit tombs and nunneries.
Also, the Bun Scrambling Competition is held, where participants climb a bamboo tower and try to catch lucky buns. Other activities during this festival include family picnics and family hikes.
Christmas and the New Year are two of the biggest holiday seasons in Hong Kong. Hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to the city each year to participate in shopping, attending concerts, and seeing shows.
People also attend church services to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the most important Christian holiday.
Some other holidays in Hong Kong include: Easter, May Day, and Ching Ming. During these days, all schools and government offices are closed.
