Hong Kong, as small as it is geographically, is one of the world’s densest urban environments. Its fast-paced diversity makes it the perfect introduction to Asia and China. But beyond its ultra-modern skyscrapers and work-hard-play-hard lifestyle, it is a city bursting with character and still steeped in strong history and culture.
Here are some tips to help you blend into this eclectic mix like a local:
Good to Know Before You Go
The two main areas in Hong Kong are Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The island side has a more contemporary feel with glossy, high-rise lined streets set against a mountainous backdrop that is Victoria Peak. Not your sort of thing? Just a short ferry ride away, Kowloon on the other hand, has an old-meets-new kind of atmosphere with a good mixture of open air street markets, hole-in-the-wall restaurants and extravagant hotels.
The city has a wet, but very hot climate for most of the summer (April – September) with frequent rain and thunderstorms, so be sure to pack a sturdy umbrella or rain coat if you’re thinking of visiting during these months.
Getting Around
Travelling around the city is easy and efficient. Taxis are fairly priced and the MTR subway is safe, comfortable and reliable. English is not always readily spoken by taxi drivers though so we suggest getting your hotel concierge to write down your destination for you to show the driver, or take a screenshot of it on Google Maps. If you’re thinking of using Uber, be aware that they charge more than local taxis.
A quintessential Hong Kong experience is the evening ferry ride between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It’s a very smooth journey where you can enjoy Hong Kong’s bright and colourful skyline.
Eating
If you really want to experience Hong Kong like a true local, then you can’t get any better than the wet markets where Hong Kongers go to get their fish, meat and fresh produce as well as a wide variety of other goods such as noodles, sushi, fruit and dry goods. Here, you can treat your palate to the most authentic and fascinating taste sensations like bubble waffles, egg custards, Chinese steamed buns, pineapple buns and Dragon fruit.
Hong Kongers can be really particular about what they want to order. Customising meal orders is common practice. If a menu lists ‘wonton noodle soup’, you would be quite within your rights to order it with no greens, extra wontons, with added prawns and less salt. The wait staff won’t have to check with the chef to see if he/she can accommodate.
Demonstrate your true localness to your dining companions or to the wait staff by tipping sparingly or not all. In most restaurants and eateries, a service charge is usually already included in the bill so most people don’t bother with it. You may want to lighten your pockets of loose change but tipping is definitely not expected.
Shopping and Going Out
Causeway Bay has been described as ‘the most exhilarating shopping destination on Earth’. One thing is for sure: it is very crowded. It’s the bustling shopping and business district of Hong Kong with its own Times Square centre where you’ll find luxurious malls and very few chain stores.
On the opposite side of the spectrum is The Ladies Markets in Mong Kok, Kowloon. It’s an open-air market closed off from all traffic and stretches to 1km of bags, clothes and accessories and everything in between.
Lan Kwai Fong, also known as LKF, is made up of a number of street blocks in Central where you can go for a casual drink or meal. It has an upbeat vibe both day and night but has some pretty steep streets so would recommend flat shoes for the ladies.
Getting To Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic all fly direct from the UK to Hong Kong. All have fully flat beds and excellent First and Business Class offerings. Simply discuss with your dedicated SkyClub travel concierge about which product would best suit your individual travel requirements. Contact our experts today!
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