Arriving at Hong Kong International Airport already feels effortless. Everything is clearly organised, signage is easy to follow, and within minutes of landing you feel like the city knows exactly how to welcome travellers. One of the best parts? You can step straight onto the Airport Express, a fast and direct metro connection that takes you from the airport to Hong Kong Island in under half an hour. No stress, no confusion — just smooth, efficient travel.
It’s the perfect introduction to a city that runs on rhythm and precision.
Times Square: Energy in the Heart of the Island
Located in Causeway Bay, Times Square is one of those places where Hong Kong’s energy is instantly visible. Bright screens, constant movement, and people coming and going from every direction.
This isn’t just a shopping mall — it’s a meeting point, a landmark, and a snapshot of daily life on Hong Kong Island. Even if you don’t plan to shop, walking through Times Square helps you understand the pace and intensity of the city.
Lan Kwai Fong: Hong Kong After Dark
When evening falls, Lan Kwai Fong comes alive. Tucked between Central’s high-rise buildings, this small area transforms into Hong Kong’s nightlife hub.
Bars spill onto the streets, music mixes with conversation, and the atmosphere feels international and energetic. Whether you stay for one drink or a full night out, Lan Kwai Fong shows a social, playful side of Hong Kong Island.
Getting to Victoria Peak by Tram
One of the most iconic ways to reach Victoria Peak is by taking the Peak Tram. The tram departs from the Lower Peak Tram Terminus, located near Central on Hong Kong Island.
Once onboard, the journey itself becomes part of the experience. As the tram climbs steeply uphill, the city below seems to tilt and stretch, creating that famous, slightly surreal view through the windows. The ride only takes a few minutes, but it’s steep, dramatic, and unforgettable.
At the top, you step out directly into the Peak area, where viewing platforms, walking trails, and panoramic skyline views await. It’s efficient, historic, and without a doubt the most classic way to reach Victoria Peak.
A small tip: try to go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid long queues — especially on weekends.
Victoria Peak: Seeing It All at Once
No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for the view from Victoria Peak. From the top, the city stretches out beneath you — skyscrapers, Victoria Harbour, and distant islands all layered together.
It’s the best way to truly grasp how dramatic Hong Kong’s landscape is. Daytime offers clarity, but sunset and evening add pure magic.
Aberdeen: Old Harbour Life Within the City
On the southern side of Hong Kong Island lies Aberdeen, a neighbourhood that feels very different from Central or Causeway Bay. This is where you’ll find a glimpse of Hong Kong’s maritime past.
Here, you can take a short sampan boat ride through the old harbour, drifting past fishing boats and floating homes. It’s calm, nostalgic, and surprisingly peaceful — a reminder that Hong Kong was once built around the sea.
Temples in the Middle of the City
Even within the busy streets of Hong Kong Island, temples offer moments of calm. Places like Man Mo Temple feel deeply atmospheric, filled with incense coils, muted light, and quiet prayer.
These temples are still part of daily life. Locals stop by before work, during lunch breaks, or on their way home — proof that tradition still has a strong place in modern Hong Kong.
Hiking and Nature on Lantau Island
Lantau is also a paradise for hikers. Trails wind through mountains, forests, and coastal paths, offering some of the most rewarding views in Hong Kong. Whether you choose a short walk or a full-day hike, nature here feels expansive and restorative.
This side of Lantau often surprises people the most — it’s wild, quiet, and deeply refreshing.
The Eggs You See at Local Markets
While wandering through local street markets — sometimes called wet markets — you’ll notice baskets of dark, cracked-looking eggs. These are century eggs, also known as preserved eggs.
Despite the name, they’re not actually hundreds of years old. They’re preserved using traditional methods that transform the egg’s texture and flavour. They’re a common ingredient in local cuisine and a perfect example of how Hong Kong food culture embraces tradition without explanation.
You might not try them — but seeing them is part of understanding the city.
Wan Chai: A Grittier, More Local Nightlife
If Lan Kwai Fong is polished and international, Wan Chai feels rougher, more local, and more real. This is one of Hong Kong’s oldest nightlife districts, with a history that goes back decades — long before rooftop bars and cocktail menus became the norm.
Wan Chai’s nightlife is concentrated around Lockhart Road, where neon signs glow late into the night and bars line the street one after another. The atmosphere here is casual, social, and slightly chaotic — in a good way.
You’ll find sports bars, live music venues, and classic pubs where locals, expats, and travellers all mix. It’s the kind of place where you walk in for one drink and end up staying much longer than planned.
5 Unique Foods You Should Try on Hong Kong Island
1. Clay Pot Rice (煲仔飯)
Clay pot rice is one of those dishes that feels humble but unforgettable. Rice is cooked slowly in a clay pot over an open flame, creating a crispy, slightly burnt layer at the bottom. Toppings vary, but the real magic is in the texture and smoky aroma.
This is especially popular in the cooler months and is best eaten straight from the pot, steaming hot. It’s not flashy food — it’s comfort food with character.
2. Cart Noodles (車仔麵)
Cart noodles are completely customisable and deeply nostalgic. You choose your noodles, broth, and toppings, creating your own bowl every time. Historically, these were sold from street carts — today, they live on in small shops across the island.
Eating cart noodles feels very local. It’s quick, filling, and totally unpretentious — exactly how Hong Kong likes its everyday food.
3. Egg Waffles with Modern Fillings
The classic egg waffle gets a modern upgrade on Hong Kong Island. You’ll find versions filled with matcha, chocolate, cheese, or even ice cream. Crispy on the outside, airy on the inside, and eaten straight from the paper bag while walking.
It’s street food that evolves with the city — traditional at heart, but never stuck in the past.
4. Soy Sauce Noodles (豉油皇炒麵)
This dish looks deceptively simple: thin noodles tossed in soy sauce, sometimes with scallions or a light topping. But the flavour depends entirely on technique. When done well, it’s fragrant, savoury, and deeply satisfying.
It’s the kind of dish locals order without thinking — and that’s exactly why it’s worth trying.
5. Snake Soup (For Those Who Eat It)
Snake soup is one of the most traditional and culturally significant dishes you’ll find on Hong Kong Island — and also one of the most misunderstood.
Served thick and hot, often in winter, it’s believed to be warming and nourishing. The texture is closer to shredded chicken than anything exotic. You’ll usually find it in old, specialised shops that have been around for decades.
Important note: this dish is not for everyone. People with dietary restrictions (such as halal) should avoid it. But from a cultural perspective, it’s a fascinating reminder of how old Hong Kong food traditions still survive today.
Important note: this dish is not for everyone. People with dietary restrictions (such as halal) should avoid it. But from a cultural perspective, it’s a fascinating reminder of how old Hong Kong food traditions still survive today.
