Hong Kong (aka Honkers) is bursting with energy, it didn’t take me long to realise how this place gets its nickname Bonkers. Markets, nightlife, hiking, dining galore – it’s got a bit for everyone and never a shortage of fun. 

TO DO

Hike up to Victoria Peak for sunset; there’s a cable car if your legs won’t make it but it is a great steep 45 minute hike with breathtaking views the whole way. Some of the most high end luxurious apartments and hotels are situation in this area which is cool to see. There are a few restaurants at the top but I wouldn’t bother because it is very touristy. You can get a taxi down. The lines for the cable car seemed to be busy. 

Ladies Market in Mong Kok; On the other side of the island it is worth a wander. If you’re after some bargains and don’t mind bargaining then head here. It is also great for a browse but it might be manic so not for those who like personal space. 

Temple Street Night Market; another great market to visit. Everything from watches, trinkets, local food and clothes sold at this bustling night market. Open 5pm – 11pm 

Shop in Poho; This hip neighbourhood is bursting with great coffee, boutique shops and cafes.

Ride the Star Ferry; Despite Hong Kong having one of the most advanced and efficient public transport systems in the world, it’s a great experience to ride the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. 

H-Kore; If you feel like getting a serious sweat on book into a Reformer Class with the best – Nat. Prepare for 45 minutes of insane burn but also buckets of fun (and sweat). That’s her on the left being gnarly. You won’t do this move in class don’t worry. 

For the nightlife; the main drinking strip in Central is called Lan Kwai Fong. There are lots of cheaper bars at ground floor to choose from. For something more fancy, a roof top bar called Ce La Vi has great views at night.

TO EAT

Samsem; Some of the best Thai food I have ever had. Go early, put your name down and come back for your table when they call you. Order everything they suggest, it is all amazing. Classic Pad Thai was ace, and the pork necks were also divine. Crispy squid, pork belly mango salad and fried rice were also top.

Peking Duck; If you’re on the hunt for some of Hong Kong’s infamous peking duck then look no further than Xihe Ya Yuan. Spring Deer or Tai Fung Lau in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) is also recommended. 

Grassroots Pantry; Frequented by expats and locals, this cafe is a stand out along the fashionable Hollywood Road. Offering a vegan menu, health is top of the agenda. Try the smoothies and avocado toast.  

Be-Juiced; In case you’re wanting to scull some greens after all those espresso martinis. 

The Cupping Room; Great brekky and brunch spot and also one of the best coffees on the island. There is a couple of locations so don’t miss it. Had the quinoa brekky bowl and oat flat white. 

Tim Ho Wan; Dim Sum restaurant with Michelin star pork buns. 

Supabowl; Best acai bowls and protein smoothies. This one was located in Wan Chai. Tiny little hole in the wall serving the foods. 

Ninetys; funky cafe with lines to prove how good it is. Go on a week day if possible because the weekend brunch gets crazy busy. Kale smashed avo served with an almond milk flatwhite. 

Elephant Grounds; Great brekky but portions seemed a tad small. Maybe we were hungover and expecting a large meal. 

TO STAY

If you aren’t there for long staying in Central is a good idea and there’s plenty of airbnb and hotel options. Hong Kong isn’t short on apartments.

We stayed in a friends apartment in Wan Chai and it was incredible. It takes about 30 minutes max to walk from Wan Chai to Central.

Some friends stayed at the Icon in Tsim Sha Tsui just across the river. Ask for a room facing the central harbour and hopefully you get some nice views.

 

Ok that’s all the Bonkers Honkers had to offer us. Dive into the markets, taste everything, explore the streets and always look up at the millions of apartments, have lots of roof top drinks and then squeeze in a reformer class and sunset hike. You’ll leave feeling like you experienced the real HK.

K