Although Murray Head's famous 1980s hit talks about "One Night in Bangkok", I decided to begin my mini-articles-series of "One Night In" with Asia's most international city - Hong Kong (I will also get to Bangkok at a later stage… I promise…).
The idea of writing a mini-series of articles (or rather blogs) about these Asian cities I'm familiar with, came up after I realized there are so many travelers who pass through those cities on their way from here to there, and don't really know what are the best possible ways to kill a day or two, while waiting for their next flight.
Alongside this "One Night In" series, I'm also submitting my "One day in" and "Two days in" posts, so keep your eyes open for them…
Just one more word before I get to the guide itself: Unlike what many travelers think,
Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Bangkok are too good to be considered just an "unavoidable stopover". As a matter of fact, each one of these cities is a great travel destination in its own right, so do yourself a big favor and try to spare more than just a day or two on your "stopover visit".
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Before leaving the airport
Most transit travelers arrive at Hong Kong by air, so I'll naturally start with Hong Kong International Airport.
After clearing with customs and immigration, you can proceed to the luggage storage counter at the 'Meeters and Greeters Hall' , where you can store your trolley or bag till you come back… The counter is open from 5:30 in the morning till 1:30 at night and the charges are HK$ 40 (up to 3 hours) or HK$ 55 (more than 3 hours but less than 24 hours). If you wish to store your stuff for more than 24 hours, it will be HK$ 130 (up to 48 hours), and HK$ 80 for each subsequent 24 hours or part thereof.
That's it… You are ready to party the night away? Before leaving the airport, you might want to get yourself an Octopus Card - An electronic stored-value card accepted on most public transport… It will make your life easier when traveling around Hong Kong as you won't have to bother about small change when paying cash... When you pay a fare with Octopus, you simply place the card on the reader and the fare gets deducted automatically (you won't even need to take the card out of your wallet).
A new Octopus card includes a refundable HK$50 deposit. Any leftover money is also refunded when you return the card.
Octopus card can be purchased at the Airport Express Customer Service Counter (Arrivals Hall), as well as at the Customer Service Centers within the MTR/KCR stations. All outlets of 7-Eleven & Circle K Convenience Stores also sell the card.
The card can be reloaded at any MTR/KCR station, either by using the Add Value Machines or at the Customer Service Centers, located in the stations.
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From the airport to the city
Train
The Airport Express Station is just across the Arrivals Hall: This train provides the quickest and most comfortable link between the airport and the city. It leaves once every 12 minutes and covers the distance to Central in 24 minutes, with stops in Kowloon and Tsing Yi. A free Airport Express Shuttle Bus service takes Airport Express passengers from Hong Kong and Kowloon stations to major hotels and transportation interchanges, and back (see more details in the relevant sections of this article)
Airport Express passengers using Octopus card can also enjoy free MTR Connections to or from Airport Express stations, if their cards have usable value and their travel on the MTR and Airport Express is within one hour of each other (For In-town Check-in customers, the MTR trip immediately before check-in is free).
The last train leaves the airport at 00:48 and the first train departs from Hong Kong Station in Central at 05:50 am (05:53 from Kowloon)
At the time of writing, single trips from the airport to Hong Kong (Central), Kowloon and Tsing Yi Stations (or vice-versa) cost HK$100, HK$90 and HK$60 respectively (Round Trip Ticket costs HK$ 180 / HK$ 160 / HK$ 110 and is valid for 30 days from date of issue). Airport Express passengers traveling within the same day can enjoy a FREE return journey. The offer is applicable to both Octopus Card and Same Day Return ticket holders.
Bus
Buses are significantly cheaper than the Airport Express, but take much longer to get to town… If you are on a tight budget or if you missed the last Airport Express (or need to get back to the airport before the first train departs), they can make an alternative.
Buses can be boarded at the Ground Transportation Centre, outside the terminal building and the fare can be paid either by cash or Octopus Card.
- •Citybus A11 travels to Causeway bay, Wanchai and Central. Single trip costs HK$ 40.
- •N11 is the "overnight version" of the above A11 and covers the same route. Single trip costs HK$ 31
- •A 21 travels to Mong Kok and Tsim sha Tsui. Single trip costs HK$ 33
- •N 21 is the "overnight version" of the above and covers the same route. Single trip costs HK$ 23
(More specific details about bus routes can be found in the relevant sections of this article)
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Where to go and what to do
Now, here comes the hard bit… There is so much to do at night in Hong Kong… I'm not even sure where to begin…
Anyway, I've put together a few possible ideas/options, and I'm quite sure each one of you will find something that appeals to him or her…
1) IDEAS & OPTIONS FOR THE BEGINNING OF THE NIGHT (IF LANDING BEFORE 6 PM)
The "Symphony of Lights"
Modeled after Hollywood's Walk of Fame, The Avenue of Stars honors celebrities of Hong Kong's film industry, with floor plaques of all the industry's who's who. It is also the best place to watch the "Symphony of Lights" light & sound show from.
The "Symphony of Lights" is a nightly orchestrated light, sound and laser show featured on 37 key buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour.
Awarded the world's "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, this spectacle is staged every night at 8:00 pm and, as already mentioned, one of the best places to see it from is the Avenue of stars and the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Another recommended vantage point is the promenade at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, on Hong Kong Island.
New World Center, on the waterfront next to the "Avenue of Stars", has six floors and hundreds of shops, many of which specialize in fashion brands. There are also quite a few restaurants and cafés here. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
To get there: Take the Airport Express to Kowloon Station. From the station, take shuttle bus K-3 to the Peninsula Hotel or (better) K-2 to Sheraton Hong Kong. Use the pedestrian subway near the Sheraton to cross under Salisbury Road to the other side, where the Tsim sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade and the "Avenue of Stars" can be found.
If coming by bus: Take Citybus' route A21, alight outside Tsim sha Tsui MTR Station, enter the station and use the pedestrian-subway-network to get to Tsim sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade and the "Avenue of Stars" (You can also follow the signs to New World Centre)
The Night Market at Temple Street
Temple Street's Night Market is a good place to fetch a few bargains and feel a bit of a true Hong Kong market ambience… Lines of brightly lit market stalls are selling everything you can think of: Asian antiques and costumes, Footwear and clothes, Electronic gadgets and watches, cassettes and CDs... You name it… There are also more than a few food-stalls and eateries around, where you can indulge on simple, delicious Chinese food.
Cantonese opera singers and fortune tellers can be found in Yung Shue Tau Square, on the other side of Temple Street, just outside the old Tin Hau Temple.
The market is open daily from 4 pm to 11 pm (although it gets busy only from 7 pm and onwards).
Getting there: From Kowloon's Airport Express Station – Take shuttle Bus K-1 to MTR Jordan (From MTR-Jordan exit A, walk along Jordan Road – away from Nathan Road. The third street on your right hand side is Temple Street)
If coming from Tsim sha Tsui's Waterfront Promenade: Use the pedestrian subway to cross under Salisbury Road to the other side, and continue (underground) to Tsim sha Tsui MTR Station, from where you take the MTR to Jordan (one station away) and continue on foot (see above).
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A21, drop off outside the Nathan Hotel, on 348 Nathan Road, cross Nathan Road to the other side and proceed with Pak Hoi Street for a minute or two (it crosses Temple Street).
Mong Kok and its markets
Mong Kok, north of Tsim sha Tsui, is characterized by a mixture of old and new multi-story buildings, with shops, authentic eateries and restaurants at street level, and commercial or residential units above.
The atmosphere around here is slightly less touristy than in Tsim sha Tsui or Hong Kong Island and prices, accordingly, are usually lower... Some of Hong Kong's best open-air markets can be found here, alongside some of the city's less glitzy and less expensive shopping centres…
Ladies' Market - stretches along Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok and is one of Hong Kong's most popular open-air markets. As its name denotes, this market specializes in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the like, although you can find here more than a few stalls that sell men's and children's products... Soft toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches... just to name a few.
The market is open daily from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Getting there: From Kowloon's Airport Express Station – Take shuttle Bus K-6 to Royal Plaza Hotel (departs once every 24 minutes – last one leaves at 11:10 pm): Ladies Market is just a few minutes walk from the hotel.
From Tsim sha Tsui (Symphony of Lights or Nathan Road) and from Jordan (Temple Street's Night Market), take the MTR to Mong Kok Station: Take exit E-2 of MTR-Mong Kok to the east side of Nelson Street and proceed to the market (2 minutes walk), Exit D-3, on Argyle Street is also close to the market.
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A21 and drop off at the bus stop outside Argyle Centre, on 688 Nathan Road
Victoria Peak
"The Peak", as it is commonly known, is probably Hong Kong's most popular tourist attraction. The world-class views of the city and the harbour are simply spectacular... especially at night, when the countless skyscrapers are flashing in millions of dazzling lights...
Up at the top, there are two adjoining shopping malls, namely the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria, which boasts a variety of restaurants, cafés, shops, "unique attractions" and tourist traps... (Including Hong Kong's excellent Madame Tussauds, as well as some really good restaurants with fabulous views)
Recommended venues around "The Peak" include Café Deco (a good choice of both Asian and western delicacies, and a great view...), Bubba Gump (seafood, and shrimps in particular...), The Peak Lookout (a fabulous restaurant, located in a charming colonial house) and Tien Yi (an upclass restaurant, serving superb contemporary Chinese cuisine).
Most visitors use the Peak Tram to get to The Peak... Not only that riding the internationally-famous tram is one of Hong Kong's "must dos"... it also provides the most direct route and offers good views over the city's harbour and skyscrapers.
The tram operates daily, from 7 am to 12 midnight. It departs every 10 - 15 minutes and covers the full distance in approximately 7 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased at either of the terminuses. They cost HK$ 22 / HK$ 33 (one way/ return) for an adult, and HK$ 8 / 15 (one way / return) for a child of 3 - 11 years or for a senior citizen (above 65). You can also buy a "combo" ticket combining the tram and the Sky Terrace at a somewhat discounted rate.
Getting to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus: From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station –
Take exit C and turn left to Des Voeux Road Central. Walk along it, pass the HSBC Building (you will also have to cross it to the other side) and turn right to Garden Road, with which you climb to the terminus.
(You can also access Des Voeux Road Central through Alexandra House – take exits A2 or B2 to the elevated walkway, turn right and walk to Alexandra House).
If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui – symphony of Lights / Jordan – Night Market / Mong Kok – Ladies Market), take the MTR to Central, than take exit J-2 to Chatter Garden, walk through the garden, cross Queen's Road Central and continue up along Garden Road (you will see the terminus on your left side, opposite the American Consulate General).
If coming with the Star Ferry (from Tsim sha Tsui pier, few minutes walk from the "Symphony of Lights") : Walk straight through the elevated walkway until you get to Alexandra House, turn left to Des Voeux Road Central, cross it to the other side (where HSBC building stands) and after a couple of minutes turn right to Garden Road, with which you climb to the terminus.
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Queensway (Near Queensway Plaza and exit C-1 of Admiralty MTR Station). Cross Queensway to the other side (with the footbridge) turn right, and after a couple of minutes turn left to Cotton Tree drive, with which you climb to the terminus.
Getting to the peak is also possible via other means of transport (although it is not as fun as with the tram and also takes much more time…) :
Green minibus No. 1 connects Central and The Peak. It departs from the bus interchange, next to Hong Kong's Airport Express Station (on Finance Street – through exit F) every 10 minutes or so, daily, 6:30 am - 12 midnight, and charges around HK$ 8 each way.
Bus No. 15 can be boarded at Central's Ferry pier bus terminus, as well as next to Exchange Square, on Connaught Road Central (use exit D of Hong Kong Station, if coming by Airport Express). A bus leaves every 10 - 15 minutes (daily, 10 am - 12 midnight) and it costs around HK$ 9.2 each way (HK$ 4.6 for children and senior citizens).
Late Evening shopping at Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is Hong Kong's trendiest shopping district. The small cluster of streets around Causeway Bay's MTR Station houses some of the city's best department stores, shopping malls and prestigious shops. Hong Kong yuppies just love Causeway Bay and consider it the city's "fashion barometer"... The place to go to when you want to know what's new and "in"...
Other than trendy fashion shops, Causeway Bay is home to one of Hong Kong's most popular bazaars, Jardine's Crescent, where plenty of inexpensive fashion accessories can be found.
The area's shopping venues stay open until relatively late, which means you can start your evening here and move somewhere else later on (although there are also plenty of great restaurants and cafés around this area – see recommendations below…)
- The entrance to both Jardine's Crescent and Jardine's Bazzar is next to exit F of the MTR station.
- From Jardine's Crescent, you can enter Lee Gardens Two (Caroline Centre), and move onwards to The Lee Gardens, using the footbridge ( open until 10 pm daily)
- Times Square, one of Hong Kong's most popular shopping and entertainment malls can be accessed directly from Causeway Bay's MTR station (exit A – shops are open daily till 10pm and dinning/ entertainment venues stay open later).
- Great George Street and Paterson St. can be accessed through MTR-Causeway Bay, exit E
To get to Causeway Bay: From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station, walk to Central MTR Station (direct pedestrian link) and take the MTR to Causeway Bay Station.
If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui – symphony of Lights / Jordan – Night Market / Mong Kok – Ladies Market), take the MTR to Causeway Bay Station.
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Hennessy Road, Near Wan Chai Fire Station. Then walk a few steps ahead and turn right to Percival Street (cross Hennessy Road – there is a footbridge at Causeway Bay Plaza), which takes you to Times Square and the other shopping centres.
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2) HONG KONG'S BEST DINING & ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCTS
Being one of Asia's most international cities, Hong Kong boasts quite a few trendy dining-and-entertainment precincts, which are as vibrant and up-to-date as Hong Kong itself... Each with its unique ambience and style... So no matter how, or where, you choose to spend your evening, Hong Kong has it, big time.
Hong Kong Island
Central, Hong Kong's modern business district, is conquered by sparkling skyscrapers that accommodate the Asia-Pacific head office of international corporations, alongside bank managements, government agencies and foreign consulates.
Famous for its stylish shopping malls and elite boutiques, it is not a designated dining and entertainment area, as such, although its international ambience attracts the city's well heeled residents and, therefore, some of the best restaurants in Hong Kong can be found here...
Among the most recommended venues in Central you can find names like Harlan's (contemporary-western cuisine and superb steaks), Caprice at the Four Seasons Hotel (one of Hong Kong's most sought-after French restaurants), Grissini (one of Hong Kong's finest Italian restaurants), Shanghai Garden (excellent Shanghainese cuisine), Koi Sushi (creative Japanese cuisine), Tandoor (one of Hong Kong's most favorite Indian restaurants), Lotus(contemporary Australian-Thai resto-bar), Isola Bar & Grill (lovely Mediterranean cuisine and large alfresco terrace, facing the harbor views), Lung King Heen (haute Cantonese cuisine with a modern touch) and Cuisine Cuisine (contemporary Cantonese cuisine with an emphasize on fresh seafood).
A link to the full details of the above venues, including reviews can be found before the end of this article.
Getting to Central is as easy as pie: Hong Kong's Airport Express Station is right in the heart of Central and so is Central MTR Station (if coming from Kowloon: Tsim sha Tsui / Jordan / Mong Kok) and Star Ferry Pier (walk 5 minutes along the elevated walkway).
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Connaught Road Central, at the bus-stop outside Jardine House (opposite Chater House). Walk a few steps back and climb on the elevated walkway which can take you to almost every building in Central
Lan Kwai Fong (often abbreviated as LKF) - is possibly Hong Kong's most popular and most famous nightlife arena.
The small quadrangle of streets, formed by the L-shaped Lan Kwai Fong Street and adjacent D'Aguilar Street, is packed with bars, pubs, clubs and some excellent restaurants that make it a popular choice for locals, expatriates and tourists alike.
Visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, you will be amazed by the droves of people who crowd the streets, with all bars having only standing room... And when the bars get too congested, the scene moves to the street, as customers take their drinks and stand outside...
Some of Hong Kong's "night birds" like to start the evening at LKF, move somewhere else, and then come back to LKF, just before the night is over...
Our list of most recommended places to eat in and around Lan Kwai Fong includes California (Californian-American resto bar), Dragon I (one of Hong Kong's hottest night spots, combining a Chinese and Japanese restaurant, a stylish bar and a dancing club), Agave (Tequila lovers heaven), Insomnia (a very popular night spot, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), TRU (stylish Thai & Vietnamese restaurant), Zest (contemporary western cuisine with emphasize on Mediterranean flavors), Yung Kee (a renowned Cantonese restaurant, serving some of the best roast goose in Hong Kong), M at the Fringe (one of Hong Kong's most sought after restaurants, combining the "classics" of European cuisine with Mediterranean touches), Rughetta ristorante (A small and cozy restaurant, serving delicious, authentic Italian food in a lovely environment), Koh-I-noor (one of Hong Kong's best established Indian restaurants), Indochine 1929 (a splendid Vietnamese restaurant), Post 97 (delicious café-style food, easygoing ambience and nice music), Tastings Wine Bar (one of Hong Kong's best wine bars), and Al's Diner (a 1950s American style restaurant, bar and club).
A link to the full details of the above venues, including reviews can be found before the end of this article.
Getting to LKF : From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station – Walk to Central MTR station (through the pedestrian passage) and take exit C to Theatre Lane or exit D1 to Pedder Street. Cross Queen's Road Central and climb along D'aguilar Street (entrance to which is on the left side of Entertainment Building) until you get to Lan Kwai Fong.
If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui – symphony of Lights / Jordan – Night Market / Mong Kok – Ladies Market), take the MTR to Central and follow as above.
If coming with the Star Ferry (from Tsim sha Tsui pier, few minutes walk from the "Symphony of Lights"): Walk straight through the elevated walkway, till you get to Alexandra House, cross Des Voeux Road Central and proceed through Pedder Street, as above.
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Connaught Road Central, at the bus-stop outside Jardine House (opposite Chater House), walk a few steps back, climb on the elevated walkway, turn left and proceed with it across Connaught Road and Des Voeux Road. Get off the footbridge and proceed via Ice House Street or Pedder Street to Queen's Road Central. After crossing it, turn right and then left to D'aguilar Street, with which you can climb to Lan Kwai Fong.
If walking from SoHo: Enter Lyndhurst Terrace from the corner of Graham Street and Hollywood Road and walk down along it for a couple of minutes. Turn right to Wellington, and from there right to D'aguilar.
The SoHo is another extremely popular dining and entertainment district. Unlike the London area of the same name (but much like the Soho in New York), the area got its name from its geographical location : South of Hollywood Road.
Unlike LKF, Wan Chai and some of Hong Kong's other nightlife areas, SoHo is more about quiet bistro-style restaurants and cafés, where you can enjoy a romantic evening, or have your coffee alfresco, while watching life on the street go by... The art galleries and antique shops on Staunton Street and Hollywood Road add their bit to the "cultural ambience" of this area.
Here are some of SoHo's most recommended venues: Boca tapas & wine(Contemporary tapas & wine bar in a strategic people-watching spot), Staunton's Bar & Café (a great place to see and to be seen...), I Caramba (Mexican resto-bar), Blue door (one of Hong Kong's most popular jazz bars), Joyce is not here (a combination of a bar, café and gallery, with easygoing ambience and nice food), Scirocco (a Mediterranean style resto-café), Empire Bar(This intimate wine bar offers an excellent selection of drinks and is a great place to go to before or after dinner...), Chocolux (a chocoholics paradise), Taste Better Curry (This small and simple-looking restaurant specializes in delicious curries and serves a decent selection of them...), Orange Tree (an upclass restaurant, serving Dutch - International cuisine), Brasserie Le Fauchon (this cute, little brasserie serves beautiful French cuisine at reasonable prices), The Press Room (Press Room is a modern interpretation for the classic French Brasserie), La Pampa (Argentinean grill and steakhouse), Café Siam (a fantastic Thai restaurant), Chilli Fagara (serving excellent Szechuan cuisine), Nepal (Nepalese cuisine) and DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant (This trendy Italian resto-bar is one of SoHo's most popular venues.
A link to the full details of the above venues, including reviews can be found before the end of this article.
Getting to SoHo : From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station – Take exit D and turn right to Harbour View Street. Cross Connaught Road Central and proceed with Queen Victoria Street (across Des Voeux Road Central) to the corner of Queen's Road Central, from where you can hop on the world's longest escalator and climb with it to Staunton Street (one street above Hollywood Road). If the escalator doesn't work (after midnight), you can climb along Cochrane Street, turn right to Lyndhurst Terrace and left to Graham Street, which takes you to Staunton Street and the SoHo
If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui – symphony of Lights / Jordan – Night Market / Mong Kok – Ladies Market), take the MTR to Central – Use exit C to Theatre Lane, turn right to Queen's Road Central and follow as above.
If coming with the Star Ferry (from Tsim sha Tsui pier, few minutes walk from the "Symphony of Lights"): Walk straight through the elevated walkway, till you get to Alexandra House, cross Des Voeux Road Central, proceed through Pedder Street, turn right to Queen's Road Central and follow as above.
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Connaught Road Central, at the bus-stop outside Jardine House (opposite Chater House), walk a few steps back, climb on the elevated walkway, turn left and proceed with it across Connaught Road and Des Voeux Road. Get off the footbridge and proceed via Ice House Street or Pedder Street to Queen's Road Central. Turn right and walk along Queen's Road Central for something like ten minutes, until you reach the corner of Cochrane Street where you can hop on the escalator (see above).
If walking from Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): From D'aguilar, turn left to Wellington, and from there left to Lyndhurst Terrace and again left, to Graham Street.
Admiraltyand Wan Chai lie east of Central and are characterized by modern office buildings, hotels and shopping malls. Wan Chai is one of the busiest commercial areas in Hong Kong with many small and medium sized companies, various shopping centres and numerous bars, discos, cafés and dining venues... especially along Lockhart Road.
Here are some of our most recommended bars, restaurants and nightspots in Wanchai:
Flying Pan (Hong Kong's best "all day breakfast". The restaurant is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week), The Bridge (one of Wanchai's nicest resto-pubs... stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year...), Coyote Bar & Grill (a Tex-Mex resto-bar), 1/5 (One Fifth) Nuevo (This Michelin awarded resto-bar serves International and Spanish cuisine in a tranquil environment...), Viceroy (an excellent Indian restaurant, with a big open balcony where you can dine alfresco, Skitz (one of Wanchai's most favorite nightspots), Carnegie's (plenty of "special offers" and "Happy hour deals"... and good 1980s dancing music), Secret Garden (specializes in traditional Korean cuisine), Chili Club (This casual, down-to-earth eatery, serves some of the best Thai food in Hong Kong), Victoria Harbour Seafood Restaurant (some of the most delicious dim sum specialties in Hong Kong), Sukho Thai (a fantastic Thai restaurant), American Peking Restaurant (a Hong Kong culinary institution, serving Chinese-Pekinese cuisine for the last forty years), Milano Italian Restaurant (serving some of the best thin-crust pizzas in Hong Kong... lovely ambience and surroundings), Eighteen Brook (This well-known restaurant serves excellent Cantonese cuisine in a pleasant environment), Che's Cantonese Restaurant (specializes in Cantonese cuisine and is well-known for its splendid Dim-sums), Fook Lam Moon (a Hong Kong culinary legend) and Golden Bauhinia Cantonese restaurant (an award-winning restaurant, serving some of the best Cantonese cuisine in Wanchai area).
Getting to Wan Chai (Wanchai) : From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station – Take shuttle Bus H-1 to the Empire Hotel Hong Kong (Right next to Lockhart Road's nightlife zone in Wan Chai). H-2 also goes this direction, so if you want to get to Lockhart Road, you can still use it…
Alternatively, you can walk to Central MTR station (there is a pedestrian link) and take the MTR to Wan Chai – then use exit C and turn left to Lockhart Road
If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui – symphony of Lights / Jordan – Night Market / Mong Kok – Ladies Market), take the MTR to Wan Chai – Use exit C
If coming with the Star Ferry (from Tsim sha Tsui pier, few minutes walk from the "Symphony of Lights"): Walk straight through the elevated walkway, turn right to Central MTR station and take the MTR to Wan Chai (then use exit C and turn left to Lockhart Road)
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off at the bus-stop on 69 Hennessy Road (just before the corner of Luard), walk a few steps forward to the corner, turn left to Luard and walk to Lockhart Road (a minute away…)
In Admiralty : Ye Shanghai (a superb Shanghainese dining experience), Thai Basil (one of the best Thai restaurants in Hong Kong), Restaurant Petrus (one of Hong Kong's most luxurious and romantic restaurants, serving superb French cuisine), Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill (great American food, served in American size portions), Lobster Bar and Grill (a splendid resto-bar, with a lovely jazz bar next door) and Madison's Restaurant & Bar (Madison's offers a unique combination of superb dinning and a beautiful, New York style piano-lounge...).
Getting to Admiralty : From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station – Take shuttle Bus H-1 to Pacific Place or to the Island Shangri La
If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui – symphony of Lights / Jordan – Night Market / Mong Kok – Ladies Market), take the MTR to Admiralty – Use exit F (through the subway) to get to Pacific Place and the hotels
If coming with the Star Ferry (from Tsim sha Tsui pier, few minutes walk from the "Symphony of Lights"): Walk straight through the elevated walkway, till you get to Alexandra House, turn left to Des Voeux Road Central and walk along it for a few minutes (it joins with Queensway), pass the HSBC building and the Bank of China skyscraper (BOC) until you will see Pacific Place on your right (on the other side of Queensway – there is a footbridge).
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Queensway (Near Queensway Plaza and exit C-1 of Admiralty MTR Station). Cross Queensway to the other side (with the footbridge) and you are there.
A link to the full details of the above venues, including reviews can be found before the end of this article.
I already mentioned Causeway Bay in this article (see "Late evening shopping at Causeway Bay") so there is no need to introduce this area again… Neither is there a need to repeat directions…
Here are some of our best liked venues in Causeway Bay: Wasabisabi (trendy, ultra-modern and superb restaurant, specializes in contemporary Japanese cuisine), Zeffirino Ristorante (a superb Italian restaurant), Green Willow Village Restaurant (wide selection of Shanghainese and Pekingese specialties... reasonable prices), Pokka Café (one of Causeway Bay's best cafés), Rice Paper - CWB (superb Vietnamese-French fusion cuisine), Entrecote (As its name suggests, this highly rated French restaurant is famous for its charcoal grilled steaks), Oceanna (specializes in fine Italian cuisine with a modern-international touch, as well as in oysters), Sushi Hiro (This excellent restaurant serves some of the best Sushi and Sashimi in Causeway Bay...), Sorabol (one of the best Korean restaurants in Hong Kong), Harakan (This excellent restaurant is particularly known for its fresh, top quality Sashimi and Sushi), Ajitomi (Kushi-yaki and Yakitori meat skewers are the specialty here, and the menu features an extensive selection of them...), Habitu Ristorante the Garden (this splendid restaurant specializes in superb southern Italian cuisine), Fu Sing Shark fin Seafood Restaurant (serves some outstanding dim sum and Cantonese fare in an elegant and hushed environment) and New Chui Wah Restaurant (a rather simple, but extremely popular Chinese eatery).
A link to the full details of the above venues, including reviews can be found before the end of this article.
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Kowloon
Often abbreviated as TST, Tsim Sha Tsui is Kowloon's most vibrant and active entertainment and shopping area, and one of Hong Kong's busiest districts.
It's a relatively small area which extends from the waterfront esplanade along Victoria Harbor in the south, all the way to Austin Road in the north.
Although fairly small in size, Tsim Sha Tsui is chock-a-block with shopping, dining and entertainment venues, as well as with tourist attractions... Moreover, Tsim sha Tsui itself is divided into some different wine & dine areas... each with its own personality and atmosphere...
Knutsford Terrace: a small terrace street, lined with bars, pubs and restaurants, is Tsim sha Tsui's smaller version of Lan Kwai Fong (although the ambience here is far more relaxed...).
Recommended venues in Knutsford Terrace include: Balalaika (one of Hong Kong's only Russian resto-bars, well known for its "Siberian Vodka room"), Bahama Mama's (an easygoing bar, with nice dancing music and great pub grab), Island Seafood & Oyster Bar (one of Tsim sha Tsui's best places for seafood), Mai Nouveau Thai Cuisine (chic restaurant, serving excellent Thai cuisine with a contemporary touch), Tutto Bene (serving fabulous south Italian food that combines traditional Italian cooking with some of the chef's own innovations...), Papa Razzi (serves some of the best pizzas in Hong Kong in a lovely surroundings...), Apgujeong Korean tent bar (serving hearty portions of authentic Korean food in a lovely environment) and Black Stump (an Australian steakhouse and grill).
Getting to Knutsford Terrace is quite easy: If coming from the waterfront ("Symphony of Lights"), from Star Ferry Pier or from Tsim sha Tsui MTR station (exits A-2 or B-1), walk up Nathan Road, turn right to Kimberley Road and then left, to the stairway that leads from the street to the terrace (next to the junction of Kimberley and Carnarvon).
From Kowloon's Airport Express station – Take shuttle bus K-5 to Kimberley Road. You can drop off at either the Luxe Manor or the Empire Hotel Kowloon. Both are just a stonethrow from Knutsford Terrace.
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A21 and alight at the bus-stop outside Miramar Shopping Centre, on the corner of Nathan Road and Kimberley Road. Turn to Kimberley and follow as above.
Hillwood Road, north of Kimberley Road and Knutsford Terrace (the section between Nathan Road and Pine Tree Hill Road), has been nicknamed "Hillwood SoHo" although it doesn't resemble Hong Kong's SoHo that much... There are a few good Chinese and Asian restaurants here, alongside some nice cafés... Lo Chiu Vietnamese Restaurant and Tai Woo Restaurant (one of Hong Kong's best Cantonese restaurants) are particularly recommended.
If Knutsford Terrace is Tsim sha Tsui's answer to LKF, than Ashley Road somewhat resembles Wanchai's Lockhart Road, with a good mix between restaurants, resto-bars and nightspots (forget about the girls though...).
Our recommended restaurants and entertainment venues in Ashley Road are: Ned Kelly's Last Stand (a great Jazz bar and restaurant, with "wild west" ambience...), Mes Amis (a very popular nightspot), Weinstube (serving delicious home style German and Austrian food, together with some good beers and wines), Gaylord Indian Restaurant (This excellent Indian restaurant has become a landmark in Hong Kong's culinary scene) Jimmy's Kitchen (an 80 years old culinary institution, serving familiar international specialties...), Sushi One (A very popular Japanese restaurant) and La Taverna (has been serving splendid Italian cuisine in a romantic ambience for more than thirty years).
Getting there: From Star Ferry Pier take Canton Road (along Harbor City), turn right to Peking Road and you'll be there after a minute (It's a five minutes walk from the pier).
From Nathan Road and Tsim sha Tsui MTR station (exits A-1 or E): Turn to Peking Road or Haiphong Road and you'll be there at no time (the entrance from Haiphong is through a building).
From Kowloon's Airport Express station – Take shuttle bus K-3 to the Kowloon Hotel. From Middle Road (off Nathan Road), turn right to Ashley Road.
If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A21 and alight at the last stop, outside the Star Ferry Pier. Then follow as above
Classy restaurants, as well as some nice cafés, can be found in Tsim sha Tsui's five star hotels, as well as in the large, glittering shopping malls... Here are some the best:
Ruth's Chris Steak House in Mody Road's Empire Centre (a Louisiana steakhouse and restaurant, serving some of the best steaks in Hong Kong), Todai (an upscale buffet-restaurant, specializing in seafood), Super Star Seafood Restaurant (serving some of the best Cantonese food in Hong Kong), Dong Lai Shun (an opulent restaurant, specializes in the Huaiyang cuisine), The Lobby - Peninsula Hotel (one of Hong Kong's most sought-after meeting places...), Chesa (serving superb Swiss and central European cuisine in a pleasant environment), Gaddi's (located within the classic Peninsula Hotel, this superb restaurant is considered as one of Hong Kong's best), Felix (an ultra stylish resto-bar on the top floor of the Peninsula. Designed by Philippe Starck), Spoon (Chef Alain Ducasse's creation - one of Hong Kong's landmark restaurants), The Bostonian (serveing outstanding seafood and grill dishes in a charming environment), T'ang Court (Named as one of the world's best hotel-restaurants by several international magazines, T'ang Court serves world-class Cantonese cuisine in a swanky environment), Sabatini (this luxurious restaurant is the Hong Kong outlet of one of Rome's best known restaurants...), Habitu, the pier (Excellent Italian restaurant, with lovely harbor views, specializes in thin and crispy pizzas, as well as home-made pasta and risotto dishes) and "HER" Thai Restaurant (lovely Thai restaurant, with great views towards Western Harbor and the China-Ferry Pier).
Other highly recommended venues in Tsim sha Tsui include: 798 Unit & Co. (a fantastic New York style bistro), Aqua Spirit (a romantic and stylish bar, with absolutely gorgeous views), La Tasca (Spanish bistro style, resto-pub), Tack Hsin Restaurant (serving great Chinese hotpot at reasonable prices), Hu Tong (serves fabulous northern Chinese cuisine in an elegant and aesthetic setting), Dap Modern European Cuisine (semi classic restaurant, specializing in classic European cuisine with a modern touch), Surya Restaurant (excellent Indian restaurant), Kenjo (possibly, one of Hong Kong's best Japanese restaurants), Sushi Toku (serves outstandingly fresh Sushi and Sashimi in a very pleasant environment), Akita Robatayaki & Teppanyaki (stylish Japanese-style grill) and Spring Deer (one of Hong Kong's best and most popular Chinese restaurants).
A link to the full details of the above venues, including reviews can be found before the end of this article.
Mong Kong and Yau ma Tei (The area around Temple Street's Night Market) have both been already mentioned in an earlier section of this article…
If authentic eateries are your thing, those precincts are, probably, your best bet.
Our list of recommended restaurants in Mong Kok and Yau ma Tei includes: Little Fusion (good selection of Italian, French and Japanese specialties...), Nathan Congee and Noodle (this humble eatery has been serving some fabulous congees, noodles and dumplings for the last 40 years or so...), Curry A La King (a curry lovers paradise, serving a wide selection of scrumptious curries from different Asian cuisines), Mongkok Fung Shing Restaurant (specializes in traditional Shunde cuisine, from the Shunde area, in the Pearl River Delta, and serves some superb dim-sum), Fu Kei Restaurant (very popular restaurant, specializing in several Chinese cuisines... The chefs keep on coming with new "inventions" all the time), Good Hope Noodle (This simple eatery has been serving delicious congees and Wonton noodles for the last God knows how many years...), Tanyoto Hotpot Restaurant (serving delicious Hotpot/Steamboat and Szechwan dishes...), Little Sheep (possibly, one of Hong Kong's most favorite Hotpot restaurants) and Ming Court (This Michelin starred restaurant serves culinary creations that combine the traditional Cantonese cuisine with contemporary western influences...).
A link to the full details of the above venues, including reviews can be found before the end of this article.
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3) HONG KONG AFTER MIDNIGHT: PLACES FOR NIGHT OWLS
Hong Kong is alive and kicking 24 hours a day, so even if you want to party till it's dawn, you are not likely to find yourself alone on the streets…
Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) and Wanchai's Lockhart Road are where Hong Kong Island's late nighters like to hang, While Knutsford Terrace and Ashley Road (together with some other streets in Tsim sha Tsui) are where Kowloon's hottest nightspots can be found.
Here are a few recommendations for those of you who want to be dead tired before their next flight takes off…
In Lan Kwai Fong (LKF)
Dragon I (one of Hong Kong's hottest night spots, combining a Chinese and Japanese restaurant, a stylish bar and a dancing club), Al's Diner (a 1950s American style restaurant, bar and club), Hong Kong Brew House (a resto-pub and a micro brewery), Insomnia (a very popular night spot, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), Agave (Tequila lovers heaven), The Dublin Jack (an Irish pub), Philia (a classy lounge, serving a decent choice of spirits, beers and cocktails, alongside some European and international delicacies), Bulldog's Bar and Grill (a great British-Aussie style Sport bar), La Baguette (Serving a variety of sandwiches, toasts, salads, pastas and other café fare until late at night), Café O (a popular open-late café) and Ebeneezer's Kebabs & Pizzeria (a takeaway style eatery, serving kebabs and pizzas until the morning)
In the SoHo
Staunton's Bar & Café (a great place to see and to be seen...), Blue door (one of Hong Kong's most popular jazz bars), Joyce is not here (a combination of a bar, café and gallery, with easygoing ambience and nice food), Boca tapas & wine (Contemporary tapas & wine bar in a strategic people-watching spot) DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant (This trendy Italian resto-bar is one of SoHo's most popular venues), Flying Pan - SoHo (Hong Kong's best "all day breakfast". The restaurant is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week), McSorley's Ale House (This excellent Irish pub serves great food, alongside a huge selection of beers, ales and spirits), Bacar Wine Brasserie (This restaurant and wine bar specializes in contemporary-light Mediterranean cuisine) and Tastings wine bar (one of Hong Kong's best wine bars).
In Wan Chai (Wanchai)
Flying Pan (Hong Kong's best "all day breakfast". The restaurant is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week), The Bridge (one of Wanchai's nicest resto-pubs... stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year...), Coyote Bar & Grill (a Tex-Mex resto-bar), Skitz (one of Wanchai's most favorite nightspots), Carnegie's (plenty of "special offers" and "Happy hour deals"... and good 1980s dancing music), Joe Bananas – JBs (one of Wanchai's most popular nightspots. It has been there for more than twenty years and still "ticks" vigorously... ), Delaney's (Irish pub), Mes Amis Wanchai, The Pawn (one of Wanchai's trendiest venues, featuring a Bar, Lounge and Restaurant under one roof... ) and Café Zambra (Serving nice café fare till the wee hours of the night).
In Tsim sha Tsui (Knutsford Terrace, Ashley Road and other places…)
Balalaika (one of Hong Kong's only Russian resto-bars, well known for its "Siberian Vodka room"), Bahama Mama's (an easygoing bar, with nice dancing music and great pub grab), Ned Kelly's Last Stand (a great Jazz bar and restaurant, with "wild west" ambience...), Mes Amis (a very popular nightspot), Delaney's TST (Irish pub), Aqua Spirit (a romantic and stylish bar, with absolutely gorgeous views), Felix (an ultra stylish resto-bar on the top floor of the Peninsula. Designed by Philippe Starck) and Biergarten (A lovely German resto-pub that serves good food, together with a variety of cold German beers).
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Dear readers, I'm sorry for not providing more details about all the restaurants, cafes and nightspots that are mentioned in my article... I couldn't, even if wanted to, cause this is only an article, not a book...
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[b]Traveling back to Hong Kong International Airport
As already mentioned, the first Airport Express train leaves Hong Kong Station (in Central) at 05:50 am (05:53 from Kowloon). The complimentary shuttle-bus service stops at around 11 – 11:30 pm (depends which line) and starts again only at around 6:20 am – That means that if you want to catch one of the last trains to the airport (those who depart just before 1am), you will have to get to the station by cab, or walk (there are walking directions in most of the sections across this article).
Night buses are the best alternative for those of you who wish to get back to the airport before it's dawn. They stop at all major dining and entertainment areas and the travel time at night is not too bad, as the roads are empty…
Citybus' route N 11 operates nightly, from 00:50 to 04:50 am and travels through Hong Kong Island's Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, before proceeding to the airport
From SoHo: From Queen's Road Central (at the bottom of the escalator), turn right to Jubilee Street and proceed with it (across Des Voeux Road Central) till you get to the corner of Connaught Road Central. Turn left and walk a few steps to the bus-stop (outside Ananda Tower).
From Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): Walk down D'aguilar Street to the corner of Queen's Road Central. Proceed with Pottinger (crossing Des Voeux Road Central) and turn right to Connaught Road Central. The bus-stop is near the corner, outside Wing Lung Bank Building
From Wan Chai (Wanchai) : The most convenient bus stop is, probably the one on 69 Hennessy Road (one street parallel to Lockhart Road), near the corner of Luard Road, just outside Floral House. Another centrally located bus-stop is on 163 Hennessy, near the corner of O'Brien Rd. (and very close to exit A-2 of MTR – Wan Chai)
Citybus' route N 21 operates nightly, between 00:20 and 5:00am and travels through Kowloon's areas of Tsim sha Tsui, Jordan, Yau ma Tei and Mong Kok, before moving on to the airport.
Bus stops:
- • Outside the Star Ferry Pier
- • On 27 Nathan Road, near the Kowloon Hotel (Works well for Asley Road and its environs, as well as for Mody Road, Carnarvon and the small streets east of Nathan Road)
- • On 83 Nathan Road (same as above – even better)
- • On 131 Nathan Road, outside Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard and opposite the corner of Kimberley Road (for Knutsford Terrace)
- • On 639 Nathan Road, near the corner of Nelson Street and MTR – Mong Kok exit E-1 (for Mong Kok)
That's it folks... Enjoy your overnight stopover and don't forget to give Hong Kong some more time on your next visit...
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